That's why I absolutely recommend staying in the Historic District. I bang on that drum all the time. There are lots of foodie places not in the HD.

Why can't you go anywahere? Why won't the hotel let you out?

Rent a car?

You should have hollered out sooner. California Dreaming is just over the Ashley River. There also used to be a decent diner at the marina with great seafood.

palmettoprincess, correct. But they would have to walk across that bridge.

That Marriott is only 10 years old. Ain't nuthin' by Charleston standards.

So, salkettle, again, why are you a prisoner?

Pretzels were found in the car, so there's a car...
This is the time for the good ole picnic basket. Mine's a pretty monogrammed lime green insulated one. it

I'm playing tambourine to suewoo's drums, BTW.

Or just to drive into the HD.

The OP has something about the Marriott. Check out her only two topics in four years.

We don't know the whole story I guess, You are in one of the most beautiful Southern cities, why don't you get out and explore and enjoy it!

Thinks it's cute to be a prisoner. This is silly. I've got the bass going. OP has the violin section.

And we have a band.

It probably is a 30 year old hotel. They had to redo it after Hugo. It used to be a Sheraton, then it sank into a no name brand, now it is a Marriott. It is a good location if you are visiting someone at the Citadel or like the Marina but it stinks for visiting the historic district.

I stayed there before the conversion to Marriott and there was a bus to the historic district but it only ran once an hour.

I had a delicious dinner at California Dreaming last week while house looking on James Island.

palmettoprincess, you are right. I was thinking it was the yellow one on the river.

Well if one had planned on eating at a hotel - although I can'timagine wanting to eat at a Courtyard - I would asume one would check to be sure that they serve food. Am not clear if it took too long to get food out by the pool but it was available indoors or what?

But really - a Courtyard is not the place to go for 24 hour hotel services - especially meals.

Oh now I reread it. Courtyard Marriott. Suewoo is right. I was thinking it was the tall Marriott nearer to the Citadel. Yes, I wouldn't expect a Courtyard to have lunch and supper.

princess, you are right about that old one. It's elderly and near the police station. There are definitely prisoners over there.

Does the motel have a view of them--the prisoners, that is. That is a Charleston perk/sight we haven't heard about. Sue, you've been holding out on us!! LOL

Yes, that's a tip we locals like to keep to ourselves. You know how it is.

This is my third attempt at responding but I must say: "you came to the most historic city in America, the Number One destination in America, the cty whose cuisine is second only to New Orleans", to lie at a pool? YOu must be a Clemson graduate!

Oh dear.

Hey Weber, that was uncalled for.

Palmetto Princess
CU 1989

Trash talk on Fodor's!! We've seen it all now! Unfortunately Weber (obviously a Dukey) has misspelled it--it is "Clempson"!! LOL

Day 2 and 3 -- The prisoners have escaped from the Courtyard. This morning, the aquarium. A fun place; small but perfect for 1.5-2 hours of time. The pelicans were the coolest; one foot away. And feisty. We then sauntered next door to catch the 2:30 ferry to Ft. Sumter where the Civil War began. Awesome history; just enough time with an hour on-site. Be sure to go to the museum -- it is teeny-tiny but very well done. Then to Poogan's Porch for suppa, as my husband's granny would call it. Excellent food and service. Alligator salad ('cause, you know, there are kids involved), fried green tomaters with goat cheese that were scrumptious, and she crab soup that my eldest said was the best soup he ever had. It was good, but he's had soup maybe 8 times in his life; so take his review with a grain of salt. Entree's included the Calabash seafood plate, plantation fried chicken, and their signature shrimp and grits dish. All were wonderful. Highly recommend Poogan's.

Yesterday, Civil War carriage ride that was so good, we are going again tomorrow -- Classic Carriage has this tour every day at 11am. Really helped bring Charleston and its role in the war into perspective. Ate lunch at Eli's Table. Best Bloody Mary's. Sooooooper slow service. They did not have two of our dishes because they ran out of some of the ingredients, one being crab. But the food, when it did come after an hour and a half, was excellent.

Now...our review of the Marriott Courtyard on Lockwood (marina location; not to be confused by the Courtyard property in historic district.) Stay away until they clean and sterilize this property. No vacuuming - carpets are very dirty and smell, in the lobby, halls and rooms. Elevator walls have fingerprints and gunk all over them. Wallpaper is peeling. The pool has cracks and looks like no pool person has been assigned to clean or sweep the pool. Pool towel bin out twice so had to go to the lobby to get towels. My mom's room was not cleaned and the second day they slid her garbage under the sink. But the staff are WONDERFUL! Very sweet. Personally, I think Marriott doesn't want to put any money or addition staff into this property. Not sure why; great views of the water.

P.S. When you have kids, and you've driven for 9 hours in the car, the pool is the place to go. Or would you peoples rather us take them to sightsee and a restaurant? I thot not. LOL Oh, our little one just came into the room with his dad; hot tub is broken. No water.

Off to Hilton Head tomorrow -- hopefully this next Marriott property will be clean.

I consider Hilton Head to be the most sterile beach on the SC coast so you should be fine. LOL

No kidding Gretchen.

I like other beaches better too, but I know lots of people are crazy about HHI.

I'm sitting at the dock on Shem Creek right now, waiting for the first shrimp. Don't hate me.

I don't hate you. Save me a seat, I'm headed your way!

We're here! 83 degrees -- a beautiful day. Is Shem Creek near the Marriott?

No it's in Mt Pleasant.

Are you waiting for the boat? Did the season start April 1? I can never keep track of in and out--and am constantly surprised.

It was late last year and early this year. My shrimper friend went out with DNR yesterday and brought back 900 lbs. I was waiting for him to bring me the goods! So the season will start early this year, due to the warm weather.

Aha. Not by the calendar necessarily, although I think it does hinge on that too. And the oyster season.
Can't wait for oysters and soft shells. Shrimp are OK, but don't measure up against the others for me. Have fun.

I'm fortunate in that I love them all, and they are right here. Thanks, Gretchen.