formerfreqflyer

Planning annual Girls Trip for November or December for Mom (67), 2 sisters (43 and 34) and self (40). Generally we make a 3 nite stay out of it, leaning toward Sat nite in Sav and Sun & Mon in C'ton. We are all in decent shape and like to walk a lot, though we'll have a car. We shop for gifts, gawk, people-watch, and (#1) eat & drink! We'll do 2 per room and B&Bs are always considered; like to spend less than $100 per nite so we can spend more on fun things, unless the property's a knockout. Suggestions, please, on where to stay, what to do, what to skip, where to eat. Previous Girls Trips have been to NYC, New Orleans, San Antonio, Annapolis, Las Vegas, and Nashville-Ashville. Thanks in advance!

jetprincess

I can only really help with Charleston. You will be hard pressed to find a hotel downtown under $100 a night even in December. You may have better luck staying in Mt. Pleasant or West of the Ashley River at a chain hotel. You never know though, you may be able to find something last minute!

Charleston restaurants are a hot topic on this board so if you do a search you would find tons of recommendations!

GoTravel

Downtown Charleston hotels are expensive but worth it. I did an extensive trip report on Charleston that outlines a lot of hotels. Search "GoTravel Charleston".

It isn't the same staying in Mt. Pleasant or North Charleston. Stay downtown.

BetsyinKY

I almost hesitate to suggest this property because I've had such great luck with good rates there and I don't want the secret to get out (haha!), but you could try The Meeting Street Inn. It is in an excellent location in the historic downtown and is a fairly small inn that is set up a lot like a bed and breakfast. It doesn't have the amenities of some of the larger hotels, but the rooms are clean, comfortable, and nicely decorated, the staff is wonderful, and the location can't be beat. We were able to get a room there for $99 per night this past December. We are also staying there at the end of this month for the same rate.

Another place that you might try is the Andrew Pinckney Inn. They also tend to lower their rates significantly during off season months.

I do agree that staying downtown is better than off in Mt. Pleasant or West Ashley. It is much more fun to be able to get up and get out on the streets in the early morning or to take a long walk before bedtime. It's also sometimes nice to be able to walk back to the hotel and take a break during the day...something that's not so easy, if your hotel is 10-15 minutes away by car!

atlswan

I know I'll probably get slammed for saying it, but I'd like to offer a somewhat different opinion.

Personally, I cannot afford a hotel that is over $100 a night. My husband is in school and we're dependent on my salary until he starts work in September. Please note, I'm NOT saying this to get pity or complain. Just a fact.

So whenever I've gone to Charleston, it has been in Mt. Pleasant. There are a number of good affordable hotels there that would fit the bill if you are keeping a budget. I honestly don't have a problem with driving the 10 minutes or so into the historic area and back to the hotel. Plus, if you want to visit the Yorktown, Patriot's Point is right there.

With that said, if this is a special girls' trip, and you have the money, you may indeed want to splurge on staying in the historic district. I think one of the Holiday Inns is usually a little over $100 and is very nice. I know at least one inn I looked into was around $150 a night.

All this is to say that not everybody can afford to stay in the historic district, as nice as that is to be able to do. When hubby starts working, we hope to do just that!

BKelly

If you're looking for a moderately priced hotel right in the heart of the Charleston historic district, you may want to check w/ the Days Inn. By no means is it the fanciest hotel in Charleston, but it's clean, safe and the location can't be beat.

ausc59

I agree with Betsy...have stayed at the Meeting Street Inn numerous times and always been pleased. In fact, we are disappointed if we plan to go too late to get a room there! Have also been lucky on the rates but do realize that it flucuates alot depending on when you go and what is going on in town. The location and atmosphere can't be beat!

formerfreqflyer

Thanks to all for suggestions! We chose Planters Inn in Savannah and Andrew Pinckney Inn in C'ton. Will report back in mid-November.