My wife and I are going to Charleston in late April/early May. We have been 3 times in the last 5 years and have rented some nice apartment style places for 10 nights, but none that we are dying to go back to. Has anyone stayed in a nice apartment style vacation rental that has nice/newer bedding queen or preferably king, an outdoor area to relax and in or walking distance to the historic district. We are looking for something nicely appointed as some of the places we have stayed in have been old with old beds and a barely usable kitchen. So I was looking for someone who had personal experience staying somewhere they liked. And we are not interested in the bed and breakfast scenario. No daily maid service required.

Thanks, Chris

Chris, many of the B&Bs have apartments so I would not rule them out completely.

You can always negotiate a better price by not having maid service daily.

Also, did you try www.VRBO.com?

Yes, we have rented through VRBO many times. I was just hoping to find someone who had actually stayed somewhere personally and thought the place was well appointed with nice and newer bedding. Sometimes it is hard to tell from the pictures, although I am getting better at it There are a few on VRBO I am looking at now that look quite nice actually.

Chris, this one looks like it is on Tradd Street which is a highly desirable street downtown.

Hi again. You said "this one looks like it is on Tradd Street which is a highly desirable street downtown." but I don't see a link to it.

Sorry Chris.

http://www.vrbo.com/50823

Call the owner and find out the location and maybe I can give you some details. I'm sure the owner can and will but if it is a weird location, an owner will not tell you.

Ok, I talked to the owners and found out locations and here's what I've narrowed it down to if you'd like to comment. They are all different prices and some have parking and some do not...so all that makes a difference...but the location of all of them seems to be ok as far as I can tell.

http://www.cvrbo.com/listings/charleston/2297.htm which is on New St. between Broad Street and Tradd Street
http://www.cvrbo.com/listings/charleston/2263.htm which is on Legare St. but is pricer
http://www.vrbo.com/89098 which is at 33 Calhoun St.
http://www.vrbo.com/89773 which is 286 Meeting Street and is the cheapest of the bunch but not as nice as the rest
http://www.vrbo.com/87028 which is at the corner of State and Cumberland

Okay, this is what I personally think.

#2297 between Broad and Tradd is a great residential location. It is a little bit of a hike to attractions, restaurants and shopping.

#2263 on Legare is in an outstanding location. Residential but a little bit of a hike to shopping and dining. Close to The Battery and the park.

Calhoun Street is on a very busy road and a mile or so to attractions, shopping, and dining.

#286 Meeting Street is a fantastic location if you only want to be a few short blocks from everything. Again, a busy road but not quite as busy as Calhoun.

State and Cumberland is almost ground zero for visiting Charleston. You could throw a rock and hit the Market.

Since you are staying 10 days, I'd pick either the one on New Street or Legare Street.

Forgot to add, you will not need a car with any of them.

Chris, they look interesting. Please post a trip report with a review of whichever one you select.
Thanks and happy travels. By the way if either of you is interested in the Charleston society and gardens, a great read is "Mrs. Whaley's Charleston Gardens". It is available in many Charleston book stores and the historical society.

I'll tag into the Charleston thread by saying that their Food and Wine "festival" is the first week-end in March. Looks terrific.

I think GoTravel is right and I would rather be in a quieter area. The Legare Street place is much bigger but twice the price, so I think we're going to go with the New Street option. I will post on our return with my comments on the place.