My mother and I are traveling to Charleston for a long weekend this January. Can anyone recommend moderately priced hotels, nice restaurants and interesting sights?
Thanks!

Was just there recently. Howard Johnson's (Ashley River area) has a banner out front advertising rooms from $49. In downtown there is a Quality Inn and a Days Inn. Also saw a Holiday Inn and Embassy Suites downtown.

Check out the priceline board (search Fodor's for address) because Charleston rooms are running cheap now. Try to stay downtown or on the DASH bus line (tourist trolley) in the Ashley River area.

Walk along the battery. The Edmundston-Alston house is on east battery. The ?Nathaniel Rogers? house is on Meeting Street. Has a floating stairwell.

Walk through the Market area and on Meeting street for interesting stores. There is also 'upscale, reclaimed-use-building yuppie store' shopping along part of King Street (Gap, Williams-Sonoma, Starbucks, etc.)

Biggest advise: Make sure your coat can block the wind.

Just returned from Charleston on Christmas eve. In the winter months, call a couple different ones & ask for their off season specials. We stayed at Planter's Inn. Although it was not inexpensive, their package included a lot of additional items. Not trying to "suck up" to Fodors, but their recommendations were quite accurate. I was disappointed with Hyman's this time. The last time 4-00, the food seemed better. The carriage rides are great. Find a walking tour book, $4 investment,& put on your walking shoes is almost as nice. Antiques are priced rather high. Charleston Gardens is an interesting retail store. The weather can be cool. If walking & you see a narrow street in the French Quarter, take it. It will show you the back sides of many residential gardens, etc. Enjoy.

Mary and Jim- thanks for the info!!

I love Charleston. Stay near the market, where there are restaurants and shops so you can do more after dark too. I stay at the Double Tree. The Meeting Street Inn is nearby too. Visit the market and nearby shops. Tour the Exchange Bldg (it's the most historic spot in the city in my opinion). Walk on the Battery and up/down Meeting Street. Visit St Michaels Church. The horse and buggy rides are nice, but they no longer let you pick which route you would like. Instead, do the Dash, a trolley-like bus that has several routes around the city. Hop from one route to another to see the city and you might spot something you really want to return to. They have all day passes for $1.00 I think. See the inside of the Dock Street Theatre if possible. Eat at Hymans, right near the market, great seafood (not expensive) and McGradys is absolutely great but expensive. Waldens near the market has a great selection of local books. You'll love it too.