My husband and I are making our first trip to Charleston latter part of September. Would like to stay in the historic district (good choice?) in nice, clean hotel or motel. Doesn't really matter if it's old historic lodging, enjoy more modern rooms. Also, best choices for restaurants for just being there one weekend. And I really don't have an opinion on the flag situation, just want to enjoy the beauty of the city....thanks!!

Patty,

Would help Fodorites if you could post price per day you prefer for your accommodations. Same would apply for restaurant recommendations.

Patty:

Check the rates at the Charleston Place Hotel. It is probably the nicest hotel in Charleston and has had nothing but great reviews. I justed booked a room there for 12/25-28 for an incredible $99/night (usually well over
$300). You may also want to try the Westin or Hampton Inn. Good Luck.

I highly recommend the Harbourview Inn. It is in a wonderful location in the historic district, a couple of blocks from the Market, walking distance to everything, and is quite new. Rooms are large, well-appointed, and many have water views. We stayed there last December and loved it, and our rate was only about $100 or so per night at that time if I recall correctly (although that was the off-season, and rates might have gone up since then). If you do a search of old threads you should be able to find my trip report with more details. In general we thought it was a terrific value, as rates include a very good continental breakfast delivered to your room as well as afternoon wine and cheese in the lobby. The website is
http://www.charlestownmanagement.com/hvi/ However, I would definitely recommend calling and asking about discounted rates; we paid lower rates than were quoted on the website. We have been to Charleston many times over the years, staying in all kinds of accommodations (inns, small B&Bs, etc.) and thought this was right up there with the best of them at much lower prices.

Sorry about not listing amount...Moderate to expensive on both hotel and restaurants. Nice area to stay walking distance around town. Thanks!

We stayed at the Days Inn for a nite last spring, and found it to be just fine. This isn't a rousing recommendation - I know there are many lodging choices with a great deal more character...but just to let you know it was a decent place, should it be where you end up. The location is excellent, in the heart of the historic district. We also strolled by and picked up a brochure for The Battery Carriage House Inn and thought that this would be a MUST place to stay on a return trip. It features 11 guestrooms opening on the courtyard garden of the Stevens Lathers House, one of the many elegant mansions on the Battery. In terms of restaurants, from the Days Inn, we walked two blocks to a delightful French restaurant called Mistral. White tablecloth, but with a very appealing 'neighborhood' sort of feel...the owners (French) seemed to know everyone in the place. Food was good, prices were moderate. We also had outstanding ribs at a local chain called Stickyfingers. And Poogan's Porch is a great stop for lunch. Charleston is a beautiful, beautiful place - you will love it!!

Patty,

My husband and I were in Charleston late May. This was our 2nd trip there.
We stayed at Governor's House Inn
(www.governorshouse.com)
(800) 720-9812.
Rates vary. This is a magnificent old mansion, located on historic Broad St. We walked everywhere.
While I agree Charleston Place is lovely (particularly the $99/night special), staying in a historic home in historic neighborhood would be my preference.
Restaurants we enjoyed this visit:
Hominy Grill (lunch)
Peninsula Grill (dinner)
Blossom Cafe (dinner)
Hanks (dinner - mostly seafood/fish)
82 Queen (lunch or dinner)

Have fun! Charleston is a wonderful city.

Patty,

We've stayed at the Hampton Inn - which is technically the Historic district but you need to take a shuttle to most things but a great place to stay for the money, and the Visitor's Center with frequent shuttles is right across the street. Last time, we stayed at Charleston Place Hotel, expensive in peak season, but a great hotel. Just go across the street to Starbucks to get your morning coffee because they have no coffeemakers in yours rooms, and the only way to get coffee up in your room is room-service (at about $4.50 a cup!) or bring it back from Starbucks - my choice!

Favorite restaurants are Magnolia's Uptown, and Anson - also Kaminski's Deli for wonderful dessert and coffee.

Charleston is lovely - have a great time!