What is the best, top of the line luxury hotel to stay at in Charleston, SC? The Planter's Inn always gets mentioned but panned in reviews as overrated. What about Charleston Place? Any other suggestions?

Charleston Place is just wonderful--perfect location for walking to everything and especially if you splurge and book the upgraded level where you have complimentary appetizers, open bar and desserts---very nice indeed!

Charleston Place is where you want to be if you're looking for a large, first class hotel. Can't be better located.

Stayed at the Wentworth mansion -- not a hotel, but a beautiful B&B with fabulous service.

Another vote for the Wentworth Mansion. It's a 5 star property. Simply amazing.

Charleston Place was amazing when I stayed there a few years ago!

I am leaning towards Charleston Place. Any thoughts on Harbourview Inn?

I would go with the Wentworth Mansion or the Charleston Place.

I LOVE Harborview Inn. I have stayed both there and at Charleston Place. I like the coziness of Harborview Inn, and would probably choose it over Charleston Place.

I have stayed at the HarborView and enjoyed many things about it, had a few minor areas of notice - it is in the beginning of my trip report from last fall - I would call it great, but not a luxury experience:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35085382

we walked through the Charleston Place, and I thought it appeared higher end and when I return to Charleston with my husband made a note that that is where we would stay - of course that was without comparing if the price difference was worth what the amenities are at Charleston Place-

I would not classify the Harborview as luxurious - but I suppose it depends on your definition - I would call it a high end hotel, but not in the grouping of a top notch Ritz or Four Seasons, etc - ....

If it matters, a businessman I know who only stays in "the best" and has quite good taste and the budget to go with it, is frequently in Charleston on business and he and his most particular wife swear by Charleston Place

My husband and I have always enjoy staying at the Charleston Place Hotel. It is very comfortable and offers wonderful service, a great spa and beautiful pool and gym. The location is spectacular as it is in walking distance to King Street and all shopping.
Our favorite restaurant is the Peninsula Grill at the Planter's Inn...always enjoy a spectacular meal.

escargot, I agree with you that HarborView is a little notch below Charleston Place for luxury and amenities, but I actually enjoy it more because of the smaller size amd more intimacy. Both places are wonderful, and I would not turn down a vacation at either!

Ok so we have decided on Charleston Place. Anyone know how much the breakfast buffet is per person? Debating whether to go with the Amex platinum deal that includes breakfast or not.

doc04: I don't know how much it is but I never do a hotel breakfast 'included' - especially in a city like Charleston where you are surrounded by some of the most magnificent restaurants and cafes in the country for breakfast, lunch or dinner -

We usually have to plan our day around our meals -
ie ; if dinner is at say a Peninsula Grill or FIG or a large meal, we tend to eat a large breakfast and hope we walk that off before dinner and maybe we split an appetizer/salad at some point in the afternoon -

or we grab something light and are planning a special lunch, etc

so I think much of that is personal preference, I don't want to feel like I 'have' to eat when I may change my mind !

Elsiemoo: I agree - I wouldn't turn down a room at either anytime - I remember how much we both enjoy Charleston !

Again, agreeing with Escargot, I don't like to feel that I've paid for breakfast at my hotel and *need* to eat there ... I like to wing it, try a popular brekky place, sometimes just not in the mood to eat in the early morning.

If you're on the concierge floor, you'll have free and yummy food all day long! That's the only time I've stayed in a hotel that I didn't want to leave!