I am planning our trip to Charleston . Looking at airline package (air+hotel+car) and indiv. arrangement. Has anyone done that - and did you find the airline combination to be a better deal ? We would use package with 2 nights in Ch-ton historic area , and add on Middleton Place Inn for 1 night before flying home .
We have to do it through the airline, as we have credit there , but we could use it just to use for air, and do hotel + car on our own.

You don't need a car in downtown Charleston.

I would get the car the day you plan on going to Middleton Place.

Ch-ton? Odd.

Have you never been to Charleston before? If you haven't, I would suggest skipping Middleton Place. There is really a lot to do downtown.

GoTravel, I'm sorry if I offended you with the abbreviated form of Ch-ton. I was trying to save space (why ?!) and in VA people often use Ch-ville for Charlottesville.
I was in Charleston in Sept. 2002 with our daughter for a mother-daughter trip, and it was fantastic. We stayed in FQI in the historic area and loved it. I wanted to return with my husband , espec. in the springtime. That previuos time we were told at Middleton Place Plantation that it is glorious there with spring blooms. I have looked at the Inn's website, and it looks very inviting. Also it would be a short drive to the airport on our last day.
Does it make sense ? Your suggestions ? I have read many of your threads and printed some for the good advice. Thanks !

Not offended at all. It was just an odd abreviation I had never seen used before.

I'm not one to give you advice on the plantations because I worked at one for a couple of years so they hold no special appeal to me.

GoT is the Charleston expert and she will give you the information you need.
I only want to add I attended a wedding at Middleton Place in October. It really is a very lovely place and the inn rooms I saw were quite nice. Gorgeous bathrooms, fireplaces, lovely linens. My godsons (the groom and best man) reported the included breakfast was very good.

You don't say exactly when you will be in Charleston, but we were at Middleton Place this past April when the azaleas were in full bloom. It was breathtaking! The grounds at Middleton Place are well worth your time and money to tour, particularly when things are blooming. I think whether you get a car or not depends on what you want out of this trip. If you toured many of the major downtown sites on your last trip and you aren't an avid shopper, then you may well want a car to go over to Patriot's Point or out to the various plantations.

In regard to your original question, I would check to see what hotel the airline pairs up with your flight and then see if you can get it cheaper, before booking through the airline.

I appreciate all your advice ! I am still working my way through the options and weighing the pros and cons. At least we know we are aiming for end of March, early April. I am not much of a shopper any more , and my DH claims that a few days will give him enough time to absorb the local history and culture (it's not his strong suit). We would enjoy staying at Middleton Plantation for a day.
What we both like very much is good food and great dining ! Looking for a repeat. In 2002 my daughter and I ate our way across Charleston historic area .
Thanks again. Please send along any other suggestions .