Looking for a great place to stay for 40 + yr old women who love to shop, eat in nice restaurants, and sight see

We're going to Charleston for the first time in fall and have been doing lots of research. Based on what I've found the best place to stay is in the Historic District, which is also the most expensive. Try this website and also check out Trip Advisor where there will be reviews of hotels, etc. You can also check here on Fodor's for accommodations.

http://www.charleston.com/index.cfm?...categoryID=292

Many Charleston posts on here that should answer your questions. Giovanna is correct, although I wouldn't rule out the Battery either. Also, historic hotels, B & B's & price range would also be a consideration.

I stayed at the King George. Excellent location -- quiet, safe and I was able to walk to all the sites except for the plantation tours.

The King Charles Inn on Meeting Street in the Historic District is great! We loved it. www.kingcharlesinn.com

What is your budget?

No budget: Charleston Place because of the location.

B&B: Wentworth Mansion

Moderate: The Mills House

Budget: Andrew Pinckney

Budget Chain: King Charles Best Western or Days Inn Historic District.

Best Fun Inn: The Vendue Inn because of the rooftop bar

Best Swank Inn: Market Pavillion

Most Romantic Upscale: Planters Inn

Best For Families: Doubletree (all suite, most rooms are two stories)

Honorable Mention because of location and amenities: Church Street Inn, Harborview Inn, Renaissance, French Quarter Inn.

Where NOT to stay: Outside historic district. Just because a hotel is downtown doesn't mean the location is good ex: Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, Marriott.

Forgot to add, search my name and Charleston for my extensive trip report. I reviewed a bunch of hotels.

We stayed at the Doubletree-it is a great location for walking to all restaurants and shops. Restaurants we liked were Hanks and 82 Queen.

I would highly recommend The Vendue Inn (great rooftop bar) or The Planter's Inn. Stayed at both....can't go wrong at either. Great location and great food very nearby. The Vendue Inn has specials too. Have fun.

My husband and I just returned from Charleston and stayed at the Harbourview Inn. We enjoyed our stay very much. We particularly liked the fact they offered wine and cheese every day between 5 and 6pm and they had tempur-pedic mattresses (bed very comfortable). They also have a rooftop terrace that you can relax at and enjoy the view. Very close to nearby restaurants and the Vendue Inn (right down the block). We loved Magnolia's and 82 Queen for dinner. We did stop at McCrady's for a cocktail and the place looked amazing inside.

Enjoy Charleston - we did!

Can't believe Two Meeting Street wasn't mentioned in the "no budget" category.

We stayed at the Indigo Inn and thought it was lovely. It has a very nice courtyard that most of the rooms overlook, and breakfast is included. The location was great, too.

We stayed at the Governor's House Inn and it was FABULOUS! It was almost six years ago, but the two rooms at the top of the stairs, were heaven! The food and the personnel fantastic and the trip great. Unfortunately I heard about them too late and had to change hotels mid stay to accommodate our planned dates. We moved to the French Quarter Inn ( a new hotel-like property) which was also perfect. Two locations and two great stays. Have fun! And if I recall correctly, the Penninsula Grill was a memorable dining experience. It's a great ciy, have a good time! Also if you like history, go see the Hundley--the Civil War submarine. That was a very interesting experience!