I've made last minute plans to go to Charleston for a daughter's birthday. Since there are three of us, I wanted a two room/suite situation. The closest I could get to the 'heart of the city' was on the other side of the Ashley River, by Rt. 61 [Springhill Suites]. Is this location okay, or should I try for something else?

Is there parking in the historic section, or does an on/off bus pick up from the other side of the river? Since I have severe arthritis, a great deal of walking is not really an option. Any suggetions?

Lois, Charleston is very much a walking city and the sidewalks are not even concrete. They are 100-300 year old flagstone, cobblestone (the real deal), brick, and limestone.

Parking is a problem on the penninsula and you will find yourself having to walk quite a bit.

The good news is that Charleston is quite a compact city.

Park at the Visitors Center.

I don't know of a bus but I'm sure there is one.

Downtown Charleston hotels are expensive and spring is peak season. The SpringHill Suites location is fine if you can't find accommodations on the penninsula.

GoTravel, thanks for the help. I've just finished reading an old post of yours, and plan to get to Poogan's Porch and Jestine's. They both sound great. We'll only have two days there. Any recommendations for which is better for breakfast, lunch or dinner. I've checked out the menu for Poogan's and they all seem great! I couldn't find Jestine's online. I will continue to check hotel availability, hoping there will be last minute cancellations. Thanks again!

While there is nothing wrong with the location, I'm thinking it will take at least 10-15 minutes to get downtown, depending where this is on Hwy 61. I'd try to get 2 hotel rooms on priceline in the historic district. Although there may be a suite hotel near the Visitors Center - can't remember what is there - maybe a Hampton Inn and Suites, maybe just a regular Hampton Inn.
I don't think it's hard to park downtown. There are lots of parking garages. I have always parked in the garage at Charleston Place (A Westin? hotel with a shopping arcade) since I was a teenager. I grew up about 45 minutes from downtown and worked down there about 12 years ago. Even when I go back now, I still always go to this garage. It is at Market and Meeting Streets, which I would consider the heart of the city.
I would not park at the Visitors Center unless you find out for sure there is a bus. I like to walk, but would not even consider walking from the Visitors Center up to the Market. It's a long way or at least seems like it to me. I'm thinking it's like at least 20-30 blocks maybe, but maybe it's not as far as it seems. Check with the Visitors Center and see if they have a bus. If they do, it might be a good option. The Visitors Center is right across the street from the Museum if that interest you. (I have been in many many years so I don't know what it's like) If you like history, take time to see the Hunley exhibit. It only takes about 20 minutes, but I found it much more interesting than I anticipated. Be sure to walk around the Waterfront Park too.
Heidi

Thanks for the parking info Heidi. It seems our hotel does have a shuttle, but still, it's good to know there are parking options!

I've checked out suite hotel options in the historic section, and there is one available, but for $160 more for the night. I'm thinking this is a big difference for what seems to be a minor inconvenience. For a 15 min. drive, I'd stick with our original plans. If it is 45 min. to an hr., because of traffic, then I'd probably change the location. I'd rather put the $$ into some good restaurants and shopping! Hope I don't regret it!

Lois, I understand saving some money, but being in the historic district is a treat in Charleston. My preference would be a regular room (non-suite) in Charleston rather than a Springhill Suites (albeit nice) on the outskirts.

Just an option to consider. It's so nice to just walk out the door and be in the midst of everything.

You will we about 5-10 minutes drive to the heart of Charleston. It will only take you that long because you will be encountering many one way streets, fast moving traffic on narrow streets, and looking for a parking space. The Visitor's Center is a good starting location if you are not familiar with the city. There is a hop on/hop off trolley for which you can purchase passes (at the Visitor's Center) and use during your stay.

Charleston is a very compact city so you really won't need a taxi unless you choose to forgo driving into the city. A taxi into the city from your hotel will only cost about $12.

Have fun!

The big plus about staying in the historic district is you can run back to your hotel when you get tired without making everyone else in your party go back.

You'll see, it really isn't a minor inconvenience. You will curse yourself for not getting a hotel downtown.

I totally agree with GoTravel. We spent a long weekend mid march at the Hampton Inn Historic area - very nice place not as close to the action as i'd have preferred. (hubby wanted to use Hilton Points).

I noticed a nice looking Best Western and Days Inn in the heart of the historic area, across from the Market. I am so NOT a fan of Days Inns but this one looked especially nice and more importantly, the location is priceless.

Charleston is the coolest town and you won't be in your room much, especially if you stay in the historic area. Either way, you WILL be tired from walking (or jogging -- watch out for cobblestone streets! ) so i would definitely stay IN town.

I agree w/ GoTravel and others - you will miss out if you are not downtown. It is a hassle to get in/out of Charleston and find parking - stay downtown - it is worth it!

Having just spent three beautiful days in Charleston I too feel that you would want to stay in the historical district of Charleston.

I remember seeing the BestWestern and it looked unusually nice. And remember seeing the Days Inn also which looked good. And the Holiday Inn looked very good also.

We had our car parked (Valet parking) and did not use it until we checked out of the hotel (The Frances Marion). No need of a car in downtown Charleston as it is definatly a walking city. Just be careful, cobblestone sidewalks in some places and cracks and uneven pavement sidewalks are everywhere. So while staring up at all the beautiful and old houses and buildings it is easy to stumble here and there.

Evidently Charleston is considered the "restaurant city of the south" and for good reason IMO. Fantastic food!

Anyway Lois, do consider staying in Charleston rather then across the Ashley River.

And may your trip be as wonderful as mine was!

Lois, at least take a peek at another option. My nephew and I stayed at the Vendue Inn years ago and even a teen boy was impressed with the location and ambiance. The inn is waterfront and has a great view from the rooftop restaurant. There are Queen Jr. Suites and double/double rooms. Check to see what types of availability they might have. Even if the Vendue Inn might not be your final choice, the pics will give you an idea of the difference between the SS and a historic inn. Lovely breakfast too!

www.vendueinn.com

We stayed at Charleston Riverview. It is north of city but a shuttle bus right in front of hotel. We never had to drive; just left car at hotel. Cost for bus was nominal.

I appreciate all the comments. I'm having mixed feelings about what to do for more than one reason. One thing I'd like to do, while there, is see some old plantations, and they seem to be in the area where I've booked. And, this is such a short trip, with only one night, it's not such a big decision, since we can see some sights on the perimeter on the first day,do dinner in the historic section for that day, and then, when we check out, we can head for the historic section for a full day. I'm sure it's too short a time, and with my daughter living in Wilmington, NC [we're from NY], I suspect, from all the comments here, that we'll be back. While there, I plan to collect info on some of the B&B's for our next stay. I should add that although I am beginnning to break free from the hold Marriott has on me [with all those points, and in this case, 20,000 bonus points if I get enough stays, for which I would need this stay included], I'm still finding myself looking for their options way too much! I do appreciate all the suggestions. I plan to get to a couple restaurants that GoTravel had discussed on another link. We are doing this for my youngest daughter's 25th birthday. I was thinking of making a reservation at Poogan's Porch for dinner. And, the other place I'm considering for possibly a lunch is Jestine's Kitchen. And, with my arthritis, I will go with the on off trolley or some sort of tour. Whatever we do, we'll be staying together, as we don't get to see each other often. My daughter has already said she's fine with doing whatever I'm able to get in, since she's really looking forward to seeing US. Charleston is 'just' the bonus.

For breakfast I would recommend The Bakers Cafe on King St., especially if you like Eggs Benedict. They have about
eight different varieties of it.

On two different visits to Charleston we stayed at the Days Inn downtown. It's right in the middle of historic area & the accommodations were great for the price.It is a clean well run facility.

Hi Lois, I had dinner at Poogin's Porch and it was fantastic. I had the grilled scallops and I must say I have never had better scallops. The service was terrific too.

I know you will have a beautiful time in Charleston. It is a special city.

I agree with loveitaly about Poogan's porch...I had an incredible fried brie with apricot there.

We stayed at the Ansonborough Inn, which has 2 room suites with kitchenettes and a little dining area. The room had all exposed beams and brick walls. The inn also had breakfast and a wine and cheese hour. It is in the historic district, just a few minutes walk from everything and also near the river. There is a rooftop terrace overlooking the water. I was there 2 yrs ago in August, and the rate was less than $100, but I'm sure that has changed. Here is the website: www.ansonboroughinn.com

Thank you all for your comments and past experiences. I am really looking forward to the trip, short as it may be. Kjenn I did check out the Inn, and it looks very appealing, but they are sold out for my dates. I will keep the info for a future stay, and then will book well in advance!