I will be traveling to Charleston, SC in September with 2 ole classmates. We are in our 60's. I have reviewed lodging at the Lamboll House and wonder if anyone has knowledge of it....reviews good or bad. Also I would like recommendations on dining...I know there are lots of good places there to eat. And any suggestions on weather at the end of September, walking around the historic district, and nice but other less expensive B&B's.

What type of cusine and what's your budget for food? Do you want to dine within walking distance of your hotel (if so, tell us how far you are willing to walk) or are you willing to travel by car or taxi? You can find everything from fast food to family style to high end dining in Charleston - there are litterally hundreds of restaurants. We nedd more info from you.

We went to Charleston last September and the weather was pretty good. Not too hot! We stayed at the Best Western King Charles Inn, in the heart of the historic district, and it's as close to a B&B for a chain that we've seen. We loved our stay there.

Gestine's is half a block away and so is Fig. We also ate at Hominy Grill (had my first shrimp and grits there). For seafood we enjoyed a great meal at Hank's. After visiting The Market, we ate at Mercato (across the street) and had not only good food but great jazz. Sticky Fingers is also walking distance of the hotel for barbecue.

We went to the Aquarium and after our tour walked a short distance to catch a boat to Ft. Sumter (a must see). The Charleston Museum is very interesting. We also enjoyed our visit to the Gibbe's Museum of Art. Had lunch at Joseph's afterwards (it's right next door).

We started with a tour of the city in a small shuttle type bus with a great guide. I'm sorry I can't remember the name of the company, but it was arranged for us by the hotel. We also took a mule drawn trolley (Palmetto Carriage) city tour that started at the Red Barn. The Market is walking distance from the hotel and fun to wander through. A good place to buy your Sweetgrass Basket. We were sorry that time got away from us and we weren't able to tour a plantation. That will definitely be at the top of our list if we're fortunate to return to this beautiful and interesting city.

I reviewed the hotel on Trip Advisor and really can't say enough good about it. The staff was very helpful; breakfast was available but not included; early evening hors doeuvres were served with no host cocktails; a plate of cookies was put out each night; the location was perfect.

Hope this helps. I'll try to answer any other questions you have.

Topping for OP

Thank you all for your responses. I had been to Charleston, SC several years ago and was familiar with the historic area only. I want to take my friends there as I know they will love it. We eat just about any kind of food but I understand we should lean toward the "low country" cooking while there. I recall that my sister and I when we were there some years ago ate at two wonderful restaurants on Bay Street but I don't recall their names. We also did the buggy ride which is a must on this trip or else we'll rent bicycles and cruise.
Just want to make sure I don't miss anything special and am always concerned about whether I've chose the right place to stay. Anyone know anything about the Lamboll House. It looks beautiful in the pictures.

charmadoah, did you read the reviews for the Lamboll House on TripAdvisor? Some not so great ... What is the maximum that you want to pay per night for your lodging?

The Hampton Inn is nice. What is your budget? Are you all staying together?

I would ditch the bike idea. The streets are narrow and bumpy, and there are lots of people driving around downtown who don't know where they are going. Take the carriage tour. It's a great way to see the HD and learn some history.

I like Jestine's ( be prepared to wait outside at peak meal times) for fried shrimp. High Cotton is my favorite. I also like Cru Cafe, Amen and Hank's again for seafood, and SNOB is always a good choice. Hominy is not really in walking distance from the HD but there's parking there. They have the best sides ever.

The Hampton is nice, as is King Charles Inn and the Holiday In HD. I heard the HI is to be sold, but the concierge there is an asset to our city.

Elsiemoo: I did read Trip Advisory and was very concerned about Lamboll. So I wrote to the owner, who has assured me those problems occurred while she was on vacation! Not so sure but we went ahead and booked there. I figured after calling it to her attention, she would take extra pains to be sure it's clean while we're there. She only serves a continental breakfast which is okay with us at the price we could afford. Our budget was $160 (or a little more) a night and it was the least inexpensive B&B we could find. We wanted to stay in a B&B or carriage house in the historic district. All the other B&B's were exceptionally higher. Lamboll gave me one quote, later changed it to a higher one, but agreed to honor the original one after I called the two different ones to their attention....Also there are some nicer reviews about Lamboll on the Charleston B&B.com page. They were more reassuring. I hope it turns out well but my two friends are very understanding.

Suewoo: Okay - no bikes. You've convinced me. Carriage ride it will be or a walking tour....

See if this helps any:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...rip-report.cfm