We tentatively have reservations at Wentworth Mansion but I am a bit concerned we may be too far away from where all the action is. We would like to be able to stroll around in the evenings, etc. BUT don't want to compromise on the accommodations. Can you give me any other LUXURY lodging suggestions that might be more in the hub of things OR is Wentworth really close enough?
Thanks!

About a year ago my wife and I stayed at the Charleston Place hotel and found it to be absolutely wonderful! It is very convenient to shopping, great restaurants and has one of the best restaurants in the area in the hotel (Charleston Grill). If you do decide to stay, opt for the Club Level rooms. Well worth the extra money considering the club area is open from morning until well into the evening and serves very good food, wine, spirits, etc. as well as high tea in mid afternoon.

I would choose Charleston Place. It really is lovely and as the previous letter stated has wonderful restaurants. We visited Wentworth Mansion last year and although it was extrodinary it was out of the historic area and seemed stuffy and out of date. Also you might consider 2 Meeting Steet Inn along the Battery. This is a very upscale and luxurious B&B and I think you would love the location. I'll be there in May and can't wait!! We still haven't settled on a hotel or B&B but it's fun researching.

I enjoyed the Planters Inn - right in the middle of everything. When I stayed there they served a scrumptious breakfast to the room on a silver tray.
www.plantersinn.com

I am another fan of Charleston Place. Absolutely wonderful hotel right in the thick of things.

I think the Wentworth Mansion is the best place to stay in Charleston. I can't remember its luxury affiliation but here are my other choices in no particular order:

The Planters Inn (Relais & Chateaux)
Market Pavillion (Luxury Hotels of the World)
Charleston Place (Orient Express)

Here is a link to my trip report where I checked out a bunch of Charleston Hotels.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...Most+Excellent


The Market Pavillion is part of the Leading Hotels of the World and Wentworth Mansion is part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

For me, it is really a toss up between those four. Market Pavillion has the best pool and bar, Planters Inn has the best restaurant (Penninsula Grille) with Wentworth following close second (Circa 1898 or whatever), and Charleston Place has the best shopping.

With the exception of the Wentworth Mansion (most historic and best views from the cuppola), they are all within a stones throw from each other. Literally.

We stayed at the Wentworth and loved it. The staff was wonderful. They set out sherry and port and an appetizer in the afternoon and people lounged in the lobby....had excellent breakfasts each morning. Our room was furnished with antiques, was very comfortable and HUGE and we had a gorgeous bathroom. We strolled to restaurants on several evenings; drove on a few other occasions. We did rent a car and found driving in Charleston very easy....had a parking spot on the Wentworth property. I am not familiar with the other hotels so I can't compare...we did have a fabulous lunch at the Charleston Place hotel.

We were married at the Planters Inn in September. We stayed in one of the newer 'penthouse' rooms. They used to have a rooftop patio but a few years ago it was converted into a couple of rooms. It was wonderful!