EH

I'm planning a trip to Charleston in late June. Looking for a nice, but reasonable hotel (under $150/night)in the historic district. Also, would be interested in sight seeing and restaurant suggestions.

dan woodlief

Can't be of much help in the hotel department, since we always stay in Mt. Pleasant, but I can offer lots in the way of sightseeing and restaurants. See my post from around 11:00 this morning. I just returned from a week in Charleston. You will find lots more from a trip three years ago on my Web site at www.oneeyed.homestead.com.

Along with the restaurants I mentioned, other supposedly great ones include Peninsula Grill, Magnolia's, and 82 Queen.

david

There aren't many. You might try the Anchorage Inn. We stayed there in February for about $US130. The breakfast is perfunctory, but the rooms are nice and the staff is great. For restaurants, we tried Magnolia, S.N.O.B., and the Charleston Grill. All are first-class and all(especially the Grill) will cost you more than a night's lodging at the Anchorage. IMHO, you can't do Charleston on a budget unless you stay outside on the strip (Hwy 17) and fast-food it. I don't want to mislead you--Charleston is worth every penny.

arjay

See what sort of a rate you can get at the downtown Days Inn. It's location can't be beat, right in the heart of the historic district...and it's fine, as such chains go. I don't know whether P'line offers Charleston - that would be another thing to check out.

hope

I suggest checking the prices on Hotwire and then bidding lower than those prices on Priceline.

d.reuyn

We don't stay in the Historic District, we stay out by the Marina, which is very lovely and very close to the Battery. Our favorite place to stay is the Courtyard by Marriott Riverview. It is not your typical Courtyard, and is so beautiful and is right on the water. Make sure to ask for a Riverview room.
A dining suggestion would be California Dreaming. It looks like a castle and is right on the water and has great food and spectacular views. Do yourself a favor, when you get to Charleston, start with the great visitors center that I believe is on Market Street.

Brooke

Hi I just got back from Charleston this week! Well I went with my parents and believe it or not we stayed at the Hampton Inn in North Charleston. Yes I know it is not in the historical district. We got a rate of $85.00 a night (2 double beds), the bathroom was a nice large size and very nice. The hotel is extremely immaculate, apparantly they are ranked either #1 in the chain (no joke). They have breakfast in the morning. There is an excercise facility. Pool is outside.
The hotel is about a 10 minute drive away from Charleston. The price difference was worth it. I did pass the Days Inn and it is well situated but I thought looked dumpy (but that is just my opinion). Priceline sounds good but Charleston is very very popular.
I ate at S.N.O.B. and it was very good. Hyman's Seafood is a tourist trap so avoid it. They have these coupons that you can get for free crab dip but it is not the best in Charleston (just my opinion).
As far as the houses you need to tour the Nathaniel Russell house it is one of the most perfect examples in America of an Adam's style home (if you like that sort of thing). It is truly elegant. The Charleston Museum is interesting. Nice silver display, wildlife display and good historical display. I think that is money well spent. The Calhoun house I did not go into although it is very very popular (I could careless about Victorian furniture).
Oh one word of caution about buying baskets. If you want to buy them go out on Hwy 17 toward Mount Pleasant there are people beside the road that sell them. It is much cheaper than buying them at the slave market. You will save some $$$. If you like antiques King Street has some of the most gorgeous antiques and it is fun to window shop.
I also had gone to Savannah (since it was only about 115 miles to the south).
I actually like Savannah equally although most people prefer Charleston. If you have time dash down to Savannah as it is definitely worth seeing. I hope that you have a nice time in Charleston. You really only need about 4 days max to really see it.
Have a nice trip.

marybeth

We go to Charleston every year and stay at the Meeting Street Inn. Very nicely appointed rooms, rice canopy beds, etc.
The location is good---right in the middle of historic downtown. They serve complimentary breakfast and cocktails and appetizers in the evening. there is a courtyard w/ hot tub. i beleive rates start around 130 per night. i highly recommend it. They have a web site you can check out.

marybeth

I forgot to recommend restaurants---
Meritage---entire menu of appetizers---great!
High Cotton for brunch---great bread basket.
A.W. Shucks---great Shrimp & Grits.
Magnolias---traditional low country cuisine.
Re: Sight Seeing---
Patriots Point
Fort Sumtner
All the House tours are great.
The Battery
Carrige rides
Aquarium
All the Plantations & gardens.
Slave market

Bev

Meeting Street Inn and the Mills House. The Mills House is a Holiday Inn property and you may be able to get "Great Rates." Whatever they quote you, ask if that is the cheapest price. Keep asking until you get what you want. Also, call the properties direct. If it's not a busy time, they may negotiate. If it's during a busy time (Spoleto Festival), forget it. All hotels are booked. Charleston is a walking city and part of the charm is staying in the historic area, parking your car and touring on foot. We never, ever, ever stay anywhere but the Historic area. Be sure to buy the walking tour maps. Great Fun! If you feel like you need to get back in your car, take a plantation tour outside of the historic area.

AH

I live about an hour from Charleston and my husband works there, so I know my way around pretty well. Try staying at one of the Riverview hotels (Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn) but NOT the Howard Johnson. They are about 5 miles from downtown. Also, the Mills house is a great place. The Francis Marion Hotel is not very far away, and Spa Adagio inside is wonderful!
Restaurants are another story. There are so many good ones around. For cheaper food, eat at Wild Wing Cafe in the Market. They have wonderful wings and salads. T-Bonz is good for steaks. Moderately priced meals would be A.W. Shucks. California Dreaming (one of my absolute favorites) is a few miles away. Peninsula Grill and Magnolias are wonderful, but only if you want to go a little pricey. They are well worth it, though.
Do visit the aquarium, Patriot's Point, Fort Sumter, the old slave market, and the Citadel(my husband's alma mater). There is so much to do. Just enjoy that southern hospitality!

nina

We stayed at the Embassy Suites in the Historic District. It was the nicest ES I've ever seen, located in the building of the original Citadel, it even has the turrets and a beautiful atrium lobby that was the former courtyard. We had a 2 room suite (great with kids, 2 double beds in one room plus sleeper sofe in 2nd room plus kithenette and 2 t.v.s. Great for traveling with kids). The rate also included a full, cooked to order breakfast for the 4 of us. It also has a pool and hot tub, which is great for cooling off. I thought it was the best deal in Charleston.

The location is great too, you can walk to everything, down to the battery and back and you never have to worry about parking (a good thing).

mary

Another good restaurant is Tommy Condon's in downtown Charleston. Good Irish pub. It was my favorite place to go when we lived there. Also try Baker's Cafe (I think it's on Queen St.)if it's still there and Poogan's Porch is another good restaurant with traditional low country food.