We're comin' down to see what there is to see for a few days in April. Where should we stay? I'd rather be located in or near the HD. Is Meeting Street in the Historic District? Thanks in advance for your help. We're excited about visiting! (well, I am. My husband is much lower keyed about the whole enterprise). ~ Bow

I started to check rates and they're high for the week I was considering. I don't want to pay $400.00 +++ per night; I'm looking at no more than $200.00 a night for this trip. I do want to be in the Historic District and a Courtyard or even a Holiday Inn is ok as long as it's new or recently redone. Again, Thanks for all your help. ~ Bow

Now, Bow, you must understand: we don't do new in the HD Part of Meeting Street is in the HD, part is not. Generally speaking the HD is south of Calhoun St.

The Mills House is a HI property but you'd never know it. It's well located and if the wind is right you can smell bacon cooking at Husk. Vendue Inn is classic and has a nice rooftop. Harborview Inn is lovely as well, but will be pricier than the other 2. Those are just a few.

You may be coming during the Tour of Homes. Spring is very popular with guests who want to see everything blooming.

Plug your dates into kayak.com. and see what comes up in your budget.

"Now, Bow, you must understand: we don't do new in the HD"

suewoo, I love that. Silly me, I forgot myself for a minute!

I'll do some more research and will take a look at your suggestions. We're hoping to visit somewhere between 4/13 and 4/23 for 4-5 nights or so. Is this during the Tour of Homes?

i was researching a couple of weeks ago and found a hampton inn in the HD for about $150/night. website seems to be down right now, but check it out. You won't get "historical charm" but you could get a good rate

Thanks, jill_h. That's a good rate! Clearly, I have chosen an expensive time to visit. I will look at the Hampton Inn site to see if that rate is available for my dates.

I was looking at the Fulton St. Inn, too. Anyone have any feedback about that choice? It's around the $250.00 mark.

if you do find something in the HD for less than $200, please update this thread as I am still looking for Sept.

Actually the Hampton Inn IS in a restored warehouse, if I'm remembering correctly. It's just next to Marion Square, which hosts a great Saturday morning farmer's market.

The nearby Marriott just had a do over so the inside of it may be like new.

There are a ton of B&Bs. I've never stayed in any of them, but if they're not good here they just do not stay in business.

The Fulton Street Inn is cute. And it's right by a sweet restaurant called Fulton Five. Bring the wallet.

jill, prices will fluctuate greatly depending on the seasons and what events are happening. September is still hot, and touring can be tough, so be aware.

Thanks again, suewoo. Are my dates bumping into the Tour of Homes?

Looks that way:
http://www.historiccharleston.org/ne.../festival.html

But that might be a good thing. You get to go into homes that are not normally open to the public.

It's a Festival! It'll be fun.

Hello, Bowsprit, you might want to check out the rates and info for the Frances Marion Hotel which is across the street from Marion Square. Best wishes and enjoy your time in beautiful Charleston!

Hi LoveItaly. I was wondering about that hotel. I will take a look. Thanks.

We have stayed at that Hampton Inn, and it was better than most. If I am correct, the visitors center is across the street also on the square, and there are good shuttles to the heart of the historic areas.

In addition to garden tours, there is a fair amount of convention business at this time.

Last week I stayed at the Meeting Street Inn and would return in a heartbeat. For $129/night I had a standard double. Price included breakfast as well as a nightly wine and cheese reception. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful and the location was perfect. Check Trip Advisor for further reviews, I found them to be accurate.

http://www.meetingstreetinn.com/

Hi, Bowsprit.

You'll be in Charleston for the final week of the spring "Festival of Houses and Gardens". The tours are marvelous. Here is the schedule - http://www.historiccharleston.org/ne.../festival.html

The Hampton Inn is just north of Calhoun Street and Marion Square. It right next to the Charleston Visitors Center and across the street from The Charleston Museum. The location will be great for your purposes! http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/h...tyhocn=CHSHDHX

Great suggestions.

I'll make sure to book soon with the convention crowd in mind.

Thank-you!

I'm surprised the Hampton Inn is not a non-smoking hotel.

Bowspirit, since you will be there during the house and garden tour you should get a copy of Mrs Whaley's Charleston Gardens to put yourself in the mood and give you a little insight into the extraordinary culture of Charleston.

I did not check rates so this is a suggestion purely based on location, but look at the Doubletree. Many of the rooms have kitchens.

Enjoy yourself, Charleston is fantastic!

Charleston city ordinances require that all common areas and "at least 75%" of guest rooms be smoke free.

Here are the rules:
http://www.charleston-sc.gov/dept/content.aspx?nid=1413