The 7 Most Quintessential Charleston Hotels

Why it made the list

Since its debut in the late 1980s, this luxury hotel has been at the heart of the local hospitality scene. For a true Charleston experience, utilize the concierge offerings during your stay—the hotel’s chief concierge has been inducted into Les Clefs d'Or—and wine and dine yourself at the famed Charleston Grill.

For more than three decades, Belmond Charleston Place has be Read More

Why it made the list

Lay your head in this fully restored 1860s Charleston single house complete with original architecture (hello, transom windows and charming hardwoods), a storied history (the structure has been home to a number of noteworthy Charlestonians, including Peter Poinsette, whose sister was civil rights activist Septima Poinsette Clark), and delightfully modern décor.

Tucked in the eclectic Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborh Read More

Why it made the list

Whether you’re cozied up in your chicly dressed guest room, lounging on one of the inn’s breezy piazzas, or sitting in the parlor of the main house, you’ll feel like a well-to-do local at this luxury boutique inn, which is housed in a quintet of impeccably refurbished 1804 buildings.

Five restored 19th-century residences have been joined toget Read More

Why it made the list

You’ll feel like the houseguest of a prominent Charlestonian during your stay at this 1865 manse, which is chock full of period reproductions and true antiques. Sip tea in the sunroom or join fellow travelers at the evening wine reception to feel right at home within the grand inn.

Mansion, indeed! Built as a private home in 1865, this hulki Read More

Why it made the list

The location of this historic inn couldn’t be more Charleston: it’s just a few buildings down Broad Street from City Hall and the Charleston County Courthouse, and is within feet of the city’s picturesque South of Broad residential district. It’s also loaded with original 18th-century architecture (visit the second-floor ballroom to browse centuries-old archeological artifacts and other historical tidbits).

In 1791, George Washington visited this elegant mansion, the Read More

Why it made the list

Experience a day in the life of a 19th-century Charleston dweller at this cute-as-a-button bed and breakfast. Sit on the sweeping porch sipping a glass of vino as a warm breeze blows through the yard’s ancient oak and soak up views of the city’s famed Battery Park, located just across the street. Before bed, enjoy a spot of sherry in the inn’s homey living room.

She’s a belle of the local B&B ball. One of only a handful o Read More

Why it made the list

Directly across from the Charleston City Market sits the historic Planters Inn, where smiling bellmen await you and one of the city’s finest restaurants, Peninsula Grill, resides. Common spaces include a cozy lobby and charming courtyard filled with flickering gas lanterns and native flora. Meanwhile, guest rooms are rife with Lowcountry flavor, like sweetgrass décor and local art. The most “Charleston” thing of all though will be the gracious, hospitable service you’ll receive.

Part of the Relais & Châteaux group, this boutique property Read More