36 Best Hotels in Charleston, South Carolina

Five restored 19th-century residences have been joined together to create this hideaway in the heart of the Ansonborough neighborhood that's surrounded by well-heeled homes. The 16 studios and suites are spread out among the interconnected historic structures—three former homes and two brick carriage houses, with private piazzas throughout—and many feature original elements like pine floors or millwork details. Rooms have a varied decor inspired by different elements of Charleston's past—tailored British trade, airy French romantic, and nautical yachting design—and feature natural linens and fabrics, marble bathrooms, and custom furniture. The superb Restaurant + Bar at Zero George serves breakfast and $145 prix-fixe dinners; libations can also be enjoyed in the garden courtyard.

Gaze up at the immense handblown Murano glass chandelier in the open lobby, click across the Italian marble floors, and browse the gallery of upscale shops that complete the ground-floor offerings of this landmark hotel with bright, modern rooms. Should you need more enticements, there is also a deluxe day spa, a fitness center, and an inviting indoor salt-and-mineral-water pool with an illuminated skylight for night swimming, along with four fantastic restaurants and bars that include the equestrian-theme Thoroughbred Club, known for their top-shelf whiskey selection. 

Ten minutes from downtown but worlds away, these 10 three-bedroom vaulted cabins include kitchens (with utensils and dishes), satellite TV, outdoor grills, and linens—but guests spend most of their time on the screened-in porches, soaking up the view across the marsh and the Stono River. The serene park setting includes easy access to miles of walking trails, a fishing dock, a disc golf course, and a climbing wall. There's also a campground with RV and tent sites. Be sure to book far in advance.

Built in the renovated Federal Building overlooking Marion Square, the Dewberry exudes style and sophistication from the travertine marble to the mahogany and walnut that adorn the lobby and in-house bar and restaurant. Rooms are among the city's priciest and most luxurious, from the Irish linens to the original local art. The reservations-only rooftop Citrus Club has enviable views of the city.

This former DoubleTree feels like a boutique hotel despite its size, thanks to an endless array of thoughtful touches, from welcome cocktails and staff who remember your name to in-room record players with classic albums like Piano Man and Pet Sounds. Although some rooms are small, the smart use of space, custom furnishings, and hip art and fixtures convey pure luxury. Interior rooms open to a lengthy courtyard, where fountains, a brick fireplace, and ample greenery set the mood. Two terrific on-site restaurants bustle with activity and are popular with locals, especially on weekends.

With a swing bed, wicker furniture, and a wall-sized landscape painting of a Southern estate, the lobby of this fresh-faced newcomer is designed to feel like you're entering a stately mansion. Spacious, simple but tastefully adorned rooms—many with private balconies or views to the nearby St. Philip's Church steeple—sustain the Southern Living aesthetic. The rooftop lounge and bar may be the city's best, with complimentary cocktails each evening and live music on weekends. There's a fitness center, free bike rentals, nightly turndown service, and an impressive breakfast spread in the lobby bar each morning. 

The Mills House, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, celebrated its 170th anniversary in 2023 with a multimillion-dollar renovation. This modern iteration of Charleston's most iconic hotel feels shiny and fresh, yet rooted in history. The lobby sports high ceilings, an elaborate crystal chandelier, and marble floors, while all guest rooms feature art with female subjects by female artists. The terrace and delightful rooftop pool are among the Peninsula's best escapes, and the excellent Iron Rose restaurant, with its concise surf-and-turf menu, is a local destination for special occasions. Dine or sip cocktails in the courtyard or the comfortable porch and dining room filled with natural light.

From raffia ceilings to elaborate molding to light fixtures fashioned from seagrass baskets, Lowcountry-inspired design surrounds you at this high-end newcomer. Most rooms are designed for couples—king beds, elaborate showerheads, in-room wet bars—but a few have pullouts for families. Balconies overlook East Bay and side streets, but the action is in the lobby, where the bar draws both visitors and locals for inspired, international spins on classic cocktails. 

Charleston architect Neil Stevenson designed this boutique hotel to be swank and suave to the hilt, featuring several rooftop terraces with sleek sofas and prime views. Step inside the suites within this pair of 1800s buildings and you're in a world of exposed brick, warm wood floors, soaring ceilings, and swank decor. With its wine-and-cheese (plus mini-kegs of beer) cocktail hour each evening, a heated rooftop relaxation pool with views of the city, and the on-site Rise Coffee Bar, it offers the best of creature comforts. Set above the shops on King Street, the location is ideal for those who want to explore all aspects of the city. And no worries on the noise factor: most shops close by 7 pm and you're a few floors up, so any residual action is nicely buffered.

Designed with the young, hip, and high-tech traveler in mind, this chain hotel has everything from touch-screen check-in kiosks to a stylish bar with a pool table. The small rooms continue the retro-chic look with smartly designed wall panels and high-tech touches like 42-inch flat-screen TVs with plugs to connect your own device. The inexpensive price tag alone may be enough to tempt you away from the downtown peninsula. But be forewarned—it's a $20 cab ride from downtown.

The sunset views from the balconies of this river-view hotel get better the higher you go—they're wonderful from the seasonal rooftop Aqua Terrace bar and lounge, where drinks and tapas are served. A glamorous glass addition with a cascading waterfall houses the concierge desk. The pool area is fringed by plenty of palms, and a fitness center has a wall of windows to let in the sun. 

A courtyard where cadets once marched is now a soaring atrium—complete with a glass ceiling, frilly palm trees, and a babbling fountain—in this 1822 building that once served as the Old Citadel. The restored brick walls of the breakfast room and some guest rooms contain original gun ports. Handsome teak and mahogany furniture and sisal rugs in the common areas recall the British-colonial era. Guest rooms are not nearly as chic, but are comfortable and serviceable. The wall of the tiny pool literally backs up to Marion Square.

Wrought-iron railings, crown moldings, and decorative plasterwork speak of the elegance of 1924, when the Francis Marion was the largest hotel in the Carolinas. Still the tallest downtown hotel, it's a National Historic Trust property. In the handsome guest rooms—many of which overlook Marion Square—bountiful throw pillows and billowy curtains add flair. For the best views and the most serenity, ask for an upper-floor room facing King Street. Flavorful Lowcountry cuisine is served at the Swamp Fox restaurant, and a Starbucks is on the ground floor.

A grand circular staircase under a light-filled cupola—with a wrought-iron banister embellished with iron leaves by a local blacksmith—sets the lavish tone at this boutique hotel steps from the City Market. Breakfast, afternoon wine-and-cheese, and evening milk and cookies are all part of standard service and can be enjoyed on the charming terraces on each floor. The pillow menu is hard to beat; for an extra bit of luxury, try the big body pillows. Some rooms have fireplaces (yes, it does get cold enough for these October to February) and private balconies. Among the best rooms are No. 220, a suite with an office niche overlooking the courtyard, and No. 104, with a spacious L-shape design.

This inn is both lovely and quirky: its Victorian-dressed rooms (some with four-poster beds, handsome fireplaces, and jetted tubs) are laid out in a bit of a floor-creaking maze, but it adds to its individuality. Enjoy the appetizers and wine at the daily happy hour offered at neighboring property Kings Courtyard Inn. Fulton Lane Inn is run by the same folks who operate gems like the Wentworth Mansion and the John Rutledge House Inn.

Hardwood floors, a central fireplace, and leather furnishings in the lobby of what was once an 1860s railroad warehouse help elevate this chain hotel. Rooms are fresh and inviting but not large, and many overlook the pleasant outdoor lawn, swimming pool, and sitting area that make for a relaxing haven amid downtown's bustle. The location—directly adjacent to the Charleston Visitor Center—is perfect for exploring.

If you ask for a room with a view or even a private balcony here, you can gaze out over Charleston Harbor and onto the fountain at the center of Waterfront Park. All of the rooms were updated in 2021, shedding some traditional decor for updated armoires, drapes, and new carpet, plus refreshed local art. Some rooms are in a former 19th-century shipping warehouse with exposed brick walls, plantation shutters, and whirlpool tubs. Afternoon wine and cheese and evening milk and cookies are included. Parking is valet-only for $40 a day. A new hotel, The Cooper, is scheduled to open across the street in 2025, so ask about the state of construction noise and current views of the waterfront before booking. 

Conveniently located to both the International African American Museum and Gaillard Center, the Hilton Club Liberty Place offers a selection of suites and studios. Meals aren't included in the price, but you can purchase continental breakfast. Better yet, walk to any number of local restaurants and cafés sited just minutes from this business-appropriate hotel's polished front door.

A sunny swimming pool and breezy patios overlooking the Ashley River are among the main attractions at this modern hotel that's a convenient stop for boaters docked at the nearby marinas. Guest rooms include docks for your electronic devices and 42-inch flat-screen HD TVs. There's also a fitness center and a 24-hour convenience store.

Centrally located along the Upper King corridor, this hotel balances location, modern amenities, and relative affordability. The brick-and-wood lobby includes wide windows for people watching during the full breakfast each morning or the evening social on weekdays. There's a heated outdoor pool in a courtyard.

Just a five-minute drive over the scenic Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge from downtown Charleston, this is the perfect outpost for those who plan to explore the city for hours on end but want a quiet, modern, and economical spot to lay their heads. The snap-to-it staff is most helpful and professional, and the decor is contemporary, including sleek public spaces and meeting rooms galore. An on-site restaurant includes breakfast service but is not complimentary.

Despite its size, this pair of hotels (there's a Hyatt Place in the same complex) manages to feel tucked away amid the buzz of Upper King Street. Amenities like a heated indoor pool and 24-hour fitness center allow for a seamless transition from the convenience of a modern hotel into the heart of the city. A popular rooftop bar, Pour Taproom, boasts excellent views from the top floor.

Repeat guests are the norm thanks to the central setting—and $20 self-parking—at this newly renovated, family-owned inn with a peaceful vibe. Take your complimentary "hunt breakfast" or the nightly wine and cheese in the lovely courtyard adorned with greenery and a fountain. 

Marriott aimed for the feel of a boutique hotel with their renovation of this upscale stalwart in the heart of town. The welcoming lobby, furnished with a modern take on traditional decor, has an atmospheric fireplace to keep you toasty on cooler days. Vivian Howard has two restaurants here—the upscale Lenoir and Hot & Handy, a grab-and-go spot for coffee and delectable biscuits. Guests rave about the inviting rooftop pool and comfortable beds, but the downside is that many rooms offer views only of neighboring buildings.

Combining a Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites, this spot draws large groups away from the crowded peninsula to its modern complex set tucked into a pine forest just off I-26. Suites feature full-size fridges, views of the woods, and handsome, modern decor. The large outdoor pool and cabanas are a perk for families and summertime visitors, and a nature trail winds from the parking lot through the adjacent wetlands.

The hustle and bustle of one of the city's busiest corners vanishes as soon as the uniformed bellman opens the lobby door to reveal wood-paneled walls, antique furnishings, and chandeliers hung from high ceilings; it resembles a European grand hotel from the 19th century, and you'll feel like you're visiting royalty. Rooms are lavishly decorated (almost to the point of overkill) with French-style chaises and marble baths. One of Charleston's most prestigious fine-dining spots, Grill 225, famed for its steaks, is on the ground floor. All guests are served a continental breakfast, and those on the concierge level also enjoy afternoon tea and a beer, Champagne, and hors d'oeuvres reception in an exquisitely dressed parlor. Join sharp-looking Charlestonians on the rooftop Pavilion Bar (gents, be sure to wear a collared shirt).

Guest rooms in this 1874 stucco mansion, with porches on the second, third, and fourth floors, overlook a lovely courtyard with fountains and a hot tub. The nightly wine-and-cheese reception in the lobby is the reincarnation of a more genteel time. Four-poster or canopy beds, chair rails, and patterned wallpaper create a period feel, and many rooms have hardwood floors and oriental rugs.