Fodor's Expert Review French Quarter Inn
166 Church St., Charleston, South Carolina, 29401, United States, Charleston, South Carolina, USA See on Map
Tucked just south of the always-abuzz Charleston City Market is the calm and quiet French Quarter Inn. Staff goes above and beyond to ensure you have a pleasant stay (they even offer bedtime milk and cookies and a pillow menu so you can score a perfect repose), while the outdoor courtyard beckons you to take a load off as you listen to nearby church bells ringing. As the name hints, this hotel’s in the heart of the French Quarter and is popular among couples and travelers wishing to explore historic Charleston by foot.
room
Ornate black headboards add a refined tone to traditionally dressed guest rooms. Some suites include a fireplace, others a private balcony; in all, a pillow menu (you can take your pick between hypo-allergenic, buckwheat, down, or Swedish massage pillows), European linens, nightly turndown, and heavy blackout drapes ensure a sound slumber.
We especially love guest room No. 220, which overlooks the peaceful courtyard, and the Deluxe Corner Terrace King, in which you’ll have views of the gorgeous St. Philip’s Church steeple. (You can’t get much more Charleston than that, folks!)
bathroom
Marble- and granite-clad with ample room, bathrooms are luxurious indeed. All offer walk-in showers; some have a soaking tub, too.
Want to really relax? While there’s not a spa onsite, in-room 60- and 90-minute massages are available.
lobby
You’ll first notice the striking spiral staircase with wrought-iron balusters and leaves handcrafted by a local blacksmith. Though you’ll mostly breeze through this space, do help yourself to yummy refreshments—such as peach tea, fruit-flavored water, coffee, and lavender lemonade—left out throughout the day, and walk slow enough to enjoy the scent of freshly cut florals.
dining
A bountiful (and complimentary) European continental breakfast spread is set out in the lobby each morning, and at night, fresh baked cookies appear. You’ll want to eat in the verdant courtyard out back, which is filled with heavy wrought-iron bistro sets and the sounds of a babbling fountain.
YOU SHOULD KNOW A Ruth’s Chris Steak House is connected to the inn. Though the Market Street area is spotted with chains of the like, more charming local eateries are just a few minutes’ walk away.
drinking
A complimentary glass of champs will welcome you to the inn. Mix and mingle with fellow guests during the evening wine and cheese reception from 5:30 to 6:30, then enjoy a sip of port before you turn in.
LOCATION
Getting Around
Parking near the market is notoriously tricky, so valet is your best bet. Once there, walk your way around the French Quarter and take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary cruisers for further explorations. Ride-share apps and the free DASH trolley are two other good options for getting around town.
Restaurants
Indulge in classic Southern fare at Poogan’s Porch (7-minute walk) or Cru Café (5-minute walk): bonus points if you score an outdoor table at either. For out-of-this-world seafood, try Hank’s Seafood Restaurant (3-minute walk).
WHY WE LIKE IT
This luxury boutique hotel offers all the makings of a memorable visit and its proximity to the City Market is ideal for those wanting to walk their walk through historic Charleston.
QUICK FACTS
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