Holiday Inn Charleston Historic Downtown

A short walk from a handful of Charleston’s hottest restaurants on upper King Street, this standard chain hotel is a smart bet for budget-savvy travelers looking to explore the trendier side of the city. A large pool will help you cool off after a day of sightseeing, and simple rooms offer a comfortable place to lay your head.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Don’t be fooled by this hotel’s name: it’s not located within downtown Charleston’s historic district and is a mile from the Charleston City Market.

room

Clad in generic hotel furnishings, guest rooms are equipped with blackout shades, a coffee maker, an ergonomic workspace, and mini-fridge. Three one-bedroom suites boast additional perks like floor-to-ceiling windows, a sleeper sofa, and a separate living room.

Don’t like the pillow on your bed? Take your choice from others on the hotel's pillow menu.

bathroom

The petite, tiled spaces hold a shower-tub combo or a walk-in shower, plus a tidy vanity. For added luxe, opt for a suite, which has a television, too.

lobby

Rich hardwoods anchor the airy, well-lit lobby. You’ll mostly breeze through this space, but modern sofas offer comfy seating should you need to sit a spell.

pool

Relax in the spacious outdoor pool—it’s got a handful of chaises surrounding it and is heated during the chilly months.

You’ll be able to order from the in-house restaurant and bar while sunbathing.

gym

Two treadmills, a stationery bike, and an elliptical meet your cardio needs, while free weights and medicine balls help you weight train.

dining

Fill up for the day ahead at The Meeting Room Restaurant & Tapas Bar, where a buffet breakfast is sold alongside menu items. The restaurant reopens for dinner and offers standard American entrees (burgers, a chicken sandwich, a Rueben) and a host of flavorful tapas, like Korean lettuce wraps, fried green tomatoes, and chickpea fries.

drinking

Locally brewed beer adds a local touch to the bar's standard menu.