13 Best Hotels in Upper King, Charleston

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.

A small enclave of 1840s-era buildings make up this homey, idyllic hostel. Nightly prices put the rest of the city's downtown lodgings to shame and include both dorm beds and private rooms. Of course, you need to be able to handle sharing a bathroom and kitchen space with fellow travelers. Linens, a locker, parking, and Internet access are free. A nearby sister property, the Annex, shares the same check-in desk but features six private rooms with queen beds and one room with a double bed and private bath.

Awash in style and modern luxury yet firmly rooted in historic authenticity, this boutique hotel caters to the well-to-do with a taste for understated class. The rooms each have a canopy bed but are otherwise unique, from hand-stenciled wallpaper to a stunning free-standing glass shower in the sole room on the top floor. Communal spaces are equally impressive, including a library with an honor bar, a salon where afternoon wine and cheese are served, and a kitchen where the Euro-Continental breakfast is served each morning. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Offering both a view of the Ravenel Bridge and a free welcome drink (a Moxy-wide amenity that feels especially appropriate in Charleston), the 131-room Moxy is a high-spirited stay close to popular restaurants. Meals aren't included, but there's a full-service restaurant on the premises, as well as a podcast studio for guests who want to be heard beyond city limits.