Looking for the best place to stay in Charleston? You’ve come to the right place! Who better to ask about the best hotels in Charleston than a life long resident that works in the local tourism industry? I have either staycationed at these hotels, toured them extensively, dined at their restaurants or indulged at their spas!
I’m sharing about all of my favorite hotels in the city that I would recommend for my friends (YOU!). From luxury resorts to trendy boutique hotels to intimate bed and breakfasts, you are going to love these! We will talk all about each one so you can determine which fits your travel style best.
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The Best Hotels in Charleston, SC
Charleston, South Carolina is a city with rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant culinary scene. It’s no surprise that it’s a popular tourist destination. When it comes to finding accommodations in Charleston, there is no shortage of options. From charming bed and breakfasts to luxurious hotels, there is something for every type of traveler.
When choosing a hotel in Charleston, location is key. The best hotels are located in or near the historic district, which is where most of the city’s attractions, restaurants, and shops are located. Downtown Charleston is the heart of the city, and where most visitors choose to stay. This area is home to the historic district, which includes landmarks like the Battery, Waterfront Park, and Rainbow Row. It’s also where you’ll find some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and shops.
1. The Dewberry
Here in Charleston, buildings can not be any taller than the church steeples (we’re the holy city, after all). The Dewberry is one of the tallest at eight stories high with one of the best rooftop views in the city. It is styled in mid-century decor with a charming, modern edge to it. They even have their own floral print which you’ll find on the armoire in the rooms (I am obsessed with it). And speaking of the rooms, you’ll love the massive bathrooms with soaking tubs and marble everywhere.
The Living Room is one of my favorite cozy places for a cocktail or head upstairs to the Citrus Club for an incredible view over the city.
And no trip is complete without a visit to their intimate spa. The Dewberry has created their own heavenly scent which you’ll smell throughout from the soap, shampoo, to candles. My husband and I have started a tradition of going to their spa as our Christmas present each year! After, we enjoy cocktails and snacks at their rooftop!
I have stayed here several times and simply love it – for my wedding weekend and even over Christmas one year!
2. Zero George
Zero George is the most charming bed and breakfast style property. It is comprised of only 16 luxury suites throughout their several renovated historic buildings. It feels like you are staying at your Charleston friend’s house with the sweeping piazzas (porches) and twinkling gas burning lanterns.
Be sure to book a table at the restaurant – it is probably the closest spot in Charleston to a Michelin star meal! You will love their tasting menu and beverage pairings.
Zero George is perfect for romantic weekends, staycations, honeymoons, and even babymoons.
3. The Restoration
This boutique hotel is located in the heart of the historic district and features elegant and spacious rooms and suites. The hotel offers a rooftop bar, a spa, and a restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine.
The Restoration is one of my favorite hotels in Charleston for its apartment style suites that are super spacious. It’s a great option if you are traveling with kids because you can have a living/kitchen area and separate bedrooms.
The apartment style rooms feature high ceilings, multiple bed and baths, and full kitchen. These aren’t your typical hotel suites – think a true Charleston residence with heart pine floors and exposed brick throughout. Venture upstairs to their rooftop bar, The Watch, that features 360 degree views of Charleston and an extensive menu for lunch, happy hour, or dinner. Our family stayed here during our wedding weekend and returns here often.
4. Hotel Bennett
Hotel Bennett is located on King Street overlooking beautiful Marion Square. It’s incredibly elegant with its southern take on a grand European hotel. Enjoy luxury rooms and amenities, a spa, rooftop pool, all pink bar Camellias and take in the Charleston skyline at rooftop bar, Fiat Luxe.
The hotel features elegant rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, and a spa. The hotel also has several restaurants and bars, including a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city.
Leisurely tip: Be sure to make a reservation for high tea at Camellias months in advance!
5. The Pinch
The Pinch is a super trendy and new hotel located along King Street, close to Marion Square and College of Charleston. It’s a great place to stay if you will be in town for a week or longer. The rooms and suites all offer a king size bed, kitchen area, live plants, sonos speaker, in room washer/dryer, and more allowing you to have all the comforts of home.
It’s a great option for those traveling with kids so you have access to a kitchen and laundry! They have a large 2-bedroom suite with a king bed in one, queen in the other and large separate living space with kitchen, dining table, and tv area.
You will also want to check out the onsite restaurant, Quinte Oyster Bar, for fresh oyster, raw bar, and cocktails!
6. The Charleston Place
The Charleston Place is the most iconic hotel in Charleston that really put the city on the map from a tourism standpoint. It is classic luxury and will be undergoing renovations over the next few years as it becomes a bit more modern thanks to its new local owners.
Charleston Place is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of downtown Charleston. The hotel features elegant rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, and several restaurants and bars.
You will love the spa and rooftop pool, club-level suites, amazing restaurants, and luxury retail stores.
Leisurely tip: book the club level rooms for VVIP treatment!
7. The Spectator
The Spectator Hotel is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Charleston’s historic district. The hotel offers guests a personalized experience with only 41 rooms and suites. Each room is uniquely decorated with luxurious furnishings and modern amenities.
The Spectator has a 1920’s theme that gives it so much character. You will love the speakeasy lobby bar and the personal butler service in the rooms! It is one of the most romantic hotels so would be perfect for a couples getaway or Charleston honeymoon. The hotel is located off of the city market so it’s in a great location, too.
You will definitely want to stay here for a romantic getaway with your significant other!
8. The Loutrel
The Loutrel is one of the newest hotels in this area and has already won countless awards. When you walk in, the lobby feels like you have stepped on to a charming Charleston piazza (or porch). They have a great lobby bar, but also a fun rooftop putting you up close with the massive church steeples. The rooftop is a great venue to be used for weddings and other events. The rooms are beautiful and spacious with great views. You will also find large soaking tubs in some of the rooms!
Perfect for honeymoons, babymoons, and any weekend getaway.
9. Mills House Hotel
The Mills House Hotel has recently become a part of the Curio Collection of hotels and is receiving major updates. You will love the classic pink exterior and rooftop pool – making it perfect for a girls weekend!
The whole property has recently been renovated with a brand new coffee shop and trendy courtyard restaurant. The Iron Rose Room is the perfect spot for a group dinner and drinks!
I recommend this hotel for its amazing pool area and proximity to all the best things to see and do in historic Charleston!
10. Emeline
Emeline is conveniently located across the street from the Charleston City Market and the location could not be better. Recently renovated, this boutique hotel offers thoughtfully designed rooms with contemporary touches and amazing views of historic Charleston.
I especially love their onsite restaurant, Frannie and the Fox, set against a brick fireplace in their open air courtyard. Expect Italian options from their wood-fired oven and creative cocktails.
Perfect for couples, romantic getaways, or girls weekends.
11. The Palmetto
The Palmetto is the newest hotel to the scene in Charleston opening Spring 2023. It is located right on East Bay Street steps from some of the longest running restaurants in the city. You’ll be situated in Charleston’s famed historic district which is a short walk from the city market, waterfront, pineapple fountain, rainbow row, and the battery.
Does this scream girls weekend or what??
12. The Ryder
The Ryder is the perfect trendy hotel for a girls weekend or bachelorette party. It has an onsite pool bar with restaurant and cabanas that is perfect for a hot summer day. The rooms are spacious and the decor is minimalistic with light wood tones and pops of tropical prints.
You will love their bar and restaurant, Little Palm, which serves light bites and festive cocktails in a tropical setting! Be sure to bring your best resort wear.
Leisurely tip: reserve a cabana in advance to enjoy a day poolside!
Where to Stay in Charleston, SC
Charleston is a peninsula surrounded by two rivers – the Ashley River to the West and the Cooper River to the East. These rivers meet to form Charleston Harbor. The whole peninsula is only about 3 miles wide at its biggest part, so it’s fairly small and walkable!
Charleston as a county is actually a big area consisting of multiple beaches and popular suburbs like Mount Pleasant and North Charleston. However, most people when thinking of Charleston are talking about the historic district. If this is your first visit, I highly recommend staying in the historic district to be walking distance to all the charms of Charleston! Any of these hotels would make a fabulous choice.
No matter where you choose to stay in Charleston, you’re sure to be surrounded by beautiful architecture, delicious food, and Southern hospitality. We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your options and find the perfect hotel for your Charleston getaway.
Charleston Posts to Plan the Perfect Getaway
Read these to put the rest of your trip together! Feel free to ask me any questions in the comments or DM me on instagram @lindseycalhoun_
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