As a Charleston local and new mom, I’m often asked which are the best family friendly hotels in Charleston, SC. While the area is filled with countless hotels to choose from, it’s hard to know which will best suit your family.
I have personally stayed at and toured each of these properties myself (I work in the hospitality industry in Charleston) so I can share first hand experience and insider information.
These are the best of the best, luxury or boutique hotels in Charleston that are great for families. I’m not sharing any of your typical chains here, but only the ones that offer a true Charleston experience.
Read on for my top picks for kid friendly hotels in Charleston! And, feel free to ask me any questions in the comments below!
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1. Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort
5757 Palm Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451
The Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes Resort is one of the best family friendly beach resorts in Charleston. It’s located on the Isle of Palms within the Wild Dunes gated community.
The hotel has spacious rooms with plenty of room for the kids to sleep and play. Our room had a king bed plus large sitting area with pullout sofa and desk. There’s plenty of room for a crib, pack n play, and our favorite slumber pod!
The best part is the large pool area with multiple pools, fire pit for cool evenings, and kid-friendly dining options. Plus, there is a spa onsite for when mom needs a break!
You will be steps away from the beach with resort amenities like beach chairs and umbrellas available.
Throughout the resort area, you’ll find all types of great shops, restaurants, and ice cream shops for the kids.
2. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
1 Sanctuary Beach Dr, Kiawah Island, SC 29455
The Sanctuary is the Forbes 5 Star resort located within Kiawah Island Golf Resort. It’s a luxury hotel perfect for bringing the family along for a summer vacation.
Kiawah Island is surrounded by marshes, beaches, and a beautiful natural environment. The kids can enjoy spotting wildlife, roasting s’mores, and even arts & crafts.
The hotel features spacious rooms with balconies, adult and kid friendly pools, and convenient beach access. There are multiple restaurants on site, along with shops and activities.
The best part is the activities and recreation that the resort programs. Your kids will love some of the child-friendly excursions like Camp Kiawah, Kids Nights Out, and some of the fantastic nature programs.
HOW TO BOOK WITH VIP PERKS: if you reach out to me with your dates, we can help book your hotel (without any fees) and can get the best rate, plus perks like complimentary upgrades, free breakfast and resort credits. I’ll be happy to check hotels and rates for you with no strings attached!
3. Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina
20 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina is located right over the Ravenel Bridge in Mount Pleasant, a short 10 minute drive to downtown Charleson. It’s located in a prime spot along Charleston Harbor and is the only waterfront hotel this close to downtown.
The resort is comprised of two hotels, The Beach Club and the original Harborside Resort. Both make great options for families with their spacious accommodations and amenities.
At The Beach Club, you will want to book the Family Parlour Room which is a 750 square foot room designed with families in mind. It offers a king bed room with large sitting area, plus a separate bedroom with two twin beds. There is one bathroom with both a soaking tub for kids and walk in shower. You will love the balcony offering views of the Charleston skyline and harbor.
At Harborside, checkout the two bedroom Admiral Suite with two bedrooms and two full bathrooms. It has a spacious living area, balcony, and wet bar. It’s perfectly suited for groups and families.
The resort has multiple pools, a marina, spa, restaurants like Fish House and the Tiki Bar, plus plenty of activities for kids. Check out the mini Mariners camp to keep the kids entertained during your stay or book them a sailing lesson offered by the College of Charleston Sailing Association!
They’ll be talking about the trip for years to come as they look back on their childhood!
4. The Charleston Place
205 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401
The Charleston Place is an iconic luxury hotel in downtown Charleston. This 5-star property does allow kids so you can still enjoy a luxury experience in the heart of Charleston.
With rooms up to 1,000 square feet, there’s plenty of room for the whole family. I recommend booking a club level room so you have access to the VIP amenities like breakfast, afternoon tea and nightly cocktails in their two story private lounge.
The hotel features an indoor pool, one of my favorite spas in Charleston, a fine dining restaurant, chic cafe, and plenty of seasonal experiences.
At Christmas in Charleston, this hotel really shines as they go all out with immaculate decorations including their beloved train display. Be sure to catch the “snow” in Market Street Circle this time of year!
5. The Restoration
75 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401
The Restoration is my favorite boutique hotel option for families in Charleston. It’s located in a great spot downtown off of popular King Street.
I recommend this property for their apartment style rooms with full kitchens, living rooms and separate bedrooms. There are several to choose from, but it’s perfect for families looking for the home away from home feel. The spaces are charming with exposed brick, tall ceilings, and wood floors.
You’ll also love their rooftop restaurant, The Watch, and the cozy lobby living room with fireplaces! It’s steps from everything to see and do in Charleston making it so convenient for sightseeing with the whole family.
6. Mills House Hotel
115 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401
The Mills House is the famous all pink hotel in Charleston and is one of the most historic in the city. They recently underwent a huge renovation with all new rooms, an updated restaurant, and quaint coffee shop.
What makes it great for families and kids is the large outdoor pool, one of the only in downtown Charleston. Reserve a room right on the pool terrace so you can access it via your room’s private patio.
The hotel is in the heart of Charleston’s historic district so you’ll be steps away from the many attractions and restaurants in the area.
You will love dining at the Iron Rose room on the outdoor terrace that is so charmingly Charleston.
7. The Pinch Charleston
40 George St, Charleston, SC 29401
The Pinch is a newer boutique hotel located off of King Street near Marion Square and the College of Charleston. What makes it great for families is the large suites with kitchen, washer/dryer, and living areas.
The rooms at The Pinch offer multiple bedrooms and bathrooms along with their own living area to cook and relax after a busy day. I love that they have in-room laundry service so you can easily cater to any messes the kids might make.
With it’s prime location along King Street it’s great for sightseeing, shopping, and dining!
Onsite, you will find two amazing Charleston restaurants, Lowland Tavern and The Quinte, led by James Beard Award winning chef, Jason Stanhope.
Checkout these posts on Charleston to keep planning!
Hi, I was reading your hotel recommendations, I am heading to Charleston on March 21st – 24th with my husband and almost 5 year old daughter and was wondering why the Emeline didn’t make the cut for your suggestions. You of course know the city really well and I would genuinely appreciate your advice.
I do also like the look of the Pinch and the Restoration but neither had availability for the dates I am going.
Thanks in advance.
Natalie
Hi Natalie – great question! There are so many hotels in Charleston to choose from and many are great for families. I could definitely add several more hotels to the list!
This post was intended to look at some that are the most family friendly to help narrow down the vast number of options in Charleston. Hotels with more spacious rooms, number of beds, bathrooms with tubs, small kitchens, room for luggage, and amenities like pools, on-site dining, etc that make it easy for parents!
Emeline is a beautiful hotel and one I absolutely love. The hotel is an all King-bed property so they do not offer standard rooms with two beds and they are a little on the small side (especially if someone needs a crib/toddler bed). If you’re traveling with more than two people, you would definitely need to book a suite which would offer a King and sofa bed (or the premier suite has 2 king beds). That said, I think it would be a great option with a 5 year old and perfect location!
Anyways, I’ll definitely update this post to mention more hotels that meet varying needs and child ages. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.
If you’d like help booking your hotel, feel free to email me at lindsey@leisurelytravelco.com and I can help book you with my VIP perks like complimentary upgrades, free breakfast, resort credit and more.
Hope this helps!