Take it from someone born and raised in Charleston for all of the best hotels in Charleston and which area to base. I work in the tourism industry and live in downtown Charleston so I’ve got all the best insider information on where to stay in Charleston, SC. Today, I am sharing all about the best Charleston neighborhoods – why I love them, the top hotels, my favorite restaurants and things to do nearby.
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Where to Stay in Charleston, SC: Best Areas
First things first, let me give you the lay of the land. 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. That is where you will likely want to stay. Next, I will break down the two main downtown areas to focus for your trip to help you decide which best suits you. I’m also including a third budget friendly choice and the best beach resorts.
Option 1: Where to Stay in Charleston, SC
City Center near Marion Square and Upper King Street
I am starting with this area first because it’s where I would personally choose to stay (and I have stayed – hello, staycations!) If I haven’t stayed in these hotels, I have dined in the restaurants, drank at the bars, been to the spas, and had complete tours of every single one – perks of working in the tourism industry.
Here’s why you should stay in the city center (PS, no one really calls it that, but it’s the best way to describe it to you). It is the heart of Charleston. You will be right in the middle of everything in a short walking distance to almost anything (within 20 minutes or so to the furthest sites). This area is right along King Street where some of the best restaurants and shops are located. It’s more modern and not quite as touristy.
Stay here if you are in Charleston for the food, shopping, and nightlife! You will find newer and more modern hotel options along with trendy restaurants and cocktail bars! It’s a great choice especially if you have already been to Charleston before and spent time in the historic district.
Best Hotels in Charleston near Marion Square
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.
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.
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.
They have the most incredible restaurant onsite featuring a tasting menu in their super romantic dining room or outdoor patio. You can also opt to do a cooking class during lunch time!
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 is a really cool place to stay in Charleston with two incredible on site restaurants led by chef Jason Stanhope – The Quinte and Lowland Tavern!
Best Restaurants in the Upper King Street/Marion Square Area
- Chez Nous – intimate, french, super romantic
- Oku – sushi
- Halls Chophouse – steakhouse, gospel brunch on Sunday
- Felix – French bistro
- The Darling Oyster Bar – seafood and raw bar
- The Ordinary – best seafood
- Malagon – spanish
- Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits – for breakfast and late-night bites
- Lowland Tavern
- The Quinte
Nearby Things to Do in Charleston
- Charleston Museum
- South Carolina Aquarium
- Children’s Museum
- Shopping on King Street
- Aiken Rhett House Museum
- Bars + Nightlife
- International African American Museum (opening January 2023)
- College of Charleston
- Gaillard Center
Option 2: Where to Stay in Charleston, SC
Charleston’s Famed Historic District
My second recommendation is to stay in the true historic area also sometimes called the French Quarter by tourists, but locals do not really refer to it as that. This is an intimate area where the original city of Charleston began. You will find the Charleston City Market, cobblestone streets, Rainbow Row, and many historic sites. It is definitely more touristy, but there’s a reason for this – it’s incredibly charming! Highly recommend this area for your first visit.
Stay in this area if you are here for the historic tours & attractions and want to be in very close walking distance to all of them. Literally every street you turn on is oozing with charm and it’s a great place to get lost. You will find a classic Charleston experience that you’ll talk about for years to come.
Best Hotels in Charleston’s Historic District
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.
You will love the spa and rooftop pool, club-level suites, amazing restaurants, and luxury retail stores.
The Spectator
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.
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!
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! Also make reservation for dinner in the courtyard at Iron Rose.
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.
The Restoration
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. It is a really cool place to stay in town! Venture upstairs to their rooftop 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.
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??
Best Restaurants in Charleston’s Historic District
- 167 Raw + Bar 167
- Bin 152 (wine bar)
- Basic Kitchen (vegan friendly)
- Husk (amazing southern cuisine, by James Beard Winning chef, Sean Brock)
- SNOB (get the salmon salad at lunchtime)
- Miller’s All Day (breakfast)
- Magnolia’s (an iconic charleston restaurant, lowcountry cuisine)
- High Cotton
- Tempest
- Church and Union
- La Farfalle (italian, amazing pastas)
- Gingerline (new restaurant, peruvian style, trendy spot for cocktails)
- Fast and French
- The Peacock
Nearby Things to Do in Charleston’s Historic District
- Nathaniel Russell House
- Gibbes Museum of Art
- Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon (original custom house, one of 4 remaining structures where the US Constitution was ratified, George Washington attended parties here during his Southern Tour)
- Rainbow Row
- The Battery
- Waterfront Park
- Charleston City Market
- Walking Tours and Ghost Tours
- Shopping on Lower King Street
- Art Walk
Option 3: Where to Stay in Charleston, SC
Westside/Riverview Area – Budget Friendly + Water Views
Another option that is more budget friendly is the Charleston Riverview area that is along the Ashley River. It’s not directly in the historic area, but is a short 5 minute drive and has many great features. For one, you can have water views from your hotel room.
It is located close to the Charleston Riverdogs, The Citadel, and the Medical University of South Carolina so it’s a perfect option if you are visiting for those reasons. It’s also close to several wedding venues: Segra Club, Rice Mill, and Yacht Club so it would be convenient if you’re in town for a wedding.
Best Hotels in Charleston Westside:
Charleston Marriott
The Charleston Marriott is a full service hotel located right next to the Charleston Riverdogs stadium. It has everything you would expect from the Marriott brand, plus a stunning rooftop deck to watch sunset over the Ashley River.
Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Waterfront
Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Waterfront is located right along the Ashley River and marina. You can’t stay any closer to the water than this. Relax on their rooftop lounge for sunset so you can get one of the best views in Charleston.
If you are a Hilton Rewards member you can earn and use points staying here.
Nearby Things to Do:
- Charleston Riverdogs Baseball
- Citadel Military College of South Carolina
- Medical University of South Carolina
- VA Hospital
- Hampton Park
- Woodhouse Day Spa at West Edge
- City Marina
- Boat Tours
Walkable Restaurants from Charleston Westside
- Daps Breakfast and Imbibe (13 min walk)
- Bked Shop (donuts)
- Bon Bahn Mi (12 min walk)
- Fuel (pizza) (20 min walk)
- Xiao Bao Biscuit (amazing asian fusion) (20 min walk)
- Marina Variety Store (known for their breakfast)
- Harold’s Cabin (15 min walk)
Distance to Marion Square: 1.6 miles
Distance to Historic District: 2.2 miles
Option 4: Where to Stay in Charleston, SC
Charleston Beach Resorts
If you aren’t staying on the peninsula or want to do a little of both, I definitely recommend staying at our area beach resorts.
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is one of the best beach resorts in South Carolina. It is a luxury 5-star hotel along 10 miles of coastline with renowned golf courses, spa, world-class amenities, and endless recreation activities.
The island is stunning not only from the beach, but its diverse ecosystem including the Kiawah River and marshes which house various wildlife. Enjoy biking around the island to see the birds, alligators, dolphins, and sea turtles.
Distance from Downtown Charleston: 26 miles / 45 minute driving
Wild Dunes Resort
Wild Dunes Resort is located on Isle of Palms, about 15 miles north of Charleston. You can choose from all types of accommodations from vacation rentals, condos, and two luxury hotels.
The newest hotel is the Sweetgrass Inn and features contemporary guest rooms, large pool area with firepits, and an amazing spa! The spa is my favorite part – it has several treatment rooms, outdoor private veranda with cabanas and plunge pools. It’s a great place to relax all day with friends or as a couple.
Or you can choose the original hotel, The Boardwalk Inn, a AAA Four Diamond property located right along the beach with adult and child pools, amazing restaurant Coastal Provisions, and lively boardwalk.
Distance from Downtown Charleston: 16 miles, 30 minutes driving
Best Airbnbs in Downtown Charleston
Airbnb is only allowed to operate in a specific area of Charleston. So, these suggestions will all be concentrated on one portion of the peninsula. You will find all of these clustered along King Street in the Elliotborogh-Cannonborough area. They are closest to upper King Street and Marion Square. Great locations!
Map of Where to Stay in Charleston
Use this map to understand where the things I have suggested are located in relation to one another.
If you go to Charleston
Also, checkout these posts to plan the perfect getaway!
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