When travelers think of Charleston, they often think of its rich history, charm, and Southern hospitality. But when it comes to finding your perfect home away from home, you'll be surprised by the sheer diversity of hotels on offer.
From grand historic mansions converted into luxurious stays to modern waterfront havens, Charleston boasts a diverse range of accommodations ready to whisk you away on a Southern dream vacation. To help you find the perfect place to stay, we've compiled a list of the 16 best hotels in Charleston.
1. 86 Cannon Historic Inn
Staying at 86 Cannon Historic Inn is worth every dollar you spend. It's not easy to blend modern design with genuine historic charm, but 86 Cannon has done it perfectly.
With only seven rooms, the service is attentive and personalized. Even when the inn is fully booked, you can still find a peaceful spot to relax on the verandas, garden patio, or in the cozy attic library, which features a fully stocked honor bar and a growing collection of books.
2. Planters Inn
Couples choosing Charleston for their honeymoon destination often opt for a luxurious stay at Planters Inn. The inn's interior exudes a sense of peace and refinement, reminiscent of a wealthy Southern home for an extended visit.
Each suite opens onto an L-shaped veranda that overlooks a serene inner courtyard. You'll find wrought iron deck furniture in each room, perfect for enjoying a glass of wine or an Old Fashioned in the early evening while observing the ceremonial lighting of copper lanterns below.
3. The Dewberry Charleston
Perched above leafy Marion Square, The Dewberry is a mid-20th-century boutique hotel in Charleston, nestled within the historic Mendell Rivers Federal building. Offering luxurious suites and renowned dining options, this hotel has it all.
And don’t miss the breathtaking sunset views from the chic rooftop cocktail lounge, Citrus Club, where you enjoy delectable dishes such as warm blue crab dip, fish fritters with mango sauce, and crispy piña colada shrimp.
4. The Charleston Place
Over the past 30 years, The Charleston Place has become a luxurious gathering spot for locals. People enjoy strolling through its lobby to see seasonal displays, having drinks at the Thoroughbred Lounge, or marking special occasions, even if they're not staying overnight.
This place boasts some of Charleston's finest restaurants like Palmetto Café and Charleston Grill, where you can enjoy live jazz and get expert wine advice. You can also find tapas at the nearby Thoroughbred Club or visit the Meeting at Market sports bar.
5. The Vendue
A group of old warehouses from 1780 were combined to create this big, colorful boutique hotel Charleston. To know, there's no usual check-in desk here. Instead, The Vendue does things differently.
You can check in from afar using your phone as a key and go straight to your room. You'll be taken to seating areas under extravagant chandeliers for a relaxed check-in process, almost like something out of Alice in Wonderland. Also, across the street, there's more to explore.
6. The Restoration
If you're wondering why you should stay at The Restoration, here are some great reasons: spacious rooms with exposed brick walls, big kitchens, interesting photography, high-quality fixtures, and awesome views during the rooftop happy hour.
Pick the Signature Suite at this Charleston boutique hotels newest addition, you'll get even more. This suite is 750 square feet and has a large living room, a kitchen, one and a half bathrooms, and a king-size bed.
7. Hotel Bennett
There are plenty of cool hotels in Charleston SC to choose from when you're visiting and checking off your to-do list. One great option is Hotel Bennett. It's right next to a park and faces King Street, a big shopping area.
What makes it special? Well, you can book your private cabana by the rooftop pool with an L-shaped sofa, and a minibar. Plus, you get a view of the harbor and the shipping channel – pretty awesome, right?
8. The Pinch
Why should you book The Pinch? Well, it's right in the heart of King Street, which is famous for its trendy shops, wine bars, palm trees, and beautiful storefronts.
At this boutique hotels Charleston, you can pick from 25 different rooms, lofts, suites, and a few places for longer stays. The bigger suites are ideal if you're traveling with family or friends and want to relax in the living room or cook in the spacious kitchen.
9. The Loutrel
Early birds often grab their morning coffee at The Loutrel's rooftop terrace to catch the sunrise over a slice of the harbor. During the day, you can relax on comfy wicker chairs with a book from the Clubroom library, and enjoy a sunset cocktail in the evening.
The rooms at this cool Charleston hotels are clean, modern, and roomy, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and double-paneled curtains. For the best view, consider requesting a room on an upper floor facing south that overlooks Charleston’s historic skyline.
10. Emeline
Take your time to explore every corner at the Emeline. Check out the circular iron staircase leading up to a balcony with a view of the entry. Down in the lobby, you'll find the "Keep Shop" filled with carefully chosen local treasures.
Don't overlook the hallway between the kitchen and bar, where you'll discover artistic details like a wall hanging made from deconstructed skateboards. Take a moment at the kitchen viewing window to watch the chefs hand-pull fresh mozzarella.
11. The Lindy Renaissance Charleston Hotel
Fitness freaks at The Lindy's will love the small gym equipped with cardio machines and free weights, perfect for burning off those biscuits and hand pies.
But the highlight is the rooftop saltwater pool, heated and outdoors, where you can relax on comfy sofas and chaise longues. Despite its central location downtown, it's tucked away on a quieter cross street, giving it a secluded feel even though it's right in the heart of everything.
12. 20 South Battery
Patrons into HBO's "Gilded Age" series can now actually live out some of that lavish lifestyle at 20 South Battery. The mansion was built in 1843 before the Civil War shook things up.
But what makes it stand out are the fancy upgrades added after the war, giving it this over-the-top, but oh-so-charming, look. You snuggle up with a Charles Dickens novel on a plush velvet couch in the fifth-floor library, while the cool harbor breezes flow in through the open windows.
13. HarbourView Inn
At HarbourView Inn, you can see all the action from the lobby and rooftop terrace. Watch kids having fun in the fountain, people making sweetgrass baskets on the pier, and folks enjoying water activities like windsurfing, paragliding, and sailing in the harbor.
The whole hotel got a makeover in 2021, so if you've stayed here before, you'll notice the rooms are all spruced up. Treat yourself to a cocktail and head up to the rooftop terrace to catch the sunset behind the Holy City skyline.
14. The Inn at Middleton Place
Even though The Inn at Middleton Place is near the city, it feels like it's in a different world. It might not be super high-tech, but that's not what it's about. If you come with the right attitude, you'll adore this place.
It's all about tranquility, beautiful gardens, being close to nature, and enjoying activities like kayaking and biking. You can relax in hammocks hanging between oak and magnolia trees, and enjoy a hearty Southern breakfast.
15. John Rutledge House Inn
The best hotel location in Charleston SC offering a classic and elegant stay filled with history, is the John Rutledge House Inn. This impressive home was built in 1763 by John Rutledge as a gift for his 19-year-old bride.
Just because you're staying in a centuries-old house doesn't mean you have to sleep on an old-fashioned mattress. Here, you'll enjoy the comfort of Tempur-Pedic mattresses while still appreciating the timeless style of period cotton throws.
16. Zero George
Plenty of nice hotels in Charleston SC, but Zero George stands out as a haven for those who dream of owning a chic, historic home in the city's charming peninsula area.
Its 16 rooms boast a refined, understated design featuring soothing colors like cream, gray, and sage, free from any gaudy décor. The garden suites are especially charming, with lovely heart pine floors and traditional woodwork. A worthwhile choice for your South Carolina vacation stay.
