When looking for the best destinations in the United States, Charleston is on many lists. It has been voted one of the best cities in America, and there is always plenty to do and see in the coastal city.
In between the great restaurants and breweries, fantastic shopping, and walks under Spanish Moss, you are going to need a place to rest your head. There are many hotels in Charleston, but only a few can call themselves the best hotels in Charleston.
From full resorts, business hotels, to historic hotels to spend a romantic weekend in South Carolina, here are our favorite places to stay in Charleston.
Best Hotels in Charleston SC
The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina
- Address: 20 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant (GPS)
- Booking.com
If you’re looking for something a little more beachy that’s not located right in the middle of the city, this beach club accommodation in nearby Mount Pleasant is a fun place to stay.
Not only will you get incredible first-rate service, but you’ll also have access to a range of amenities including free Wi-Fi, an outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub, sun terrace, gift shop and a complimentary trolley to the beach on Sullivan’s Island.
Your guest room comes equipped with cable television and air-conditioning and there are several eateries on-site including two bars and a seafood restaurant.
Nearby you’ll find many top attractions including the Cold War Submarine Memorial and USS Yorktown State Park.
Harbourview Inn
- Address: 2 Vendue Range, Charleston (GPS)
- Booking.com
Located in the city center of Charleston, Harbourview Inn features lovely views of the city’s harbor and a central location near many attractions including The Gibbes Museum of Art and The South Carolina Aquarium. Harbourview Inn is rated one of the best hotels in the United States by TripAdvisor!
This luxury boutique property has everything a leisure or business traveler needs for convenience and comfort including a 24-hour business center, valet laundry service and guest rooms equipped with a flat-screen television, free Wi-Fi and a mini-fridge.
You’ll find luxury amenities here like modern tile bathrooms, rainfall showers, and several guest rooms offering outdoor balconies with scenic views of Concord Street.
Complimentary snacks, iced tea and coffee are served in the lobby and the hotel hosts a free wine and cheese social every afternoon. Other amenities include bicycles for borrowing, access to a private fitness studio, and afternoon chacuterie. Make sure to inquire about the rooftop skyline tour!
The Iris
- Address: 84 Line St, Charleston (GPS)
- Booking.com
Located in an amazing location right in the center of downtown Charleston, The Iris is a chic hotel within walking distance of many of the city’s popular attractions including Harmon Field, Charleston Museum, Marion Square and The Citadel Archives and Museum.
On-site you’ll find a lovely terrace and complimentary Wi-Fi service is available. If space isn’t an issue, one of the cozy basic rooms will suffice with amenities like air conditioning and flat-screen television.
If you want more space, upgrade to one of the rooms that have an extra seating area.
The Charleston Place
- Address: 205 Meeting St, Charleston (GPS)
- Booking.com
When it comes to amenities at The Charleston Place, it’s hard to know where to start because there are so many! First of all, there are indoor and outdoor saltwater swimming pools so you can take a refreshing dip any time of year.
Then there’s the fitness center so you can always keep up with your exercise routine and the retail shops where you can find the perfect gift to take back home. With three full-service restaurants, including The Charleston Grill featuring live jazz music, there’s no need to leave the hotel in search of something to eat.
You have four places to choose from for evening drinks including a rooftop bar and when you prefer to relax after a long day, the spa is the place to be. Bathrobes, free Wi-Fi and cable television are just some of the amenities you’ll find in the rooms.
The location, which is only minutes away from the Charleston Historic District, is another highlight of this property.
Andrew Pinckney Inn
- Address: 40 Pinckney St, Charleston (GPS)
- Booking.com
When it comes to luxury amenities, the historic Andrew Pinckney Inn has you covered with valet parking, concierge service and chic rooms equipped with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen television, luxury toiletries and a seating area.
At this boutique property, your complimentary breakfast is enjoyed on a lovely rooftop terrace and you can book nearby experiences, including carriage tours, right on-site. The location is central, too. Waterfront Park, Charleston City Market, Washington Square and a popular shopping area are only minutes away.
Hotel Bennett Charleston
- Address: 404 King St, Charleston (GPS)
- Booking.com
Situated in a central location close to many of Charleston’s top attractions, including the Charleston Museum, South Carolina Aquarium and Marion Square, Hotel Bennett Charleston is a great choice for accommodations in the city.
Some of the top amenities at this property include an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant, a gym and a bar. You’ll also have access to 24-hour reception service, room service, on-site parking and complimentary Wi-Fi.
In your room, you’ll find a sitting area, satellite television, a safe, coffee and tea facilities and bathrobes and slippers. Some rooms have a patio while some have views of the city.
Hotel Emeline
- Address: 181 Church St, Charleston (GPS)
- Booking.com
Hotel Emeline is said to be one of the most luxurious places to stay in this South Carolina city and judging by the amenities you’ll find on-site, that’s probably pretty close to the truth!
With a gourmet seafood restaurant, a courtyard bar and lounge area, a café, a fitness center and a bicycle rental service with a side of Southern hospitality, this property has it all! And the rooms? They’re air-conditioned with plush bathrobes and safes. Even the location is fantastic!
In less than 20 minutes, you can walk to some of the city’s top attractions including Charleston Waterfront Park, South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston Museum and Marion Square.
Market Pavilion Hotel
- Address: 225 E Bay St, Charleston (GPS)
- Booking.com
Market Pavilion Hotel is a 4-star property located in downtown Charleston only a short walk away from top attractions including Charleston City Market, Waterfront Park, The French Quarter and the King Street shopping area.
On-site, you’ll find many amenities including a beautiful rooftop pool and two restaurants including a steakhouse and rooftop terrace.
The guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen television and sitting area but you can also upgrade to a room with extras such as a marble bath and concierge service.
The Dewberry Charleston
- Address: 334 Meeting St, Charleston (GPS)
- Booking.com
The rooms at The Dewberry Charleston are exquisite with floor-to-ceiling windows, marble finishings, minibars and plush slippers. When you stay at this boutique property, you’ll also have access to a fabulous restaurant, a cocktail bar, a luxurious spa, a library and a fitness center.
With these amenities, you may not want to venture outside but if you do, be assured that many attractions are within walking distance including The Charleston Museum, Charleston Farmers Market and the South Carolina Aquarium.
Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston, Autograph Collection
- Address: 55 Wentworth St, Charleston (GPS)
- Booking.com
Upon arrival at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston, you’ll receive a warm welcome and a complimentary glass of champagne.
This pet-friendly hotel in Charleston’s Historic District features a sought-after amenity known as the Grand Bohemian Gallery which houses artworks by artists from around the world.
Also on-site are a rooftop restaurant, a library and a business center. The fully-equipped guest rooms feature cable television, free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. If you’re interested in seeing some of the top local attractions, you won’t have to walk very far as Waterfront Park, Marion Square and so much more are only minutes away.
The Restoration Hotel
- Address: 75 Wentworth St, Charleston (GPS)
- Booking.com
When you stay at The Restoration Hotel, you won’t need to walk far to reach some of the top attractions in Charleston including Charleston City Market and the restaurants and shops of the Charleston Historic District.
After a long day of exploring this lovely city, you’ll retreat to a spacious, comfortable suite equipped with a flat-screen television, iPod docking station and kitchenette. Some suites also have laundry facilities.
On-site, you’ll find a relaxing spa and a rooftop bar and grill that serves a gourmet breakfast each morning. On some evenings, you can attend a wine and cheese social hosted by the hotel.
Brand Name Hotels in Charleston
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charleston Mount Pleasant
- Address: 245 Magrath Darby Blvd, Mt Pleasant (GPS)
- Booking.com
At the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charleston in the Mount Pleasant district, you’ll enjoy pet-friendly, air-conditioned accommodations with free on-site parking and Wi-Fi but the amenities don’t end there!
Dine on a delicious complimentary breakfast before going for a refreshing swim in the outdoor swimming pool or catching up on your fitness routine at the on-site gym. Kick back in your comfortable room which features a flat-screen television, fridge, coffee and tea facilities, microwave and seating area.
Check out some of the top attractions that are located only a few minutes away including the USS Yorktown State Park, Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum and the Cold War Submarine Memorial.
Tru By Hilton Mt Pleasant Charleston
- Address: 1651 Midtown Ave, Mt Pleasant (GPS)
- Booking.com
If you’re looking for a place to spend the night where your dog can also join you, this hotel is the place for you.
Not only will you enjoy a wholesome buffet breakfast each morning, but you’ll also enjoy access to a swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, on-site parking, 24-hour front desk service and comfortable guest rooms.
Tru By Hilton Charleston Ashley Phosphate, Sc
- Address: 2475 Prospect Dr, North Charleston (GPS)
- Booking.com
When you stay at this property in the North Charleston neighborhood, your pet is welcome to stay with you and you can park your car for free on-site. A reception desk is there for your needs 24 hours a day and you can access free Wi-Fi service all over the hotel.
Keep fit with a trip to the on-site fitness center and when the weather is warm, take a swim in the outdoor pool. Enjoy a central location only 15 minutes from the international airport and 30 minutes from the heart of downtown.
Retreat to a cozy room equipped with a television and fridge. Don’t have time to go searching for a place to have a quick breakfast before starting your day? No worries! A complimentary buffet breakfast is served at the hotel each morning.
North Charleston Marriott
- Address: 4770 Goer Dr, North Charleston (GPS)
- Booking.com
The North Charleston Marriott has everything you need for comfort and enjoyment during a stay in the Charleston area. Whether you want to take a dip in the outdoor pool, dine at the on-site restaurant, sip on local craft beer at the bar, exercise in the gym or catch up on work at the business center, there’s always something to do!
The air-conditioned guest rooms feature free Wi-Fi service, cable television and coffee and tea facilities and a complimentary airport shuttle service is available.
Town & Country Inn and Suites
- Address: 2008 Savannah Hwy, Charleston (GPS)
- Booking.com
Town & Country Inn and Suites is a centrally-located hotel only seven miles from the international airport. The property offers round-the-clock reception service so you can get assistance any time of the day or night.
Enjoy a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant and swim laps in the outdoor pool on warm days.
At the end of the day, escape to your cozy guest room equipped with air conditioning, cable television and a comfortable sitting area.
Staybridge Suites – Charleston – Mount Pleasant, an IHG Hotel
- Address: 251 Sessions Way, Mt Pleasant (GPS)
- Booking.com
A seasonal outdoor pool, a fitness center, a lounge and BBQ facilities are just some of the fantastic amenities you’ll find at this centrally-located hotel in Charleston. On-site, you’ll also find free parking, free Wi-Fi, a sun terrace and comfortable rooms equipped with air conditioning, cable television and a safe.
Some rooms also have a full kitchen with dishwasher, microwave and refrigerator. Each morning, you can choose between a buffet or an American breakfast.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Harbor Mt. Pleasant
- Address: 100 Ferry Wharf Rd, Mt Pleasant (GPS)
- Booking.com
When you wake up at this lovely 3-star property, you wake up to a delicious, full American breakfast. Care for a refreshing dip in an outdoor swimming pool? How about a delicious meal or a vigorous workout in a fully-equipped fitness center?
Or maybe you just want to relax in a cozy room equipped with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a seating area, television, kitchenette and dining area.
Still looking for more? Upgrade your room to one that includes a balcony to complete your perfect stay in Charleston.
SpringHill Suites By Marriott Charleston Airport & Convention Center
- Address: 3454 W Montague Ave, North Charleston (GPS)
- Booking.com
If proximity to the airport is a top priority for you, one of the best places to stay is the SpringHill Suites By Marriott Charleston Airport & Convention Center where you’ll find a range of amenities and services to suit your needs.
On-site, you’ll find a swimming pool, a fitness center and a bar and lounge. Free Wi-Fi and on-site parking are also available and you’ll have access to 24-hour reception service.
The air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with a sitting area and television and, in the morning, you’ll have a choice between a lavish buffet or American breakfast.
Hampton Inn Charleston North
- Address: 7424 Northside Dr, North Charleston (GPS)
- Booking.com
When you stay at the Hampton Inn Charleston North, you’ll have access to all the amenities you’d expect in a high-end property but without the high-end prices!
Enjoy access to an outdoor swimming pool, free on-site parking, 24-hour front desk service, a fitness center and air-conditioned guest rooms equipped with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen television, a microwave and a refrigerator.
Be sure to grab something from the complimentary hot breakfast before heading out for the day’s adventure!
Fun Charleston Tours and Excursions
- Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour
- Daytime Horse-Drawn Carriage Sightseeing Tour of Historic Charleston
- Charleston Harbor History Day-Time or Sunset Boat Cruise
- Ghosts of Charleston Night-Time Walking Tour
- Charleston Marsh Eco Boat Cruise
- Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
- Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour
- Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
- Charleston Harbor Sunset Cruise
- Magnolia Plantation Admission & Tour
Charleston Restaraunt Recommendations
- The Grocery ($$$): Freshly inspired dishes that are great for a nice evening out.
- Lewis Barbeque ($$): Some of the best bbq in Charleston (and that’s saying something!)
- Husk ($$$): Try the “husk” puppies and shrimp ‘n grits – they will not disappoint!
TRAVEL MORE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
We hope this guide of the best hotels in Charleston helped you find the perfect place to stay. For more of our travel guides around South Carolina check out the articles below.
