After staying in nearly all of Charleston's hotels, these are the only 10 places I ever book in the city
HarbourView Inn
- I've been reviewing Charleston hotels for years.
- My favorite places to stay range from large five-star hotels to intimate inns filled with character.
- Visit Insider's hub for travel guides, tips, and recommendations.
As part of my work as a travel writer with a focus on the South, I often review hotels and have stayed at or toured most of Charleston's hotels and inns over the last decade or so.
In the process, I've discovered and become impressed with the variety of accommodations, which range from grand buildings with a timeless ambiance to modern properties designed with contemporary style.
Since I'd always rather explore a city by foot, I tend to book Charleston hotels in the historic downtown (South of Broad) and neighboring French Quarter, Harleston Village, and Garden District neighborhoods. However, if you're a repeat visitor to Charleston and looking to venture further out, I suggest crossing the river to Patriots Point for a quieter stay by the waterfront. It's a delightful alternative to downtown.
Wherever you land, you won't go wrong with any of the 10 hotels listed below, which I've personally stayed in and would gladly book again and again.
The Spectator Hotel
The Spectator
Although The Spectator is one of the city's newer properties, the hotel celebrates the roaring twenties era. As a fan of the Jazz Age and its vintage aesthetic, I love how the lobby and adjacent living room mix Art Deco decor with leather sofas and velvet fabrics, a theme that is consistent throughout.
Guest rooms have retro light fittings and marble bathrooms that make me feel as if I'm stepping back in time while sipping a mint julep. It's the only hotel in town with the luxury perk of butler service, and although there isn't an on-site restaurant, its enviable location means that the best dining rooms on Market Street are easily walkable.
The Restoration Hotel
The Restoration
Charleston doesn't have many all-suite hotels aside from The Restoration, which stands out for its plum central location, and a design-forward aesthetic with reclaimed wooden beams and original brickwork. Guest suites feature polished floors, high-end linens, granite kitchenettes, and even come stocked with coffee grinders and ice cream in the freezer.
Amenities also include complimentary wine and cheese happy hours, free bike rentals, a rooftop pool, and organic body-scrub treatments in the spa. Don't miss the fried chicken biscuits at The Watch Rooftop Kitchen.
Zero George
Zero George
Three buildings dating back to 1804 make up this boutique bolthole in a peaceful residential spot overlooking Gadsdenboro Park. The rooms in Zero George feel contemporary while weaving in understated touches like marble countertops, handcrafted armoires, heart-pine floors, and high ceilings. But to me, the most charming aspect of the hotel is the shady piazzas where guests can sit and read.
The hotel's small size keeps things intimate and romantic, but for foodies, the hotel restaurant has a world-class kitchen overseen by chef Vinson Petrillo. People travel great distances to sample his seasonal tasting menus, so I'd advise booking early if you want to join them.
The Vendue
The Vendue
The Vendue, located in an 18th-century building, is a progressive art hotel with large abstract paintings and sculptures that loom over the marble-floored lobby. There's also a large gallery space with 300 pieces of art, comparable to any local museum.
The 84 rooms are evenly split between two buildings with many layout variations due to the historic construction. However, all have tastefully curated furniture and more original art. Its flagship restaurant, The Drawing Room, is complemented by a lovely rooftop bar that I think has some of the best river views in the city.
Planters Inn
The corner of Market and Meeting Streets is one of the most tourist-heavy spots in town, making Planters Inn even more impressive for its tranquil demeanor. The building dates back to 1844, and it's Charleston's only Relais and Chateaux luxury property.
A contemporary facade belies the Victorian interior design, and I'm always delighted by the portraits, period fireplaces, and antiques that line the lobby and public spaces. Likewise, thick velvet drapes and wooden four-poster beds in guest rooms evoke an elegant sense of sophistication. I always make sure to try a slice of the famous coconut cake served in the hotel's Peninsula Grill, a locally beloved fine-dining restaurant in its own right.
Hotel Bennett
Hotel Bennett
I'm not usually a huge fan of larger hotels, but it's hard not to be swayed by Hotel Bennett. Approaching the property for the first time, I was instantly charmed by the Venetian (Palladian, if you want to get specific) architecture and the large arched windows. I was even more impressed as I stepped inside, seeing the regal staircases and murals around a central rotunda. It's hard to believe this was once the city library.
The rooms also stand out with floral patterned carpets and huge oval bathtubs. You might need a few days to try all of the dining options, from the high-end New Orleanian menu of Gabrielle to the classic Mediterranean dishes at Fiat Lux, not to mention the Champagne bar and on-site patisserie.
Kris Tamburello
The Dewberry
This bold conversion of a historic federal building has resulted in an impressive reimagining of classic hospitality. The Dewberry's marble and brick bones were maintained while reinvigorating interiors with abstract art and hand-crafted midcentury modern furniture. It's a look that took owner John Dewberry eight years to create.
Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the guest rooms with sunlight, and there's a distinctly residential feel to the accommodations. Henrietta's is a well-loved local restaurant, not least due to its award-winning bar program. I'm also a fan of what is one of the few destination spas in the city, which incorporates local plants into treatments.
HarbourView Inn
HarbourView Inn
Although Charleston's downtown has ample charms, I like to make time for the city's waterfront at HarbourView Inn. The glimmering Charleston Waterfront Park in the foreground of the property is a welcoming sight, and from Patriot's Point, you can travel by water taxi for an added sense of glamour.
The property embraces its location with nautical maps and marine ephemera, and for the pick of the rooms, I always ask for one in the historic section of the hotel. They have better water views, plus original fixtures and exposed brickwork. The highlight, though, is the private rooftop bar where guests can sip a Sazerac as the sun goes down, or enjoy complimentary milk and cookies served every night at 9 p.m. on the terrace.
Emeline and Lindsay Shorter Photography
Emeline
A former DoubleTree hotel, Emeline is now one of the hippest properties in town. I've checked in to the sounds of a swinging Motown soundtrack while I sipped a welcome glass of punch, and was instantly charmed by the bohemian collection of taxidermy and assorted vintage curios.
Most amenities come from local artisans, from the light fittings to the vinyl library, from which you can borrow records to play on in-room turntables. Bold emerald greens and mustard yellows make for a striking color palette, and I can't get enough of the outstanding blue-crab fritters at the hotel's restaurant, Frannie and the Fox.
Andrew Pinckney Inn
It's near-impossible to miss Andrew Pinckney Inn with its vibrant yellow stucco exteriors positively beaming color out onto Pinckney Street. Its 19th-century buildings underwent a top-to-bottom refurbishment making it one of the best-value stays in town, in my opinion. The location doesn't hurt either, as it's set close to the 200-year old Charleston City Market.
If you're feeling extravagant, I recommend the St. Philip Suite with its cathedral view, exposed brickwork, and a stand-alone bathtub. Another guest highlight is access to the beautiful three-story atrium, and though there's no on-site restaurant, you're spoiled for choice within just a block of the inn.
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