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Experience Southern hospitality when you stay at the best hotels in Charleston SC

This South Carolina city is the best destination for those seeking a charming stay and a cozy getaway.

Published May 16, 2024
4 min. reading time
Charleston
Photo: TOWN Carolina

Nestled along the serene coastline of South Carolina, Charleston offers an irresistible blend of historic charm, vibrant culture and undeniable hospitality

Famous for its cobblestone streets, pastel antebellum houses and blooming magnolia trees, the city casts a spell on visitors from the moment they arrive. 

That said, to make your visit one to remember, you’ll have to stay in the top hotels in Charleston SC. From top luxury hotels Charleston SC has to offer to the best hotels in downtown Charleston SC, we’re listing the best accommodation options to suit every taste and preference. 

Ready to experience the Southern charm?

Read more: Shop top toiletry bags for all your necessities

Browse Charleston's best hotels

Hotel Bennett Charleston room
A luxury stay
Hotel Bennett Charleston
The Vendue, Downtown Art Hotel
For art enthusiasts
The Vendue, Downtown Art Hotel
Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina room
A waterfront stay
Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina
Hotel Bella Grace room
Best for exploring
Hotel Bella Grace

A luxury stay

For a luxury hotel with a mid-century modern feel, book your stay at Hotel Bennett Charleston. Just a four-minute walk from Charleston Museum, this five-star hotel has lavish rooftop views, an urban spa and fresh pastries that will instantly transport you to Paris.

Paying homage to the former city library once residing in the hotel building, Hotel Bennett boasts 386 bookcases in their hotel rooms with every room storing different sets of books. Remnants of its former library exterior featuring the iconic gray-pink marble bar and tabletops in Camellias also remain on display.

Pro tip: Book their King suite and indulge in their private rooftop pool, a comfy living room and a fully-stocked mini bar.

For art enthusiasts

Located in the French Quarter and just five minutes walk away from Charleston City Market and the Waterfront Park lies The Vendue — a hotel designed with art installation and a rooftop bar.

With a 200-piece rotating art exhibition on-site, The Vendue takes pride in showcasing its history through priced paintings. When it comes to resting, each room embodies a modern design aesthetic with corners that are made for photo-worthy captures.

The Vendue art installation
Photo: Booking.com

Guests can even enjoy a free bike hire to explore the town of Charleston.

Did we also mention that they serve free milk and cookies during every nightly turn-down service? How much more homey can it get?

A waterfront stay

Tucked in the peaceful waterfront of Mount Pleasant, Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina offers coastal chic accommodations and plenty of recreational activities by the marina.

With access to a private beach, indulge in a game of volleyball, ladder golf, or cornhole or gather around one of the many fire pits available on site. If you stay during the right season, you’ll even get to enjoy their synthetic ice skating rink.

Want a unique way of exploring the city? Take the Charleston Water Taxi from their marina to downtown for a day of shopping, dining and entertainment.

Best for exploring

This Charleston hotel is perfect for those who are looking for accessibility. Nestled close to the College of Charleston and Charleston City Market, Hotel Bella Grace provides a free grocery shopping service on top of easy access to Upper King Street for a vibrant dining and shopping scene. 

Treat yourself to a dining experience at Delaney House Oyster Bar, a seafood-focused restaurant and raw bar that serves fresh, sustainable seafood in a casual-chic atmosphere.

When it comes to a good night's sleep, Hotel Bella Grace uses hypo-allergenic bedding, pillowtop mattresses and down comforters for guaranteed comfort.

They even have a fitness center for those who are looking to keep fit while on vacation

A boutique experience

Built in 1843 as a private mansion with a carriage house, 20 South Battery has undergone a multi-million dollar restoration resulting in a grand but intimate eleven-room boutique hotel. 

The building also features unique and rare antiques from all over the world and various time periods dating back to the 1500s. Each room combines regional and contemporary aesthetics so that you can experience history in modern luxury accommodations. 

You’ll also love to know that during your stay at 20 South Battery, you’ll be pampered with high-end bedding and deluxe bath products.

A pet-friendly stay

For the best hotel in Charleston SC that's pet-friendly, stay at Hotel Emeline. Not only can your pooch stay with a cleaning fee of $200 per stay, but they'll also welcome them with a custom-made dog treat by their in-house pastry chef, and they provide a dog mat, a bowl and a comfy bed.

Your four-legged buddy won’t be the only one getting pampered. Hotel Emeline’s room and suites feature custom embroidered linens with satin trim and plush 100% cotton towels from Matouk, down and hypoallergenic pillows as well as embroidered spa robes.

Frannie & The Fox restaurant
Photo: Booking.com

Enjoy a cozy outdoor dining experience by their fireplace at Frannie & The Fox or quench your thirst at The Den, famously known for its hand-shaken martinis, bubbly champagne and Italian-inspired shareable plates.

FAQs

The best Charleston hotels revealed

All the best hotels Charleston SC offers hold their own charm and we’re convinced you’ll get to enjoy a world-class treatment when staying at any of the hotels on our list. 

Hotel Bennett Charleston is definitely one of the best hotels in Charleston South Carolina and we highly recommend staying here if you’re looking for luxurious accommodation.

Another one of Charleston's best hotels is Hotel Emeline where even your four-legged best friend will get to enjoy five-star treatment.

Need a weekend getaway in the United States? Make Charleston your next destination.


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Prices updated on 05/16/2024. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.

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Written by
Afina Najib

A journalism graduate from Curtin University, Afina Najib specializes in writing tech, finance, automotive and wellness content. Now residing in Kuala Lumpur, Afina spends her weekends hitting the gym or watching Formula 1 races.

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