The Best Hotels to Book in Charleston's Historic District
A city steeped in history, Charleston is best known for its cobblestone streets, grand mansions and stunning harbor, but a big part of the allure is also the unrivaled Southern hospitality. We’ve rounded up the best places to stay in the Charleston Historic District that are sure to showcase the charm of the Holy City – bookable on Culture Trip.
1. 20 South Battery, for Southern delights
Hotel
Built in 1843 as a private mansion, 20 South Battery – a luxury boutique hotel in the Historic District – oozes Southern charm. The grand spiral staircase, original marble floors and rare antiques – some dating back to the 1500s – will transport guests back in time. Enjoy the nightly wine and cheese reception from a rocking chair on the front porch – a favorite Southern pastime.
2. Wentworth Mansion, for luxurious decor
Independent Hotel, Luxury
Wentworth Mansion is a tribute to the gilded age of Charleston, decorated with Italian crystal chandeliers, hand-carved marble fireplaces and Tiffany stained glass. The spa – located in the original stables – is a marvel featuring vaulted ceilings, exposed brick and rustic wood beams. Don’t miss a complimentary full Southern breakfast each morning before heading out to explore the city.
3. Market Pavilion Hotel, for fine hospitality
Hotel
A grand dame near the waterfront, Market Pavilion Hotel offers Southern hospitality at its finest. The rooms have mahogany beds and Italian marble baths with Hermes toiletries. Book the terrace suite for unrivaled city views and a huge bathroom with a hot tub.
5. Charleston Place, for the infinity pool
Hotel
6. HarbourView Inn, for a night in by the fire
Boutique Hotel
With a harbor view from the private balcony, a cozy fireplace and craft cocktails delivered right to the door, you might not want to leave your room at HarbourView Inn. However, the location and complimentary bikes make it a great base to explore King Street, the City Market and nearby historic mansions.
7. The Francis Marion Hotel, for memorable Southern cuisine
Hotel
8. The Spectator Hotel, for delectable cocktails and a step back in time
Independent Hotel
The Jazz Age meets the Old South at the Spectator Hotel. The art deco speakeasy is a local hotspot and serves up Prohibition-inspired cocktails with Southern flair. Order a sloe gin fizz, find a 1920s-style scalloped-back velvet chair and sit back and enjoy the Charleston nightlife.
9. Planters Inn, for stunning suites
Independent Hotel, Bed and Breakfast, Inn
Built in 1844, the iconic Planters Inn is the only Relais and Châteaux hotel in South Carolina. Book the St Philip suite – a private pied-à-terre with exposed brick walls and arched doorways. An iconic mural by local artist David Boatwright is the centerpiece of the open-plan living area.
10. The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel, for downtown views
Hotel
The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel, located on Museum Mile, is quintessential Charleston with its pastel-pink facade and intricate wrought-iron front balcony. The rooms on the second-floor pool deck open to private terraces with views of downtown. The famous 200-year-old City Market is a short walk from the property, featuring food vendors and artisan stalls selling crafts and souvenirs.
11. Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston, for art lovers
Hotel
The Grand Bohemian Hotel has an art collection that rivals some museums. With items sourced from all over the globe, the gallery features bold works of fine art available for purchase. When your art acquisitions are complete, it’s time to play winemaker. For a unique experience, sign up for a class and learn how to create original blends that come complete with personalized labels.
12. Fulton Lane Inn, for breakfast in bed
Inn
Originally built as a YMCA in 1889, the Fulton Lane Inn occupies two restored historic buildings accessed via a narrow brick passage just off King Street. Fancy a complimentary breakfast in a canopied bed? Fulton Lane Inn has you covered. For a perfect evening in, book a room with an antique fireplace and whirlpool bath for two.
13. Zero George, for chef-assisted cooking classes
Boutique Hotel
Zero George – a cluster of restored historic buildings surrounding a hidden courtyard – is a foodie’s dream come true. This luxe boutique hotel doubles as a cooking school, hosting classes in the 19th-century carriage house kitchen. Led by a Zero George chef, guests are bound to pick up a Southern recipe or two. Not an aspiring gourmet? No problem – the in-room Nespresso machines and Malin + Goetz bath products should keep you happy.
14. Andrew Pinckney Inn, for a unique design esthetic
Hotel
15. The Vendue, for historic fine art
Hotel
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.