The Best Hotels in Downtown Charleston, South Carolina

Located in the heart of downtown Charleston, The Ryder Hotel, a Makeready Property, offers a laid-back, coastal experience. Designed to reflect the city’s vibrant energy, the hotel features thoughtfully curated rooms with modern, stylish decor. Guests can enjoy local flavors at the hotel’s bar and pool, or explore the nearby historic sites and lively dining scene. With a welcoming atmosphere and a focus on comfort and connection, The Ryder embodies Charleston’s spirit, making it an ideal base for both relaxation and adventure.

If you’re not quick enough to snag one of the six guest rooms in the historic part of the Meeting Street Inn, you won’t be sad for long. Stroll into the private garden courtyard for a dip in the jacuzzi to soak away your sorrows. Next, the Meeting Street Inn will give you something else to help– a glass of red wine with a luscious spread of cheeses. Once you finally arrive at your contemporary deluxe room, the cafe-style balcony will show you that modern is nothing to be mad about.

Where better than Emeline’s Traveler’s Suite to welcome you to the Holy City for the first time? This boutique Charleston hotel provides a private parlor and city views for the tasteful traveler who loves a dash of thoughtful luxury. A Vivreau Water Dispenser, Crosley turntable with custom Emeline vinyl, and a field guide to the city await you in your room. And whenever you must explore the city in style, ask the concierge to toss you the keys to the house Countryman Mini Cooper. It’s no horse and buggy, but it’ll give you a charming jaunt through Charleston all the same.

The poolside rooms at The Mills House are as relaxing as can be, but there’s just something about waking up and falling asleep to views of Charleston that we just can’t pass up. The city view room offers exceptional sights of the colorful rooftops and gardens nearby. The church steeples in the distance are dreamy, though we’ll admit that the allure of the poolside room’s wrought-iron balcony is also a delight. Thankfully, the latter can be admired while floating on the water.

At this coveted corner of Market and Meeting, you’ll watch from the Planters Inn window as Charleston’s present becomes its past. This historic boutique hotel in Charleston is refined with antiques and decorated in elegant Southern style. It’s nearly impossible to choose between the exquisite suites – how does one fairly compare the soaring ceilings of the Proprietor’s Suite, the plush reading room in the St Philip Suite, or the historic fireplace in the Governor’s Suite? By returning year after year to experience each one, of course.

Rub elbows with the residents of The Restoration, mixing and mingling over truffle fries at The Watch rooftop kitchen until you feel like a bonafide local. The signature suite will help you feel at home with its exposed-brick walls, wide windows, and custom local photography adorning the walls. Explore your new home on a complimentary bicycle or lean into the hotel vibes by taking advantage of the wine and cheese reception and late-night cookie buffet.

Virtually a stone’s throw from the beautiful College of Charleston campus on King Street, the Francis Marion Hotel could not be situated in a more picture-perfect area. The hotel’s bold veneer features its name, in honor of the Revolutionary War hero and guerrilla champion from South Carolina, Francis Marion. Classy furniture and a sleek lobby welcome guests upon check-in whilst a nice mix of local restaurants and shops sit close to the hotel. There is even an in-house Starbucks for any guests in a hurry.

Situated alongside the luxurious and upscale Shops at Charleston Place, the Belmond Hotel houses 320 deluxe rooms, 80 club-level rooms and 40 suites. Its interior is dazzling and dressed with intricate glass-work chandeliers, and the building possesses stunning balcony views of the city. Horse-drawn carriage rides and mansion tours depart nearby, whilst the Charleston Grill features nightly jazz music. The hotel is also just a half block from the ever-popular Historic Charleston City Market, a dynamic local cornerstone for handicrafts, artwork and more.

A large, inviting fireplace and vivid pieces of artwork blanket the inside of this boutique, art-inspired hotel. Classic Charleston palms are anchored in front of the hotel awnings, nearly flush with the street. The pristine Waterfront Park is just a block away. The staff are friendly and accommodating whilst the building itself dates back to 1785. After numerous renovations down the years, the Vendue has been more than able to please its guests while maintaining no end of charm. The latest renovations were completed very recently, ensuring a fresh feel in much of the building.

This hotel’s homegrown, low-country feel is brought to life with a brick-and-mortar-style lobby and pleasant, wood-crafted rafters. Located in the heart of the historic district, the pastel yellow building is awash with charm and exudes a welcoming ambiance. The amazing rooftop terrace equips guests with a perch from which to take in the city and its surrounding rooftops (and even Charleston Harbor). With hospitality that is unmatched, the physical work of the building goes hand in hand with its mission: to complement your stay in the beautiful, historic city of Charleston.

One of the best hotels in Charleston, the exceptional French Quarter Inn provides guests with complimentary wine and cheese during the afternoon and is within walking distance from just about every downtown attraction there is, yet not too far from the ocean shore to the east. This hotel is where you’ll find peace and quiet. Its interior is ornate with paintings and plush furniture, and the rooms are properly fitted with extremely comfortable bedding. Try to find a room with a balcony view here – it will most certainly be the cherry on top of an already delightful experience.