The Best Hotels in Downtown Charleston, South Carolina
Lodging in this charming Southeastern city is as easy as pie once you’ve combed through this select list, hand-picked to provide a dreamy selection of the best hotels downtown Charleston has to offer.
The Ryder Hotel
Hotel
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.
Meeting Street Inn, for sybaritic soaking
Inn
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.
Emeline, for thoughtful luxury
Hotel
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 Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel, for exceptional views
Hotel
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.
Planters Inn, for quintessential Southern style
Independent Hotel, Bed and Breakfast, Inn
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.
The Restoration, for a home-from-home feel
Boutique Hotel, Independent Hotel, Luxury
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.
Francis Marion Hotel, for a postcard-perfect location
Hotel
Belmond Charleston Place, for intricate interiors
Hotel
The Vendue, for boutique cool
Hotel
Andrew Pinckney Inn, for a homely welcome
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French Quarter Inn, for a quiet stay
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Nick Dauk contributed additional reporting to this article.
For some luxury options, check out the best boutique hotels in Charleston, South Carolina, bookable with Culture Trip.