The Best Bed and Breakfasts to Book in Charleston, South Carolina

Who needs hotels when 86 Cannon offers a relaxed residential retreat close to the historic district? This 1860s-built Charleston bed and breakfast is an adults-only abode that blends hotel-like luxury with quiet, local living. Toast to new adventures with champagne on arrival, then mingle with others at the wine and cheese evening reception. Minutes will turn to hours with conversation in the library as the fully stocked honor bar helps you fill your night with memories – and when you’re ready to sink into your Italian linen-covered king-size bed, you’ll find chocolate truffles waiting for you every night.

A glass of port, sherry, or brandy is the perfect way to wind down every evening at the John Rutledge House Inn. This Broad Street bed and breakfast in Charleston is within footsteps of the historic district – although you’ll have every excuse to drink and be merry without leaving the house. Towering ceilings and Italian marble fireplaces are among the luxe features of the ethereal guest rooms. Sip your drink slowly, retire to your elegant room and slip on a cozy robe for some well-deserved me-time. Or, step outside and spend the sunset hour capturing your latest Insta post on the gorgeous teal wrought-iron balconies outside.

An intimate affair awaits you and your lover at Elliott House. Walk along the cobblestone courtyard to a guest room retreat that has a cool sea breeze blowing through the plantation shutters. Although this private home has a century of history within its walls, you’ll find modern touches like chic furnishings and contemporary artwork throughout the rooms. Complimentary bicycle rentals are always available should you two love birds need to fly the coop for a while.

21 East Battery B&B has the honor of being at home within the 1825 Edmondston-Alston House compound. Both the Carriage House and the Quarters feature kitchens pre-stocked with granola and quiches, cooked to order breakfasts and tours of the Edmondston-Alston House. We must admit that the heart-pine floors and beamed ceilings in the Carriage House add an extra layer of rustic charm.

Old European vibes fill this Charleston bed and breakfast. 27 State Street’s well-preserved architecture and furnishings exude old-world beauty in this neighborhood near the French Quarter. The State Room is titularly appropriate – the vaulted ceilings and brick walls define a stately appearance. For a different view of State Street, move your luggage upstairs to the Master Suite – where you’ll soak under a vintage rose-stained glass skylight in a bath gently resting on original oak floors.

Original floors and furnishings from the 18th and 19th-centuries welcome you into the Barksdale House Inn. Fancy a spot of afternoon tea? Although this house was probably built before the 1783 Treaty of Paris was ratified, you’ll be getting a cold cup of iced tea every afternoon at this bed and breakfast. Consider this one of your first introductions to Southern living, another being the relaxing porch where a long sit is never a regret – especially with a cold glass of something on a balmy afternoon.