The Best Hotels to Book in Beaufort, South Carolina
![Some of Beauforts mansions are more than 200 years old](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/w2cgbm-e1638406842647.webp)
Beaufort is a sedate-paced Deep South city, some 70mi (113km) south of Charleston, on one of the Sea Islands of the Lowcountry region of South Carolina, It’s renowned for its historic district, lined with handsome antebellum mansions, and the surrounding area is not lacking in more outdoorsy attractions. Make the most of the tides with kayaking, fishing or boat trips, indulge in fabulous seafood and explore fascinating Gullah culture. Read on for our pick of the best places to stay in Beaufort, all bookable on Culture Trip.
1. City Loft Hotel, for contemporary downtown comforts
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
![Modern double room at the City Loft Hotel in Beaufort, with furnishings in brown and orange, and an en-suite bathroom with sliding door.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/city-loft-hotel.webp)
Perfectly positioned in Beaufort’s Historic District, this sleek motel-style boutique hotel is just a block from the water. Cheerily decorated rooms come with either balconies or patios, and luxurious amenities – you can even watch TV while relaxing in the soaking tub. Peruse the newspapers over speciality coffee and pastries at in-house City Java, then take a stroll along nearby Bay Street to see all those splendid antebellum homes, or else jump on a complimentary bike and head for the Pat Conroy Literary Center for a workshop or poetry reading.
2. Beaufort Inn, for superb historic accommodations
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
![Terrace area outside the Beaufort Inn, with festoon lights hanging from palm trees and several sets of garden chairs and tables.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/beaufort-inn.webp)
A wonderful blend of old-time charm and modern luxury, the Beaufort Inn in the downtown Historic District comprises a range of historic accommodations clustered around the main reception mansion. The individually-styled rooms come with wrought-iron bedsteads or four-poster beds, while the Port Republic Cottage boasts a deep soaking tub, and the Historic King Room features a wet bar. Some come with a private porch or balcony to watch the world go by. As a bonus, you’re two blocks from the waterfront, while popular restaurants such as Wren, and the Old Bull Tavern gastropub, are just two minutes on foot.
3. Hilton Garden Inn Beaufort, for hot breakfast
Hotel
![Rectangular concrete pool area at the Hilton Garden Inn in Beaufort, with small palm trees around the edge, and a scattering of black sun loungers.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/a5656136-e1638406908292.webp)
Just off the main highway approaching town, this hotel is easily walkable to numerous fast food joints and less than 2mi (3km) away from Beaufort’s Historic District, and such attractions as the USCB Center for the Arts. While the rooms are not instantly memorable, amenities such as mini-fridge, microwave and coffee maker are a boon. Complimentary hot breakfast includes bacon, pancakes and eggs, cooked to order. You’re within walking distance of the Spanish Moss Trail, a 10mi (16km) walking/cycle path, which takes you through some of the best Lowcountry landscapes.
4. Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Beaufort, for watery vistas
Hotel
![Facade of Holiday Inn & Suites Beaufort, a squat modern building with a glass-covered entrance way.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/3a5f56ba-e1638406986615.webp)
Just off Highways 170 and 21, and close to Parris Island, the Holiday Inn & Suites boasts a beautiful patio overlooking the Beaufort River and marshes. Choose from spacious guest rooms with whirlpools and triangle-patterned carpets, and two-roomed suites with full kitchenette, and take advantage of the fitness center and heated indoor pool. After a day exploring Beaufort, grab a classic cocktail at the Tides Bar and then dinner at the waterfront Albergotti Grill, which specializes in Sea Island cuisine – the shrimp and grits is a specialty!
5. Sea Island Inn, for downtown sightseeing
Hotel
![Exterior view of the two-storey Sea Island Inn in Beaufort, which has a brick facade and bright blue canopies over each of its windows.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/9067213d-e1638407049330.webp)
Overlooking the harbor and marina from its superb vantage point, the brick-and-wrought-iron Sea Island Inn – one of the best hotels in Beaufort – is the ideal spot for exploring the historic downtown district on foot, or via a horse and carriage tour, and for taking a boat cruise from nearby Waterfront Park to see the dolphins. Its cream-and-gray color scheme is livened up with nature prints, the boutique-style rooms are well appointed and some have balconies over Bay Street, while accessible rooms are on the ground floor. Nearby dining options range from the seafood-heavy fine-dining bastion of Saltus River Grill, to casual down-home eatery Plums.
6. Hampton Inn Beaufort, for marsh views
Hotel
![Double room at the the Hampton Inn Beaufort, with retro-style furnishings in brown and mustard yellow, including a wavy geometric rug and a wooden headboard.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/af6fd20f-e1638407215589.webp)
Battery Creek Marsh views are just one of the perks at this colorful Hampton Inn, where rooms come with leaf-patterned carpets and lime green sofa beds. Lap desks are a boon if you want to catch up on emails from your armchair in between bouts of sightseeing. The wetlands out front are particularly bewitching at dusk and sunrise, and while the only nearby restaurants tend to be chain joints inside the Beaufort Plaza Shopping Center, the inn is just a six-minute drive from the historic downtown district and the better options there, and equidistant from the Spanish Moss Trail trailhead – well worth exploring by bike or on foot.
7. Sleep Inn Beaufort, for shopping access
Hotel
![Double room at the Sleep Inn Beaufort, with gray and brown furnishings, and black-and-white photographs on the umber-colored wall.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/d06f23f7-e1638407287361.webp)
If you’re in town for a graduation at Parris Island, the Sleep Inn on the western outskirts of town is an excellent choice, just 2mi (3km) from the Marine Corps Air Station. It’s handy for sightseeing, too, being a 10-minute drive from Tabby Manse, Secession House and Beaufort History Museum, located in Beaufort’s Historic District. Rooms are decorated in creams and browns, with cheerful orange statement walls. It’s a short walk to the Beaufort Plaza Shopping Center and a handful of restaurants – try the shrimp and sausage gumbo at Gilligan’s next door.
8. Comfort Suites Near MCAS Beaufort, for self-caterers
Hotel
![Double room at Comfort Suites Near MCAS Beaufort, with blue, cream and white furnishings, including a leather sofa, desk and dresser with TV.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/ccad3212-e1638407344221.webp)
Suites here come decked out in creams, grays and mustard yellows, with standard amenities, such as coffee maker, refrigerator and microwave. Appealing to self-caterers, there’s a self-laundry and convenience store on site, and guests have use of the indoor pool with hot tub, and fitness center. The decor won’t make your Instagram posts, but the hotel’s location on the outskirts of town means that you’re only a short drive from nearby hiking trails, the beaches of Hunting Island State Park, and its lighthouse, and less than 10 minutes by car from the stores, restaurants and historic monuments of downtown Beaufort.