The Best Boutique Hotels to Book in Charleston, South Carolina

Regularly ranked among the city’s most luxurious retreats, your – almost – every wish is their command. You’re greeted with a welcoming flute of champagne, followed by unexpected delights such as warm cookies and milk, wine and cheese receptions, and loaner bikes. The classical and elegant rooms boast Italian marble bathrooms, an in-room sound machine, and a pillow menu. There’s a gourmet continental breakfast available, all-day ice tea, and snacks – plus, you’re right in the beating heart of town.

Set in a beautiful 1920s art deco building, this boujee hotel exudes the elegance of the jazz age – with a smattering of luxurious contemporary touches. In the middle of the bustling historic district, it’s the only hotel with a personal butler for each guest. There’s also a gourmet breakfast in bed, a prohibition-style bar, complimentary bikes, and some absolutely stunning accommodation with bells and whistles aplenty.

​​Giving the styling of a classic Charleston dwelling a rustic warehouse twist, this unique offering is located within the Ansonborough neighborhood – stretching from King Street to the edge of the Cooper River, between Hasell and Calhoun streets. Originally a three-story stationer’s warehouse, accommodation is spacious and sophisticated, with high ceilings and even higher spec. This all-suite inn also offers a roof terrace, a small fitness room, and a British-style public house.

Any guesses as to what sort of building this boutique hotel is set in? That’s right – a small bungalow. Not really – this is a striking 19th-century mansion, with its most recent incarnation styled as a “21-room tribute to Charleston’s gilded age.” And boy, have they done it justice. A short stroll from the dining and shopping options on King Street, the accommodation is elegant and opulent – while amenities include cooked breakfast, afternoon wine, and evening chocolates and drinks.

It’s apparent they really do like feeding you up in this city – the latest clue being the night-time milk and cookies offered by this high-end boutique hotel to be found a mere two-minute walk from the historic harbor and five minutes from the city market. The elegant accommodation features new armoires, modern tile bathrooms, glass showers, and outdoor balconies with scenic views of Concord Street. There is a complimentary breakfast, afternoon wine reception, and probably some more food we haven’t thought of yet.

This mid-century landmark – a former federal building – is the result of a tight-knit collaboration between preservationists, designers, architects, artists, and artisans over the course of eight years. Overlooking Marion Square, the accommodation is a lesson in understated luxury – with marble bathrooms, a locally curated minibar, and fresh flowers. There’s a spa, a gym, and a rooftop terrace here – while dining options include a stylish cocktail bar/cafe and an eighth-floor cocktail lounge serving light bites.

Just a short walk from the Cooper River, the historic city market, and the Charleston Museum, this quirky yet high-end offering comprises five restored homes dating from the 19th-century, immaculately restored and featuring a private shady courtyard. With a modern twist on classic southern interiors, the rooms feature custom-designed furnishings and marble bathrooms. There is, of course, a wine and cheese social in the evening, and continental breakfast is complimentary in the morning. Loaner bikes are also available.

​​A hidden gem in the center of it all, you’ll find this refined Charleston boutique hotel tucked away in and amongst the shops and cafes of King St – although you won’t be able to tell from the serenity which surrounds you. Uniquely appointed guest rooms and suites feature picturesque furnishings and thoughtful amenities – with a morning paper, nighttime sherry, and a fireplace in some rooms. Continental breakfast is complimentary – while there are nightly wine and cheese receptions in the evenings.

​​The self-proclaimed Grand Dame of Hotels in Charleston, this iconic hotel presides over the corner of Market and Meeting Street – the very heart of Historic Charleston, South Carolina – and thankfully, it lives up to its bold claim. The opulent accommodation – all with lofty ceilings – is classic, chic, and stuffed with antiques and modern amenities. The swish Peninsula Grill is situated in a romantic lantern-lit courtyard – along with a very indulgent afternoon tea service.

Step into the fountain-packed, European-style atrium of this tranquil getaway and you’ll immediately get a sense of historic Charleston. Built in the 1850s, the Indigo Inn was once a warehouse for blue dye, one of the biggest moneymakers in pre-Civil War era Charleston. Now it’s a great value inn in the downtown area with intimate guest rooms with dark wood furniture and floral decor, some with four-poster beds. Guests get continental breakfasts included in their stay and an evening wine and cheese reception, as well as private on-site parking. Plus they’re just a short stroll from Charleston’s elegant boutiques, restaurants, and historic landmarks.