The Best Hotels to Book in Charleston's Historic District

Built in 1843 as a private mansion, 20 South Battery – a luxury boutique hotel in the Historic District – oozes Southern charm. The grand spiral staircase, original marble floors and rare antiques – some dating back to the 1500s – will transport guests back in time. Enjoy the nightly wine and cheese reception from a rocking chair on the front porch – a favorite Southern pastime.

Wentworth Mansion is a tribute to the gilded age of Charleston, decorated with Italian crystal chandeliers, hand-carved marble fireplaces and Tiffany stained glass. The spa – located in the original stables – is a marvel featuring vaulted ceilings, exposed brick and rustic wood beams. Don’t miss a complimentary full Southern breakfast each morning before heading out to explore the city.

A grand dame near the waterfront, Market Pavilion Hotel offers Southern hospitality at its finest. The rooms have mahogany beds and Italian marble baths with Hermes toiletries. Book the terrace suite for unrivaled city views and a huge bathroom with a hot tub.

Hotel Bennett is smack in the center of everything historic Charleston has to offer. The doors of this luxury property open directly onto famous King Street, with plenty of shopping, dining and nightlife options. Reserve a room or suite with King’s Club access for a dedicated concierge, customized itineraries, a private lounge with an open bar and a complimentary rose quartz facial massage with any spa booking.

The rooftop infinity pool with a retractable glass ceiling at Charleston Place is a real gem. After a swim, head over to the Clocktower Terrace for cocktails to witness one of the best sunset views in Charleston. As an added perk, the gym can arrange an in-room Peloton bike so you can get a private workout.

With a harbor view from the private balcony, a cozy fireplace and craft cocktails delivered right to the door, you might not want to leave your room at HarbourView Inn. However, the location and complimentary bikes make it a great base to explore King Street, the City Market and nearby historic mansions.

Named for Revolutionary War hero General Francis Marion – aka the Swamp Fox – the Francis Marion Hotel has been a Charleston landmark since it opened its doors in 1924. Be sure to book a table at the Swamp Fox restaurant for its award-winning shrimp and grits. A spin on the Southern classic, the dish features shrimp and lobster over pepper jack grits.

The Jazz Age meets the Old South at the Spectator Hotel. The art deco speakeasy is a local hotspot and serves up Prohibition-inspired cocktails with Southern flair. Order a sloe gin fizz, find a 1920s-style scalloped-back velvet chair and sit back and enjoy the Charleston nightlife.

Built in 1844, the iconic Planters Inn is the only Relais and Châteaux hotel in South Carolina. Book the St Philip suite – a private pied-à-terre with exposed brick walls and arched doorways. An iconic mural by local artist David Boatwright is the centerpiece of the open-plan living area.

The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel, located on Museum Mile, is quintessential Charleston with its pastel-pink facade and intricate wrought-iron front balcony. The rooms on the second-floor pool deck open to private terraces with views of downtown. The famous 200-year-old City Market is a short walk from the property, featuring food vendors and artisan stalls selling crafts and souvenirs.

The Grand Bohemian Hotel has an art collection that rivals some museums. With items sourced from all over the globe, the gallery features bold works of fine art available for purchase. When your art acquisitions are complete, it’s time to play winemaker. For a unique experience, sign up for a class and learn how to create original blends that come complete with personalized labels.

Originally built as a YMCA in 1889, the Fulton Lane Inn occupies two restored historic buildings accessed via a narrow brick passage just off King Street. Fancy a complimentary breakfast in a canopied bed? Fulton Lane Inn has you covered. For a perfect evening in, book a room with an antique fireplace and whirlpool bath for two.

Zero George – a cluster of restored historic buildings surrounding a hidden courtyard – is a foodie’s dream come true. This luxe boutique hotel doubles as a cooking school, hosting classes in the 19th-century carriage house kitchen. Led by a Zero George chef, guests are bound to pick up a Southern recipe or two. Not an aspiring gourmet? No problem – the in-room Nespresso machines and Malin + Goetz bath products should keep you happy.

Steeped in 300 years of history and steps away from the best restaurants in the city, Andrew Pinckney Inn is an excellent choice for a historic hotel in Charleston. Book a two-story townhouse suite and enjoy exposed brick-accent walls, plantation shutters and arched windows – an esthetic that mixes traditional West Indies design with classic Southern architecture.

Housed in several restored 18th-century buildings in the French Quarter, the Vendue is a masterpiece. More than 300 pieces of fine art are on display throughout the historic property, and docents conduct daily tours of the rotating collection. Join the afternoon art and wine reception before heading to the rooftop restaurant to take in the views over the harbor at sunset.