Whether you want a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Charleston has something for everyone. A vibrant city center and the easy access to the beach make it one of the best places in South Carolina for a vacation. Here are
Charleston, SC is one of my favorite spots because it’s a city full of history, charm, and Southern hospitality.
And, there is no shortage of wonderful places to stay! From luxury hotels to waterfront resorts, here are the top 6 places to stay in Charleston, SC.
🏨 Best Place to Stay in Charleston (Historic)
Our pick is The French Quarter Inn because of its convenient location (walking distance to Charleston City Market), highest rated among Google reviews, and its luxurious amenities like complimentary breakfast in bed.
⭐Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars — with more than 900 reviews!
Quick Table of Where to Stay in Charleston SC
| Hotel Name | Address | Key Features | Google Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Quarter Inn | 166 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401 | – Boutique hotel with Luxury accommodations & service – Heart of Charleston’s historic district – Special amenities: complimentary breakfast in bed, wine and cheese reception, free bikes,charming courtyard. |  455+ Reviews |
| Francis Marion Hotel | 387 King St, Charleston, SC 29403 | – Iconic hotel – Easy access to shopping, art galleries, and nightlife – Rooftop terrace with skyline views – Five-star on-site restaurant |  1,915+ Reviews |
| Charleston Place | 205 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401 | – Elegant, landmark hotel in historic district with rooftop pool – Award-winning dining – World-class spa and fitness center – Meeting/event space | 1,810+ Reviews |
| Hotel Bennett | 205 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401 | – One of the newest boutique hotels in historic district – A rooftop pool – Numerous dining options – Spa – Guest rooms with city views | 560+ Reviews |
| Kiawah Island Golf Resort | One Sanctuary Beach Dr, Kiawah Island, SC 29455 | – Oceanfront resort that’s perfect for a laid-back family vacation – 5 Championship Golf courses – Access to pristine white-sand beaches. – Biking trails, tennis courts, world-class dining | 825+ Reviews |
| Wild Dunes Resort | 5757 Palm Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451 | – Beachfront resort – Both short-term hotel stays and long-term vacation rentals – Easy beach access, golf courses, an outdoor pool, tennis center, bike rentals and trails, and restaurants. | 910+ Reviews |
Where to Stay in Charleston SC: Historic District Luxury Hotels
If you want to be in close proximity to all the holy city has to offer, you need to stay in Downtown Charleston. Some of the best hotels are found in the heart of the city! Or, a room with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean is always a great choice.
Here’s our list of the top 6 places to stay in Charleston, SC. I’ll start with the luxury hotels downtown!
1. The French Quarter Inn
If you want to feel like royalty while being steps away from the Charleston Historic District, this is the perfect place for you!
The French Quarter Inn is a boutique hotel in the heart of Charleston’s historic district. Its central location allows guests to easily explore the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Charleston City Market and Waterfront Park.
This hotel is known for its luxury accommodations and great service. Here are a few of the accommodations that make the French Quarter Inn special:
- Complimentary breakfast in bed
- A wine and cheese reception
- Free bikes
- A charming courtyard
Address: 166 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401
2. Francis Marion Hotel
Francis Marion is an iconic hotel on Upper King Street in Charleston. If you aren’t familiar with Charleston, King Street is the central location of the city’s Downtown area.
Francis Marion Hotel’s great location offers convenient access to shopping, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife. It is near popular landmarks and attractions like the Historic Charleston City Market and Marion Square.
The hotel itself has a classic Southern charm. It offers beautifully appointed rooms, a rooftop terrace with skyline views, and a five-star on-site restaurant.
The Swamp Fox restaurant makes the list as one of the best brunch spots in Charleston, SC!
Other amenities include an on-site spa, a large meeting space, flat-screen TVs in every room, room service options, and more.
Address: 387 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
3. Charleston Place
I have stayed at The Charleston Place before, and I could not be more impressed with all the hotel has to offer! This is a must-visit for a weekend getaway or staycation.
Also found in historic downtown Charleston is Charleston Place. This landmark hotel has everything you need in one place for a relaxing solo getaway.
Charleston Place has traditional Southern charm and an elegant atmosphere. And, it is within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, and historic sites in any direction.
For ideas on how to spend a weekend in Charleston, check out this blog post.
But, you could spend a whole weekend here without having to leave the hotel if you really wanted to! The Charleston Place offers easy access to amenities like:
- Award-winning fine dining with 5 delicious dining in-house options
- A world-class spa
- A fitness center
- 40,000 square feet of meeting or event space
- A rooftop pool
Address: 205 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401
4. Hotel Bennett
Hotel Bennett is one of Charleston’s newest boutique hotels in the historic district near Marion Square. The hotel has an elegant and modern feel compared to some of the more traditional Southern hotels nearby.
Hotel Bennett is a great option for couples who want to stay close to some of the best restaurants, shopping, and entertainment Charleston has to offer. This hotel is the perfect home away from home for a romantic time in the holy city! If you’re looking for fun and romantic date ideas in Charleston, check out this list!.
Guests at the Hotel Bennett are treated to a luxury hotel experience.
Some of the amazing amenities include a rooftop pool, delicious dining options, a spa, and more. Plus spacious, cozy, and elegant guest rooms with beautiful city views.
Pro tip: on the bottom floor of the hotel is Camellias, a sophisticated champagne lounge. Stop by Camellias for happy hour drinks and snacks before exploring downtown Charleston!
Address: 205 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401
Best Charleston, SC Golf Resorts to Vacation
5. Kiawah Island Golf Resort
A short drive from downtown Charleston, the Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers a relaxing stay on the shores of Kiawah Island.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort is perfect for families or couples looking for a laid-back family vacation at a high-class resort.
It’s also a golfer’s paradise, with five championship courses! Besides golf, guests can enjoy biking trails, tennis courts, and world-class dining. (And if you love golfing by the beach, check out the top 20 golf courses near Tybee Island, GA!)
This resort is also a great place for beach lovers since it sits on miles of pristine white-sand beaches.
Guests have the choice of staying in an oceanfront hotel room, a villa, a private home, or a golf cottage. And, no matter your accommodation you will have access to all of the resort’s high-end amenities.
Address: One Sanctuary Beach Dr, Kiawah Island, SC 29455
6. Wild Dunes Resort
I have stayed at Wild Dunes Resort before, and highly recommend staying here for a family vacation! It has something for everyone and is a short drive to Charleston if you are hoping to explore the city.
For another oceanfront escape a short drive from downtown Charleston, check out the Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms.
The resort offers a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal destination for families and couples alike.
Wild Dunes offers both short-term hotel stays and long-term vacation rentals. It has a beachfront community feel, and offers all of the amenities and accommodations you need in one place!
Here are some of the amenities you’ll find at Wild Dunes Resort:
- Easy access to Isle of Palms beach
- Award-winning golf courses
- An outdoor pool, tennis center, and other outdoor recreation
- Bike rentals and bike trails
- Delicious restaurants
Address: 5757 Palm Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451
Conclusion to Top 6 Places to Stay in Charleston, SC
You can see that there are many nice places to stay during your next beach or city adventure in Charleston, SC.
Whether you’re looking for a place near Charleston’s historic neighborhoods or want to stay oceanfront with great golf and outdoor adventure, there’s a place for you!
Other Things to See and Do in Charleston, SC
As you’re preparing to visit Charleston, here are some ideas that will save you some time planning your activities!
5 top walking tours in Charleston, SC
