Where To Stay In Charleston, SC

As the biggest city in South Carolina, Charleston is truly one of the top-rated cities to visit for a vacation. Luckily, if you’re wondering where to stay in Charleston, you’re in the right place.

Charleston is a historic port that dates back to 1670 when it was first founded. It is one of the oldest cities in the U.S.

Offering southern hospitality and charm to visitors, this lovely city has become a vibrant tourist hub. 

Many tourists visit Charleston to learn more about the rich history by visiting the museums and old, beautifully restored buildings as a reminder of the bygone days.

Hotels and guesthouses offer accommodation to the many tourists who make this city their holiday destination. 

These living spaces are close to various restaurants, clubs, and bars that are part of the exciting nighttime vibe of Charleston. Museums, art galleries, beautiful parks, and many more attractions are within walking or driving distance.

We have compiled a list of a few of the best accommodations in Charleston for you. These hotels and guesthouses offer different options to make your stay in Charleston, the largest city in South Carolina, a wonderful and memorable experience.

TL;DR Best Places to Stay in Charleston, SC

• Market Pavilion Hotel – an excellent 4-star hotel within walking distance from the beach and Downtown Charleston.
• Zero George Street – a charming boutique hotel with beautiful decor, comfy beds, and a beautiful garden. Also, it’s only a 10-minute walk to Historic Charleston City Market.
• Barksdale House Inn – a historic inn (1778) with European-style decoration in the heart of Charleston. Also good for families.

Where to Stay in Charleston, SC

Here are our favorite places to stay in Charleston, SC. We hope you find this guide helpful!

Guesthouse Charleston EAST 42 B (For A Family Holiday)

Suppose you are looking for a place to stay in Charleston with ample space for a family, low in budget, and near attractions that children of all ages will enjoy. In that case, a guesthouse is your best option. 

The Guesthouse Charleston EAST 42B is in the center of Charleston in the Historic District. It has three bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen where you can prepare meals, and it offers free Wi-Fi. 

Guests are not allowed to party, and there is a no noise policy between 9 pm to 9 am. Free parking is available. Backyard space allows the family to sit outside, and the children have a play area.

The guesthouse is close to the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, Mall playground, and South Carolina Aquarium, and less than 10 miles away from the Splash Zone Waterpark and Folly Beach.

The nearest restaurants are Virginia’s On King Restaurant (traditional southern dining) and Vincent Chicco’s Italian Restaurant. You’re also less than 10 miles away from Charleston International Airport in North Charleston.

Market Pavilion Hotel (For A Romantic Getaway)

For a lovely romantic getaway or honeymoon, Charleston has just the right amount of old-world charm mixed with modern conveniences making it the ideal destination. 

You will find the best places to stay in Charleston in the Historic District that offers all of this and is near the beach and restaurants.

The beautiful Market Pavilion Hotel has a luxury king room with an extra-large double bed, walk-in showers, and a soaking tub. Free Wi-Fi is included, and a steakhouse and bar serve delicious food. 

Unfortunately, breakfast is not part of the package. However, guests are served croissants, sweet rolls, fruit, and coffee in the morning.

A lovely rooftop pool with a mosaic bottom for taking a swim or lounging in the sun on a comfy deck chair is a way to laze away your day. And it is only an 11-minute walk from the beach.

Some sightseeing attractions close to the hotel are the Rainbow Market Shopping Center, Joe Riley Waterfront Park, Charleston Music Hall, and Revelry Brewing.

The nearest restaurants are Well Hung Vineyard (2-minute walking distance, delicious food, and full-bodied wines) and Raw Lab by Empire Oyster.

You’re also less than 12 miles away from Charleston International Airport.

HarbourView Inn (For Sightseeing On Foot)

Charleston is a beautiful city with many exciting places that can be seen when taking long walks along the historic streets. If walking is how you enjoy touring around a city, staying at a hotel close to all the attractions is essential. 

This downtown luxury boutique hotel has fantastic water and harbor views. The hotel offers accommodation in spacious rooms with a comfortable bed, a private bathroom, a mini refrigerator, bed turn-down service, and a delicious breakfast. Children of any age are welcomed, but no pets are allowed.

You will be staying within walking distance of many sightseeing attractions, and there are restaurants along the way to stop for lunch or supper. After a long day of walking to see interesting places, wind down the evening with a cheese and wine reception at the hotel. Before bedtime or early in the morning, you can view the surrounding cityscape from the secluded rooftop terrace.

Places of interest close to the HarbourView Inn are the Waterfront Park (1-minute walk), Historic Charleston City Market (8-minute walk, shops, and restaurants), Dog Horse Fine Art Portraiture and Sculpture Garden (7-minute walk), Charleston Monument (a relaxing walk), Cannon Park (a leisurely stroll), and Charleston Marina (a long and relaxing walk).

The nearest restaurants are Queology Restaurant (a 4-minute walk, has great BBQ meals), Bitty and Beau’s Coffee (a 5-minute walk), and Slightly North of Broad (a 2-minute walk, Fine dining restaurant).

Zero George Street (For The History Lover)

Charleston is full of rich history, from its role in the American Revolution to leading the charge in the civil war. This history has been preserved, and there are limitless historical attractions to learn more about during your visit. So, if you love history and are wondering where to stay in Charleston, stay at the Zero George Street boutique hotel.

At the Zero George Street Boutique Hotel, you will be staying in an impeccably restored circa 1804 building steeped in history. The building is in Ansonborough, the heart of Charleston’s historic area, with many attractions nearby. 

The guest rooms are lush and cozy and furnished with elegance and style. The rooms all have ensuite bathrooms, some have a view of the shared outdoor piazza, and the suites have a secluded outdoor sitting area. Rooms have a coffee bar, and the suites have a mini fridge and bar. During your stay, complimentary breakfast is offered to guests, and there is a wine and cheese hour.

You can dine at the on-site Zero Restaurant, which offers exceptional cuisine with herbs and vegetables from their garden. The multi-course Chef’s tasting menu is fine dining with an American flare. The bar offers a wonderful mix of craft cocktails, beer, and wine pairing to complement the tasting menu.

Places of interest close to the Zero George Street Hotel are the Rainbow Market Shopping Centre, Charleston Museum, Confederate Museum, Charleston Waterfront Park, The Citadel Archives and Museum, and the Citadel.

The nearest restaurants are Zero Restaurant and Bar (on-site open for dinner), Restaurant 167 Raw (delicious seafood), and Fort Sumter Ferry – Liberty Square.

The Charleston International Airport is about 9 miles away.

Barksdale House Inn (For A Business Trip And Beyond)

Traveling to Charleston on a business trip will require a hotel close to the airport and be within walking distance of restaurants and some sightseeing attractions. 

An in-house gym to keep fit is an added advantage, as well as free Wi-Fi and, if required, a meeting or conference room. You will find all this and more at the Barksdale House Inn in the Historic District of Charleston.

Barksdale House Inn is a historic European-style house built in 1778 with beautifully decorated rooms for its guests.   

A lovely four-poster bed, private bathroom, cable TV, and coffee-making facilities are featured and offered at this Inn, making it a great place to stay in Charleston. You will be treated to a daily A la carte breakfast. Parking for your car can be arranged for a fee in a private parking lot.

A taxi service can transport you around the city, or you could use Uber. Places of interest close to Barksdale House Inn are Rainbow Market Shopping Centre, Charleston Waterfront Park (overlooking the harbor and Cooper River), and Charleston City Marina. Folly Beach and Kiawah Island are easily reachable.

The nearest restaurants are Mellow Mushroom Restaurant (try their delicious pizza) and Jack’s Café (which serve waffles, burgers, and floats).

The Charleston International Airport is about 9 miles away.

Hotel Bennett Charleston (For A Nighttime Vibe)

Many tourists are attracted to the nightlife in Charleston with its many bars, late-night restaurants, dancing, and live music. Most nighttime entertainment centers around the Market Street and Upper Kings Street areas. 

If you’re wondering where to stay in Charleston to be near these attractions, know that the Hotel Bennett Charleston will be perfect for you.

The hotel offers lovely rooms with a seating area, a private bathroom, a coffee machine, and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Some rooms have a patio, while others come with a view of the city. There is a restaurant, bar, fitness center, and outdoor pool. Guests are offered a continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi.

Some of the nighttime attractions close to the hotel are the Cocktail Club (2-minute drive, happy hour 5 pm-8 pm, and best cocktails), the Alley (4-minute drive, bowling alley, pub-grub menu, and craft beers), Cure Nightclub (2-minute drive, drag shows, dancing, and best club atmosphere), and the Royal American (5-minute drive, dive bar eats, outdoor deck area, live music).

A few other attractions near the hotel are the Charleston City Marina and Marion Square (every Saturday, April to November, visit the Farmers Market).

As for restaurants on site, you can check out  Signature Restaurant (A la carte menu), Camellias Lounge (Champagne and caviar bar), Pâtisserie (delicious coffee, pastries, and bread), and the rooftop bar (A la carte, stunning starlight view).

Harborside At Charleston Harbor Resort And Marina  

If you want to experience a complete package of amenities, luxurious rooms with beautiful views of the harbor, and be near a beach, staying at a harbor resort is the perfect destination.

The Harborside At Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina offers guests a fitness center, hot tub/jacuzzi, a couples massage, movie nights, and an activities club for the kids. 

You can swim in the pool, relax on the beach, and later enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant or bar, all of these facilities make it one of the best places to stay in Charleston. 

Enjoy cycling, fishing, or walking the nature trails, and the center of town is only 14 minutes drive from the resort.

Sightseeing attractions close to the Harborside hotel are Patriots Point (walking trails), South Carolina Aquarium, Patriots Point Golf Course, Charleston City Marina, and Folly Beach.

The nearest restaurants are Charleston Harbor Fish House Restaurant, Beach Club Tiki Bar (on-site), and Slightly North of Broad Restaurant.

It’s also good to point out that the Fort Sumter Ferry is nearby.

The Vendue Hotel (The French Quarter)

Wondering where to stay in Charleston? The French Quarter is filled with historic churches, cobblestone streets, and buildings with influences from the French Huguenots who immigrated there. And in the heart of this area is the lovely Vendue Hotel.

Dating back to 1780, the art-focused hotels, Vendue 19 and Vendue16, offer beautifully furnished rooms with an ensuite bathroom, a lovely art collection throughout the hotel, and a fabulous rooftop bar. Complimentary pastries and coffee are served in the morning, and free milk and cookies are part of the nightly turn-down.  

Bicycles are offered to guests with no charge for exploring the area. Pets are allowed for an extra fee. Unfortunately, there is no swimming pool available to guests.

Some sightseeing attractions close to the Vendue hotel are Old Slave Mart Museum, the Pink House (historic house and art gallery), the Dock Street Theatre (performing arts theatre), Huguenot Church, and Charleston City Market.

The nearest restaurants are the Griffon Restaurant (on-site, fish and chips, burgers, craft beer), East Bay Meeting House (on-site bar and café, special diets), and the Gin Joint Café and Bar (on-site, happy hour specials).

Extended Stay America Suites (Budget Accommodation)

Wondering where to stay in Charleston without breaking the bank? Then stay in budget-priced accommodation not far from the center of town, and you can still enjoy the attractions of beautiful Charleston. You can travel to town by taxi, Uber, or a city bus service (CARTA).

The Extended Stay America is situated in Mt Pleasant, Charleston. This hotel offers a room with a queen-sized bed, a separate bathroom, and a full kitchen. Coffee with a muffin and a cereal bar is served to guests in the morning. Free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV with channels are available. Pets are allowed for an extra fee. Weekly housekeeping service is available.

Unfortunately, there is no restaurant or bar on-site, but there is a vending machine for drinks and snacks. A shopping center is nearby if you wish to make your own meals in the fully equipped kitchen.

Sightseeing attractions close to the Extended Stay America hotel are the Village Pointe Shopping Center, USS Yorktown State Park (easy hiking trails), Charleston City Center, and Charleston City Marina.

The nearest restaurants are the East Side Soul Food (healthy comfort food), Millers All day Restaurant (great brunch), and Poogan’s Smokehouse (southern BBQ and stylish cocktails).

Things to Do in Charleston SC

While we have a detailed post about the best things to do in Charleston SC, here are a few of our top recommendations: 

• Visit the trendy restaurants and stylish bars on Upper King Street.
• Enjoy the small-town feel of Mount Pleasant.
• Visit the Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site in West Ashley.
• Take a day trip to the Isle of Palms.
• Take in the charm of downtown’s cobblestone streets and historic buildings.
• Go birdwatching at the barrier island of Seabrook Island.
• Learn more about Charleston’s past at the Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Middleton Place, and/or Drayton Hall.
• Check out White Point Garden.
• Visit the oldest landscaped garden in America at Middleton Place,
• Check out the beautiful houses at Rainbow Row on East Bay Street.
• Catch an event at the North Charleston Coliseum.
• Hike in the Shem Creek Park.
• Shop some cheese at Goat.Sheep.Cow on Church Street.

 That’s it for today. We hope you enjoy your time in Charleston, SC!