Charleston hotels

You’ll feel the full warmth of Southern hospitality as soon as you step into the lobby of The Dewberry. Established by hotelier John Dewberry, this hotel perfectly captures Charleston’s welcoming spirit while embracing a 20th-century design aesthetic.
Since its 2016 opening, the hotel has seamlessly combined classic elements like cherry wood and brass with modern amenities. The Living Room bar and library is a comfortable space to unwind after a day of exploring, while for ultimate relaxation you should head to the spa, which offers treatments featuring local ingredients, such as Atlantic seaweed.
My favorite spot has to be the rooftop bar, which serves up crafted cocktails and impressive views over Charleston. For more eye-catching vistas, choose one of the Charleston Flat rooms, which overlook the harbor and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.

Located across the street from Charleston’s ever-popular City Market, walking into the Meeting Street Inn feels like instantly being transported back to the 19th century.
The hotel’s antique furniture and romantic four-poster beds reflect its rich past, while patterned wallpapers and vintage rugs add plenty of character to the rooms. Though the inn exudes old-world charm, it doesn’t skimp on modern comforts, each of the 56 suites comes with amenities like complimentary high-speed internet access and mini fridges (as well as nightly milk and cookies).
Keep in mind that there’s no full-service dining on-property, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing when there are so many great restaurants within walking distance. There is, however, a complimentary breakfast served every day, as well as a wine and cheese reception, giving you the opportunity to experience that famous Southern hospitality first hand.

If you’re looking for the epitome of Lowcountry luxury, this is it. At Hotel Bennett, you’ll notice the grandeur as soon as you walk through the rotunda lobby, which features plush benches, intricate sconces, a striking chandelier, and locally inspired murals by artist Jill Biskin.
The rooms are just as elegant, with luxurious bed linens and marble bathrooms with pedestal tubs. Book a treatment in the spa or order a round of cocktails as the sun sets at the rooftop bar.
Make sure you schedule a dinner reservation at Southern-inspired Gabrielle at least once during your stay – Hotel Bennett’s signature restaurant is one of Charleston’s best. Or go for caviar service at Camellias instead, Hotel Bennett’s iconic rose-pink champagne parlor just off the lobby, which is also a local favorite for afternoon tea on the weekends.

Located in the heart of Charleston’s historic quarter, Zero George Street spreads across four historic 19th-century town- and carriage houses. With 18 studios and suites, the sophisticated property showcases Charleston’s rich architectural heritage through details like original pine floors and intricate millwork, while rooms feature natural linens, marble bathrooms, and bespoke furniture.
My top pick of the rooms would be either the spacious Garden Suites, which open onto a semi-private courtyard, or the Anson Suite, which has an enchanting private upper-level piazza. Chef Vinson Petrillo heads up the on-site eatery, The Restaurant at Zero George, which has earned a fine reputation for spotlighting locally sourced ingredients in unexpected ways.
If you’re looking to brush up on your own culinary skills, the hotel also hosts weekly cooking classes with Chef Petrillo himself in the restored 1804 carriage house kitchen.

First built as a private home in 1865, this historic mansion has now become one of the finest hotels in Charleston. Original features take center stage here, with marble fireplaces, intricate crown moldings, and stained glass Tiffany windows wherever you look.
The 21 individually designed guest rooms range from the cozy East Wing Rooms to the opulent Grand Mansion Suite, which features floor-to-ceiling fireplaces, ornate wood-paneling, and original Italian chandeliers. Alongside the period pieces you’ll also find plush contemporary bathrooms and Wi-Fi throughout.
The spa, housed in the mansion’s former stables, is just as architecturally striking as the main house with 14-foot vaulted ceilings, arched windows, and rustic beams. The renowned Circa 1886 restaurant, with its elevated take on Lowcountry favorites, is a firm favorite of mine and not to be missed.

This award-winning newcomer on buzzy Church Street has 212 rooms that showcase a blend of eclectic design elements, from jewel-toned velvet furnishings to botanical-print wallpapers. The bathrooms, the icing on the design cake, in my opinion, feature ceramic soap dishes made by a local Charleston artist and signature toiletries you’ll want to take home with you.
Each room is also stocked with a Wildsam Field Guide that offers insights into the local area, one of my top sources for tried-and-true travel intel. Don’t miss the chance to dine at Emeline’s restaurant, Frannie & The Fox, which is a destination in its own right.
With its moody lighting, inviting leather chairs, and charming courtyard, it delivers an ambiance that’s as memorable as chef Tim Morton’s wood-fired cuisine.

Just outside of Charleston’s postcard-worthy French Quarter is The Jasmine House Inn, a heritage hotel that occupies a historic 1843 Greek Revival mansion. The property still retains plenty of historic architectural features, such as 14-foot ceilings, plaster cornicing, and intricate ironwork, all of which add to the building’s 19th-century charm.
Each of the 11 rooms offer an intimate sanctuary for guests, with four-poster beds and antique furnishings, while you could easily spend the whole day lounging on the porch with your nose buried in a good book. Every morning, guests are treated to a delightful breakfast spread in the main house.
Fuel up for the day by piling your plate high with scrambled eggs, creamy grits, and local sausage. Weather permitting, I recommend eating outside in the open-air courtyard, one of the hotel’s loveliest spots.

As one of the top-rated hotels in Charleston, Charleston Place has been a city landmark for over three decades. The grand entrance, marked by a distinctive bronze horse fountain, introduces guests to one of the most regal spots in the Holy City.
The guest rooms offer a blend of traditional elegance and modern sophistication, with velvet couches, French doors, and polished wooden bed frames. Kids will love the rooftop saltwater pool, which showcases spectacular views over the city, while the world-class spa is the ultimate spot for relaxation – don’t leave without booking one of their Himalayan salt stone massages.
The hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Charleston Grill, is one of my favorite places to celebrate a special occasion, with its seasonal dishes featuring the finest produce from the South. Afterwards, stop for a cocktail or two at the Thoroughbred Club, the hotel’s smart living room lounge.

Located in the perfect scenic waterfront spot, The Pinch offers a peaceful getaway in the bustling heart of Charleston Harbor. But there’s more to this boutique hotel than its prime location. With its arty interiors and high-design touches, checking in here feels more like arriving at a stylish friend’s home than at a hotel.
The spacious rooms and suites are particularly popular with groups, equipped with full kitchens that have high-end copper cookware and even curated cocktail recipes for guests to whip up. The biggest of the suites come with washers and dryers and a Sonos sound system in every room for an extra touch of home.
Regardless of size, each room is beautifully designed, with bespoke furniture, artistic lighting, and hand-painted wallpaper. If you’re feeling energetic, make the most of the hotel’s bike share scheme to explore the city; if you’re looking to relax, book in for a customized massage or facial at the Pinch Spa.

The brainchild of local visionary designer Neil Stevenson, The Restoration has made a name for itself for blending rustic appeal and streamlined design. Here, guests have two choices: to check into a traditional suite, or book one of the expansive apartment-style “Residences”.
There’s no wrong answer, as whichever one you go for will have the same chic design and plush amenities, which include in-room iPads and complimentary bike rentals. The hotel’s rooftop restaurant, The Watch, serves up authentic Southern farm-to-table cuisine, while the rooftop pool offers some welcome respite from the street-level hustle and bustle below.
Make sure to pay a visit to the Port Mercantile Retail Store before you leave – a cross between a convenience store and a high-end boutique, it’s the perfect place to pick up an artisan souvenir to take home.