20 Hotels in Downtown Charleston (2026)

A stay in downtown Charleston is the perfect way to get to know the historic city, with its cobblestone streets, grand Antebellum homes and horse-drawn carriages. The city centre is a lively hub of culture, food, drinks and entertainment and the perfect base for exploring this beautiful city. The good news is that there are plenty of hotels in downtown Charleston, from luxury spaces to budget-friendly stays, meaning all kinds of travellers can find something to suit them. Whether you’re looking for a great view of the bay, a unique boutique stay, or a hotel that’s buzzing with nightlife, you’re sure to find the perfect one for you. 

For luxury

• Hotel Bennett has an imposing white exterior which opens up onto suitably grand interiors. Luxurious rooms have a traditional European feel with antique-style furniture and lavish bathrooms. Excellent regional dishes are served at Gabrielle, or try Fiat Lux for its Mediterranean cuisine and rooftop views. The rooftop pool is a great place to unwind after a day's sightseeing.
• The Charleston Place offers traditional southern hospitality with grand reception rooms and a prime spot in the historic centre. Rooms are conservatively decorated with marble bathrooms and city views. Charleston Grill is southern cooking at its finest and a drinking hole for locals. Plus there's a rooftop pool, spa and gym. 

For a boutique

• In the heart of Charleston, 86 Cannon is a boutique base nestled within a 1860's residence. Interiors pair mid-century elegance with classic French design and a touch of Southern style. With nightly wine and cheese served on the hotel verandah, this is a discerning city bolt-hole. Discover historic downtown Charleston on a guided walking tour from the hotel.
• A boutique hotel set in three early 19th century townhouses, Zero George Street offers unique Southern charm and is packed full of character. Each separate house has its own whicker-chaired verandah, while rooms have fine soft fabric furnishings, high ceilings, original heart pine floors and white slatted wooden shutters. Enjoy exceptional food at The Zero Cafe and easy access to the historic centre. An idyllic stay.
• John Rutledge House Inn has an ornate ironwork facade and elaborate interiors with Italian fireplaces. Guests can expect large light-filled rooms, complimentary breakfasts and access to a relaxing courtyard. Plantations, history and oceanfront strolls await you from this prime spot. For a fun activity, take a day trip to Johns Island for fishing, oysters and seafood.
• Once an 1830's home, Hotel Bella Grace has been converted into a design-led modern luxury boutique hotel. The well-designed rooms and self-catered studios feature grey, marble and monochrome tones, giving them an 'on-trend' feel. There's a gym, terrace and breakfast included, plus a popular restaurant next door.

• Crafted from two period buildings, The Pinch is now a luxury boutique hotel in Charleston's heart, offering a blend of historic charm and modern luxury. Victorian elegance meets contemporary comforts, in the stylish suites with full kitchens. Colombian-born chef Nicolas Quintero's restaurant is one of the town's 'it' spots with good reason, plus there's a chic oyster bar. An urban oasis for discerning travellers.
• Emeline is brimming with playful charm. This beautifully converted historic hotel offers stylish rooms, lively dining options and a vibey courtyard terrace. Rooms have thoughtful amenities, embroidered linens, mid-century furniture and velvet headboards. Guests can enjoy complimentary toast each evening (with limoncello) to get in the party spirit!
• A boutique hotel in the centre of historic Charleston, The Spectator evokes the style of the roaring twenties, complemented with Southern charm and hospitality. Stylish rooms and suites have an Art Deco vibe, some with a balcony or terrace. Gourmet breakfast is delivered to your door each morning, and there are free hotel bikes available to borrow for exploring the city on two wheels.

For a lively stay

• A chic boutique in downtown Charleston, The Ryder Hotel is just a short stroll from King Street, the City Market and the waterfront. Earthy reds, woven textures and a modern boho look keep things relaxed. Guests can enjoy coastal-meets-tropical fare at the restaurant, a pool with a bar serving tropical cocktails and an easy breakfast spot. Active travellers can borrow a bike and cruise past Rainbow Row’s colourful facades and Charleston’s waterfront streets.

For an historic stay

• Prime location in the historic district, Planters Inn is a 19th century inn with classic interiors. Spacious rooms boast four-poster beds, private sitting rooms and bathrooms. Enjoy fine dining at Peninsula Grill, or explore the city market for many other options. An historian's dream stay.
• America’s Gilded Age mansion, Wentworth Mansion oozes Charleston history through its marble floors, high vaulted ceilings, and antique furnishings. Large rooms with fireplaces are unique, with modern amenities and a complimentary breakfast. Enjoy a range of spa treatments, morning yoga sessions or head out to explore yester-year. Four legged friends are welcome here, and there are many parks to take your pooch for a walk.
• Mills House is an historic icon in downtown Charleston. Stylish, fresh-feeling rooms and suites provide timeless and sophisticated accommodation. There's an all-day cafe, Iron Rose courtyard restaurant for Southern bites and craft cocktails, a fully outfitted gym and lovely outdoor pool. A striking stay in the heart of the action.

• A townhouse mansion in the historic district on the Waterfront Park, Harbourview Inn maintains its traditional interiors. Expect high-ceilinged reception rooms, a welcoming fireplace, and artworks throughout, while the rooms boast fine linens, four-poster beds, whirlpool baths, and in-room breakfast. Join an afternoon wine and cheese reception in the Atrium Lobby for an added touch of indulgence. A charming stay.
• The Loutrel is an historic hotel in Charleston's French Quarter. Stylish rooms are decorated in shades of baby blue and grey with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the stunning views. There's a complimentary breakfast and restaurant for light bites, plus a relaxed roof terrace and 24 hour fitness studio. The perfect combination of elegance and comfort.
  

For art enthusiasts

• The Vendue is an eclectic and lively hotel with a strong art focus. Set across two buildings, each made up of 18th century warehouses, expect exposed brick walls and a blend of period and modern furnishings. The property features 300+ works of art, daily art tours with wine and a rolling artist-in-residence programme. The buzzing rooftop offers fabulous views over Charleston Harbor and Waterfront Park, while Revival restaurant serves classic Southern cuisine.

For families

• An old downtown hotel, The Restoration offers local elegance, hardwood floors and exposed brick. Fully equipped kitchens (with a dryer and washing machine), comfortable double beds and modern bathrooms make this ideal for families. Breakfast is offered in picnic baskets, there are wine and cheese receptions, and cookies with milk as a nightcap. The rooftop pool is a great place to unwind after a day's exploring.

For city style

• The Dewberry is a beautifully designed hotel set in an historic building. Perfectly mixing contemporary style and traditional charm, rooms are chic and homely. A fabulous French brasserie and two bars set the scene for elegant evenings of cocktails and oysters. For something a little different, why not take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the cobbled streets. A glorious hotel that encapsulates that Southern charm.

For a charming B&B

• 20 South Battery is an historic private mansion transformed into a luxury B&B. Meticulously restored to its former glory, rooms are decorated with grand four-poster beds, impressive antiques and period artwork. Expect high-end bedding, deluxe bath products, smart TVs and homely touches. In addition to breakfast, enjoy complimentary cheese and wine each evening in the grand ballroom. Intimate feel with an ideal location.
• Located within the grounds of a 19th century waterfront mansion, 21 East Battery is now a charming B&B. Book either the cosy Carriage House or one of two rooms within the Quarters; all have kitchens with a stovetop, mini-fridge and coffee maker, plus large living areas. Enjoy pre-prepared breakfast in the privacy of your room or cooked on request. Tasteful decor in classic style combines art, antiques and pine floors. Understated historic chic.

Still not sure? 

• Browse through our collection of the best historic hotels in Charleston,
• Expand your search and look at our full list of accommodation options in Charleston,
• Alternatively, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.