10 Best Hotels in Charleston SC | Top Luxury & Boutique Stays

In this article, I will talk about the best hotels in Charleston, SC. As Charleston combines old world beauty with modern hospitality, it becomes a unique and charming place to spend a vacation.

The hotels I will be describing range from the romantic bespoke inns to the more giant luxurious resorts. Each and every one of them is Lowcountry hospitality at its best.

Key Points & Best Hotels In Charleston, sc

Hotel Name	Key Points
The Dewberry Charleston	Luxury mid-century modern hotel with rooftop bar, spa, and views of Marion Square.
Hotel Bennett	Elegant 5-star hotel featuring a rooftop pool, fine dining, and classic Southern charm.
The Spectator Hotel	Boutique hotel offering personal butler service, art deco style, and a free gourmet breakfast.
The Charleston Place	Iconic downtown hotel with rooftop pool, spa, luxury shopping, and proximity to King Street.
French Quarter Inn	Romantic boutique hotel with complimentary breakfast, wine and cheese receptions, and bikes for guests.
HarbourView Inn	Waterfront hotel offering harbor views, rooftop terrace, and complimentary snacks and drinks.
Emeline	Stylish boutique hotel near the City Market with a trendy coffee shop and restaurant on-site.
Planters Inn	Historic Relais & Châteaux property featuring a courtyard, canopy beds, and Charleston elegance.
The Vendue	Art-focused boutique hotel in the French Quarter with rotating art exhibits and rooftop bar.
Zero George Street Hotel	Intimate luxury inn in restored historic buildings offering fine dining and chef-led experiences.

10 Best Hotels In Charleston, sc

1. The Dewberry Charleston

Blending mid-century modern and Southern styles, the Dewberry Charleston offers guests a comfortable and refined experience.

Exploring Marion Square? This luxury hotel is located right across. Let yourself be pampered in the handcrafted furnishings of the hotel’s rooms and marble bathrooms.

The rooftop bar, The Citrus Club, offers relaxation and unmatched views of Charleston’s skyline. For a more relaxing experience, the spa offers treatment that will help you unwind.

For relaxing and modern American dining with a Lowcountry flair, Henrietta’s in the hotel is a delectable option. The Dewberry is a Charleston luxury standard.

Restaurant / Food Experience	Famous For
Henrietta’s	Modern American restaurant blending Southern and European flavors with seasonal ingredients.
The Citrus Club (Rooftop Bar)	Known for signature cocktails, light bites, and panoramic views of Charleston.
Signature Dish	Shrimp and Grits with a refined Lowcountry twist.

2. Hotel Bennett

Hotel Bennett is one of Charleston’s most luxurious 5-star hotels. Its pieces of Southern sophistication and grandeur.

Hotel Bennett overlooks Marion Square. It is beautifully appointed with crystal chandeliers and marble fixtures.

Hotel Bennett’s rooms have private balconies with great views of the city and are very spacious with great beds.

The guests of the hotel can dine richly at Gabrielle and enjoy afternoon tea at Camellias, the hotel’s pink champagne lounge.

They can also relax at the rooftop pool. The Bennett Spa features relaxing treatments based on the area.

For the finest luxury experience that Charleston has to offer, Hotel Bennett is a great and unmatched option.

Restaurant / Food Experience	Famous For
Gabrielle	Fine dining with French-inspired Southern cuisine overlooking Marion Square.
Camellias	Iconic pink champagne bar known for elegant afternoon tea and desserts.
La Pâtisserie	Authentic French bakery serving croissants, pastries, and coffee.
Signature Dish	Butter-poached lobster and truffle risotto.

3. The Spectator Hotel

Situated in the center of Charleston’s historic district, The Spectator Hotel fuses the 1920’s sense of glamor with modern personalized hospitality.

Each guest enjoys the intimacy of enjoying the services of a personal butler. With a renowned art deco design, the hotel built in the 1920’s world retains its elegance with modern coziness.

The butler service includes delivering gourmet breakfast and arranging after-tour unpacking.

Each elegantly styled room includes a down comforter, a marble bathroom with handcrafted furniture, and a plush bed.

For Charleston’s Prohibition-era premium handcrafted cocktails, the hotel bar is the stylish place to visit.

The Speactor represents luxury with attention to detail, making it one of the finest in Charleston.

Restaurant / Food Experience	Famous For
The Bar at The Spectator	Speakeasy-style bar offering handcrafted cocktails inspired by the 1920s.
In-Room Breakfast Service	Complimentary gourmet breakfast delivered daily.
Signature Dish	Buttermilk biscuits with local honey butter.

4. The Charleston Place

The Charleston Place is a legendary downtown hotel that epitomizes Southern hospitality and sophistication.

Located near the City Market and King Street shopping, it offers luxurious accommodations with contemporary design and classic charm.

The hotel’s rooftop features a saltwater pool and spa, while its renowned restaurant, Charleston Grill, serves award-winning Lowcountry cuisine with live jazz.

Guests can also enjoy boutique shopping on-site, elegant lounges, and an atmosphere of timeless grandeur.

With its prime location, exceptional service, and resort-style amenities, The Charleston Place remains a top choice for travelers seeking the city’s best blend of elegance and convenience.

Restaurant / Food Experience	Famous For
Charleston Grill	Award-winning restaurant serving refined Lowcountry cuisine with live jazz.
Meeting at Market	Contemporary bistro offering casual Southern dishes.
The Palmetto Cafe	Garden-style setting known for brunch and seafood plates.
Signature Dish	Charleston She Crab Soup and Pan-Seared Duck Breast.

5. French Quarter Inn

French Quarter Inn is a romantic boutique hotel located steps from Charleston’s historic market area. Known for its exceptional hospitality and intimate ambiance, the inn welcomes guests with champagne upon arrival.

Spacious rooms feature luxurious bedding, elegant décor, and soaking tubs. Each morning, guests enjoy a complimentary artisanal breakfast, while evenings include wine and cheese receptions, cookies, and turn-down treats.

Free bicycles and a pillow menu add personal touches that make each stay special. Its prime location, charm, and attention to detail make French Quarter Inn a favorite for couples seeking a warm, memorable Charleston getaway.

Restaurant / Food Experience	Famous For
Complimentary Breakfast Buffet	Locally sourced pastries, quiches, and fruit parfaits.
Evening Wine & Cheese Reception	Features regional wines and artisanal cheeses.
Cookies & Milk at Night	A signature nightly treat for guests.
Signature Dish	Fresh-baked Southern pecan cookies.

6. HarbourView Inn

Overlooking Charleston Harbour, this boutique Inn provides a blend of upscale comfort and coastal charm, right in downtown Charleston, where it offers a delightful, quiet respite.

Many of the Inn’s rooms afford lovely water view and guests appreciate the Inn’s custom furnishings, original artwork, and quality linen.

European breakfasts and evening wine and cheese pairings are provided and guests are encouraged to take wine to the cafe style sunset watching rooftop terrace.

Being across from Waterfront Park and the Charleston Market, it’s positioned perfectly for Charleston sightseeing.

This exquisite Inn combines a delightful atmosphere with phenomenal service and a central location, and therefore, is delightful for guests expecting an active sightseeing Charleston vacation.

Restaurant / Food Experience	Famous For
In-Room Breakfast	Complimentary continental breakfast with local specialties.
Evening Wine and Cheese	Local selections served on the rooftop terrace.
Nearby Dining	Close to Fleet Landing for seafood lovers.
Signature Dish	Shrimp and Crab Croissant Sandwich.

7. Emeline

Emeline boutique hotel embodies the creative and modern essence of Charleston. Located next to the Historic Charleston City Market, this hotel encompasses artful interiors, lush greenery and a vintage design.

Rooms are intimate and elegant, and include record players, framed art, and other luxurious amenities.

Guests are served wood-fired Italian cuisine at the hotel restaurant, Frannie & The Fox and enjoy Clerks Coffee Company’s artisanal coffee served in a polished café.

Guests are encouraged to use the bicycles, courtyard and enjoy the nearby boutiques and restaurants.

Community, ease and style are the defining features of Emeline, which is perfect for travelers in search of contemporary elegance with a hint of local spirit.

Restaurant / Food Experience	Famous For
Frannie & The Fox	Wood-fired Italian restaurant serving pizzas and shareable plates.
Clerks Coffee Company	Trendy café offering pastries and artisanal coffee.
Signature Dish	Wood-fired Margherita pizza with local olive oil.

8. Planters Inn

The Planters Inn is a member of Relais & Châteaux. It is a historic hotel offering timeless southern elegance. It was built in 1844 and overlooks Charleston’s City Market.

It offers a mix of old-world comfort and modern hospitality. Each of the hotel’s rooms is furnished with an intricately crafted four-poster canopy bed, exquisite linens, and a collection of antiques

While the inn’s private courtyard is a picturesque space for quiet reflection. Guests can savor the renowned Peninsula Grill’s upscale Lowcountry cuisine and world-famous coconut cake.

Planters Inn’s guests appreciate the personalized service, relaxed atmosphere, and downtown location. It has collected Charleston’s heritage, and refinement.

Restaurant / Food Experience	Famous For
Peninsula Grill	Fine dining restaurant known for upscale Lowcountry cuisine.
Private Courtyard Dining	Romantic setting surrounded by gardens.
Signature Dessert	Legendary 12-layer Coconut Cake, one of Charleston’s most famous desserts.

9. The Vendue

The Vendue, located in the French Quarter, is Charleston’s premier art hotel. It is a blend of creativity, comfort, and culture. The hotel consists of two restored historic warehouses, in which guests can enjoy rotating art exhibits from local and international artists.

Each guest room is a unique creation, and all vintage and modern decorative styles provide a balanced zen.

Guests enjoy complimentary wine receptions, guided art tours, and access to the hotel’s popular rooftop bar, which provides panoramic views of the city and the harbor.

The restaurant features inventive Southern cuisine served in a gallery-like atmosphere. The Vendue is for travelers reflecting Charleston’s vibrant and artistic energy.

Restaurant / Food Experience	Famous For
The Rooftop Bar at The Vendue	Popular for cocktails and city views.
Revival Restaurant	Serves modern Southern cuisine with locally sourced seafood.
Signature Dish	Fried Green Tomatoes with Crab and Corn Relish.

10. Zero George Street Hotel

Zero George Street Hotel is situated in eight beautifully restored residences from the 19th Century. Each of the 16 suits is private and has its own unique architectural and modern elements.

Each room has it’s own small patio, the suits and the property’s court and gardens provide sanctuary. Its award winning chef prepares seasonally driven, locally sourced, chef’s tasting menus for the guests.

Each of them participates in chef directed culinary activities and has bike access to local points of interest.

Personalized amenities, exceptional culinary experiences and historic decor, Zero George provides the best of all worlds in Charleston.

Restaurant / Food Experience	Famous For
Zero Restaurant + Bar	Award-winning fine dining by Chef Vinson Petrillo, focused on seasonal tasting menus.
Cooking Classes	Interactive culinary sessions led by the chef.
Signature Dish	Seared Scallops with Sweet Corn Purée and Truffle Jus.

Cocnlsuion

In conclusion, Charleston’s best hotels integrate timeless Southern charm and hospitality with genuine luxury, creating remarkable historical and stylish memories.

Each establishment provides waterfront and downtown landmark offerings delivering comfortable accommodations, exquisite meals, and devoted hospitality.

Each of Charleston’s hotels is designed to deliver the best of the best, whether you are seeking romance, rest, or simply an extravagant getaway, for an unforgettable experience to cherish, Charleston will deliver.

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