Locals' Take on Charleston Hotels

Since we live in Mount Pleasant, just across the harbor from Charleston, we don’t spend a lot of time with lodging in the area.  We know that there is a wide variety of options from Airbnb to 5 Star resorts.  You can choose to stay on the beaches, historic downtown or the neighboring communities. 

That said, we have spent a few nights in Charleston.  Matter of fact we spent our first nights in Downtown when we were searching for where to live. We chose the Days Inn on Meeting Street to be close to everything and the result of our two-night stay was that we decided to move here.  The rooms here were standard, nothing fancy but the location was steps away from everything. 

Years later I took a job at The Belmond Charleston Place.  It was an Orient Express property then and I worked as a concierge on the Club level.  The rooms are magnificent and the amenities and location can’t be beat.  If you are looking to treat yourself we recommend you consider it. 

Our Anniversary is in January, a relatively quiet time of year that coincides with Restaurant Week.  On several occasions we have celebrated our anniversary by checking in at a hotel downtown and splurging on a lovely dinner. 

The first time we did it we stayed on Queen Street at The Elliot Inn.  It was the perfect spot to hide away with everything you need or want close by.  Combine your stay with drink at one of the oldest bars in Charleston and great dining at 82 Queen, which is right next door. You will feel like you stepped back in history and it is as elegant Southern as you can get.  Be sure to order a cup of the She Crab Soup at 82 Queen, it is by far the best in town!

For another anniversary we chose the Kings Courtyard on King Street.  Another lovely boutique hotel that is furnished in antiques with great service and location.  We combined this stay with dinner at Fulton Five, a lovely romantic Italian restaurant very close to our hotel. 

Our most recent anniversary we spent at Market Pavilion on East Bay and Market Street.  This is a very lovely boutique hotel that offers the finest in dining and accommodations.  If you want to really treat yourself to something special start with drinks on their roof top bar, dinner at Grill 225 and wander back up to your fabulous room.  Ours overlooked East Bay Street and the harbor.  It doesn’t get any better than this.

Here are just a few of the options in Downtown Charleston but there are infinite number of choices in and around the area.  We are happy to help with suggestions.