18 Hotels in Charleston for an Authentic Experience

With its historic architecture, relaxing beaches, and exceptional dining, it’s no surprise that Charleston has surged in popularity over the past decade. The city now draws everyone from weekend visitors and groups of friends to families on road trips and couples seeking a romantic escape—and the hotel scene has adapted beautifully.

Despite being a relatively small city, Charleston boasts a wide array of hotels—inns set in historic mansions, boutique lodgings full of charm, and larger hotel chains. Navigating these options can be overwhelming. For Dinogo’s latest feature of Hotels We Love, we’ve curated 18 properties that embody the essence of Charleston and honor its unique character. At these hotels, you’ll always feel the spirit of the Holy City.

The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina

Nestled within the city, the Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina offers all the features of a seaside retreat: heated adult and family pools, a bocce court, a full-service spa, and even a 30-seat movie theater. Kids can enjoy the Mini Mariners kids club, which emphasizes nature-based activities. For those wanting to explore downtown, a water taxi departs right from the private marina. After a day of adventure, guests can unwind in one of the 92 guest rooms, decorated in blue-and-white coastal themes, featuring local artwork by John Carroll Doyle and stunning views of Charleston Harbor from their balconies or wraparound porches. Savor fresh seafood at the Charleston Harbor Fish House or relax with a drink at the pool’s tiki bar or the rooftop Bridge Bar overlooking the marina and the skyline of the Holy City.

The Charleston Place

As the largest luxury hotel in the city, the Charleston Place occupies an entire city block with entrances on King and Meeting streets. The latter leads into an impressive lobby featuring an imperial staircase, a stunning 12-foot crystal chandelier, and elegant Italian marble floors. With 433 spacious guest rooms adorned with traditional Southern decor, including mahogany and damask furnishings, the hotel exudes charm. The lower level boasts the upscale Charleston Grill restaurant, a stylish hotel bar, a sizable indoor saltwater pool topped with a retractable glass roof, and a shopping arcade filled with designer boutiques. Currently undergoing a $150 million renovation, the hotel will remain operational throughout the updates.

The Dewberry

For a departure from the typical antebellum aesthetic, the Dewberry offers a unique experience. Situated in the 1960s L. Mendel Rivers Federal Building on Marion Square, the hotel embraces a midcentury-modern style. The wood-paneled lobby transitions into a cozy living room reminiscent of Mad Men, complete with live music and a brass bar serving timeless cocktails alongside deviled eggs topped with caviar. The second-floor spa features tufted-velvet recliners and treatments inspired by Lowcountry botanicals, as well as a fitness center.

In the 154 sun-soaked rooms, guests can enjoy luxurious Irish linens, marble bathrooms, and armoires adorned with custom-printed fabrics by local artist Becca Barnet. The hotel’s rooftop lounge, Citrus Club, serves craft cocktails and light bites while offering stunning views of the Holy City skyline. Additional amenities include a Volvo house car service and a new boutique that opened in March 2024, featuring jewelry, art, and antiques sourced from the travels of Dewberry owners Jaimie and John Dewberry.

The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection

Located just 40 minutes from downtown, the Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection introduced Auberge Resorts’ signature laid-back luxury to Johns Island when it opened in August 2024. With 20 miles of waterfront and an equal stretch of green hiking and biking trails amidst wildlife-filled marshlands in the exclusive Kiawah River community, this resort celebrates nature. Featuring 72 cottage-style accommodations, two dining options, and a full-service spa, the rooms are designed by Amanda Lindroth, incorporating elements like wicker, wood, and textured linens with mint-green touches and bright batik prints. The expansive suites offer large living areas and dining spaces, with soaking tubs in the bathrooms that boast river views—some even outdoors.

The central River House boasts a wraparound porch, while its signature restaurant, Linnette’s, serves up wood-fired Southern cuisine using ingredients sourced from local suppliers, such as Barrier Island Oysters and Storey Farms. For those seeking indulgence, the Aster, an Auberge Spa, offers treatments featuring Farmaesthetics and Biologique Recherche products. Guests can enjoy daily fitness classes and wellness workshops, alongside outdoor activities like fishing and kayaking. Families will appreciate the Minnows Club, which provides age-appropriate activities for children.

Emeline

Emeline opened its doors in July 2020, nestled in the historic district within a building that dates back to 1852. While the interiors are distinctly modern, the 212-room hotel features Southern elements that evoke a sense of place, such as woven-cane furnishings, a grand brick fireplace in the airy courtyard, and a classic grand entrance. Notable details include a Crosley record player and a curated selection of vinyl records in each suite, complimentary still and sparkling water stations on every floor, custom ceramic pieces by local artist Susan Gregory, and Wildsam Field Guides to Charleston placed by each bedside.

The on-site restaurant Frannie & the Fox specializes in wood-fired cuisine crafted from local ingredients, while the charming café Clerks Coffee Company serves brews from Charleston’s Second State roaster. Don’t miss Keep Shop, the hotel boutique showcasing clothing, accessories, and home goods from over 40 local artisans.

HarbourView Inn

Originally opened in 1998 within a former indigo cotton warehouse, HarbourView Inn was the first waterfront hotel in the Historic District. In Spring 2021, it revealed a $1 million renovation designed by South Carolina's Jenny Keenan, featuring a bright, airy aesthetic that maintains its Southern charm. The updates include new armoires, custom drapery, fresh carpets, and charcoal artworks by local artist David Boatwright in each of the 52 rooms, some with balconies. The cherished rooftop terrace offers stunning harbor and skyline vistas. Guests enjoy nightly milk and cookies, an evening wine and cheese reception, and a complimentary gourmet breakfast each morning.

Hotel Bennett

Situated on the former site of the Charleston Public Library at the edge of Marion Park, Hotel Bennett opened its doors in January 2019 and quickly established itself as one of the most luxurious hotels in the Holy City. This grand European-style hotel features a Champagne lounge with an art deco theme, showcasing pink marble reclaimed from the library, alongside crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and wrought iron railings. The 179 dog-friendly guest rooms vary from cozy to spacious, each adorned with a soft palette of pale pink, white, and tan, as well as marble vanities, deep-soaking tubs, plush bedding, and locally inspired artwork.
Guests can easily fill their days without stepping outside: book a cabana by the heated pool, pamper yourself with a massage or facial at the spa, treat yourself to homemade macarons and éclairs at La Pâtisserie, or enjoy a sunset drink at the rooftop bar. Don’t forget to leave room for dinner at Gabrielle, where the grilled prime rib eye and bourbon-brined chicken are must-tries.

The John Rutledge House Inn

The John Rutledge House Inn resides in one of Charleston’s most historic structures—a remarkable feat in a city rich with landmarks. Built in 1763 by John Rutledge, a signer of the U.S. Constitution and South Carolina’s first governor, this stately townhouse was once the state’s inaugural White House and is marked by a scar from a Union cannonball during the Civil War.

In the 1980s, the building underwent a careful restoration (with plenty of space dedicated to cabinets filled with artifacts and photographs) and was transformed into an inn. Guest accommodations are spread across the main house and two carriage houses on the grounds. Many feature lofty ceilings, intricately carved marble fireplaces, canopied beds, and functional gas fireplaces. Guests can indulge in nightly port, brandy, and sherry; enjoy afternoon tea with hors d’oeuvres; and savor a hearty breakfast that can be served in-room, in the garden, or in the ballroom.

The Loutrel

The Loutrel boasts 50 rooms inspired by Charleston’s lush public and private gardens. Each room is modern and sophisticated, equipped with Matouk bedding, Deep Steep bath products, Dyson hairdryers, and complimentary minibars stocked with local snacks and beverages. Select rooms include California king beds and Juliette balconies.

The lobby embodies the essence of a Southern porch with a swing, abundant greenery, and a striking art piece celebrating the region’s landscapes by local artist Linda Fantuzzo. The Veranda Lounge features a sizable bar highlighted by bronze and wood accents. A rooftop terrace offers breathtaking views, while the exclusive Clubroom for guests includes a curated selection of books from Charleston’s Buxton Books, along with games and locally sourced snacks and drinks.

The Mills House Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Mills House Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton boasts a rich history in Charleston, with its signature pink facade standing for over 170 years. At the close of 2022, the hotel joined Hilton’s Curio Collection after a comprehensive renovation, redesigning all 218 guest rooms to evoke a residential atmosphere, showcasing original artwork by Southeastern artist Tracy Murrell.

Recent enhancements to the property feature a hidden garden in the courtyard and a terrace bar adjacent to the inviting pool, surrounded by cabanas and lush landscaping. The hotel now includes two new dining options: the Black Door Café on the street level, offering coffee, pastries, and sandwiches, and the Iron Rose, nestled within the garden and boasting an outdoor fireplace, serving seasonal modern Southern cuisine. Guests can also enjoy new experiences such as daily wellness classes on the terrace and a Cook Your Catch adventure with crab expert Tia Clark, who guides guests in fishing and crabbing. The Iron Rose will then prepare a Lowcountry boil complete with all the essentials.

Palmetto Hotel

With 45 rooms, the Palmetto Hotel stands out as one of the newest boutique hotels in the city, having opened its doors in March 2023. It captures Charleston's essence through design features such as palmetto-patterned wallpaper, sweetgrass baskets, early 1900s local artwork, and a stunning gilded cut-crystal chandelier shaped like a palmetto tree in the lobby.

The guest rooms offer expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, plush king-sized beds, luxurious Bamford bath products, and personalized monogrammed robes and slippers. The Penthouse Suite boasts a fully equipped wet bar, a spacious living room, and a 500-square-foot rooftop terrace with comfortable seating and breathtaking city views. The Lobby Bar is the perfect spot for a quick drink or snack, featuring a menu of Charleston-inspired classic cocktails and a curated selection of small plates, including charcuterie and caviar.

The Pinch

Nestled at the bustling intersection of King and George Streets, this luxurious boutique hotel occupies two historic Victorian-style buildings from 1834, along with a newly constructed addition. The hotel offers 25 guest rooms, including three residences ideal for extended stays, complete with full-sized kitchens featuring marble countertops and in-unit washers and dryers.

Each inviting room showcases custom-crafted furniture, premium decorative lighting, artisanal ceramics, hand-painted wallpaper, vintage woven rugs, and cocktail kits that enhance the well-stocked minibar. A serene one-room spa provides treatments using high-quality Davines products from Italy. The hotel boasts two restaurants led by James Beard Award-winning chef Jason Stanhope, formerly of the renowned Fig in Charleston. The Quinte serves as a charming oyster bar, while Lowland is an upscale Southern tavern situated over two floors of the historic Lequeux-Williams House, emphasizing local ingredients and purveyors. The Pinch marks Method Co.'s second hotel opening outside of Philadelphia; Method Co. is also behind the stylish Wm. Mulherin’s Sons and Roost Apartment Hotels.

The Restoration

Inaugurated in 2010 and revamped in 2016, the Restoration is composed of five delightful historic buildings surrounding a courtyard. The stylish and contemporary accommodations showcase exposed brick and soaring ceilings, ranging from 500-square-foot studios to a spacious three-bedroom suite with a full kitchen. The hotel also boasts a rooftop pool and bar celebrated for its stunning sunset vistas, a farm-to-table restaurant named the Watch with remarkable views, an Assouline Library, and a cozy coffee shop. Guests can also enjoy spa treatments in the comfort of their rooms.

The Ryder

The Ryder Hotel debuted in spring 2021 in the Historic District, exuding a beachy and laid-back atmosphere. This 91-room boutique hotel, crafted by local firm Cortney Bishop Design, showcases earthy tones and coastal elements such as natural wood headboards and rattan furniture. The on-site restaurant, Little Palm, along with The Backyard outdoor courtyard, channels vintage Miami vibes with tropical cocktails, a sherbet-inspired color palette, and abundant palm fronds. The inviting pool is always a temptation, and guests can enjoy yoga classes through their room TVs, courtesy of Charleston Community Yoga. The Coffee Counter serves as a delightful morning and all-day meeting spot, while the Gear Garage offers bikes, longboards, fishing rods, folding chairs, and Polaroid cameras for guest use.

The Spectator Hotel

Local interior designer Jenny Keenan led the creation of the Spectator’s art deco-inspired charm, featuring thoughtful touches like hand-painted wallpaper and an impressive three-tiered chandelier adorned with 1,800 hand-strung glass crystals. The 41 spacious guest rooms reflect the same level of attention, equipped with local Southern Lady mattresses, custom Harris pillows, and Deep Steep bath products.

When morning arrives, there's no rush to get out of bed—each night's stay includes a locally sourced in-room breakfast. Guests also benefit from the services of a personal butler, who can assist with everything from drawing a relaxing bath to polishing shoes or securing dinner reservations at Husk. Before heading out for the evening, enjoy a cocktail at the Bar, a Prohibition-inspired venue offering inventive drinks and light bites.

The Vendue

This boutique hotel celebrates the arts, featuring on-site docents to guide guests through the exhibition spaces, an artist-in-residence program, and over 200 artworks adorning the property. Housed in a series of former warehouses in the French Quarter, the Vendue spans two buildings across the street from each other. The guest rooms showcase a wide array of styles; while some feature a contemporary aesthetic with vibrant reds and subway-tiled walk-in showers, the Enclave rooms boast exposed brick with a yellow, black, and gold color scheme. Don't miss the rooftop for lunch or drinks with stunning river views as your backdrop.

Wentworth Mansion

Constructed for a cotton merchant and his bride in the 1880s, this Gilded Age mansion began its journey as a hotel in 1998. It has since become a premier accommodation in Charleston, thanks to the careful preservation and modern updates of the historic structure. Features include intricate wood paneling, Tiffany-style stained glass, period furnishings, and gas fireplaces, all enhanced by modern amenities such as whirlpool tubs and complimentary valet parking.

The Circa 1886 restaurant showcases South Carolina’s finest ingredients with dishes such as Broken Arrow antelope served alongside Anson Mills grits. The spa, featuring exposed brick and rustic beams, offers a range of massages and facials set in the mansion's former stables. Exclusive experiences available include cocktail-making classes, wine-tasting workshops, and rides in a vintage 1928 Ford Model A.

Zero George

Nestled in the Ansonborough neighborhood, Zero George is an intimate boutique hotel occupying three meticulously restored residences and two brick carriage houses from 1804, all surrounding a lush, plant-filled courtyard. The hotel exudes understated luxury with its period furnishings and hardwood floors, many rooms featuring private or shared verandas. Guests enjoy daily breakfast, a wine and cheese happy hour, and complimentary bicycles during their stay. The Restaurant at Zero George offers a seasonal multi-course tasting menu, while the Caviar Bar serves Regiis Ova Caviar with various accompaniments. The Residences at Zero George consists of five spacious suites in a restored 19th-century home, designed for longer-term stays with upscale furnishings and kitchens.

This article was first published in November 2022 and has been updated as of September 2024.