Charleston — Traveler Guide
History comes alive in these extraordinary properties. Each hotel occupies a building with genuine heritage significance — whether a former palace, a converted monastery, an art-deco landmark, or a centuries-old townhouse — sensitively restored with contemporary comforts.
Quick Answer
History comes alive in these extraordinary properties. Each hotel occupies a building with genuine heritage significance — whether a former palace, a converted monastery, an art-deco landmark, or a centuries-old townhouse — sensitively restored with contemporary comforts.
6 hotels reviewed · Price range: $$, $$$, $$$$, $ · Last updated March 2026
About This Guide
Charleston offers exceptional options for travellers seeking historic hotels, and we've curated the very best. Each property has been selected for its outstanding facilities, prime location, and the quality of experience it delivers. Leading our list, The Indigo Inn excels with its exceptional attention to detail and commitment to the historic experience. Planters Inn offers a compelling alternative with its unique approach and distinctive character. Whether you're a first-time visitor to Charleston or returning for another stay, these hotels represent the gold standard for historic accommodation in the city. Each has been independently evaluated for quality, location, and value.
Insider Tips
Book directly with the hotel for the best rate guarantee and potential upgrades.
Read recent guest reviews for the most up-to-date assessment of facilities.
Consider visiting during shoulder season for better rates and fewer crowds.
Ask the concierge for local recommendations — they know Charleston better than any guidebook.
Our Picks
6 hotels · Updated February 2026
French Quarter
A 40-room inn in a converted 19th-century warehouse in the French Quarter, offering comfortable, historically appointed rooms at some of the most reasonable rates in the historic district. The included breakfast and prime location make it an exceptional value for a city where accommodation prices run high.
Market District
The most consistently excellent small hotel in Charleston for over three decades, with handsomely appointed rooms, an enclosed piazza garden, and Peninsula Grill — one of the South's greatest restaurants, famous for its twelve-layer Ultimate Coconut Cake. The location on Market Street is ideally central without being in the tourist scrum.
Cannonborough-Elliotborough
A jaw-dropping 1886 Second Empire mansion converted into a 21-room inn with individually decorated rooms featuring period antiques, fireplaces, and free-standing tubs, plus a carriage house spa and Circa 1886 restaurant in the original kitchen building. The most romantic hotel in South Carolina, without question.
Cannonborough-Elliotborough
The best budget option in Charleston occupies a beautifully maintained Victorian house near the corner of Cannon and Spring Streets, with dorms and private rooms in a neighbourhood that locals prefer to the tourist-dense Market District. The porch culture, common kitchen, and knowledgeable staff create a genuine community experience.
Ansonborough
A cluster of five adjoining 19th-century buildings transformed into a 18-room boutique with the intimacy of a private residence and the polish of a genuine luxury hotel. The carriage house restaurant and cooking school under chef Vinson Petrillo is one of Charleston's most distinctive dining experiences, and the walled courtyard is magnificent.
Upper King Street
The anchor property of Charleston's Upper King Street design and food corridor — 16 rooms and suites spread across a collection of historic buildings, with rooftop lounge access, an included pantry breakfast, and an ideal position amid the city's best restaurants and boutiques.
Keep Exploring
Common Questions
Yes — the best historic hotels preserve architectural character while offering thoroughly modern amenities including high-speed WiFi, premium bedding, and contemporary bathrooms.
Room sizes vary. Some heritage properties have grand suites, while others feature cozier rooms with unique architectural details. Room dimensions are usually listed in the booking description.
More Destinations
Prices and availability change daily. Lock in the best rate by booking early — most of our top picks offer free cancellation.
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