Where to Stay in Downtown Charleston

Charleston remains a top travel destination (Travel + Leisure just ranked it as the "Best City in the U.S. to visit" for its 11th consecutive year), but that also means the options of where to stay in this southern foodie town continue to grow. Take it from a local who lived and works downtown - there are plenty of options and they all are not created equal. You want historic charm paired with modern amenities, and bonus points for walkability so you can enjoy those cobblestone streets and and an excuse for a nightcap. These local hotel recommendations have all those things and each offer their own unique flair. The list is roughly ordered from most to least expensive, but may vary by season and availability.

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Zero George

@TravelFilled

If you can afford to stay anywhere, stay at Zero George. This is southern luxury in a small, personalized setting. You could technically never leave this historic gem tucked into the charming Ansonborough neighborhood and still get a taste of Charleston with their onsite restaurant specializing in haute southern cuisine, wraparound porches where they will bring you wine and cheese, and oak covered courtyards. But still do! Nothing is more than a bike ride away, and they will lend you one for the day.

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The Dewberry Charleston

@TravelFilled

The Dewberry has my heart, especially during the holiday season. They are known for their charming MCM decor and the best sunset rooftop views (at The Citrus Club) year round, but I say prioritize staying at the Dewberry if you are visiting Charleston in November- January. They know how to decorate- I stop by The Living Room every Christmas season to take in the tasteful decor and order a cocktail and some of their secret sriracha caramel corn while getting cozy under the tree or outside over a personal fire. Alternatively, as a guest you can grab a complimentary warm cookie and cocoa in the lobby then head out across the street to catch the lights and tree in Marion Square,

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Emeline

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This is a refreshingly local boutique hotel in an area that had only been plagued with stuffy chains for years. It is in walking distance of Riverfront Park and all the main tourist attractions, and you can start your day with coffee from Clerk's, then end it with a nightcap at Frannie and the Fox. While their string lit courtyard is gorgeous, I love sitting along the back of the bar, where they will serve you complimentary limoncello on the hour through wooden slots as an ode to earlier times.

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The Restoration Charleston

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The Restoration is tucked between historic King Street and the College of Charleston and has officially taken over the block. Guest favorites include the rooftop pool and breakfast delivered to your room in a picnic basket with fresh pastries from the the coffee shop on site (The Rise), where locals also pop in for a latte. The Watch rooftop bar and restaurant stays busy whenever you're there, but Friday's guest happy hour in their cozy Library and rooftop yoga classes are my favorite perk.

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Hotel Bella Grace

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Bella Grace represents so much of what Charleston is today- a blend of history and modernity, with sleek interiors built into a pre-existing historic house. You could easily walk right past this hotel, hidden right of the street from the bustle of downtown, but across from the Historic Mother Emanuel AME Church and caddy corner to Delaney Oyster House, which boasts a Michelin star chef and my favorite dirty martini in town (stop by from 4-6 for happy hour).

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Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton

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I used to work right across the street from the Mills House, and witnessed its transformation! Enjoy an updated historic hotel with a rooftop pool and excellent proximity to Broad Street and the French Quarter. If you book around the First Friday of the month, you are within walking distance of all the local art galleries that open their doors for free, many including wine and refreshments. Meyer Vogl Gallery is one of my favorites- pop by after grabbing breakfast or lunch from Harken Cafe (WAY better than the cafe in the Mills House lobby and a mere steps away).

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The Iris

@TravelFilled

A great option if most of your plans center on going out along "upper King," as most of the late night spots are within walking distance of The Iris. These full apartments are off a charming street, flooded with natural light, and close to the crosstown for easy interstate and beach access. Grab coffee from nearby Island Provisions or The Daily on your way out.

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Indigo Inn

@TravelFilled

This is an affordable option in the heart of historic downtown. The inn has a bed and breakfast feel with old oak furniture in the rooms and a brick courtyard with a fountain where you can enjoy breakfast. All rooms are not created equally here- request a top floor with a balcony that overlooks Charleston church steeples.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Emma Cregg

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Bonjour, y'all! I’m Emma, a southerner who moved to Paris and now splits my time between the City of Light and Charleston, SC. After years of planning trips to both spots for friends, family, and the occasional stranger I befriended on a plane, I made things official and launched Travel Filled, my travel blog and planning business. I used to work for the City of Charleston and now travel and work with cities all over the country (aka total local government nerd, proudly nicknamed the Leslie Knope of my grad class). That makes me incredibly enthusiastic about finding and sharing local specialities and hidden gems. I’m constantly seeking out new cultural experiences, running routes, good pescatarian spots, book and coffee nooks, and the perfect cocktail. I plan trips for all sorts of folks, but am especially passionate about connecting with culturally curious women looking to fill up their travel cup through a blend of authentic experiences and treat yoself moments and are just too busy kicking ass in their daily lives to plan it all on their own!

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Charleston, SC, USA