The Best Luxury Hotels to Stay at in Charleston

Charleston has no shortage of beautiful places to spend a few nights. From grand hotels and historic mansions to intimate boutique properties tucked just off King Street, the city has a stay for almost every kind of traveler.

A handful stand apart, whether it's the setting, service, design or history behind the walls. Here are some of the best luxury hotels to consider for your next Charleston stay.

The Charleston Place

205 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401

If you're looking for the grand Charleston hotel experience, start here.

Located in the heart of the historic district, The Charleston Place puts you within easy walking distance of King Street, the Charleston City Market, restaurants, galleries and many of the city's best-known attractions.

The property offers an indoor-outdoor rooftop pool, spa, extensive dining and drinking options and the amenities of a larger luxury hotel.

For a first visit to Charleston, particularly if you want to be in the middle of everything, it's hard to beat the location.

Hotel Bennett

404 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403

Set directly on Marion Square, Hotel Bennett brings a polished, European-inspired approach to Southern luxury.

Its location at the top of King Street makes it especially convenient for shopping, restaurants and exploring downtown on foot. Inside, you'll find an impressive collection of amenities, including a rooftop pool and cabanas, spa, signature restaurant Gabrielle, Camellias champagne lounge and La Pâtisserie.

For travelers who want a traditional five-star hotel experience with plenty happening within the property itself, Hotel Bennett is one of Charleston's standout choices.

The Dewberry

334 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403

The Dewberry feels distinctly different from Charleston's more traditional luxury hotels.

Housed in a landmark mid-century building overlooking Marion Square, its interiors lean toward understated, design-driven luxury. The result feels sophisticated without trying too hard.

The Living Room is a favorite gathering spot downstairs, while the rooftop Citrus Club offers sweeping views across Charleston. There's also a spa and fitness studio for guests.

Choose The Dewberry if design, atmosphere and a more contemporary interpretation of Charleston luxury are high on your list.

The Loutrel

61 State Street, Charleston, SC 29401

The Loutrel is one of the newer additions to Charleston's luxury hotel scene and has quickly become a standout.

Located in the French Quarter, the intimate 50-room property takes its inspiration from Charleston's gardens. Its scale gives it a more personal feel than the city's larger luxury hotels.

Guests have access to a rooftop terrace overlooking the historic district, complimentary European breakfast, a welcome cocktail, bicycles, turndown service and a Clubroom stocked with snacks and beverages.

This is an excellent choice for someone who wants the location of a major downtown hotel with the intimacy of a boutique property.

The Spectator Hotel

67 State Street, Charleston, SC 29401

For highly personalized service, The Spectator deserves a spot near the top of the list.

Located near Charleston City Market and the French Quarter, the boutique hotel channels a sophisticated Jazz Age aesthetic and is particularly known for its service.

Its signature feature is personal butler service for every guest. Stays also include an in-room continental breakfast, welcome cocktail and access to complimentary bicycles.

The location puts Waterfront Park, Rainbow Row, the City Market and King Street within easy walking distance.

For a romantic weekend or special occasion, this is one of Charleston's most intimate luxury experiences.

The Pinch

40 George Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Just off King Street, The Pinch combines the independence of a private residence with the service and design of a luxury boutique hotel.

The property incorporates historic Victorian-era buildings alongside a contemporary structure, with just 25 guestrooms and suites. Accommodations feature residential touches, including full kitchens, making The Pinch particularly appealing for longer stays.

Across the courtyard you'll also find Lowland, its Southern-inspired restaurant.

The Pinch is a great fit for travelers who appreciate exceptional design but would rather feel like they're temporarily living in Charleston than staying in a traditional hotel.

86 Cannon

86 Cannon Street, Charleston, SC 29403

For something even more intimate, 86 Cannon offers a different side of downtown Charleston.

This adults-only boutique hotel sits in the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood, giving guests access to some of Charleston's best restaurants and nightlife while feeling more residential than the heart of the historic tourist district.

It's small, quiet and highly design-focused, making it especially well suited to couples looking for a romantic Charleston escape.

This is the place to stay if your idea of luxury is privacy, thoughtful service and a beautiful residential setting rather than a sprawling hotel.

Wentworth Mansion

149 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC 29401

If you want Charleston's history built into the walls, Wentworth Mansion is difficult to top.

Built in 1886, the 21-room mansion retains extraordinary historic architectural details while operating as an intimate luxury hotel.

Stays include a Southern breakfast at Circa 1886, afternoon wine and hors d'oeuvres, and evening port, sherry and brandy.

Then there's the rooftop cupola, which provides a memorable vantage point over the historic district.

For history lovers or anyone celebrating something special, Wentworth Mansion offers one of the most distinctly Charleston stays on this list.

Planters Inn

112 North Market Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Directly across from Charleston City Market, Planters Inn pairs one of the city's most convenient locations with a classic historic Charleston atmosphere.

The building dates to 1844, and its rooms and suites lean into traditional Southern design with antiques, four-poster beds and residential details.

The hotel is also home to Peninsula Grill, one of Charleston's longstanding fine-dining destinations, reached through the property's lantern-lit courtyard.

Planters Inn is a particularly good choice if you want traditional Charleston character and the ability to explore much of the historic district on foot.

The Restoration

75 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC 29401

The Restoration offers another take on residential-style luxury.

Located just off King Street, its accommodations are designed to feel more like beautifully appointed residences than conventional hotel rooms. The property also offers a rooftop restaurant and bar, coffee shop and other gathering spaces.

Its central location makes shopping, dining and sightseeing easily accessible while offering a little more space and independence than a traditional luxury hotel.

It's an especially good option for longer stays, groups or travelers who prefer a more relaxed boutique experience.

 The Cooper Hotel

176 Concord Street, Charleston, SC 29401

The Cooper offers a distinctly waterfront take on Charleston luxury.

Located directly on the Cooper River beside Waterfront Park, the 191-room hotel pairs light-filled, residential-inspired accommodations with panoramic harbor views. Many rooms feature private balconies overlooking the water.

The property also features a rooftop infinity pool, a 7,000-square-foot spa, four dining concepts and a private marina with curated boating experiences.

Its French Quarter location keeps guests within walking distance of Charleston’s historic streets, restaurants and City Market while offering a more resort-like experience along the water.

It’s an especially good option for travelers looking for modern luxury, waterfront views and a full-service retreat without leaving downtown Charleston.

A Few Luxury Stays Beyond Downtown Charleston

If your Charleston trip doesn't need to revolve entirely around the peninsula, it's worth widening the search.

For a true resort experience, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers an oceanfront setting, spa, golf and access to the wider Kiawah Island resort experience.

Nearby on Johns Island, The Dunlin, Auberge Collection offers a very different Lowcountry escape along the Kiawah River. Think cottage-inspired accommodations, nature and a quieter resort setting about 20 miles from downtown Charleston.

These aren't substitutes for staying downtown if your priority is exploring historic Charleston on foot, but they're excellent choices for travelers who want to combine a Charleston visit with a luxury coastal retreat.

Which Charleston Hotel Should You Choose?

It really depends on the Charleston experience you're after.

For classic grand luxury, consider The Charleston Place or Hotel Bennett.

For design and atmosphere, look at The Dewberry, The Pinch or The Loutrel.

For boutique service and romance, The Spectator, 86 Cannon and Wentworth Mansion stand out.

For historic Charleston character, consider Wentworth Mansion or Planters Inn.

And for a Lowcountry resort escape, head beyond downtown to The Sanctuary or The Dunlin.

A Note for Anyone Relocating

If you're visiting Charleston to explore neighborhoods before making a move, staying downtown is a great way to get acquainted with the city on foot.

Spend a few days walking the historic district, King Street and the surrounding neighborhoods, but don't stop there. Use Charleston as your starting point before exploring communities such as Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, West Ashley, James Island, Johns Island and Sullivan's Island.

A hotel can show you Charleston as a visitor. Spending time in its different neighborhoods will give you a much better sense of what it might actually feel like to call the Lowcountry home.

Planning a move to Charleston? Reach out anytime for recommendations tailored to what brings you here and help finding the part of the Lowcountry that feels right for you.