Best Hotels in South Carolina

Named after John Dewberry, one of the South's most polarizing and powerful real estate developers, The Dewberry Charleston is the result of an almost eight-year renovation of a former federal building. Designed to exude old-world Charleston, South Carolina, charm, all of the property's 155 guest rooms and suites feature hand-painted wallpaper by a local artist, chandeliers, queen- or king-sized beds dressed in Irish linens, flat-screen TVs and marble bathrooms with glass-enclosed showers. Recent visitors raved about the beautiful and clean accommodations, although some bemoaned the lack of coffee makers and work desks. Should you need to conduct business while staying here, three event venues, including a ballroom and its adjacent pre-function space, are available. Fitness buffs, meanwhile, can work out in the fitness studio, borrow a bike for a ride around town or participate in rooftop yoga classes. Once you've worked up an appetite, sit down for a meal at Henrietta's, where international dishes are served in a mahogany-paneled dining room with Roaring '20s-themed artwork. After filling up on gourmet fare, reserve The Dewberry's Volvo house car to reach sights like The Battery and the Charleston City Market.

For recent guests, The Spectator Hotel's distinct style and unbeatable customer service are what sets this Charleston property apart from its peers. Situated just one block from the Charleston City Market and a short walk from the popular Waterfront Park, The Spectator Hotel offers a convenient home base for sightseers. Aside from the location, recent visitors raved about the rooms, particularly the comfy beds and spacious bathrooms. Accommodations also come equipped with minifridges, coffee makers, complimentary Wi-Fi access and personal butlers – perhaps the biggest delight among lodgers. While the property doesn't have its own on-site restaurant (though it does offer a free continental breakfast each morning), recent visitors didn't seem to mind; travelers said their butlers and the front desk staff were quick to offer suggestions and advice for guests. But after you've explored the Charleston dining scene, consider heading back to The Spectator to sample some of the handcrafted cocktails at its bar, which is designed to look like a 1920s-era speakeasy. The Spectator also lacks a fitness center, but you can get in your exercise with the hotel's complimentary bikes.

Surrounded by some of Charleston's favorite attractions – including the Old City Market and the Nathaniel Russell House – this boutique hotel is a convenient and luxurious home base for leisure travelers. It features carved beds in spacious rooms equipped with 40-inch flat-screen TVs, Blu-ray DVD players, free wireless internet and a private veranda (in some rooms). Additionally, the French Quarter Inn offers complimentary breakfast and a variety of free snacks (like a bedtime plate of cookies and milk) throughout the day. Past guests have nothing but praise for this property for its prime location and the kind and welcoming hotel staff.

Sitting smack-dab in the heart of downtown, this beautiful hotel claims to be the "heart and soul of Historic Charleston." And guests agree, citing the homey atmosphere and Southern charm as major reasons to stay here. Decked out in beautifully carved furniture accented by rich neutrals and cozy curtains, Planters Inn exudes an Old World aura, but it also embraces modern standards of luxury. The hotel offers nightly turndown service (with macarons and a weather card to help plan your next-day activities) and spacious Italian marble baths. And you can enjoy some true low country cooking at the on-site Peninsula Grill. Because Planter's Inn is a Relais & Châteaux outpost, Club 5C members can earn or redeem complimentary perks here.

Just as its name suggests, this hotel sits right along the coast, boasting spectacular views of Charleston Harbor. And it's just a short walk from some of the city's best things to do, including the Old Slave Mart Museum and the City Market. However, according to recent guests, location isn't the only thing the HarbourView has to brag about: People rave about the hotel's handcrafted furnishings (the four-poster beds, complimentary wireless Internet and 42-inch flat-screen TVs are nice touches) and the inn's relaxed, homey atmosphere. They also say that the complimentary breakfast alongside waterfront views from the rooftop terrace and the impeccable customer service are worth returning for.

According to recent guests, The Restoration is more than just a hotel. Spread throughout five buildings in downtown Charleston, South Carolina, the property offers a bevy of unique amenities. Visitors and locals can wander through The Port Mercantile retail store in search of one-of-a-kind goods; soak up the sun on the rooftop or by the Indigo Pool; indulge in a treatment at The Amethyst Spa; or enjoy farm-to-table eats at The Watch Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits. Other on-site amenities exclusively available to guests include a fitness center and complimentary bicycle rentals. Travelers also rave about the property's location, which puts lodgers within walking distance of many popular Charleston attractions, including the Charleston City Market and The Nathaniel Russell House Museum. Additionally, recent guests said they weren't disappointed when they retired to their rooms. The all-suite accommodations are described as spacious, comfortable and stylish. Ranging from 500-square-foot studio suites with kitchenettes to two-bedroom suites with full kitchens, rooms are equipped with Smart TVs, personal iPads, complimentary Wi-Fi access and made-to-order breakfast baskets, among other amenities. Aside from the standout facilities, reviewers were most impressed with the exceptional service. 

Nestled in historic downtown Charleston's French Quarter, The Vendue offers unique lodgings that exhibit distinct Southern charm. Due to the age of the property (the hotel is a combination of old warehouses that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries), no two rooms here are the same. While the specific design of each room varies, the historical theme of the property remains central across all accommodations, each boasting antique furnishings as well as modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and in-room Wi-Fi. Aside from the room accouterments, The Vendue also boasts complimentary bike rentals, two restaurant, rooftop bar and top-notch customer service, according to guests. There is also a rotating art gallery in-house as well as an afternoon wine reception and evening milk and cookies, creating for an utmost cozy stay. 

The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, which is located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, is separated from the hustle and bustle of downtown Charleston by the Cooper River. The property’s unique setting gives guests access to everything South Carolina has to offer. Visitors have direct access to a private beach, while The Beach Club also provides quick transportation to all the shopping and dining available in downtown Charleston. If you'd rather lounge by the pool, the resort has a 30,000-square-foot pool deck where a variety of games can be found. For those seeking more serious rest and relaxation, a tranquility pool is available for extra peace and quiet. Plus, while kids participate in organized activities at the Mini Mariners Camp, parents can indulge in a treatment at the on-site Estuary Spa. When it's time to dine, guests can enjoy harbor views and seasonal fare at the Charleston Harbor Fish house. The property also includes four bars and lounges for travelers to take advantage of. Recent guests gave mixed reviews of the on-site cuisine and some recommended venturing into the city for more delectable options. Travelers were most pleased with the accommodations, though, which offer either waterfront or harbor views and have standard amenities such as flat-screen TVs, coffee makers and minifridges. If you opt for a suite, you'll also receive additional perks like fireplaces, balconies and multiple bathrooms. And while some guests reported minor snafus with the staff, most commended the resort for providing personalized customer service.