Best Pool Hotels in Charleston, SC

Sitting just down the street from the historic Charleston City Market, this hotel is ideal for anyone who prefers all things luxury. Many guests find it hard to believe that Market Pavilion only dates back to 2003; intricately carved furniture and elaborate decor evoke a sense of history, while the hotel's rooftop pool and Pavilion Bar add contemporary flair. Recent guests rave about the hotel's friendly staff and top-tier room amenities, which include two-poster beds, plush robes, oversized marble baths and Hermès brand toiletries.

Located about 15 miles northeast of Charleston on the Isle of Palms, the Wild Dunes Resort doesn't offer much in the way of sightseeing but it does boast two golf courses and wide range of spa and wellness services. Wild Dunes is also an enjoyable family spot. Kids can take tennis and golf lessons and partake in arts and crafts projects. Lodgers are also invited to board a vessel bound for Capers Island, with sightings of marsh wildlife along the way. When you're not out and about, retreat to your accomodations at either the Boardwalk Inn or the Village at Wild Dunes, which all feature coffee makers, flat-screen TVs and close proximity to the beach. Past guests had mostly praise for Wild Dunes Resort, citing everything from the comfortable rooms to the tasty on-site food as reasons for a return visit. Some travelers, however, said they encountered difficult front desk members and noted that staff as a whole could use some additional training.

The City Market sits right outside the lobby and attractions like the Old Slave Mart Museum, numerous art galleries and the Nathaniel Russell House are just a stone's throw away. So in other words, Charleston Place makes a great home base for sightseers visiting this city for the first time. Plus, the hotel's decor – complete with exquisitely carved furniture, sweeping staircases and bright, cheerful colors – add a taste of Southern comfort. Inside the rooms, guests will find minifridges, marble bathrooms with walk-in showers or soaker tubs, and Belmond Charleston Place toiletries. Along with the hotel's furnishings, Charleston Place also boasts a spa and an infinity-edge, saltwater indoor/outdoor swimming pool (the glass roof retracts). But what keeps customers coming back is the excellent quality of Charleston Place's customer service.

Most recent guests praise The Mills House Hotel's quaint accommodations, ideal location and delicious food. Sandwiched between some of Charleston's most intriguing museums and galleries on Meeting Street, Mills is also an easy walk to The Calhoun Mansion and the Nathaniel Russell House. Besides the rooms featuring coffee makers, nightly turndown service and complimentary daily newspapers, this hotel also has an outdoor pool, a well-dressed courtyard and the visitor-approved Barbadoes Room restaurant. Several guests express disappointment on having to pay up to $32 a day for parking. One other thing to keep in mind: This hotel was originally built in 1853, meaning its rooms and bathrooms are smaller than its contemporary counterparts.

While it may not boast the unique and historic vibe of its competitors, the Renaissance Charleston Hotel Historic District is a great option for business and leisure travelers. Those who have recently visited say that this Renaissance lives up to the chain's reputation for being both comfortable and convenient. Located in the heart of historic downtown Charleston, this hotel makes a great jumping-off point for a sightseeing tour, while a full-service business center makes out-of-office work easy. Plus, the heated outdoor pool is a hit with the kids. The hotel is also home to a restaurant and bar for those who get hungry. Redesigned rooms embody a refined Southern flair and feature comfy bedding, marble bathrooms and city views. Some recent guests do warn that noise from neighboring rooms and the street could be a problem for some visitors, and others were disappointed in-room Wi-Fi costs an additional fee. However, members of the Marriott Bonvoy program can get free Wi-Fi access and accrue and cash in points here.