9 Classically Charming Charleston Hotels

The Wentworth Mansion is a 21-room tribute to the olden days of Charleston. Located right in the historic district, Southern hospitality abounds among the luxurious amenities and the cozy feeling of staying in a true Southern family mansion. With some truly outstanding service, the list of accolades for this hotel runs long and be sure to wake up early enough to enjoy the beautiful breakfast in the garden.

The John Rutledge House is a living historic landmark which operates as a bed and breakfast, mixing architectural delights and period decor with anecdotes of John Rutledge, original owner and signer of the U.S Constitution. The house was originally built in 1763 by an unknown architect who lavished the residence with its plaster mouldings and Greek Revivial porticos. The ambiance is very romantic!

The Fulton Lane Inn is a small, intimate family owned hotel dating back to 1911 and was originally owned by a blockade runner-turned-merchant. Tucked away into a quiet corner on King Street, the Inn is still in the historic heart of Charleston and has lovely Victorian furnishings with modern updates. Check with the concierge about the rumors of a ghost haunting the older corridors and if that makes your bones rattle, ask for a room in the newer section.

If you’re looking for a unique hotel in Charleston, look no further than the King’s Courtyard Inn. The property, dating back to 1853 was an inn originally catering to plantation owners and merchants and is one of the oldest buildings on King Street. The four post and canopied beds and glass of complimentary welcome sherry will have you embracing the Charleston spirit in no time.

Waltz into the French Quarter Inn through the grand wrought-iron staircase and envelope yourself in the Southern charm, much like a modern Rhett and Scarlett. Enjoy the many extras included in your stay like champagne, fresh baked cookies and milk and wine and cheese receptions that will give you an opportunity to get a little socializing in during your Charleston stay.

The Restoration on King Hotel is truly one of a kind: made up of 4 unique buildings, the interior is both historic and modern, with many of the suites sprawling between several of the buildings. The view from the rooftop terrace is worthy of a couple of sunset photos. Their list of amenities is too long to list, so take our word that staying at the Restoration will feel like a dip into an updated Southern opulence.

The Market Pavilion Hotel is one of the most luxurious in Charleston. The beautiful bathrooms with Hermès toiletries and separate showers and tubs will be calling your name long after you leave. The hotel also has gas lanterns and a mahogany foyer. The onsite restaurant, Grill 224, serves some of the best steaks in the city and the rooftop pool has incredible views.

The incredibly quaint Elliot House Inn served as a private home for over a century and has survived fires, hurricanes, earthquakes and the Civil War. Each of the 25 guestrooms is uniquely furnished in a traditional Southern style including four poster beds and white quilts, hardwood floors, armoires and art. Guests awaken to a silver tray breakfast served in either in your guestroom or the lush tropical courtyard.

The Vendue Hotel is made up of several warehouse buildings dating back to the 1780s. Narrow hallways feel a bit like a labyrinth and you’ll stumble upon many unique antiques dating all the way back to the Colonial Era. The main draw of the property though is the collaboration between the hotel and the local art community — the curated collection changes all the time and is a wonderful way to get to know the Charleston art scene.