On the sunswept coast of South Carolina, Charleston buzzes with art, innovation, and centuries of history. Palmetto-lined streets and hundreds of church steeples place the Holy City at the top of travel lists year after year, drawing visitors from around the world.
Though tourism increases annually, you can still find intimate experiences of the real Charleston. The best boutique hotels in the city deliver ample Southern hospitality with sumptuous linens, soothing spa treatments, and upscale twists on local eats. Many, like 20 South Battery and the Hotel Bennett Charleston, are owned by locals, meaning personalized visits with all the benefits of a resort chain.
Our editors have combed through Charleston’s hundreds of hotels to share the best boutique stays for your next vacation. Most of these are in the Charleston historic district, where the city’s past shines through its lovingly renovated establishments.
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5-Star Boutique Hotels in Charleston
These 5-star hotels have garnered awards from the likes of Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure. No matter which corners of Charleston you plan to explore, you can discover gorgeous art, mouthwatering eats, and historic landmarks just steps from your room.
The Loutrel, French Quarter →
The Loutrel opened its French doors in November of 2021 and, only a year later, was voted the number one hotel in Charleston by Travel + Leisure readers. The property boasts a distinguished interior design that honors Charleston’s famed greenery, immersing visitors within a jungle of orchids and garden-themed paintings. Guests are invited to gather in the Veranda Lounge, featuring botanical-inspired cocktails and small plates, or on the breathtaking rooftop terrace.
Address: 61 State St, Charleston, SC 29401
Instagram: @theloutrelcharleston
Price: From $309 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Wentworth Mansion, Harleston Village →
The original creator of Wentworth Mansion spared no expense in constructing this 21-room lodging, and it shows in details like Tiffany stained-glass windows and in-room crystal chandeliers. Sample the seasonal tasting menus at Circa 1886, located in the renovated carriage house, or stop by the former stables-turned-spa for a couple’s massage.
Address: 149 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401
Instagram: @wentworthmansionsc
Price: From $400 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Hotel Bennett, Wraggborough →
At Hotel Bennett on Marion Square, everyone from young honeymooners to families with kids will have their tastes met. That means literal tastes, too, as the hotel has four separate restaurants on the grounds. Food and beverages can also be ordered to the rooftop pool or to the rooms, for those who can’t bring themselves to leave the pillowy beds.
Address: 404 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
Instagram: @hotelbennett
Price: From $399 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Planters Inn, Ansonborough
Constructed in 1803, Planters Inn holds the title of Charleston’s sole Relais & Châteaux hotel. The 64 rooms blend touches of Charlestonian culture, like sweetgrass baskets and four-poster beds from Baker’s Historic Charleston Collection, with an updated sense of style. After checking in, head straight to the Peninsula Grill for pan-seared scallops (or other seasonal provisions) and a slice of the decadent,12-layer coconut cake.
Address: 112 N Market Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Instagram: @PlantersInnChs
Price: From $339 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
The Dewberry, Wraggborough
The Dewberry’s eight stories create an imposing appearance, but inside, the welcoming atmosphere will make you feel right at home. Adapted from the former L. Mendel Rivers Federal Office (commissioned by former president John F. Kennedy), the luxury hotel overlooks Marion Square and is a short walk from some of the city’s most popular landmarks. Inside your room, snack and sip from a fully stocked minibar and wash off the Charleston humidity with custom toiletries.
Address: 334 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403
Instagram: @thedewberrycharleston
Price: From $314 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
4-Star Boutique Hotels in Charleston
Those seeking a 4-star stay in Charleston have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you want an ideal location for sightseeing or a space to simply sit back and relax, these unique spots will appeal to a variety of vacationers.
Hotel Emeline, Ansonborough →
Boutique hotels are known for providing personalized stays, but Hotel Emeline takes the concept to the next level with every nook curated for guest comfort. Each room offers signature and custom touches, and those staying in the Collector’s Suites can unwind with a curated collection of vinyl records. Enjoy an espresso at Clerks Coffee Company, grab a drink at Frannie & The Fox, or explore one of Charleston’s premier fitness studios with Emeline’s Wellness Passport. Hotel Emeline also allows you to bring your four-legged best friend along for the trip.
Address: 181 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401
Instagram: @hotelemeline
Price: From $204 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Zero George Street, Ansonborough →
Zero George’s red-brick walkway and Southern-style veranda make quite the impression, but further delights await within. Executive chef Vinson Petrillo heads The Restaurant at Zero George, which serves an innovative tasting menu at dinner (or supper, as locals call it). In the morning, fuel up with a European breakfast before hitting the town or participating in a cooking class on the hotel grounds.
Address: 0 George Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Instagram: @zerogeorgest
Price: From $289 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston, Autograph Collection, Ansonborough
The Grand Bohemian Hotel’s location, between the city arteries of King Street and Meeting Street, puts guests in a prime position to explore Charleston’s hippest spots. But you may find yourself loath to leave the building, especially the rooftop Élevé bar, where you can enjoy city views and sea breezes well into the evening.
Address: 55 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401
Instagram: @GrandBohemianCharleston
Price: From $290 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
86 Cannon, Cannonborough Elliotborough
This adults-only property specializes in peaceful vacations sans headaches. Though you may be hard-pressed to leave your guest room, where you can lounge on Italian linens in a Boca Terry robe, 86 Cannon’s concierge services will plan a Charleston itinerary tailored to your liking. After exploring the city, stop by the hotel’s common areas (the library will bring out the bookworm in anyone) and indulge your sweet tooth with a nightly chocolate truffle service.
Address: 86 Cannon St, Charleston, SC 29403
Instagram: @86cannonst
Price: From $369 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
The Charleston Place, An Independent Hotel, Downtown →
The Charleston Place’s seemingly boundless amenities will cater to guests’ every whim. You can borrow an art kit to capture views of Charleston, book petcare or childcare on-site, and soak in an in-room deep tub or walk-in rain shower. After thoroughly destressing at the world-class spa, fully embrace your inner Southern belle with a spin down the lobby’s grand staircase, lit by a massive crystal chandelier.
Address: 205 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401
Instagram: @thecharlestonplace
Price: From $293 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
The Lindy Renaissance Charleston Hotel, Downtown
You’d be forgiven for wanting to spend as much time as possible at the sophisticated yet laid-back Lindy Renaissance, a four-diamond boutique-style Marriott Hotel. But you should peel yourself away from the plush beds, lobby library, and saltwater swimming pool to visit the nearby Charleston Museum and South Carolina Aquarium. Save some time for a bowl of she crab soup at Hyman’s Seafood, a four-minute walk from The Lindy, before retiring to your room.
Address: 68 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401
Instagram: @rencharleston
Price: From $235 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Mills House, Downtown →
A Charleston institution since 1853, the Mills House Hotel recently underwent renovations that have brought the legendary pink hotel squarely up to date. The Mills House delivers everything you’d expect from a member of Hilton’s Curio Collection: luxury bath products, excellent service, and elegant on-site dining. But with rooms featuring views of Hibernian Hall and minibar packages of local treats, the hotel has plenty of its own flair.
Address: 115 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401
Instagram: @millshousehotel
Price: From $231 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
The Pinch, Downtown →
Luxury boutique hotel, The Pinch, is located in the middle of the action at the corner of George and King Streets, but inside, guests will find 25 quiet luxury rooms & suites, two restaurants led by James Beard Award-winning Chef Jason Stanhope, and a secluded spa. Thoughtfully designed and developed by Method Co. in partnership with architect Morris Adjmi, The Pinch opened its doors in 2022 with the grand completion in Fall 2023 and was quickly named by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the best new hotels in the world.
Address: 40 George St, Charleston, SC 29401
Instagram: @thepinchhotel
Price: From $293 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
French Quarter Inn, French Quarter →
As you might expect, the French Quarter Inn is the place to explore the city’s old French Quarter. Located mere steps from Charleston City Market, this boutique stay offers perks like complimentary bike rentals as well as an impressively diverse pillow menu to help maximize your shuteye. Continental breakfast can be eaten in your room or on the sunny terrace downstairs.
Address: 166 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401
Instagram: @fqicharlestonsc
Price: From $319 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
HarbourView Inn, French Quarter →
True to its name, the HarbourView Inn delivers expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean and Waterfront Park. We recommend taking in the sights at sunset from the inn’s private rooftop terrace — with a craft cocktail in hand, of course. When you’re ready to turn in for the night, you can snack on milk and cookies in the lobby before heading upstairs to settle into your cushy Tempur-Pedic mattress.
Address: 2 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401
Instagram: @hvicharleston
Price: From $239 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Market Pavilion Hotel, French Quarter
The Market Pavilion Hotel consists of four floors, including a concierge level, plus a rooftop bar and pool. On the weekends, start your day with brunch at High Cotton before visiting the Waterfront Park (home of the renowned pineapple fountain) or the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, both short walks from the Market Pavilion. Return to the hotel in time for a dinner of aged ribeye at Grill 225, one of Charleston’s best steakhouses.
Address: 225 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401
Instagram: @marketpavilion
Price: From $296 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
The Spectator Hotel, French Quarter →
Within The Spectator Hotel, visitors can catch a glimpse of Charlestonian culture past and present. Spacious guest rooms are stocked with local delicacies, and art from the Charleston Artist Collective hangs throughout the hotel. Though there’s no on-site restaurant, there is a speakeasy-inspired bar in the hotel lobby and plenty of opportunities to eat local. Around the corner, Gingerline features an inspired menu of Caribbean-esque fare, while Slightly North of Broad dishes up elevated versions of Southern staples like shrimp and grits.
Address: 67 State St, Charleston, SC 29401
Instagram: @spectatorhotel
Price: From $299 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
The Vendue, French Quarter →
The Vendue bills itself as “Charleston’s art hotel,” which, in a city teeming with both art galleries and hotels, is saying something. But the Vendue has earned its self-appointed title, with hundreds of original art pieces placed throughout the hotel, rotating exhibits in common areas, and a robust artist-in-residence program. The hotel itself is also something of a work of art, as is the cocktail menu at the Vendue’s consistently award-winning rooftop bar.
Address: 19 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401
Instagram: @thevendue
Price: From $156 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
John Rutledge House Inn, Harleston Village →
Harleston Village has a little bit of everything, and so does the John Rutledge House Inn, built in 1763. This stay is for the history buffs, as parts of the U.S. Constitution were drafted within its walls. These days, guests can partake in afternoon tea, lie back in canopy beds, and sip an evening glass of port or brandy, all included with your stay.
Address: 116 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401
Instagram: @johnrutledgehouseinn
Price: From $300 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
The Restoration Hotel Charleston, Harleston Village
At The Restoration Charleston, you’ll want to select your suite or residence carefully because the eight different kinds of stays come with their own perks. For example, the Grand Three Bedroom Residence is decorated with artwork from Lowcountry photographer Gately Williams, while the Rowhouse Residence has its own private balcony terrace. All within just a few blocks of Charleston’s finest dining and nightlife.
Address: 75 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401
Instagram: @therestorationhotel
Price: From $319 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
3-Star Boutique Hotels in Charleston
You can’t skip over Charleston’s 3-star boutique stays. These five hotels are anything but average, providing amenities like bicycle rentals, complimentary food and drink, and trip-planning services in upscale settings.
Indigo Inn, Ansonborough →
Named after one of the area’s most important crops, the Indigo Inn originally functioned as an indigo dye warehouse. These days, the eye-catching teal walls hold 40 rooms, some with views of the central atrium, all with daily breakfast and a nightcap service included. Make sure to get in some shopping at The Historic Charleston City Market and King Street, two of the state’s most popular retail spaces.
Address: 1 Maiden Ln, Charleston, SC 29401
Instagram: @indigoinncharleston
Price: From $199 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
The Ryder Hotel, Downtown →
Though The Ryder Hotel opened just two years ago, it’s already notched a coveted (and well-deserved) Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award. This downtown Charleston gem embraces both wellness and luxury principles, resulting in an eco-minded space that free spirits and business travelers alike will appreciate. Guests can rent everything from bicycles to picnic blankets to take on excursions, but the award-winning Little Palm bar might entice you to stay by the pool a while longer.
Address: 237 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401
Instagram: @theryderhotel
Price: From $219 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Post House Inn, Mount Pleasant →
A short hop across Charleston Harbor from the downtown historic district, Post House Inn provides coastal comforts in the peaceful Old Village neighborhood. Rooms are located above a historic tavern, where today’s guests can grab a swordfish katsu sandwich or bowl of red curry clams. Consider booking one of the Post House’s experience packages, like a day of sailing or a wellness weekend. Or, you can simply step outside for a stroll beneath the live oaks draped in Spanish moss.
Address: 101 Pitt St, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Instagram: @posthouseinn
Price: From $285 per night
Book With: Expedia | Tripadvisor | Official Hotel Site
20 South Battery, South of Broad →
If you can score one of only 11 rooms at 20 South Battery, the stay will be well worth it. This boutique hotel consists of well-appointed grounds and a beautifully renovated carriage house and mansion right across the street from White Point Garden. You’re also only a short walk from Charleston’s Rainbow Row of historic houses, as well as The Battery.
Address: 20 S Battery St, Charleston, SC 29401
Instagram: @20southbattery
Price: From $316 per night
Book With: Expedia | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
Andrew Pinckney Inn, Ansonborough
Housed in buildings on both sides of Pinckney Street, the Andrew Pinckney Inn offers modern charm in a stunningly restored location. Exposed brick walls and a warm color palette channel the inn’s history as a Prohibition-era speakeasy, a refreshing change of pace from the modern minimalism dominating today’s hotel scene. Guests can savor an afternoon wine and cheese reception before walking just a few blocks north to catch a live stage performance at Theatre 99.
Address: 40 Pinckney St, Charleston, SC 29401
Instagram: @andrewpinckneyinn
Price: From $179 per night
Book With: Expedia | Booking.com | Official Hotel Site
