Charleston offers a fantastic range of hotels, from luxurious modern resorts to charming historic inns. The best choice depends on the experience you're looking for. Here is a breakdown of top hotels by neighborhood and vibe, perfect for planning a group weekend.
These hotels are perfect for groups who want to be steps away from Charleston's best nightlife, dining, and shopping.
Hotel Bennett:
Vibe: Grand, opulent, and luxurious. It's the social anchor of the Upper King area.
Details: This is arguably the most luxurious hotel on the peninsula. It features a stunning lobby, a chic rooftop pool with private cabanas (Fiat Lux), a beautiful spa, and multiple high-end dining options, including the famous Camellias champagne and caviar bar. It's an experience in itself.
The Dewberry:
Vibe: Mid-century modern chic, sophisticated, and stylish.
Details: Known for its impeccable design and acclaimed rooftop cocktail lounge, The Citrus Club, which offers the highest panoramic views in the city. Its lobby bar, The Living Room, is also a very popular and stylish gathering spot. It's perfect for a group that appreciates design and a high-end cocktail culture.
The Francis Marion Hotel:
Vibe: Historic, classic, and grand.
Details: As one of Charleston's original "grand dame" hotels, it offers a more traditional and affordable luxury experience right at the corner of King and Calhoun. It has a beautiful, historic lobby and its location is unbeatable for exploring both Upper and Middle King Street.
These hotels are ideal for groups who want a more romantic, picturesque, and immersive historic Charleston experience.
The Vendue, Art Hotel:
Vibe: Artsy, vibrant, and social.
Details: A very popular choice for bachelorette parties. The hotel is composed of two historic buildings and functions as a revolving art gallery. Its biggest draw is The Rooftop Bar, one of the city's largest and most popular rooftop spots, offering great views and a lively crowd.
The Spectator Hotel:
Vibe: Roaring '20s glamour, intimate, and service-focused.
Details: This boutique hotel is famous for its personalized service, including a dedicated butler for every guest. It features a swanky, speakeasy-style bar and offers a very high-end, curated experience. Perfect for a smaller, sophisticated group.
For groups that want resort amenities like a large pool and easy access to both downtown and the beaches.
Charleston Harbor Resort & The Beach Club:
Vibe: Coastal resort, relaxed, and amenity-rich.
Details: Located just over the Ravenel Bridge in Mount Pleasant, this resort offers a true getaway feel with multiple pools, a private (man-made) beach, a spa, and waterfront dining. It provides stunning views of the Charleston skyline and is a very popular choice for groups who want a resort-style pool day to be a key part of their itinerary. It offers a free water taxi to get to downtown Charleston.