If you’re looking for a quiet place to stay, then you’ll love Charleston Historic District.
The town is known for its historic mansions, with many being turned into boutique hotels and homely inns.
A few are located near the lively King Street.
At some properties, you’ll find rooms with fireplaces and luxurious bathtubs.
We’ll show you the top hotels ideal for honeymoons, and even pet-friendly stays.
So before you take off, here are the best boutique hotels in Charleston’s Historic District.
1. 86 Cannon Historic Inn – Adults Only
This beautifully restored mansion is a textbook example of the architectural style of Charleston’s historic houses.
On the outside, the house is surrounded by lush gardens.
Once you step inside, you’ll see timber frame columns, balconies, classic ceiling fans, and verandahs.
While rooms are quite small, they’re perfectly designed for a romantic night.
If you want the most luxury, check out the Superior suite.
It has a separate bedroom, ensuite bathroom, and living space.
Besides drinking the welcome champagne, don’t miss the complimentary wine and cheese pairing in the afternoon.
Another perk is the library on the third floor, where there’s also wine, beer, and other snacks.
- Guest Rating: 9.8
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Room: Superior suite
- Address: 86 Cannon Street, Historic District, Charleston, SC 29403, United States
2. French Quarter Inn
The French Quarter Inn is an extravagant hotel located along popular Church Street.
Together with the champagne toast upon arrival, the spiral staircase and artsy, polished floors instantly impress.
For families, have a look at the rooms with double beds and balconies.
But for couples, a cozy King suite will be more than enough for a romantic stay.
When you’re ready to explore Charleston’s quirky alleys, the hotel provides free bikes to guests.
At night, try the complimentary wine and cheese at reception.
To spark the romance even further, book the ‘Just the two of us’ package.
It comes with a horse carriage ride, rose petals on the bed, a champagne bottle upon arrival, and chocolate strawberries.
- Guest Rating: 9.6
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Room: Deluxe terrace suite
- Address: 166 Church Street, Historic District, Charleston, SC 29401, United States
3. John Rutledge House Inn
The John Rutledge House Inn is practically a national historic landmark.
Dating back to 1763, this estate is one of the oldest inns in the Historic District.
There are rooms for guests in the main house and a separate carriage house.
By far the biggest rooms are the Grand Suites with their popping interior design.
But you’ll get just as much luxuries in all their standard rooms.
In the morning, enjoy a continental breakfast in the privacy of your room, the ballroom, or the courtyard.
At night, try the port, brandy, and sherry tastings in the common lounge.
- Guest Rating: 9.2
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Room: Main house grand suites
- Address: 116 Broad Street, Historic District, Charleston, SC 29401, United States
4. Harbourview Inn
The Harbourview Inn offers some of the best outlooks in town thanks to its waterfront location.
Inside, all their rooms are very luxurious and clean.
For the most romantic stay, the Landmark Suite on the top floor is the pinnacle of class.
But if that’s not available, their King balcony rooms are just as cosy with the built in fireplace.
Besides breakfast, you’ll love the afternoon jarcuterie.
Then later at night, there’s a wine and cheese reception, plus milk and cookies.
If you want to go exploring, just borrow their complimentary bikes.
- Guest Rating: 9.2
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Room: Premium king balcony
- Address: 2 Vendue Range, Historic District, Charleston, SC 29401, United States
5. Zero George Street
Zero George Street is an incredibly stylish boutique hotel.
Based in an 1804 residential house, surrounding it is a peaceful courtyard and blooming flower gardens.
If you’re looking for the most spacious room, the Garden suites are the best option.
It has a separate bedroom and living area with pullout sofabeds, enough space for families of four.
There’s also access to their oyster shell garden if you need some fresh air.
This vintage inn also spoils guests with welcome bubbles, a wine and cheese reception, and a coffee bar.
Dining at the on-site Zero Restaurant + Bar is quite a culinary party, thanks to their intricate tasting menus and wine pairings.
- Guest Rating: 9.1
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Room: Garden suite
- Address: 0 George Street, Historic District, Charleston, SC 29401, United States
6. Church Street Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection
The Church Street Inn is yet another icon of Southern American style in Charleston.
You’ll see vintage art along the walls, ornaments, and plants throughout the property.
All their suites are spread over two floors, so there should be plenty of space.
They’re designed for families of four to six.
This is one of the better boutique hotels for extended stays since they all have kitchens.
In the middle of the property is an airy courtyard where you can enjoy your free coffees.
Even though there’s no onsite restaurant, there are many eateries nearby.
- Guest Rating: 9.0
- Star Rating: 3 stars
- Best Room: One bedroom suites
- Address: 177 Church Street, Historic District, Charleston, SC 29401, United States
7. Indigo Inn
This pet-friendly heritage hotel in the epicenter of the Historic District boasts 40 guest rooms.
Inside, you’ll find vintage paintings, carpets, four-poster beds, and modern conveniences.
For groups or families, there are rooms with two double queen beds.
But if you’re on a honeymoon, have a look at the Deluxe king rooms.
Or, have a look at their romance packages.
They come with a room upgrade, assorted chocolates, and a bottle of sparkling wine.
In the morning, there’s a spread of fruits, bagels, and fresh muffins for breakfast.
Like most boutique hotels in the area, there’s an evening wine and cheese reception too.
- Guest Rating: 8.7
- Star Rating: 3 stars
- Best Room: Deluxe king exterior view
- Address: 1 Maiden Lane, Historic District, Charleston, SC 29401, United States
8. Planters Inn – Charleston
Planters Inn is on the corner of North Market Street and Meeting Street.
On arrival, you’ll notice the subtropical character and the city’s vintage feel.
The suites, especially, make for a compelling romantic retreat.
They tend to have more space, more eye for detail in the design, and very fancy features.
If you want the biggest room, check out the St Philip’s suite.
For romantic dining, the adjoining Peninsula Grill will impress with its warming Southern cuisine and fine desserts.
In the morning, the courtyard with its lush greenery and ponds is the best place to enjoy your free tea or coffee.
- Guest Rating: 8.3
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Room: St Philip’s suite
- Address: 112 North Market Street, Historic District, Charleston, SC 29483, United States
9. Meeting Street Inn
Behind the pink front of Meeting Street Inn sit, you’ll find the most charming rooms.
On the outside, there a tranquil inner courtyard and even a modest outdoor swimming pool.
Pick from Traditional, Historic, and Deluxe suites.
They all have four-poster beds, ensuite bathroom, and a cozy feel that couples will love.
Families may opt for Deluxe double rooms that include a private balcony.
For food, take advantage of the complimentary breakfast and evening wine reception.
But if you prefer dining out, there are plenty of restaurants and bars nearby.
- Guest Rating: 8.3
- Star Rating: 3 stars
- Best Room: Deluxe king room
- Address: 173 Meeting Street, Historic District, Charleston, SC 29401, United States
10. Hampton Inn Charleston-Historic District
The Hampton Inn Charleston is a larger boutique hotel with 170 rooms spread over 4 floors.
Although staff are still very attentative to all their guests needs.
Rooms here are simple but spacious enough to accommodate families and couples.
The outdoor pool is one of the finest when you compare Charleston’s hotels.
You’ll find a sizable pool encircled by reclining chairs, perfect for sunbathing.
A hot continental breakfast awaits on the inn’s ground floor.
There’ll be hot beverages, fruits, eggs, bread, cured meats, and cheese.
If you need a hand with your itinerary, tours can be arranged via the on-site tour desk.
- Guest Rating: 8.0
- Star Rating: 3 stars
- Best Room: Deluxe rooms
- Address: 345 Meeting Street, Historic District, Charleston, SC 29403, United States
11. Holiday Inn Charleston Historic Downtown
Holiday Inn Charleston is located in a brand new building on the corner of Meeting Street and Woolfe Street.
Unlike the other historic properties, this modern hotel has more facilities.
There a library, lounge bar, gym, washing facilities, and an outdoor pool.
You’ll also find vending machines, an ice machine, and an ATM.
For the best room, we definitely recommend the suites which are much larger.
They have a separate bedroom, kitchenette, and lounge area with views over the town.
To enjoy a meal, go down to the Meeting Room Restaurant and Bar.
Enjoy international appetizers, salads, entrees, and delightful desserts throughout the day.
Later at night, the bar serves wines, cocktails, and a variety of beers.
- Guest Rating: 7.8
- Star Rating: 3 stars
- Best Room: Suites
- Address: 425 Meeting Street, Historic District, Charleston, SC 29403, United States
Charleston Historic District Inns Map
Also read:
- 14 Best Romantic Luxury Hotels in Charleston Historic District
- 9 Best Charleston Bed & Breakfast in Historic District
- 12 Romantic Savannah Bed & Breakfast in Historic District
- 7 Best Luxury Savannah Hotels on the River
Find More Charleston Hotels in Historic District
FAQs
The best option, Meeting Street Inn, is just footsteps away from bustling King Street.
Hampton Inn Charleston is the next best hotel close to shops and restaurants.
The Suites at French Quarter Inn have private soaking tubs in the ensuites.
They even come with bath caddies so bring a bottle of wine, a few snacks, and you’ll be there all day.
Hampton Inn Charleston also has rooms with private bathtubs but doesn’t have the same vintage vibes.
A number of rooms at several Charleston inn’s come with decorative fireplaces.
But for proper warmth, stay at the John Rutledge House Inn, where you’ll find a gas fireplace in most of the suites.
Planters Inn – Charleston also has a variety of rooms with a working fireplace.
One of the best pet-friendly inns in the Historic District is Indigo Inn.
Dogs are more than welcome to stay with guests in the room.
With upscale facilities and romantic packages, most of the inns in Charleston are suitable for honeymoons.
The French Quarter Inn is a sublime candidate due to its magnificent suites and romantic packages.
86 Cannon Historic Inn is also a great option since its an adults-only hotel.
Summary
| Charleston Boutique Hotels | Best Rooms |
| 86 Cannon Historic Inn | Superior suite |
| French Quarter Inn | Deluxe terrace suite |
| John Rutledge House Inn | Main house grand suites |
| Harbourview Inn | Premium king balcony |
| Zero George Street | Garden suite |
| Church Street Inn | One bedroom suites |
| Indigo Inn | Deluxe king exterior view |
| Planters Inn – Charleston | St Philip’s suite |
| Meeting Street Inn | Deluxe king room |
| Hampton Inn Charleston | Deluxe rooms |
| Holiday Inn Charleston | Suites |
