My Favorite Hotels in Charleston.

I am so excited about today’s post as it has been a big reader request. I already have my Charleston City Guide, but that is a bit more food heavy. Today, I wanted to really focus on hotels. I love working with Hotels.com because they let me have quite a bit of creative freedom, especially when it comes to the properties I am recommending. For today’s post, I am sharing my personal favorite hotels in Charleston. I have no affiliation with any of these properties, they are just my personal favorites.

My Favorite Hotels in Charleston

Fist Place: The Dewberry

Far and away, my favorite hotel in Charleston right now is The Dewberry. That is where we chose to shoot this project, and I think if you look at the photos you will see why I love it so much. For me, The Dewberry is the epitome of modern luxury. It’s beautifully designed, the service is exceptional, but it doesn’t feel stuffy. The rooms are heaven. I could spend all day working in the ultra chic lobby and then have some drinks at the bar. I love this hotel so much. The rooftop bar (The Citrus Club) is my favorite rooftop in the city, and I even had my 40th birthday party dinner at one of their beautiful event spaces (Henrietta’s).

Second Place: Zero George.

Zero George is so special and very Charleston. If you want Charleston vibes, this is the place to stay. You get to stay in a beautiful old home but with incredible service. I am a huge fan of their champagne & caviar bar (if you stay there, it’s the perfect thing to do before dinner!). Their tasting menu is also incredible (truly: bucket list stuff – it’s fancy!). I will say that it is small, so you’ll want to book a ways in advance as they only have so many rooms.

Third Place: Charleston Place.

I will start by saying that I think we may see Charleston Place rise in ranks as they have been undergoing so many major changes and renovations. The location is top notch (right in the thick of things on a block between King and Meeting Street). I personally love their spa (that is where I go for just about everything – nails, waxing, facials, etc.). I am a huge fan of the Thoroughbred Club (the closest thing we have to Bemelman’s), and love the Palmetto Cafe for weekend brunch (it is over the top and FUN!).

If you want luxury but a pool, stay at Hotel Bennett. The Charleston Place has a pool as well but it is indoors. I get so many readers asking me for great hotels that have a pool. I don’t really feel like Charleston is a city where a pool should make or break your hotel decision (we have so much to do and are so close to the beach) but I get it – if a pool is a non-negotiable, this is the place to go!

Affordable Options:

• I recommend The Mills House or The Ryder for something a little more affordable. The Mills House’ rooms feel a little bit corporate, whereas The Ryder feels very millennial with its neon signs and funky wallpaper. Both offer pools. I would choose the Mills House over The Ryder for its location (and I think they have better service).

Other Favorites:

• I also really like Emeline. It is very cute. It has a similar vibe to The Dewberry but more boutiquey and less luxury.
• Planter’s Inn is another favorite. It will always be extra special to me as that’s where we brought my mom for her sixtieth. It can be hard to get a reservation as it is small. I don’t love the location (it is right by the market area which is really touristy). That being said, it is home to one of my most favorite restaurants (The Peninsula). If you stay there, go see Korey at the bar and tell him I sent you. And be sure to have a big slice of coconut cake (it is legendary!).
• The Restoration is another fun spot. It’s in a great location and they have the most charming breakfast (delivered to you in a sweet little basket). They have a great rooftop as well (my second favorite, after The Dewberry!).
• 86 Cannon has a similar vibe to Zero George. It feels like you are staying in someone’s fancy home. It is also adults only, so it is nice and quiet. It is located a little further north than the others, but it is super close to all of my favorite restaurants (Chez Nous, Chubby Fish, etc).

Do you see what I mean about The Dewberry’s lobby? Top notch! And that bar? It is even more dreamy in person, if that is possible.

If you visit The Dewberry, be sure to pop into their boutique. Every time I am there, I find some little (usually locally made) treasure I want. Also, The Dewberry’s candle is one of my all time favorites.

Do you see what I mean about their rooms? Just perfect. The most comfortable bed, gorgeously decorated, you will want to live there.

This bathroom needs a moment of appreciation. The tub within the shower. Heaven.

Lastly, The Dewberry also boasts one of the (in my opinion THE) best rooftop bars in Charleston: The Citrus Club. This is one of my favorite places to have lunch or grab a drink after work.

Be sure you get the coconut margarita. It is one of my all time favorite drinks and features ingredients from two of my favorite local businesses here (Red Clay and Daysie!).