Image courtesy of Hotel Bennett
The best hotels in Charleston, SC range from countryside retreats to hip downtown hangouts. Some capture the city’s deep history and Southern elegance; others lean contemporary and urban. Read on for our Charleston hotels recs, plus tips from Fora travel advisors who visited the city in early 2025 as part of a Fora familiarization trip.
The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection
Image courtesy of The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection
The Dunlin is 45 minutes outside downtown Charleston, but is still part of the greater Charleston area. It’s a riverside escape worth highlighting, not least because of its luxe suites and guest houses, excellent Southern dining and an extensive lineup of leisurely and adventurous activities. Bike around the serene property, play lawn games, explore the river by paddleboat (or motorboat, or kayak), fish, enjoy live local music, embark on a coastal safari or indulge in a high-end spa treatment. And that’s just the beginning. There’s something to do for every age group, Fora Advisor Mania Mirroknian said, and families especially will be happy here.
“The Dunlin is a fantastic option for families,” she said.
The property has a coastal-chic aesthetic with a calming mint color palette. Suites offer plenty of space and privacy on their own, but the guest houses are especially large and feature private terraces.
The food at the Dunlin is the best of Lowcountry cuisine — hearty comfort food with Cajun influences. Fora Advisors were particularly enamored with Linette’s, an all-day eatery with an open, wood-fired kitchen. Fora X Advisor Paige Green said the restaurant is high end, but not overly expensive.
“Be sure to get the pastry basket!” Fora Advisor Jessica Bruns added, which, depending on when you go, may include delights like fragrant cinnamon rolls, ham-and-cheese croissants and cranberry-orange scones.
The Dunlin is just outside Kiawah Island, one of the top vacation spots in South Carolina. But day trips into Charleston are seamless, especially with curated itineraries.
Fora Reserve perks include a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Dewberry Charleston
Image courtesy of The Dewberry Charleston
The Dewberry is a charming and luxurious hotel bordering Marion Square, a historical greenspace in the heart of Charleston. It’s only a block away from King Street, where you’ll find tons of trendy boutiques, restaurants and bars. Otherwise, the location is relatively quiet for downtown. Throughout the hotel’s ornate halls and corridors, you’ll find vintage furnishings and a contemporary take on classical Southern décor. The atmosphere is equal parts sophisticated and trendy. (Mania called the hotel’s style “super design-forward and sexy.”)
There’s a spa, fitness center and two dining options. Rooftop Citrus Club was another Fora favorite and one of the top bar-restaurants in Charleston if you’re looking for light bites and amazing cocktails.
“The rooftop bar at the Dewberry is definitely the best view in town,” Paige said. “But you either need to get there really early or stay at the hotel, which will put you to the top of the list.” (If you visit during peak hours without a hotel reservation, expect to wait at least an hour.)
“Order shrimp and grits, one of the most famous dishes Charleston is known for,” Paige added.
If you prefer a quieter vibe, Fora Advisor Allison Jervis highlighted The Living Room, “the coziest place for a late-night cocktail.” The Living Room also serves coffee and breakfast in the morning.
Fora Reserve perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel Bennett
Image courtesy of Hotel Bennett
Hotel Bennett opened in 2019, but the hotel, which borders Marion Square, was meticulously modeled after the 18th- and 19th-century structures in its vicinity. This five-star hotel in Charleston looks and feels just like the beautifully maintained mansions and buildings that line the streets of the historic center.
Inside, Hotel Bennett is as prim and proper as you’d expect. For some of the most exclusive accommodations in Charleston, reserve the two-story owner’s penthouse, among the most expansive and luxurious spaces in the city. But even the standard rooms impress with their attention to detail and eye for Southern luxury.
For a gourmet Lowcountry meal with a view, Jessica recommended Hotel Bennett’s Gabrielle. The award-winning restaurant serves al fresco meals and overlooks Marion Square. There’s also Fiat Lux, a refined rooftop lounge. Food Network-favorite Camellias is a sassy, pink-laiden and swanky Champagne lounge. And La Pâtisserie is a Parisian-inspired café that serves coffee, French pastries and breads.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Emeline
Image courtesy of Emeline
Emeline is an intimate boutique hotel just outside Charleston’s French Quarter. The property is a mix of Art Deco motifs and contemporary stylings for a look that’s sophisticated, artful and hip. The location is excellent if you prefer a quieter stay and easy access to the city’s liveliest areas. King Street, Market Street and the French Quarter are within a couple blocks.
Plenty of room variety caters to travelers of all types, and there are many options for accessible travelers. Even the entry-tier rooms boast king beds, high-end fabrics, vintage furniture along with a sophisticated emerald color palette with gold and dark wood accents. Suites are exceptionally spacious for downtown and include special amenities like exclusive spa treatments and welcome treats.
Fora Perks include a $25 hotel credit, a welcome drink, an upgrade and extended check-out whenever possible.
Zero George Street Hotel
Image courtesy of Zero George Street Hotel
If you’d like to live out your best Charleston single house dreams — which refers to a distinct and elegant style of home commonly built in the city throughout the 18th and 19th centuries — Zero George is an excellent choice. A collection of five homes originally built in 1804 make up Zero George’s 16 guestrooms and suites. Each structure went through a rigorous and thorough restoration process. Small groups — girls’ trips, bachelor parties, families — will enjoy the extra space.
“Zero George is a romantic, quaint option,” Allison said, exemplified by the hotel's private courtyard.
The property is further from downtown’s top attractions than the other Charleston hotels we’ve mentioned, but it’s still well within walking distance. However, it’s right next to the waterfront, where you’ll find the South Carolina Aquarium and International African American Museum.
Fora Perks include a $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Pinch
Image courtesy of The Pinch
The Pinch is a stylish marriage of a boutique and extended-stay hotel split between two Victorian-era mansions on King Street. There are only 25 rooms and suites, but each is equipped with a kitchen (and option for a stocked pantry), washer, dryer and potted plants. Even the smallest rooms — a little over 400 square feet — are spacious, functional and well decorated. The style is chic and trendy, but pays homage to classical Southern styles. Even if you don’t end up staying here, at least try their restaurant, Lowland. The restaurant, which earned a spot on Food & Wine's best new restaurant list of 2025, serves elevated Southern comfort food in a moody, elegant setting.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, an upgrade and extended check-out whenever possible.
The Charleston Place
Image courtesy of The Charleston Place
The Charleston Place puts the city’s elegance on display, leaning into the traditional upscale Southern experience. Expect grandiose, sumptuous rooms and a prime location on Market Street. The indoor pool under vaulted skylights is a highlight, as are the complimentary bike rentals.
Fora Perks include a $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotels in Charleston, SC: Fora Advisor tips and insights
Read on for more Fora Advisor travel insights on Charleston.
Downtown Charleston is best explored on foot — slowly
Charleston’s downtown area is condensed and pedestrian friendly. All the major streets, like King, Market, Church and Bay — where you’ll find all the best things to do in Charleston — are only separated by a block each. A leisurely pace by day gives way to a lively nightlife.
“This is the destination to slow down,” Jessica said. “It is best enjoyed by taking it easy rather than packing it all in.”
Mania recommended wearing comfortable shoes. If you’re visiting outside summer, wear layers. Charleston’s coastal location can be chilly in the morning and at night.
Many activities revolve around the city’s history, food or both
Image courtesy of The Dewberry Charleston
Charleston is a bastion of Southern and contemporary cuisine. It’s arguably the best area in the Carolinas for international menus (ramen, Mexican, Italian), and you’ll find the best Lowcountry restaurants here. But Charleston’s national reputation as a foodie city is relatively new. Until the last couple decades, its biggest claim to fame was its historical landmarks. Guides and tours will spotlight the city’s hidden gems and add layers to major sites.
“You learn so much by having a guide walk you through the charming little streets and pass by the oldest liquor store in the country while tasting moonshine,” Mania said. She added that ghost and neighborhood tours are also great ways to experience the city’s charm.
Summer’s heat and humidity come with reasonable hotel rates
If you’re not used to humidity, the South is, frankly, miserably hot in July and August. While temperatures don’t frequently exceed 90℉ in Charleston, the humidity makes it feel much hotter. On the bright side, this is the time to score a great hotel deal — ask a Fora Advisor.
“Be sure you are at a hotel with a pool!” Jessica advised.
Reserve popular restaurants well in advance
Paige praised Charleston’s restaurant scene but noted that many of the most popular restaurants fill up quickly. Book any you’re interested in well in advance, or you’re likely to miss out (or suffer excessive waits).
Two to three days is enough to explore Charleston
Charleston has plenty to do, but it’s a smaller city. Two to three days will give you enough time to explore the major streets — King, Market, Bay — as well as landmarks like Fort Sumter, which is accessible by ferry.
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