Located in the southeastern state of South Carolina, the historic coastal city of Charleston is renowned for its pastel-coloured houses, collection of world class golf courses, and vast stretch of subtropical beachfront. The city also has several landmarks that recall its prominent role in the nation’s history, with several Old South plantations still present here, along with the site of the first gunshots of the Civil War.
Charleston is a popular tourist stop-off, with plenty of accommodation options to be found here, ranging from the basic and affordable through to more high-end properties. If you’re on the lookout for somewhere to stay with real character and charm, then you’d do a lot worse than picking one of the city’s Bed & Breakfast residences. Here are 10 of the best.
Rooms from $193/ night
Housed in a building dating back to the late 18th century, Barksdale House Inn is a European-style residence with distinctively-styled guest rooms in the heart of Charleston’s Historic District. Services and amenities include a continental breakfast served each morning, free WiFi in all areas, and free on-site parking. Guest rooms feature a 4-posted bed, Cable TV and coffee-making facilities. The atmospheric Old City Market – a great spot for picking up gifts and souvenirs – is just a couple of minutes away on foot and the South Carolina Aquarium is also within comfortable walking distance.
Rooms from $323/ night
A pretty terrace along with a shared lounge and garden provide plenty of opportunity for communal relaxation at this popular B&B a few miles west of central Charleston. A choice of continental or buffet breakfasts are served daily and for guests arriving in their own transport there’s free private parking on-site. Guest rooms are air-conditioned and are equipped with standard amenities. Notable attractions including Charleston City Marina and The Citadel Daniel Museum are a short drive away and, for guests travelling into the city by air, Charleston International Airport is just over 10 miles away.
Rooms from $233/ night
This elegant property in Charleston’s Historic District positively oozes gracious Southern hospitality and charm. Featuring spacious guest suites complete with flat-screen TVs, balconies and private bathrooms, the B&B combines style and comfort with a superb location, just moments from the cultural treasures of Charleston’ Museum Mile, as well as the multitude of shopping and culinary opportunities in the Upper King Street Design and Dining District. Elsewhere in the B&B, a choice of Full English/Irish or American breakfasts are served up each morning, and a pretty terrace provides respite after a hard day’s sightseeing. The property also has its own bicycle rental service available for guests. Popular nearby public spaces including Marion Square and Charleston Waterfront Park are ideal for relaxing on sunny days.
Rooms from $281/ night
Situated a few minutes on foot from the historic City Market, one of Charleston’s most buzzing spots, Kings Courtyard Inn combines a great location with some impressive amenities and services. There’s complimentary wine or sherry on arrival, an evening wine and cheese reception, and access to a nearby fitness centre (charged). In-room breakfasts are also available, as well as free WiFi. Guest rooms are each decked out in distinctive style and boast in-room antiques, an en-suite bathroom, cable TV, a small fridge and a desks. A number of restaurants and bars are nearby, and the green expanse of Waterfront Park is just over half-a-mile away.
Rooms from $286/ night
Well positioned in Charleston’s French Quarter, 27 State Street has a communal terrace where guests can relax and socialise, and there’s also an on-site concierge service for recommendations on where to go and places to see. There’s also daily continental breakfasts and free Wi-Fi. Guest rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, antique furnishings and an ensuite bathroom. Waterfront Park is nearby, as well as several art galleries and a theatre.
Rooms from $420/ night
Once home to Edward Rutledge, a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence and later Governor of South Carolina, the Governor’s House Inn is an officially designated National Historic Landmark. Situated in Charleston’s downtown district, the B&B has a number of reminders of its distinguished past, including a large piazza, a stately piano room, a parlor where wine receptions and cherry evenings take place, and an ornate dining room. As for modern amenities, there’s free WiFi and free onsite parking too. Individually decorated guest rooms come with a flat-screen TV, decorative fireplace, and four-post canopy beds. Many of Charleston’s most popular attractions, including the shops of King Street and Gallery Row, are a short walk away.
Rooms from $265/ night
Situated among the shops and boutiques of King Street, and just moments from the busting activity of City Market, this B&B offers free coffee in the lobby area, as well as a dedicated concierge service for tips on places to go during your stay. Other services include continental breakfasts served daily – to your room if requested – free WiFi in all areas, and a complimentary wine and cheese reception each evening. Guest rooms contain cable TV, a small fridge, antique furniture and a private ensuite bathroom. For those keen on a local excursion, the ferry terminal for trips to the historic sea fort of Fort Sumter is a 20-minute walk away.
Rooms from $247/ night
Ideally placed for those keen to be at the heart of the action, 20 South Battery combines a central location with some delightful amenities, including a charming garden and terrace area, as well as a bicycle rental service. Guest rooms feature a flat-screen TV, private bathroom and seating area. Continental breakfasts are served every morning in the dining area. Notable landmarks and attractions within reach of the property include Marion Square and Charleston Museum, both of which are just over a mile away.
Rooms from $181/ night
In the heart of the historic district is this upscale Inn, featuring classically decorated 19th century-style rooms complete with 4-poster beds and stylish hardwood floors. Some rooms also come with an indulgent hot tub. Elsewhere in the property, an enclosed garden courtyard provides a charming spot to relax and unwind, and a complimentary wine and hor d’oeuvres reception is held each evening. The historic City Market, Dock Street Theatre and South Carolina Aquarium are just some of the popular attractions within easy reach of the B&B.
Rooms from $71/ night
Around 9 miles north of central Charleston, this budget Airport B&B is ideal for those with an early arrival into the city or a late departure. There’s a shared lounge with a coffee-maker and toaster, and complimentary snacks are available throughout the day. Free private parking and free WiFi in all areas are among the other services and amenities. Guest rooms feature a microwave and a small fridge, and some also come with a comfy seating area and a work desk and chair. The North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center are both a quick drive away.