Charleston (South Carolina) Hotels and Accommodation: Historic Downtown

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Expect to pay a premium for a room on Charleston's downtown peninsula, especially in the historic hotels. A vehicle is not needed to explore historic downtown Charleston.

• 1843 Battery Carriage House Inn, 20 S. Battery, 1-800-775-5575 (fax: +1 843 727-3130), www.batterycarriagehouse.com. The historic bed and breakfast mansion is on The Battery Park overlooking Charleston Harbor. The inn is a wonderful location for long weekend getaways in South Carolina.

• Andrew Pinckney Inn, 40 Pinckney St., 1-800-505-8983, www.andrewpinckneyinn.com. The Andrew Pinckney Inn is widely considered Charleston's favorite boutique inn and is located one block off of historic Market Street. Room rates include; wireless internet access, continental breakfast, afternoon cookies, and all day lemonade and teas.

• Barksdale House Inn, 27 George Street, 1-888-577-4980, www.barksdalehouse.com. Wonderfully close to the College of Charleston and the King Street shopping district, this quiet, low-key bed and breakfast offers privacy and comfort to its guests. Call for last-minute rates, and you may get a substantial discount, but don't count on that during busy times.

• Belvedere Bed and Breakfast, 40 Rutledge Avenue, 1-800-816-1664 (fax: +1 412-683-3934), www.belvedereinn.com.

• Charleston Place Hotel, 205 Meeting St., 1-800-611-5545, www.charlestonplace.com. The Charleston Place is downtown Charleston's finest full-service four-diamond hotel. The hotel offers the Michelin rated "Charleston Grill", the Spa at the Charleston Place, 24-hour room service, the Palmetto Cafe for breakfast and lunch, and the Thoroughbred Club. It is in the heart of downown Charleston.

• Church Street Inn, 177 Church Street, Charleston, SC. Located at the corner of Church and Market Streets where Charleston's famed market area hums with activity, Church Street Inn and its plush rooms are elegantly designed in a style reminiscent of a time gone by. Charleston holds a magical place in history and the city's diverse character stems from three centuries of American-European-Caribbean traditions.

• Francis Marion Hotel, 387 King Street, ☎ 843-722-0600, www.thefrancismarion.com. checkin: 4:00PM; checkout: 12:00PM. The Francis Marion Hotel, located near upper King St, was the largest and grandest in the Carolinas when it opened in 1924. Named for General Francis Marion, the "Swamp Fox" of the American Revolution, the Francis Marion Hotel in Charleston re-opened in 1996 after a $12 million National Trust award-winning restoration, and is once again Charleston's Grand Hotel. Classic Southern cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Swamp Fox Restaurant and Bar, cocktails and jazz piano in the Swamp Fox bar, and complete spa services at Spa Adagio. Grand hotel services: a doorman and bell service, concierge, valet parking, room service, wireless internet services, business center, newsstand and gift shop and a well equipped fitness center.

• French Quarter Inn, 166 Church St., 1-866-812-1900, www.fqicharleston.com. The French Quarter Inn is a AAA 4 Diamond award winning hotel located on Market St. in the heart of the historic district. The superb location only serves as an accent to the hotel's luxurious accommodations and incredible amenities. 4 Diamond restaurant Tristan, www.tristandining.com, is on property and provides room service.

• Hampton Inn Historic District, 345 Meeting St. (and John St.) www.hamptoninn.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=CHSHDHX Located across the street from the Visitor Center and all of the DASH trolleys. Features antebellum decor in a restored warehouse. Complimentary hot breakfast and high speed wireless internet connection.

• Harbourview Inn, 2 Vendue Range, 1-888-853-8439, www.harbourviewcharleston.com. This 4 Diamond inn overlooks historic Charleston Harbor and offers complimentary to guests cookies and milk every evening, a wine and cheese reception, over-sized accommodations with historical interiors.

• King Charles Inn, 237 Meeting St., 1-866-546-4700, www.kingcharlesinn.com. Located on Historic Meeting St. This 3 Diamond hotel features an outdoor heated pool, wireless internet access, manager's reception, fitness center, and an affordable gourmet buffet breakfast.

• Mills House Hotel, 115 Meeting St., 1-800-874-9600, www.millshouse.com. In the heart of downtown Charleston's historic district. This hotel has lots of history (it was saved from a fire by Robert E. Lee himself), the rooms are very comfortable, an attentive staff, and you never know which celebrity you might be riding in the elevator with.
• Vendue Inn, Charleston, South Carolina, 19 Vendue Range,Charleston, SC 29401, ☎ Phone: 843-577-7970 Fax: 843-577-7346 Toll Free: 800-845-7900, Email: info@vendueinn.com, www.vendueinn.com. Daily Southern Breakfast, fireplaces, and marble whirlpool baths. Has two highly rated on-site restaurants and is pet friendly.

• Charleston's NotSo Hostel, 156 Spring Street, +1 843 722-8383, www.notsohostel.com. Dorms beds at $19-21 per night, private rooms at $55-60 per night depending on season.