Travel Guide: Charleston, South Carolina
Consistently named America’s favorite city, Charleston is full of southern charm. The Palmetto-fringed streets are full of culture, food, shopping, and antebellum homes that led Conde Nast to name it among the best cities in the world. You could spend a weekend or week exploring this walkable city. Each time I visit, my experience is so different. There is truly something for everyone, but knowing the perfect itinerary for a bachelorette or girls trip looks very different from the experience I curate for my romance or family travelers. Book my travel planning services for your next trip so I can design a perfect itinerary for you.
Where to Stay in Charleston
Belmond Charleston Place
Southern charm meets timeless elegance Belmond
Set back from the street, this cosmopolitan hideaway is perfectly situated to explore the full beauty of historic Charleston. Embrace the resort-like atmosphere with 434 rooms, that span nearly an entire city block with endless amenities and freshly renovated rooms. One of the most luxurious and kid-friendly hotels in the Holy City so it was an obvious choice for our stay. Centrally located and embraces the southern charm of Charleston but keeps the timeless elegance you expect at a Belmond.
Room Tour: click HERE
Have you stayed on a Club Level? Located on the top two floors, the exclusive Club Level serves complimentary food and beverages, from cooked breakfast and afternoon tea to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Because who doesn’t love champagne upon arrival? As nice as it was to walk down the hall for a celebratory “we survived the drive” champagne, it was a huge stress relief to know Stella, our 1-year-old, had endless snack options. With its own dedicated staff, it truly feels like a boutique hotel within the Belmond and the two-story lounge is just as comfortable as the many dining establishments on site but with an exclusive 8th-floor view.
Ready to retreat in America’s Favorite City?! Book with ME
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Continental Breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom, served in restaurant
- $100 Food & Beverage credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
The Clocktower Terrace has a rooftop bar to sip a refreshing cocktail and enjoy delightful bites while basking next to the horizon-edge swimming pool with a retractable glass roof. Take in the breathtaking scenery of historic King Street and one of the best sunset views the city has to offer. Exclusively open to hotel guests, this rooftop retreat is surely one you won’t want to miss. Great spot to use your $100 credit when you book with me!
Hotel Bennett
Charleston’s newest luxury hotel, opened in 2019 under the ownership of Mr. Bennett who has self-portraits, family photos, and personal touches throughout the hotel. You can tell this was a passion project for him and he visits often. It was a public library previously with a pink marble stone exterior. To embrace the history, the pink marble was reused in what is considered the most instagrammable champagne bars in Charleston. Camellia’s is designed to look like the inside of a Faberge egg, you can enjoy afternoon tea or a glass of champagne.
With a doorman who greets you upon a glamorous entrance, this hotel feels fresh with old-world grandeur. A popular spot for honeymooners and girls’ trips with 30+ room categories. Hotel Bennett is not a “cookie-cutter” hotel, book with me to ensure you’ve picked the best room category. No matter your room of choice, you are guaranteed a deep soaking tub and bath truffle. It gets hot in Charleston, so having a relaxing way to unwind after walking throughout Rainbow Row is key. Reserve a rooftop cabana with poolside service, you could easily spend a day on the property. I’d recommend adding the Club Lounge to your stay if you choose to include a hotel staycation day on your itinerary.
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Complimentary Breakfast Credit ($30 per person up to two guests, per bedroom) daily served in the restaurant
- $100 equivalent Resort/Hotel credit to be utilized during stay
- Early check-in/Late check-out, subject to availability
Room Tour: click HERE
The Dewberry
Not what you’d expect in the heart of Charleston, and that was exactly The Dewberry’s intention. Originally commissioned by JFK as a government building and then purchased by John Dewberry who spent years renovating before opening in 2016. The swanky, mid-century modern hotel is straight out of Mad Men. Their goal is “attainable luxury with a soul” and the cozy, detailed interiors provide a unique aesthetic with sixties southern charm. That is until you reach the rooftop, Citrus Club takes you on a tropical vacation with rooftop daiquiris surrounded by lime trees. Planning a girls trip? This would be top of the list. No kids are allowed on the rooftop. While the hotel is kid-friendly, I’d recommend babies or older children. 1-bedroom suites are best for families with a door dividing the living space. The Charleston Flats are perfect for couples and the bathroom makes it worth the splurge. This is the perfect stay for travelers who appreciate attentive staff and attention to detail.
The rooms are gorgeous with handpainted wardrobes, vintage mirrors, and branded Dewberry pillows. The signature Dewberry candle (containing dewberries) is burning all over the property for an incredible smell and soft glow. For sale in the gift shop and by the time you leave, you’ll want one to go. Get around town utilizing the complimentary drop-off shuttle, pick-up has a charge associated. Complimentary bikes can be requested for a great ride to Battery Park. When you book with me, ask about the drive program for VIP guests so you can take out a Dewberry Volvo for 4 hours. This is perfect to visit nearby beaches or plantations.
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily breakfast credit of $30 per guest (max 2 guests per bedroom)
- Choose one of the below amenities (please advise of selection at time of booking):
- Complimentary round-trip private airport transfers from Charleston International Airport
- OR Complimentary valet parking for duration of stay.
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Room Tour: click HERE
What to Do in Charleston
- Historic Charleston City Market
- Farmer’s Market in Marion Square (Saturday’s)
- Shopping on King Street
- Charleston Waterfront Park & The Pineapple Fountain
- Rainbow Row
- Battery Park
- Tours: Ghost, Foodie, Carriage
- Plantations: Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens & Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
- Beaches: Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Kiawah Island, Sullivan’s Island
Where to Eat & Drink in Charleston
Breakfast options
o Millers All Day (breakfast all day, southern style, coffee bar & bubbles for brunch)
o Eli’s Table (breakfast, lunch, dinner, southern style, outdoor patio)
o Breizah Pan Crepes (savory and sweet French crepes)
Lunch options
o Poogan’s Porch (lowcountry specialties, historic home)
o 82 Queen (southern fair with seafood influences, comfort food, crab cakes, outdoor patio)
o Basic Kitchen (healthy, local produce, seasonal and delightful dishes)
o Cru Café (gourmet comfort food, historic home)
o Lewis Barbecue (texas-style)
Dinner options
o 5 Church(American Style, great bar for after-dinner drinks)
o The Darling Oyster Bar (seafood dishes, fried baskets, raw oysters, pasta dishes)
o The Ordinary (tapas-style seafood dishes, oysters, seafood towers)
o Coast Bar and Grill (variety of options: shellfish, wood-fired fish, pasta dishes, soups, and salads)
o Hall’s Chophouse (one of the best steakhouses in Charleston)
o Magnolia’s (lowcountry specialties, known for: fried green tomatoes and shrimp & grits)
o Peninsula Grill (amazing low country specialties and #1 spot for coconut cake)
Dessert options:
o Kaminsky’s
o Off Track Ice Cream
Drink options:
o Camellias (champagne & tea)
o Citrus Club (tropical rooftop lounge, click HERE)
Leave the Planning to the Experts
Your journey begins as soon as you contact Kate.
We can save you time, money, and unnecessary headaches by using our travel knowledge and partnerships. The value is different for every trip, client, and experience. Our goal is to get to know YOU, and then use all of these tools and resources to create the ultimate experience for YOU. Can Google do that? Experience and knowledge will transform your time away into unforgettable memories. Our network allows us access to exclusive rates or amenities at over 5,000 luxury hotels. With direct lines to hotel executives to VIP your stay, you are first priority for an upgrade.
Your time is very valuable, as is ours, and we’ll be looking to partner with clients who value our expertise and are ready to elevate everything from a weekend getaway to a bucket-list vacation.
