A travel guide to lodging in Charleston, along with a review of the Hyatt Place.
Charleston is a charming coastal city that will delight travelers with its historic neighborhoods, Southern hospitality, and stunning waterfront views. Whether you’re seeking the comforts of a bed and breakfast or the luxuries of a 5-star hotel, the city has something to suit every budget and travel style. In this guide, I’ll help you select the ideal accommodation based on your trip’s purpose and planned itinerary.
Charleston Lodging Tips
The first step to selecting lodging in Charleston is understanding the purpose of your visit and having a general idea of your itinerary. Are you planning to explore the historic sites, relax by the beach, or a mix of both? Is your trip a quick getaway or a longer vacation? Other essential points to consider include your travel budget and preferred mode of transportation.
For travelers, especially first-time visitors, Downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant are the best areas to stay. Both are located relatively close to the airport, and each offers a variety of museums, historical sites, accommodations, restaurants, and shops.
Downtown Charleston
Downtown Charleston, affectionately called “the peninsula” by locals, is an excellent place to stay if you have only a few days to explore the city and you are primarily interested in the historic and cultural sites. Here, you’ll find quaint neighborhoods like the French Quarter and South of Broad that feel like stepping back in time, with tree-lined streets, historic homes, stunning churches, and stately mansions. The area is also home to great restaurants (see my dining guide for more info), cafés, and shops.
An advantage of staying in Downtown Charleston is that travelers can easily get around by walking, ride-sharing, or using DASH, the city’s free bus shuttle (you can learn more about DASH in my transportation guide). This eliminates the need to rent a car, saving money on both rental fees and parking at hotels and attractions (most downtown parking is in garages or paid street spots). Since my trip to Charleston was only 4 days, I decided to stay downtown to save on transportation and make the most of my time. I was able to walk to a handful of sites and restaurants, and others were just a quick bus or Uber ride away.
Lodging options are plentiful and varied in Downtown Charleston. Those seeking a unique experience can discover a selection of historic accommodations and boutique inns around the French Quarter and South of Broad. In the northern and western areas of the peninsula, those looking for more affordable accommodations will find a hostel and several chain hotels offering lower nightly rates and seasonal specials.
Mount Pleasant
Situated across the Ravenel Bridge, Mount Pleasant is a mainly residential area with a more laid-back vibe and fewer tourist crowds. If you have more time to spend in Charleston and are interested in a mix of historic, museum, and beach activities, this is a great place to stay. Mount Pleasant has a handful of interesting historic sites and museums and Downtown Charleston is a short drive away.
As for the beaches, Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms are situated just south of Mount Pleasant. Both places offer travelers miles of beautiful white-sand beaches and opportunities for water activities like parasailing and kayaking.
Unlike Downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant is not as walkable and public transportation is limited. This means travelers will need to rent a car or rely on ride-sharing services to get around. On the other hand, you’ll be able to save money on accommodations as lodging is more affordable, with many hotels offering competitive rates during the off-season.
Hyatt Place – Downtown Charleston
Given my positive experience with the Hyatt House in Denver, I decided to stay at the Hyatt Place in Downtown Charleston. Similar to my stay in Denver, the Hyatt Place and Hyatt House are located in the same building, sharing amenities such as a continental breakfast, a convenience market, a pool, and a gym. For this stay, I opted for Hyatt Place because I was able to secure a lower nightly rate.
Another reason why I selected the Hyatt Place in the downtown area was its excellent location. It’s within walking distance of several historic sites and museums, located near DASH bus stops, and next to some delicious restaurants. The hotel is also close to the airport, about 15 minutes away when traffic is light.
I do want to address a safety precaution before diving into my experience at the hotel. If taking DASH in the evening, do not get off at the stop located on Spring Street behind the hotel. I found this street poorly lit and not ideal for solo travelers. Best to use the stop on King Street, as this is a major thoroughfare with more traffic and pedestrians.
My Experience at the Hyatt Place
My second stay at a Hyatt was a positive experience, so I see myself searching for this hotel brand while planning future trips. The Hyatt Place in Downtown Charleston is a great place to stay, especially for those with just a few days in the city, given its central location. I also found this hotel to be a good option for all types of travelers: solo, couples, and families. The facilities are clean, the staff are attentive, the rooms and bathrooms are spacious, and the breakfast is hearty. And on a final note, I felt incredibly safe at this hotel, which is very important to me as a solo traveler.
This hotel solely offers valet parking and the current rate is $49/day (December 2025). There are nearby city garages that provide self-parking options as an alternative.
My room was the “King Bed High Floor” and it can best be described as palatial, with plenty of space and storage. It was honestly bigger than I expected, but all aspects of the room were comfortable, clean, and well-appointed. I loved spending the evenings sitting on the couch, snuggled under the large throw while drinking hot tea and reading (and defrosting from the frigid outdoor temperatures)! The sofa is a sofa bed, so this room can easily accommodate friends traveling together or a family.
If you’re wondering about the juice, it’s a mix of orange juice and cranberry juice.
The continental breakfast offered a substantial selection, so even those with special diets could find something suitable. There was the standard breakfast fare like eggs, toast, and sausage alongside healthier items such as yogurt and fruit. My favorite items were the French toast sticks and a delicious blueberry compote, which paired wonderfully with yogurt and granola.
One feature of the Hyatt House and Hyatt Place that travelers may appreciate is the on-site market, which sells snacks, frozen meals, sweets, and beverages. Note that there is a slight markup on the prices, but it is worth the convenience of having these items accessible without going to a store.
The Hyatt Place also has an on-site restaurant, which offers a limited menu, and near the front desk, there is an assortment of pre-made sandwiches and beverages.
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