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Travel Leaders of Charleston

Anyone, Anywhere, We Get You There!

With us, you simply Travel Better!

(843) 881-1181 or (800) 999-1181

 Travel Leaders of Charleston is a full service travel consulting firm that I developed in March of 2012. We believe in honesty, integrity, and relationships with our clients. Our team of highly experienced travel professionals translate your vacation package, cruise or business travel needs into personalized travel experiences. As professional travel advisors, we leverage Travel Leaders' global relationships and our experience, to transform your specific needs into quality travel options to ensure maximum value in your travel investment. We are a group of people who are well-versed in the fun and rigors of traveling. We have over 100 years of travel planning between us! Travel is our passion and our focus, YOU are the priority. 

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Whether you're looking for a cruise, plane tickets, accommodations, or the whole package, we have you covered! 

***We even offer Passport photo services for your convenience!***

Simply tell one of our specialists where you want to go and we'll handle the details. We work directly with our travel companies to get the best deals.  When you travel with us, we take personal responsibility to ensure your trip is hassle-free and enjoyable.  Your travel professional is your advocate, planning every detail of your journey, customized to your unique taste, interests and budget.  When your travel includes us, you always 

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• Travel Experience - We live for and love all things travel related!  Someone on our team has been to and experienced the destinations, resorts and ships we offer.  Indeed between us all we've traveled the world.  We personally vet our travel partners before we put our stamp of approval on it for you.  We are memory makers!  How cool is that?
• Trained Experts - As professional travel specialists, we have extensive training and certification in many different travel destinations, as well as specific tour companies, cruise lines, hotels and specialty travel such as Destination Weddings and Honeymoons, group travel and so much more.  
• Time & Money - We save you the time of researching the details and hours of online surfing for the best deals.  We've got it done already...that's our job!  Our travel industry relationships allow us to offer special amenities and pricing that you won't find online.  Just saying...
• Peace of Mind - When you book with us, we are there for you throughout your journey.  If the unexpected occurs, we are already on top of the situation.  If flights need re-routing or new travel arrangements are necessary, we are on it! Try to ask one of those 'other guys' at the online booking sites to do this service for you.  Yep, that would be a big NO---that won't happen with them.  
• Personalized Service - We get you and we get you there. We listen to your travel preferences and provide you with a personalized vacation experience.   Like I said before... We help you make life long memories! 'Memory Makers' for real!
• Book With Confidence - To help you make your own decision about when and where to start traveling again, we’ve curated the most important COVID-19 travel information into one reliable resource called Book with Confidence. Available to you at no extra cost, Book with Confidence includes a Vacation Health and Safety Guide to help you minimize risks during your vacation, along with a Vacation Health and Safety Checklist documenting all the protocols you will experience along your journey. Ask us about Book with Confidence for more information.  

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Meet A Few Members of Our Team

Leisure & luxury professional.

Hello from Hazel

Owner / Director of Business Operations

We have an amazing team of travel professionals and specialists with combined travel experience of more than 100 years. I am the President / owner of the business and I would love to connect you with the right expert to fit your travel needs. We are your advocate, we are with you befo

We have an amazing team of travel professionals and specialists with combined travel experience of more than 100 years. I am the President / owner of the business and I would love to connect you with the right expert to fit your travel needs. We are your advocate, we are with you before, during and after your travel is complete. Travel is our passion. We get you, we get your travel needs and we get you there! You simply travel better when you include us. Don't forget, without a professional travel consultant, your on your own!

Hit the link below to meet more of our team of agents.  

   Our team ROCKS!!!     

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Meet Kathy Stokes

Leisure and Luxury Travel Consultant

Travel cures everything!  We all need a bucket list of dreams with a goal of making memories with those we love.  Travel is my passion and I love helping others check off items on their bucket list! 

Have you been dreaming about a world cruise, river cruise, a trip across the ocean to Eu

Have you been dreaming about a world cruise, river cruise, a trip across the ocean to Europe, a safari in Africa, visiting the beautiful parks in North America or a weekend getaway in the Caribbean?  I have personally traveled throughout Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, the continental US as well as the Caribbean and Mexico.

While on a mission trip in Kenya, I witnessed God's creation across the world as I observed painted skies of oranges and purples, and exotic animals in their natural habitat. 

It has been my pleasure to help clients check off bucket list trips to Australia and New Zealand, Ireland, Croatia, the UK, Paris, Austria, Stockholm, Norway, Maine, Mexico, the Caribbean and the list goes on. 

If you can dream it, I can get you there!   You can count on me to work on your behalf to get the best price available and follow through on every detail of the your trip until you return home. Please give me a call to let me  know what's next on your bucket list. 

As Dr. Seuss says... "Oh the Places You Will Go!  There are points to be scored. There are games to be won.  And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all!" 

Travel Professional

Meet Layne Bessho

Professional Travel Advisor

  I love helping individuals, families, and groups plan a trip to remember! I enjoy working with people to ensure that everything from beginning to end goes smoothly and they can 

relax and enjoy their vacations! 

1132 Oakland Market Road, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina 29466

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Welcome to Charleston Travel

Charleston Travel is a company of trusted, passionate travel specialists who create customized journeys to inspiring destinations. Our trips are completely based around your interests and schedule-they are one-of-a-kind experiences that are as unique as you are. Whether you know exactly where you want to go or need some inspiration, Charleston Travel is here to guide you, and to create a journey that will surpass your expectations.

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Your the type that wants to relax on vacation and have nothing to worry about. If you're looking for true relaxation, with no added worry, then check out our travel packages. All the details are taken care of, enjoy yourself and your vacation!

Head for the vacation of a lifetime on the high seas. Enjoy the excitement of a cruise with the destination of your choice. With a long list of exotic and historic destinations you'll find your next cruise on our website. Explore fascinating ports, relax in luxurious accommodations, and let loose with all the fun-filled activities on board the ocean liner of your choice.

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Ready to have the vacation of a lifetime? We offer a long list of luxurious accommodations for your next travel experience. From lively cities to exotic locations, you'll find the perfect place for you and your family to live the resort life.

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Cruise Planners has a tremendous reputation for quality, service, and very competitive pricing for ALL of your travel needs. Cruise Planners travel advisors will help you discover exciting adventures around the world. From cruises to land tours and completely packaged vacations, we specialize in all types of travel and will create an unforgettable vacation just for you.

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Our experienced, friendly staff of professional travel counselors can help you get the most from your trip. Having been in business since 1991, we are one of the OLDEST and the ONLY full service travel agency on the Grand Strand that has had the same owners/managers since inception!!!

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Looking forward to making exciting memories with you as we journey together in 2024!

It’s so great to be on the road again with new adventures! As a travel agent & tour operator, we specialize in group tours just for you. Everything is planned in detail with no worries/concerns! This brochure has tours included for this year. Our website will also have updates on it.

If you have a group and would like to plan a trip, contact Adventure Travels, LLC and let us take care of everything. We specialize in motorcoach, cruises & international trips. Safety is our first concern. Every detail (transportation, accommodations, entertainment, meals) are planned just for you. We have gift certificates for the perfect gift for a birthday, anniversary, or any special event! Come & join us for unforgettable life-changing experiences and opportunities for a lifetime!

Come & make memories with us!

ADVENTURE AWAITS! Rita Gilbert Tour Operator/Owner Adventure Travels, LLC 340 Main Street – Suite L Greenwood, SC 29646 864.344.7636/864.223.4250

Adventure Travels, LLC has been in business since 2004. Adventure Travels, LLC is providing services for tours; acts as agent for accommodations, attractions, meals, and/or transportation, assuming no responsibility and no liability for change of tax laws, delays, accidents, loss, damage, or injury to persons or property and/or acts of God, Also reserving the right to change arrangements when necessary and add fuel surcharge due to uncontrollable rise in fuel cost.

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• Hotels + Resorts

15 Best Hotels in Charleston

Here’s where to stay on your next trip to the Holy City.

Drew Castelhano/Hotel Bennett

Charleston, South Carolina has been voted the top city in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure readers in the World's Best Awards for more than a decade. Its walkability, culinary landscape, cultural offerings, and beauty, both natural and human-made, come together to create a destination that appeals to all kinds of travelers. It also manages to balance a dedication to preserving history while embracing creativity, ambition, and newness throughout its various neighborhoods.

This uniquely Charleston identity even extends to the city’s incredibly diverse and dynamic roster of hotels — where historic mansions and luxury properties operate next to smaller accommodations focused on boutique experiences. Not a single one of the Holy City’s best hotels follows a cookie-cutter pattern; each actively creates a distinct narrative and reason for being.

As both a travel writer and a former Charleston resident, I can attest to the fact that Charleston’s hotels are a big part of the local community. Yes, they accommodate out-of-town guests, but they also use their coveted locations to provide an additional place for locals to get coffee with an old friend, sip cocktails with a book club, or sit down to an elevated dinner, whether it’s a special occasion or a regular date night. This neighborly atmosphere is what produces a hotel scene unrivaled by any other city in the South. Read on to discover the best hotels in Charleston, South Carolina.

Related: T+L's Guide to Charleston

Hotel Bennett

Also available to book at Expedia.com

It’s an all-in-one type of property with a rooftop pool, fitness center, spa, and several on-site restaurants.

King Street is known to be busy and loud, especially on the weekends.

“Hotel Bennett is truly Charleston’s best full-service luxury hotel, in my opinion,” says Elizabeth Rhodes , digital special projects editor at Travel + Leisure and native South Carolinian. “In a city full of smaller boutique properties, it stands out with its rooftop pool, spa, massive suites, and four fantastic dining venues.” Part of the Salamander Collection of properties, the 179-room hotel juxtaposes European elegance with Southern glamour, which you’ll experience as soon as you walk through the first-floor rotunda — known for its mural of 18th-century Charleston Harbor painted by Jill Baskin — and into the Grand Court Lobby. While you’ll never run out of places to eat in Charleston, keep the on-property restaurants La Patisserie, Gabrielle, Fiat Lux, and Camellias in mind as you plan your trip. According to Rhodes, “Afternoon tea at the perfectly pink Camellias is a must.”

The Details:

• Located on King Street in downtown Charleston
• Wi-Fi, access to the fitness center, and signature amenities are included in your stay
• 11 miles from Charleston International Airport (CHS)
• Next to Marion Square, where the Charleston Farmers Market is held weekly
• Rooms from $331 a night

John Rutledge House Inn

The complimentary full breakfast is the perfect way to start a day exploring Charleston.

Off-street parking is available, but you’ll need to pay an additional $18 a day per car.

For a thoughtful, intimate bed-and-breakfast experience, look no further than the John Rutledge House Inn, which T+L readers ranked No. 4 on the list of Charleston hotels in the 2023 World’s Best Awards . The building itself is highly recognizable from the outside, with its balconies, double entry staircase, and photogenic black-and-white checkerboard sidewalk greeting guests and passersby. The inside, however, is just as welcoming, with rooms and suites outfitted with period antiques, elegant canopy beds, and Italian marble gas fireplaces. It may be tempting to sleep the day away in your comfortable accommodations, but you won’t want to miss the full breakfast — which can be enjoyed in your room or in the courtyard, ballroom, or piazza — the afternoon hors d'oeuvres, or a glass of sherry in the evening.

T+L deputy photo editor Skye Senterfeit called this hotel "a truly special spot in Charleston." She continued, saying, "Every night of my October 2022 stay, I felt more like I was coming home than just coming back to a hotel. There’s history around every corner (inside and out) and always someone impossibly charming waiting to greet you at the desk."

• Located on Broad Street in downtown Charleston
• Wi-Fi, breakfast, afternoon tea, light hors d'oeuvres, and 24-hour concierge services are included with your stay
• 13 miles from Charleston International Airport
• Some of the best shopping on King Street is just around the corner
• Rooms from $299 a night

The Spectator Hotel

Also available to book at Hotels.com

The team of personal butlers is there to ensure your stay is seamless — and you experience the best of the best in Charleston.

This part of town is often crowded with tourists visiting popular attractions like Rainbow Row and Charleston City Market.

For an extra-large helping of Southern hospitality, consider The Spectator Hotel for your next trip to the Holy City. “The Spectator stands out with its plush rooms and personal butler service for every guest. The lovely staff of butlers are on hand to help however they can; on my most recent trip in March 2023, that meant tying my boyfriend’s bowtie as we rushed off to a wedding and providing some stellar recommendations for places to eat,” says Rhodes. You can expect this level of service from morning — enjoy the complimentary breakfast delivered right to your room — to night, when it’s time for a celebratory drink.  “I highly recommend grabbing a drink or two in the bar; the friendly bartenders mix up some really inventive and delightful cocktails,” Rhodes adds.

• Located in the French Quarter in downtown Charleston
• Room service breakfast, personalized butler service, access to a fitness center, bicycles, and a welcome drink are included with your stay
• 12 miles from Charleston International Airport
• The Gibbes Museum of Art and local favorite Harken Cafe are a short walk away
• Rooms from $289 a night

Related: The Ultimate Charleston Packing List

Wentworth Mansion

The history of the building is apparent on every level, allowing guests to experience what it may have been like to stay in a Gilded Age home.

It’s a smaller property, with only 21 rooms, which isn’t every traveler’s cup of tea.

Wentworth Mansion received top marks in the 2023 World’s Best Awards, coming in at No. 1 on our list of the top hotels in Charleston — and it’s easy to understand why. The hotel is tucked away in Harleston Village, just a few blocks from bustling King Street, ensuring even more peace and privacy in this home away from home. The rooms and suites are all thoughtfully decorated and appointed with fireplaces, making it extra cozy in winter, and guests are encouraged to dine at Circa 1886, the restaurant located in the mansion’s original carriage house. While breakfast is a guest-only experience, anyone can make a dinner reservation.

• Located in Harleston Village, a quieter neighborhood in downtown Charleston
• Exclusive access to breakfast in Circa 1886 and the hotel’s cupola and rooftop; Wi-Fi, in-room beverages, and turn-down service are included with your stay
• Just two short blocks from Colonial Lake Park
• Rooms from $400 a night

The Restoration

Explore Charleston

The apartment-style hotel rooms are great for extended trips to Charleston.

If you’re driving, you’ll either need to find parking yourself or pay $38 per day for valet parking, which is first-come, first-served.

For unparalleled access to King Street’s shops, restaurants, and bars, book a suite or one of the spacious residences at The Restoration. The hotel has more of an urban aesthetic than other Charleston properties, with modern photo installations and a variety of textures in the common spaces. Still, it doesn’t skimp on comfort. Whether you’re staying for a while — in which case, you’ll want to stay in the aforementioned residences, complete with a full kitchen and living room — or just for a long weekend, make sure you spend some time by the rooftop pool or grab coffee at The Rise Coffee Bar downstairs. To unlock even more amenities, including complimentary breakfast and access to a nearby gym, be sure to join The Restoration’s Insider program by providing your email address on the hotel website.

• Located on the corner of King and Wentworth Streets in downtown Charleston
• Wi-Fi, in-room beverages, and late-night cookies are included in your stay
• The picturesque College of Charleston campus is right down the street 
• Rooms from $284 a night

The Loutrel

The hotel’s atmosphere is more laid-back than pretentious.

Some travelers may prefer a hotel in a location that doesn’t experience as much foot traffic.

Comfortable, spacious, and convenient are just three ways you could describe The Loutrel , which sits on State Street in downtown Charleston, a couple blocks from the water. “As a native South Carolinian, this hotel felt like home when I visited shortly after its opening in fall 2021,” says Rhodes. “I loved the bright and modern Southern design, the super-convenient location near Charleston’s top attractions, and the private rooftop overlooking the city.” The 50-room property is stylish and fresh, balancing elegance with tasteful touches of personality, and its garden-inspired lounge is reminiscent of the greenery and blooms that adorn the stunning architecture in the surrounding neighborhood.

• Located in the French Quarter of downtown Charleston
• Bar snacks and beverages, fitness center access, and European-style breakfast are included with your stay
• You can easily walk to the Waterfront Park and pier
• Rooms from $233 a night

Related: 28 Best Things to Do in Charleston, South Carolina

Zero George

Hack Hargett 

Also available to book at Booking.com

You can’t beat a long afternoon sitting on your room’s piazza, wine glass in hand, overlooking the courtyard.

The property sits adjacent to East Bay Street, one of the busier Charleston roads.

If you’ve been dreaming of the ultimate Charleston getaway, Zero George will check every box. Guests enter through the wrought-iron gates, which lead to the expertly manicured grounds, dreamy courtyard, and the three restored historic residences and two brick carriage houses that house the property’s 16 guest rooms and suites (and their shared piazzas). Every second of your experience — from check-in to checkout — will be filled with delightful, decidedly Charleston moments. Mornings begin with a European-style continental style, complete with local Callie’s Biscuits; afternoons are filled with complimentary bike rides through the neighborhood; and at least one night should be spent around a table at The Restaurant + Bar at Zero George.

• Located in the historic Ansonborough neighborhood in downtown Charleston
• Daily European-style breakfast, bicycles, evening wine and cheese pairings, off-site gym membership, and Wi-Fi included in your stay
• Stop by the new International African American Museum , less than a half-mile away
• Rooms from $379 a night

The Dewberry

The Dewberry Charleston

The rooftop bar, Citrus Club, offers 360-degree views of downtown Charleston.

Both on-site dining options, Citrus Club and The Living Room, are popular spots within the Charleston community, so they may be busy.

The Dewberry is a stalwart character in Charleston, not only housing 154 guest rooms and suites, but also a spa, rooftop cocktail lounge, swanky ground-floor bar, and a shopping experience from Garden & Gun . Each aspect of the eight-story hotel feels like a manifestation of the “quiet luxury” aesthetic. The rooms are designed to answer every need you may have (steamers, custom toiletries, plush bathrobes and slippers, a locally curated minibar), and the decor in the common spaces nod to the city’s charm and history without feeling too heavy or antiquated.

"All of my Mad Men interior design dreams came true the second I stepped into this mid-century modern hotel in April 2023," said T+L senior commerce editor Kayla Becker. "There's an undeniable level of old Southern charm here in the most glamorous, modern way. Trust me, you will want to remodel your home after you visit."

• Located on Meeting Street, just west of Marion Square, in downtown Charleston
• Bicycles, Volvo house cars, fitness studio, beach towels and totes, and Wi-Fi are included in your stay
• 11 miles from Charleston International Airport
• Within walking distance of Charleston’s best restaurants, including The Ordinary and The Darling Oyster Bar
• Rooms from $314 a night

Post House Inn

Travel + Leisure / Lindsey Harris Shorter

The property’s seven rooms are all bright, airy, and uniquely decorated.

It’s a short 10-minute drive from downtown Charleston’s restaurants and attractions.

The only hotel on this list not located in downtown Charleston, Post House Inn is a destination in and of itself. The inn, and its connected restaurant, sit on one of the most picturesque corners in the Old Village Historic District in Mount Pleasant. From the team behind Basic Projects — who also brought Basic Kitchen to life — the properties were developed to be more akin to “a pub with rooms,” a common setup in the U.K., instead of a hotel with a restaurant. Since opening in late 2020, it’s become a favored spot for locals searching for a relaxing staycation, or just a great burger and a strong cocktail.

• Located in the Old Village of Mount Pleasant, just 10 minutes from downtown Charleston
• Welcome drink, breakfast, Wi-Fi, and beach towels are included in your stay
• 14.5 miles from Charleston International Airport
• Stretch your legs by walking to Pitt Street Bridge for sunset
• Rooms from $255 a night

Related: 26 Reasons Travelers Love Charleston

Franzi Annika Photography

The hotel’s creativity allows for surprise-and-delight moments in every room and common space; it’s also dog-friendly.

If you’re searching for a traditional Southern hotel, this isn’t the location for you.

The Vendue is housed in a row of historic warehouses dating back to 1780, but its interiors — including its 84 guest rooms — are bright, bold, and modern. Billed as “Charleston’s art hotel,” there’s a sense of whimsy everywhere you look, from the French bulldog door knockers and a contrasting red-and-white color scheme to its continually rotating collection of over 200 pieces of original art. In-house art curators even offer daily guided tours from 5 to 6 p.m., although guests and even non-guests are welcome to admire the pieces at any time.

• Welcome drink, morning bag of baked goods, evening milk and cookies, afternoon art reception, and bicycles are included in your stay
• Rainbow Row, Waterfront Park, and the Pineapple Fountain are a short walk away
• Rooms from $173 a night

Lindsay Shorter / Emeline

Each of the guest rooms comes with a workspace — so it’s a great option for remote workers or those traveling for business.

Self-parking isn’t exactly easy in this part of town, and it’ll cost you $49 a day to valet your car.

Upon opening in downtown Charleston in July 2020, Emeline quickly became one of the “it” places to stay in the Holy City. All 212 guest rooms — 128 of which are suites — come with a king-sized bed, bespoke embroidered Matouk linens and towels, custom ceramic vanity accessories by a local artist, and custom Wildsam Field Guides to Charleston, among other exclusive amenities. Like many other Charleston hotels, food and beverage are a top priority for the hospitality team. Stop by Clerks for breakfast or a quick cup of coffee, The Den for light bites and pre-dinner cocktails, and Frannie & The Fox for a hearty wood-fired pizza and shared plates.

• Located on Church Street, slightly north of the French Quarter, in downtown Charleston
• Welcome cocktail, morning coffee, bicycles, fitness center, self-serve sparkling water, and free beer and wine during the “Captain’s Hour” are included with your stay
• Snap a photo of the nearby Pink House Gallery before grabbing a few snacks at goat.sheep.cow

Planters Inn

The shared piazza, with its wrought-iron bistro tables and chairs, is a lovely choice for a not-too-humid Charleston afternoon.

Expect heavy foot traffic outside, as the hotel sits on the corner of two of Charleston’s busiest streets.

Coming in at No. 3 on the list of T+L readers' favorite hotels in Charleston in the 2023 World’s Best Awards, Planters Inn ranked just behind The Loutrel and just above John Rutledge House Inn. This high placement is partially due to the history of the grande dame hotel; Planters Inn has roots dating back to the 1800s, and it claims the title of the only Relais & Châteaux hotel in South Carolina. Its rank also stems from the property’s hospitable interiors and unforgettable dining experiences. The guest rooms strike that perfect balance between traditional and contemporary, with four-poster mahogany beds and working fireplaces living alongside a Nespresso machine and other must-have amenities. If you’re celebrating something special, be sure to order the famous Ultimate Coconut Cake from the Peninsula Grill — and yes, you can get it delivered via room service, too.

• Located on the corner of Market and Meeting Streets in Charleston’s Historic District
• Shared terrace and Wi-Fi are included in your stay
• Head slightly southeast to discover Church Street’s impressive architecture and peaceful strolls
• Rooms from $495 a night

Related: The Perfect 3-day Weekend in Charleston

Christian Harder Photography

The rooms are extra spacious; even those traveling with multiple bags won’t feel overly cramped.

For some travelers, its prime location off of King Street will be a plus; others may find it overwhelming.

The Pinch is a 25-room property — inclusive of three furnished residences — that also features a spa, daily breakfast, and several restaurants, including The Quinte, a 40-seat oyster bar, and Lowland Tavern, a newly opened tasting room experience. While you’re certainly welcome to book a room for a night or two, accommodations are also available on a weekly or monthly basis, if desired. The rooms and restaurants are spread out across three buildings, which date back to the mid-to-late 1800s; the interior decor, however, manages to highlight that history and simultaneously bring a bit of levity and freshness to the property.

• Located just off of King Street in downtown Charleston
• Welcome cocktail, coffee and tea service, and bike share program are included in your stay
• Within a few steps of King Street’s best shops and boutiques

The Ryder Hotel

The hotel has ADA-accessible rooms, elevators, and an ADA pool lift.

The poolside bar-restaurant, Little Palm, can get pretty buzzy.

Jack Kerouac’s semi-fictional character Japhy Ryder, from his novel "The Dharma Bums," is the inspiration behind The Ryder Hotel , which entered the Charleston scene in the spring of 2021. The building had a previous life as the King Charles Inn, but this new chapter takes a completely new direction, with formality thrown out the window. The Ryder stands on its own two feet in the downtown area with its 91 rooms decked out in pale woods, custom-woven rugs, and plush linens. The star of the show, however, just might be the pool and its indoor-outdoor bar and restaurant, Little Palm, where tropical drinks take precedence on the menu. "The cocktails at Little Palm are some of the best — and most creative — in Charleston, and the bar is perfectly Instagrammable in shades of pink and green," says Rhodes.

• Located a block away from King Street in the heart of downtown Charleston
• Coffee, a $10 breakfast credit, access to Emeline’s fitness center, a welcome cocktail, bicycles, in-room wellness equipment, and beach and picnic blankets are included in your stay
• Plan ahead and reserve a table at neighboring FIG
• Rooms from $184 a night

The Palmetto Hotel

The Palmetto Hotel Charleston

With breakfast taken care of each morning, you’ll have more room in your budget for dinner or shopping on King Street.

Your stay includes access to a nearby fitness center, but it’s not technically on-property.

The newest face in the Charleston hotel landscape, The Palmetto Hotel opened in the spring of 2023. Each of its 45 king-bed rooms was designed to bring guests an “elevated experience without missing the comforts of home.” This means you can expect features like high-end linens, Bamford toiletries, and cozy robes and slippers upon arrival, and you’ll get to enjoy a complimentary breakfast every morning. Before heading out for the evening, stop by the Lobby Bar for signature cocktails and light bites; you’ll even find local favorite Callie’s Pimento Cheese on the menu.

• Located on East Bay Street, within walking distance of the Battery in downtown Charleston
• Continental breakfast, Wi-Fi, nightly turn-down service, and bicycles are included in your stay
• The Battery and White Point Gardens are a 15-minute walk from the hotel
• Rooms from $207 a night

Know Before You Go

• Understand the general layout of Charleston. When most people think of Charleston, they envision the Historic District’s 18th and 19th-century architecture, cobblestoned streets, and palmetto trees that give the lower part of the peninsula its memorable charm. Many of the hotels on this list are located in this part of Charleston, but the city is bigger and more spread out than you might think. Before making a hotel reservation, pull up your Google Maps and make sure you’ll be in an area conducive to your planned itinerary. 
• Check the calendar to avoid peak weekends. Charleston experiences tourism all year round, but there are a few periods each year that see more activity, thus increasing demand for hotel rooms. Major events like Charleston Wine + Food , SEWE , Spoleto Festival USA , and College of Charleston’s graduation weekend significantly boost the number of visitors exploring the downtown area.
• Consider the amenities of each property. In order to stand out from the competition, most Charleston hotels offer some sort of special amenity, be it complimentary beach cruisers, a personal butler service, morning coffee, or a rooftop pool. If you’re deciding between two or three properties with similar locations and nightly rates, let the amenities be the deciding factor.

How We Chose These Hotels

For this article, each hotel was chosen based on editor reviews, appearances in various Travel + Leisure awards, and the writer’s experience with Charleston’s hospitality scene. Lydia Mansel grew up visiting the Holy City every summer and recently spent several years as a full-time resident.

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