Oh Charleston!
South Carolina’s colonial gem has got to be one of the most charming places just about anywhere. I spent my formative years here at the College of Charleston, and absolutely loved living in Charleston!
The narrow, picturesque city streets, great shopping, neat historical sites, and proximity to some really nice beaches make this the perfect place for a luxurious getaway. That could be a romantic couple’s escape, a classy family vacay, or just a treat yourself escape!
Now, well, I didn’t exactly have the cash money to stay at 5 star hotels in Charleston during my time at CofC.
However, I have put in some work to research the finest hotels in the Holy City, and here I’ll be sharing with you the best luxury hotels in Charleston, SC!
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Best Charleston, South Carolina Hotels for Luxury
As mentioned above, perhaps Charleston is best known as a lovely example of charming colonial and antebellum architecture and charm.
The important port city was once the home of wealthy merchants and the winter refuge for the southern planter elite. Well, to be honest, many of the historic homes are still very much the domain of the elite as they are some high dollar real estate!
Luckily, though, there are some great hotels that offer a taste of that finer life!
In the list below, you’ll find my picks for the best luxury hotels in Charleston, South Carolina. So read on to learn how to get a slice of the good life for yourself during your visit.
5 Great Charleston, SC Luxury Hotels
I’ve tried to include a bit of everything on this list of best Charleston, SC luxury hotels.
A couple of the very finest hotels that are medium sized but feel like small, intimate boutiques kick it off.
Then, you’ll find an option where can really feel like the aristocracy of old in a colonial era home turned hotel, or feel like a high roller from a later era in one of Charleston’s more uniquely decorated hotels.
Finally, there’s a great option for families here that still offers some classy, elegant charm.
Read on to find out which luxury hotel in Charleston, SC is best for you!
1. The Dewberry – Best Overall Charleston 5 Star Hotel
The Dewberry is one of Charleston’s newest hotels, and arguably its very finest. It definitely earns its spot as the start of this list of the best Charleston, South Carolina hotels for luxury!
It’s located just across the street from Marion Square, which offers easy access to everything Charleston has to offer. You can walk to the Aquarium, Fort Sumter Ferries, the Charleston Market, the Battery, the College of Charleston, and the best shopping and restaurants on King Street all in 15 minutes or less.
Conveniently located on Meeting Street, it’s also easy to access Highway 17 and I-26 to get off the peninsula without having to navigate the narrow, one way streets in other parts of the city.
The hotel itself also happens to be just a delight and is known for its top notch service. Located in a former Federal building, it’s large while feeling like a boutique. Decor in the rooms and common areas is charming yet sophisticated.
Oh, and did I mention there’s a great rooftop bar with one of the best views in Charleston!
In short, what’s not to like at this Charleston 5 star hotel?
The Dewberry offers the best overall experience among the best luxury hotels in Charleston and any kind of traveler be it families, business travelers, couples, or solo travelers will be more than happy they stayed here!
2. Charleston Place – Tough to Beat King Street Location
If you had asked me before 2016 when the Dewberry opened up, “What’s the finest luxury hotels in Charleston?” I would have almost certainly answered The Charleston Place.
This Charleston 5 star hotel is a bit inconspicuous on the outside, located in a large brick building on King Street.
However, the inside is absolutely dripping with classy elegance. The rooms and common areas are all a delight, and many rooms have balconies overlooking King Street.
The hotel actually stretches between King and Meeting Streets and is located right smack dab in the heart of the best shopping on King Street and just a few minutes walk from the Market. There are loads of great restaurants within a short walk, and you’re closer to the Battery and Waterfront Park than the Dewberry.
And, while there is no rooftop bar here, there is a very nice pool, perfect for cooling off after the hot, sticky summer days!
If you want something that offers a top notch Charleston luxury hotel experience in the heart of the King Street shopping district, this really is your best choice and makes for an easy top option among the best five star hotels in Charleston, SC!
3. Zero George – Most Luxurious Historic Boutique Hotel
The charming colonial and antebellum architecture of Charleston’s historic homes is part of what makes Charleston, well Charleston!
What better way to capture that charm than staying in one of those homes yourself?!
Located on East Bay Street just a short distance from the Aquarium, Fort Sumter ferries, and the Market, Zero Geroge would make for an absolutely delightful Charleston, SC luxury hotel. A boutique hotel that feels more like a bed and breakfast, there are only a handful of rooms here.
All of them are nicely furnished with a nice blend between modern sensibility and colonial charm. There is also a nice garden courtyard where guests can truly feel like they are living the Charleston good life.
The intimate feel here would make this an especially great luxury hotel in Charleston for a romantic getaway. Larger families could even consider renting the whole place out!
4. Restoration – Coolest Decor at a Charleston Luxury Hotel
Next up on this list of luxury Charleston hotels is Restoration.
It has the neatest decor of any Charleston, SC 5 star hotel. I especially love the high vaulted ceilings, and the cool little library. There is a modern but classy and sophisticated vibe of the rooms and common areas. It almost looks like something from the Gilded Age with brick walls that give it an industrial feel but elegance that looks more out of West Egg.
There’s a nice little rooftop pool here with a great view too!
Located just a block north of Charleston Place, it’s also a hard to beat location. It’s right in the heart of the King Street shopping and a short walk to everything of interest on the peninsula.
Its neat and modern style makes it an especially good choice for younger (or young at heart) travelers looking for Charleston luxury hotels. There are a couple two bedroom suites that would be a good fit for groups or families too, including one that has a lovely private terrace and would make for an especially nice stay!
5. Hilton Club Liberty Place – Best Luxury Suites
For those looking larger, chain style luxury resorts in Charleston, SC, the Hilton Club Liberty Place should top the list.
It’s got a nice location, just a couple blocks from the Aquarium and ferry landing for Fort Sumter on one side and Marion Square on the other. The Market and King Street are just a short distance away, and it offers easy access to 17 and 26.
I think this makes an especially good choice for families looking for 5 luxury hotels in Charleston. Some suites here have sleeper sofas, while others have two bedrooms plus a sleeper sofa.
Plus, being so close to the Aquarium and Fort Sumter ferries also means it’s easy to hit two of the most popular family attractions without having to stress about parking or long walks for little ones.
Plus, the hotel is very pretty!
Rooms are nice and comfortable with a nice and cozy, but not over the top decor. It really makes a great choice for a luxury hotel in Charleston that is a bit less elegant than the places above on this list but also comes at a more reasonable price.
Best Charleston SC Luxury Hotels Conclusion
Now you’ve got some great options for Charleston, SC luxury hotels!
You really can’t go wrong at any of these options and there should be something for everyone at these Charleston 5 star hotels.
I hope you found this list helpful in planning your trip, and that, more importantly, you have a luxurious time in Charleston!
Be sure to check out everything else on the site to learn more about Charleston and the rest of the Palmetto State!
Cheers and Classy Exploring!
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You might also want to check out my list of the best luxury hotels in Columbia, South Carolina’s capital city. Do take a look around the rest of the site too! I’m still in the early stages of building out this site, so expect lots more Charleston and beyond content soon!