Charleston in South Carolina is a classic Southern town sitting at the confluence of three rivers: the Ashley, the Cooper, and the Wando. Plus, it sits on the shores of the North Atlantic Ocean, making it everyone’s favorite historic waterside town on the U.S.’ Eastern Coast. When we weren’t digging into its delicious Lowcountry cuisine or exploring the historic sites, we were charmed by the city’s charming B&Bs. The sheer number of options for the best B&B in Charleston was staggering. We found ourselves sipping sweet tea on the patio of a Federal-style home and relaxing with a cuppa in an 1870s carriage house; Charleston’s bed and breakfasts really did have it all, along with spades of hospitality. Notwithstanding the one you choose, one thing is for certain – you’ll find hosts and innkeepers who will pamper and spoil you silly!
Full of old-world charm, Charleston’s lovely inns are windows into the nation’s tumultuous and glorious past and offer modern-day living comforts at the same time. Not just that, but Charleston as a town charmed us instantly, what with horse-drawn carriages ambling down cobblestoned streets and antebellum houses lining them. And, of course, the stunning beaches were less than a 20-minute drive, giving us a chance to mix history and culture with a bit of sun, sand, and sea. To that end, here’s a detailed guide to the best bed and breakfasts in ‘The Holy City.’
Our Favorite Bed & Breakfast in Charleston
- 20 South Battery
- 86 Cannon Historic Inn
- The Jasmine House
- John Rutledge House Inn
- Elliott House Inn
- 15 Church Street B&B
- 21 East Battery Bed And Breakfast
- Meeting Street Inn
- Barksdale House Inn
- The Cottages On Charleston Harbor
- Water’s Edge Inn
Historic B&Bs
With a long and rich 300-year-plus history, it’s no surprise that Charleston’s most popular types of bed and breakfast today are historic. In fact, most of the B&Bs on the list, including those listed under other categories, are historic stays!
20 South Battery
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Imagine having a magnificent and historic house-museum to live in; that’s 20 South Battery for you. This imposing and majestic five-story mansion looms large at the tip of the city’s peninsula, facing the lush White Point Gardens and the harbor beyond. Dating back to the 1800s, this structure is truly a treasure in the community. When it was built in 1843, it was largely a private residence owned by a broker and followed by a Union Army colonel. Perhaps the most famous occupants were the present-day Preservation Society of Charleston, the oldest preservation society in the USA. Later on, it was even rented to college students, became the Battery Carriage House Inn, and withstood Hurricane Hugo before finally being restored to its original grandeur.
Meet The Hosts
The owner is Dr. Jack Schaeffer, whose labor of love and extensive preservation efforts resulted in this Charleston gem becoming what it is today. In fact, the inn was awarded the 67th Carolopolis Award by the Preservation Society in 2021, recognizing its integration and preservation of Charleston’s history. On the ground, an amazing group of empowered service and hospitality professionals run the inn. We loved interacting with the energetic, fun, and helpful team, who took care of our every need and whim.
Food And Drink
Even though the inn doesn’t have a restaurant, we were treated to an included European-style breakfast every morning, which included some of our favorites. Think a smattering of quiches and croissants from the local bakery Brown’s Court and gluten-free buttermilk and iced blueberry biscuits lovingly made by Carrie Morey of Callie’s Biscuits fame. What’s more, there was also coffee, local teas, juices, cheese and ham and breakfast sandwiches, vegan cereals, granola bars, yogurt, and more. Not only that, but we also had the choice of ordering breakfast in the room, eating it in the dining room while listening to Frank Sinatra, or taking it to the back garden. Trust us when we say that there was nothing like sipping coffee beneath a trellis full of blooming jasmine vines while soaking in the verdure and the birds singing nearby.
We really liked that the inn provided complimentary canned beverages, bottled water, and a variety of hot drinks at the café on the property. The best bit was the nightly cheese and wine reception in the grand ballroom, which even had charcuterie, imported cheeses, and wine.
The Rooms
There are six suites in the Main House, three rooms, and two in the Battery Carriage House. What’s more, they all beautifully blend contemporary and regional aesthetics, topped with luxurious Southern warmth. We loved the high-end four-poster beds, bespoke bath products, cozy furnishings, and unique artwork that made every room feel personal and distinct.
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John Rutledge House Inn
John Rutledge built John Rutledge House Inn in 1793 as a wedding gift to his 19-year-old bride, Elizabeth Grimke. This inn is as historic as it gets, as some portions of the U.S. Constitution were drafted here. How many structures could possibly have both hosted George Washington and taken a cannonball? It’s why it’s one of Charleston SC’s most historic hotels. Right from the deep-green wrought iron balconies to a grand staircase and lush romantic gardens, there’s nothing we didn’t like about this place.
- Meet the hosts: This inn is part of the Charming Inns family, and Philly native/Charleston lover Nicki Johnson and assistant innkeeper Gabby Martin run the operations here. We had a ball interacting with concierges Jim O’Neill and John Duncan, who regaled us with tales of their travels and stories of Charleston. Besides the wonderful team at the inn, there’s even a pastry chef and sommelier who are part of the Charming Inns family. While they all hail from different hometowns, they’re all united in their love for Charleston and their commitment to ensuring that we had a wonderful stay.
- Food and drink: We’d begin our days here with deluxe complimentary cooked or continental breakfasts, which we could enjoy in our rooms, the ballroom, the piazza, or the courtyard. What’s more, they would even serve us light hors d’oeuvres and iced tea around 4 pm, followed by brandy, sherry, or port in the evening.
- Room type(s): This is one of the larger B&Bs in the area, with 19 rooms across the main and carriage houses. Comfort was paramount, with Tempur-Pedic mattresses, soft hues, marble bathrooms with jacuzzi tubs, and marble fireplaces. Sigh.
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Barksdale House Inn
The 1778-built Barksdale House Inn might appear Victorian, but it’s actually from the early-19th-century Federal era. George Barksdale, a Wealthy Charleston planter and a former member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, is said to have owned it. If you believe strong rumors, the two main-floor front rooms were home to the original Post Office of Charles Town, SC.
- Meet the hosts: Brenda Crawford is the general manager at this inn, which she runs with the help of a fabulous and efficient staff. With former work experience in the hospitality industry, Brenda knew exactly what we wanted, when we wanted it, and how. If we had a comfortable and wonderful time here, it’s because of Brenda and her staff.
- Food and drink: Every morning, we were served a delectable made-to-order breakfast, and that too for all days of the week! Moreover, hot drinks like tea and coffee, fruits, and free cereal bars were available throughout the day. The best bit? They even had snacks during afternoon tea and evening time, and there was a happy hour in the afternoon, complete with a complimentary glass of wine.
- Room type(s): We had the choice of a double, two standard, three premium, and three deluxe rooms in the Main House and four Carriage House rooms. While some have four-poster beds, others have full tubs. All rooms have private bathrooms, cable TVs, and coffeemaking facilities.
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15 Church Street B&B
Tucked on a quiet residential street in the town, 15 Church Street B&B is an excellent B&B in Charleston, SC’s historic district. This B&B is historic in a different way – it’s been a family home for three generations and counting. We absolutely loved the peaceful side porches, which was the best way for us to get a slice of the life of Charleston, watching the world as it went by.
- Meet the hosts: Annelise and Jack Simmons are the current owners and innkeepers. While the former hails from Virginia, Jack is a lifelong Charlestonian. Together, they made our stay and trip to Charleston memorable, as staying with them gave us invaluable insight into their own travel experiences.
- Food and drink: We could choose our own seating time from 8-9:30 am for breakfast and start off with a delicious first course (OJ, water, coffee, tea, milk, fresh fruit, and yogurt) and additional choices (grits, cream cheese, bagels, muffins, toast, croissants, and bacon). Then came the entrees, and we could choose any one from cereal, hominy surprise (grits, egg & cheese casserole), crustless frittata, hard-boiled/scrambled eggs, and fluffy Virginia pancakes and Sausages (Sunday only).
- Room type(s): With just two room choices, the Rose Room and the Blue Room, staying here was as intimate as it could get. Both rooms boasted plush beds, private bathrooms, organic bath products, free Wi-Fi, a TV, and even central HVAC. Plus, the hosts lived on the property. What more could we want?
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Romantic Stays
Any place as historic and pretty as Charleston has to be romantic, right? Here are some of the most romantic B&Bs in the city.
86 Cannon Historic Inn
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The adults-only, relaxed 86 Cannon Historic Inn is the best romantic B&B in Charleston. It’s close to the historic district and yet far from the bustle, making it the perfect place to spend our second honeymoon! Time flew by when we unwound in the library or the lush piazzas. If that isn’t romance, we don’t know what is.
Did you know this is also one of the top gay-friendly hotels in Charleston, SC? Yes!
“This place was the perfect place to spend our second honeymoon in a tranquil part of Charleston, and with amazing hospitality.”
WOW Travel
- Meet the hosts: There is so much word-of-mouth buzz around this B&B that there isn’t even a sign outside! Owners Lori and Marion Hawkins and their friendly Portuguese water dogs, Gus and Sully, greeted us. Their fabulous staff gave us insider tips on what to see and do in the city. In fact, their concierge could make reservations at even hard-to-get-in restaurants!
- Food and drink: After the champagne toast when we arrived, the fabulous European-style continental breakfast was our favorite. We enjoyed it at our leisure in the lovely sun-kissed second-floor café. It included a great selection of teas, locally roasted coffee, fresh juices, quiches, yogurt, granola, and local artisan goods from a nearby bakery. Moreover, there was the “Happiest Hour” from 5-6 pm every evening with complimentary cheese and wine. Finally, we could always wind down in the library with a good book and yummy snacks, beer, and wine from the honor bar.
- Room type(s): Choose from five luxury king rooms (main house) and two cottage suites (adjacent cottage). What’s more, they all had plush beds with Italian Frette linens, marble bathrooms with bespoke Malin+Goetz bath products, slippers, plush terry robes, Nespresso machines, minibars, and huge TVs.
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Elliott House Inn
The Elliott House Inn is a gorgeous bed and breakfast in historic Charleston, sitting in an 1861-built private home. We loved everything about this inn, right from the coral-hued exterior to the easy intimacy of a quaint inn, all topped with the services of a boutique hotel. Moreover, the tranquil cobblestoned and verdant courtyard is a hidden gem and our favorite. It was the perfect place for enjoying romantic moments of solitude in each other’s company.
- Meet the hosts: Charlestowne Hotels owns the inn, but the general manager, Ashley Fitzgerald, and her staff manage things on the ground. They’re amazing, warm, and helpful, and they’ve arranged everything from harbor tours to horse-drawn carriage rides.
- Food and drink: Despite there being no restaurant on the property, they served us a delectable continental breakfast of granola, fruit, bagels, and more. In fact, it was delivered to our room every morning so we could enjoy a romantic breakfast in bed. The best bit? They even had a complimentary cheese and wine reception every evening. So we could enjoy the property’s beauty in the light of the setting sun.
- Room type(s): We had the choice of 26 rooms and suites, all of which featured oriental rugs, rich hardwood floors, and flatscreen TVs, among other things. While most rooms opened onto the lush courtyard, we chose a ground-level room along the inn’s back, which came with a private patio. It was the perfect love nest to enjoy a romantic sojourn.
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The Jasmine House
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Equal parts timeless and familiar, the utterly romantic Jasmine House sits in a gorgeous 1843-built Greek Revival mansion. The highlight of the adults-only inn is the private and lush-green open-air courtyard. That, along with the expansive verandas, makes for the most romantic setting in the heart of Ansonborough, one of Charleston’s original neighborhoods.
- Meet the hosts: The inn is part of the Charlestowne Hotels group and is managed by an excellent, warm, and friendly staff.
- Food and drink: Despite there being no onsite restaurant, we were served a complimentary continental breakfast in the Main House from 7-10 am every morning. The aroma of the freshly baked chocolate croissants, quiches, savory pastries, and rolls was absolutely heavenly. Additionally, there was also freshly-brewed coffee, fruits, muffins, bagels, yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, cereal, and a different hot entree every day. Late afternoons were reserved for free charcuterie boards, beer, and wine, with champagne and macarons coming out later during nightcap service.
- Room type(s): We had the choice of four rooms, three of which are in the Main House and one in the Carriage House. The latter was perfect for our romantic getaway, as it had free Wi-Fi, a mini-fridge, a plush bed, a luxe bathroom, a Charleston snack basket, and bathrobes. Did we mention the semi-private veranda access? Yep.
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Meeting Street Inn
If there was ever the best B&B in Charleston for romance, the Meeting Street Inn would be it. Nestled in the heart of Charleston’s Historic District, the inn, with its tranquil garden courtyard and secluded and breezy verandahs, made for a very romantic setting. Do check out their romantic packages and deals if you’re celebrating something special. To top it all, there was even an intimate and secluded pool in the backyard – what could be more amorous?
- Meet the hosts: Frances F Limehouse has owned the Meeting Street Inn since when Hurricane Hugo hit the city in 1989. After extensive renovations, the inn blends elements from its glorious past with modern 21st-century offerings. It’s run by innkeeper Maureen Sheridan and a warm and wonderful staff who cater to our every whim and fancy.
- Food and drink: Although there isn’t a restaurant here, we had a complimentary continental breakfast in the pretty garden every day from 7 to 10 a.m. It included both hot and cold items, including good coffee, bread, and even hot entrees. Plus, they even had a complimentary cheese and wine reception in the evenings from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
- Room type(s): There were six room choices divided into traditional, historic, and deluxe, but they all were stunning, to say the least. Not only did they have plush four-poster canopied beds, but they also had private bathrooms, free Wi-fi, and fridges. Our room, the Deluxe Room, even had a gorgeous balcony with alfresco seating. Hence, it was the ideal place to enjoy each other’s company.
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Harborfront B&Bs
Charleston is one of the most popular beachside getaways on the South Carolina coast. Thus, it’s natural for it to have beachside B&Bs, right? Here are some of the best ones.
The Cottages on Charleston Harbor
We had the Charleston harborfront holiday of our dreams at the Cottages on Charleston Harbor. This group of 10 stunning, harbor-facing cottages is one of the best-kept secrets in the city. We spent our days watching everything from dolphins and pelicans to cargo ships moving in and out of the water. Even though there’s no “beach” here technically, we could rent kayaks from Coastal Expeditions, who paddled them directly to our cottage! Did we mention the pool with sunbeds that overlooks the harbor? That’s right! It’s why this is one of the best oceanfront hotels in Charleston, SC.
- Meet the hosts: Lisa Crowley has been the general manager here since 2015. We were impressed by the attentive concierge staff, who were by our side within minutes to help us with anything we wanted.
- Food and drink: Even though these cottages are vacation rentals of sorts, we were treated to a complimentary continental breakfast every day. Not only did it include favorites like coffee, tea, bread, fruits, and the like, but it also included one hot item.
- Room type(s): The cottages felt brand-new, but that’s not the only reason why we loved them. For one, they all had vaulted living rooms with gas fireplaces and full kitchens. Thus, we could cook meals whenever we didn’t want to step out of our abode. All rooms had plush beds and luxe bathrooms with Molton Brown products. But the master bedrooms even had large jacuzzi tubs! The best bit, though, was that all cottages had screened harborfront porches with hammocks, tables, and couches. Sigh.
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21 East Battery Bed And Breakfast
Few can afford to live near Charleston’s iconic seawall, The Battery. But make a reservation at the 21 East Battery Bed And Breakfast, and you can. This charming B&B sits right on East Battery Street, fronting Charleston Harbor. It’s been beautifully restored and has art, period antiques, an excellent library, and even complimentary tours for guests. All in all, it’s a private and romantic pied-à-terre right on the seashore.
- Meet the hosts: The private lawn sheltered by an enormous oak canopy is where we met full-time innkeeper Julie Lucas. She stayed in the Main House and did everything from baking us breakfast goodies to fluffing our linens. What was great about her was that she was there when we wanted her, and still gave us our space to explore and enjoy the property. Interestingly, thanks to the city’s B&B laws, even owner Charles Duell and their wife live here on the third floor.
- Food and drink: Breakfast would be prepared ahead of time, and we could enjoy it in the privacy of our room at our leisure. Moreover, it included juices, granola, yogurt, whole fresh fruit, and even hot egg casseroles, complete with heating instructions. However, Julie’s decadent banana bread—delicious-smelling and warm from the oven—was the absolute standout.
- Room type(s): The accommodations here are divided into the Carriage House and the Quarters. Moreover, all rooms have plush king/queen beds, antiques, period detail and charm, and modern bathrooms with Beekman toiletries. Staying in the Carriage House felt like staying in a private Charleston cottage, as it also had a dining and living room and a well-equipped kitchen.
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Water’s Edge Inn
Are you looking for an adults-only getaway on the coast in Charleston? The Water’s Edge Inn is where you should be. It boasts a unique position overlooking Folly Creek out front, but one street down in the opposite direction sits 3rd Street Folly Beach as well!
- Meet the hosts: The owner and host is Hawaiian Paul Lauer, who’s been a Folly Beach resident since 1997. Since March 2007, he’s been the host and innkeeper at Water’s Edge Inn, where he also stays, and is also a Folly Beach firefighter. He loved mingling with us and telling us stories of how the region has changed in the last few years and the best places to see and things to do.
- Food and drink: We were treated to hot complimentary breakfasts with specials like mashed potatoes, eggs, sausages, casseroles, quiches, and more. What’s more, we even had afternoon tea and an evening reception with wine, beer, their world-famous “Folly Punch,” and light hors d’oeuvres every day.
- Room type(s): Six rooms and three suites are spacious, and the Hemingway Room and all three suites have balconies. Nevertheless, all rooms and suites have plush beds (some four-poster ones), private bathrooms with jacuzzi/bathtubs, gas fireplaces, and plasma TVs. If you’re here on a romantic getaway, have a look at their romance packages.
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Where to Stay in Charleston?
Charleston is home to many charming neighborhoods. That said, the best bed and breakfast/options in Charleston, SC, are mainly confined to some specific neighborhoods. So, it’s important to zero in on the neighborhood before you choose your stay since they’re both largely similar and still largely different.
As first-timers, we loved the centrally located French Quarter, which is full of huge stately homes-turned-B&Bs. In fact, many B&Bs sit either within the confines of the neighborhood or right on its fringes in areas such as South of Broad or Harleston Village. The second neighborhood we’re talking about is Downtown Charleston. It’s an eclectic and charming neighborhood with old American and European feels; think church steeples and cobblestoned streets. It’s home to the next largest posse of B&Bs in this historic city and was perfect for when we wanted to indulge in a bit of Charleston’s nightlife as well.
What is the best time to visit Charleston?
Autumn and spring are the best times to visit Charleston weather-wise, thanks to the breezy yet warm days and nights. However, people visit the place in the thick of summer and winter, too, which is what makes it such a great round-the-year destination.
How long should you spend in Charleston?
We’d recommend spending at least three days exploring the sights and things to do in the city, from restaurants and bars to historic ones.
Does Charleston have any seaside B&Bs?
Yes, Cottages on Charleston Harbor and 21 East Battery Bed & Breakfast face the Charleston harbor rather than a beach. Water’s Edge Inn is in Folly Beach and faces Folly Creek, with the Atlantic Ocean a street out back.
