The Francis Marion Hotel

A 1920s landmark on Marion Square

★★★★★📍 Marion Square / King Street$$$

The sense of history is part of the stay. The building is among the best-known in the city, and the public rooms carry period detail and a sense of occasion. Walk through the lobby and the ballroom areas and you will see how a 1920s hotel was meant to impress. The hotel is large by Charleston standards, so it has more facilities and services than the boutique inns, and it handles groups, weddings and events regularly. That also means the atmosphere is livelier and less intimate than at a small inn.

Choose a room with a view over Marion Square if you can, as these capture the greenery and the evening light and make the city feel open. Rooms facing the square and the street are the most atmospheric, while those at the rear are quieter. Room sizes differ, and older buildings sometimes have quirks, so check the details of the category you book. Saturday mornings in season bring the farmers market, which is a pleasure to see from the window but brings some activity early.

Practical notes: the location is within walking distance of King Street's shops, the Dewberry and Hotel Emeline neighbourhood, and about a fifteen-minute walk from the Battery. Parking is usually valet or in nearby garages for a fee. Spring and autumn are the busiest times, and event weekends fill quickly, so reserve early. It suits travellers who value character and location over a boutique feel, and it is an easy base for families, groups and first-time visitors.