One of my favorite hotels is the Francis Marion hotel, built in 1924. It isn’t the most historic hotel nor is it the highest end, but you’ll find yourself in a prime location for absolutely everything you’ll want to do. The Francis Marion hotel is located at one of Charleston’s most active intersection – King and Calhoun. You’ll be directly across the street from Marion Square where you’ll find events occurring year-round, including the popular Charleston Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. The Farmers Market is not just a place to buy local produce, it is a place to hear live music, take in work by local artist, and pick up a fresh and delicious breakfast or brunch made right before your eyes in the square.
If you are looking for higher-end hotel accommodations, I recommend The Charleston Place and The Market Pavilion Hotel. You’ll find no shortage of places to stay in Charleston, but you may find a shortage of available rooms! While Charleston has less than 200,000 residents, near 5,000,000 visit Charleston annually. Plan in advance. It is difficult for me to suggest so few “favorites” so I must also mention the more intimate accommodations of Two Meeting Street, the unique and beautiful Ansonborough Inn, and Restoration on King. Again, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a “bad” place to stay.
I highly recommend you make your own way through the city and explore independently on your feet. You are safe and welcomed. Walk through local shops and say hello! This is my suggestion for experiencing what sort of daily life a local experiences. You’ll find unique shops and hidden gardens tucked away that you’d miss flying by in a car. From the Francis Marion you can walk out the door and take King Street to The Battery where you’ll find some of Charleston’s most historic and impressive waterfront homes. Relax a bit in White Point Garden and then stroll up East Bay Street past stunning private homes including Charleston’s famous Rainbow Row. Where Broad Street meets East Bay you’ll find The Old Exchange Building, which is the last building constructed in America by the British before the Revolutionary War. Continue on to Market Street where you can browse through local arts and crafts or stop in at one of the many restaurants for a bite to eat. I recommend A. W. Shucks for seafood lovers and Hank’s is not far from the Market is a higher-end option. Of course, both will have options for every appetite.
