Last updated on December 21, 2023
Charleston is filled with dream homes – I was bowled over by the colour, cuteness and character of so many we passed on the streets. But to truly get a taste of what it’d be like to live in one of these gorgeous abodes, Airbnb and its alternatives are the obvious choice.
I spent hours trying to choose a VRBO or Airbnb in Charleston, eventually settling on two, which happily exceeded my expectations. This list is a round-up of the shortlist I complied when doing research – a carefully curated guide to the best VRBO and best Airbnbs in Charleston.
If you’re travelling as a family, also see our guide to the best things to do in Charleston with kids. And if you’d prefer a hotel, we’ve also curated a selection of the most stylish family hotels in Charleston. We went to the city as part of our southern USA road trip.
VRBO and Airbnb Charleston: The Best Places to Stay
The Little Pink House on the Peninsula
This is my favourite of all Charleston’s Airbnbs and VRBO properties, which is why we chose to stay there on our Southern USA road trip. I admit, the aesthetic of the little pink house itself was a major draw – I mean just look how cute it is. And the interiors were equally up to scratch with a gorgeous high-spec kitchen and a large bathroom.
Despite being small, it feels spacious due to the design, plus the charming porch and balcony provide some added space too. We were travelling with a toddler and still didn’t feel cramped.
What the guests say: “The location is hard to beat with excellent restaurants just a short walk away. The place is charming – just the right size for a long weekend getaway. It was clean and bright and Mauri was easy to communicate with. We had a great stay!“
VRBO listing: The Little Pink House on the Peninsula
Price: From $165 per night
Sleeps: 2 people (one bed)
Modern apartment in downtown Charleston
Wagener Terrace is one of Charleston’s hippest neighbourhoods, just a 20-min walk from King Street and filled with plenty of independent restaurants, cafes and bars.
This three-bedroom apartment in a historic duplex is an ideal choice for your stay there, furnished with modern amenities, thoughtful design touches and everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Tip: See this guide to spending three days in Charleston.
What the guests say: “Denise’s place was spotless and beautifully decorated. Check in was seamless and the house is located in a charming neighborhood close to some great restaurants. The beds were very comfortable! We fully enjoyed our stay.“
Airbnb listing: Modern apartment in downtown Charleston
Price: From $180 per night
Sleeps: 6 people (four beds)
Old meets new in historic apartment
If you’d like to stay in Charleston’s historic district amid all the old mansions, this luxurious two-bedroom loft apartment offers a central stay close to galleries, museums and historical tours. Mixing heritage items with mod cons, high ceilings and original fireplaces makes for a comfy yet characterful stay.
What the guests say: “Tim’s place is located right in the centre of the historic district of Charleston, and made a great base from which to explore the city. There are lots of excellent bars and restaurants close by, and Tim had left a book of recommendations. The apartment itself was beautiful, and Tim had left wine and essentials for our arrival. Great host, great location, great apartment – no complaints!.“
Airbnb listing: Old meets new in historic apartment
Price: From $203 per night
Sleeps: 4 people (2 beds)
Enchanting apartment in historic district
This is one of my favourite homes on the list in terms of its style. Mixing mid-century opulence with stylish, modern touches, the three-bedroom apartment has a stately yet fun character. The mint-coloured freestanding bathtub in one of the bedrooms is a highlight, as well as the pretty front porch. You can also rent out the entire five-bedroom house.
What the guests say: “A beautiful home within walking distance to many shops and restaurants. Very spacious and comfortable with plenty of amenities. Ginger is a fabulous host. We will be booking again on our next trip back to Charleston!.“
VRBO listing: Enchanting apartment in historic district
Price: From $299 per night
Sleeps: 8 people (5 beds)
Hip home in downtown Charleston
With a neutral, pared-back style, this peaceful apartment with wooden floors, and exposed beams and brick offers a comfy stay. Accommodating up to 10 guests, it’s an ideal choice for groups. It’s also just off King Street and in walking distance to all the main sights.
What the guests say: “The home is in a perfect location and walkable to great restaurants and bars. It’s beautifully decorated and has great amenities. Check in/out was easy and communication was perfect.“
Tranquillity with heated pool
The star of the show at this one-bedroom apartment is the beautiful outdoor heated salt-water pool. On the ground floor of one of Charleston’s classic wooden houses, it has comfy furnishings and a shared courtyard with a koi pond as well as the pool. It’s situated in the popular Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighbourhood, close to some excellent restaurants, bakeries and boutiques.
What the guests say: “Had a very nice stay. The apartment was clean and had all the necessary amenities. The pool was a nice addition. It is shared by a few apartments. The location is pretty good. Short walk to King St. restaurants/bars..“
Southern Shangri-La in Cannonborough-Elliotborough
Sydney and Will have a few Airbnbs in Charleston under the name Southern Shangri-La, which represents everything they love “from good vibes to travel to surf”. All are decorated with a fun bohemian style with pieces collected from the owner’s travels around the world. Their colourful two-bedroom apartment in Cannonborough/Elliotborough is my favourite.
What the guests say: “Great spot and centrally located. We loved that everything was walkable! The place was adorable and clean and had great amenities. The white noise machines were the cherry on top. Great place, we were obsessed.“
Airbnb listing: Southern Shangri-La in Cannonborough-Elliotborough
Price: From $235 per night
Sleeps: 4 people (2 beds)
Chic apartment in classic Charleston house
This bright and airy two bed apartment can sleep up to seven people. As with many of Charleston’s homes, it marries old and new with original features alongside modern furnishings, creating a stylish high-end space. The outdoor piazza (porch) is a highlight.
What the guests say: “Great spot in beautiful Charleston! Perfect home base for exploring the city. The house was gorgeous, comfortable, and very clean. Loved afternoons on the outdoor patio! Hosts were super nice and went over and beyond in helping make our stay with our 2 year old as easy and seamless as possible.“
VRBO listing: Chic apartment in classic Charleston house
Price: From $325 per night
Sleeps: 7 people (3 beds)
The Inns at 154 Spring Street
The Inns are a brand of luxury vacation homes in Charleston, offering reliably stylish accommodation that showcases local artists and interior designers. This is a one bedroom option at their property on Spring Street, complete with an en-suite bathroom, kitchenette, mini fridge, coffee machine and shared outdoor common spaces.
What the guests say: “The Inns have a lovely apartment block. We stayed in E, a little cottage to the rear. It was clean, tidy and very cute. You are a short walk to bars and food, and a longer albeit not too long a walk to downtown. Definitely recommend this place.“
All photos courtesy of Airbnb and VRBO.