17 stylish family hotels in Charleston (good for adults too!)

Last updated on December 21, 2023

Charleston has an exciting hotel scene that makes creative use of its bounty of historic buildings. For me, the architecture was a big draw to the city and I spent my time there taking endless photos of my next dream house, finding new charms on every street. And Charleston’s hotels offer the opportunity to actually stay in those buildings and live the Charleston life.

As is often the case, when searching for family hotels in Charleston, you’ll often find the big chains recommended first. And while these are certainly places that are suitable for kids, we always prefer to look for places with a bit more character. And Charleston offers those up aplenty.

The Charleston hotels on this list are some of the most stylish places to stay in Charleston whether or not you’re travelling with kids. They aren’t family hotels per se, but all welcome kids, and are a way for you as adults to experience the fabulous charms of the city’s hotels and that quintessential southern hospitality.

The hotel you pick will depend on your style and what you think your kids can manage (for example, I’d only stay at 20 South Battery with older or calm kids who can be trusted not to break the antiques!). On the other hand, The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina would suit kids of all ages and energies.

Also see out guide to the best things to do in Charleston with kids, and the best Charleston Airbnbs.

Map of Charleston family hotels

The best family hotels in Charleston

John Rutledge House Inn

The John Rutledge House Inn is a unique piece of American history. John Rutledge was one of the signers of the US Constitution and his home now serves as a historic inn and national historic landmark.

John Rutledge House Inn is located on Broad Street, putting it within walking distance of most of Charleston’s attractions. The inn is small, with just 19 rooms and suites, and it perfectly combines the historic setting with more luxurious amenities and details.

For an historic hotel, it’s surprisingly kid-friendly. They provide little backpacks for kids on check-in with activities and travel guides.

Check availability and book now.

HarbourView Inn

Another family-friendly hotel in Charleston, HarbourView Inn, was recently renovated in a way that celebrates the historic charm of downtown Charleston, but with modern, luxury touches. It’s all very serene with muted pops of colour and a timeless appeal. The historic rooms area particularly charming with period details and exposed brick walls.

Perhaps the most famous feature of HarbourView Inn is the rooftop terrace, offering panoramic views of the city.

While the hotel welcomes kids, there are no specific kids amenities.

Check availability and book now.

The Loutrel

No list of the best hotels in Charleston would be complete without mentioning The Loutrel. Named a Top 10 Hotel in the World by Travel & Leisure, The Loutrel is named after iconic landscaper Loutrel Briggs and the whole place celebrates all things botanical, bringing the outdoors in.

The luxury hotel has 50 elegant rooms and suites, each with thoughtful details and cosy amenities. Most rooms also offer a gorgeous view of the city and the top attractions are within walking distance from the hotel.

You won’t find a lot of children at this hotel, but they are welcome to stay and the suites/double queens have plenty of room.

Check availability and book now.

The Wentworth Mansion

Here’s your chance to stay in a one of the most ostentatious mansions from the 1880s in Charleston. Wentworth Mansion was the original home of a super rich merchant who spared no expense when creating his home (which houses his 13 children!). Expect Italian chandeliers, marble fireplaces and Tiffany windows throughout.

Nowadays it’s a 21-room hotel that continues the luxury of its original owner. You can enjoy afull Southern breakfast, afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres, 24-hour concierge services, fresh flowers, and a whirlpool tub with bath salts. There are even two-person hot tubs in some rooms.

While this ins’t an obvious choice for families, and is more popular with couples and history aficionados, families are welcome and there’s plenty of room in the suites. After all, the house was once home to 13 kids!

Check availability and book now.

The Cottages on Charleston Harbor

The Cottages on Charleston Harbor are a great place to stay outside of downtown on the historic Patriots Point. The nine cottages are right on the water’s edge with fbu,ous views of Fort Sumter, Sullivan’s Island, and downtown Charleston

Each cottage has two bedrooms, three baths, a kitchen, a living room (with a fireplace), and a porch. Imagine whiling away some time on a rocking chair just soaking up those views (sounds like a dream to me!).

Check availability and book now.

The Charleston Place

The Charleston Place is another iconic hotel and one you might be surprised to see on a list of the best places to stay in Charleston with kids. Despite the hotel’s luxury, kids are welcome, including in all the restaurants. And if you’d prefer to dine as a couple, they also offer babysitting.

The rooms and suites are spacious and cosy, with ultra plush bedding, reading nooks, Italian marble baths, and a nightly turndown service.

While you’ll be close to everything, you won’t need to stray from the hotel to find food or drinks, with several onsite dining options available. They also offer seasonal activities , like visits from Santa and live music in December.

Check availability and book now.

The Dewberry

Combining old-world charm with a modern edge, The Dewberry is one of the most beautifully designed and best hotels in Charleston. Within the walls of the mid-century hotel, you’ll find exquisite details, all presided over by hotelier (and former quarterback!) John Dewberry. It’s an exciting, sleek design that complements the hotel’s history and makes use of its architecture, including stunning floor-to-ceiling windows. The beds are so comfy, they’ve been nicknamed “The Cloud”.

The Dewberry is larger than many of the historic hotels on this list, with 154 guest rooms, but it still feels intimate. Kids are welcome and families can choose between a suite or double room.

Check availability and book now.

The Vendue

The Vendue‘s slogan is “Art Hotel, Not Hotel Art”, taking a fairly well deserved dig at the generic approach so many hoteliers take to their walls. And that’s definitely not the case here, where all 84 rooms have a different design.

Art is front and centre with 200 unique artworks throughout the property, including rotating themed exhibits.

The hotel is made up of two different buildings, The Vendue and The Enclave. The Vendue is constantly evolving and changes in accordance with the art themes. The Enclave, on the other hand, is more timeless and described as an exclusive retreat.

When it comes to visiting with kids, I would recommend The Vendue building for your stay as expensive art and kids aren’t always the best mix!

Check availability and book now.

Hotel Bennett

Self-proclaimed as the “South’s grandest luxury hotel”, Hotel Bennett combines Southern hospitality with European architecture. With plenty of family activities nearby, Hotel Bennett is one of the best family-friendly hotels in Charleston if you’re looking for a bit of luxury.

Rooms are elegant, with features like a marble vanity and deep-soaking pedestal tub, with the luxurious linens and robes you’d expect from a hotel of this calibre. The hotel also has a rooftop pool with some of the best views in the city.

Check availability and book now.

The Spectator Hotel

With design elements of both the Jazz Age and the Old South, it’s no surprise that The Spectator Hotel is frequently recognized as one of the best places to stay in Charleston.

Expect 5-star service from the moment you enter the hotel – including full butler service (they’ll even help with baby duties like warming milk)!

Rooms feature 1920s glamour with a side of modern amenities. You’ll find details like custom pillows, heated towel racks, and locally-made bath amenities, plus a minibar stocked with complimentary snacks and a nightly turndown service.

And you’ll also find a Prohibition-style bar, an in-room continental breakfast (gourmet, of course!), bike rentals, and a welcome cocktail.

It definitely feels like a grown-up stay, but kids are welcome.

Check availability and book now.

Post House Inn

Located just outside Charleston in Mount Pleasant, Post House Inn is a small coastal tavern and inn. Built in 1896, the inn has just seven rooms. Each one has a different style, with unique furnishings – no cookie cutter rooms here. Room 6, in particular, is perfect for families with 2 bedrooms and plenty of space.

When staying at Post House, eating at the tavern is a must. The kids will love it too, as they offer a special kids’ menu with classic kid pleasers like chicken fingers and mac and cheese. (Don’t worry, the adult menu is a bit more refined!)

Check availability and book now.

The Ryder

Named one of Conde Nast’s “Best New Hotels” in 2022, The Ryder isn’t your typical historic Charleston hotel and leans much more towards the hip than historic. Its design is beach-meets-bohemian with earthy reds and organic hues.

Keeping with the trendy theme, The Ryder offers Peloton bike rentals, along with yoga mats, and other in-room wellness equipment. They also have a pool area, aptly named “Little Palm”.

Check availability and book now.

The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina

The Beach Club is another property in nearby Mount Pleasant and it’s by far one of the most-awarded hotels in Charleston. A few of its accolades include #1 Resort in South Carolina (Conde Nast), #2 Resort in the South (Conde Nast), #4 Waterfront Hotel (USA Today), and One Of the Best Hotels in the World (Fodor’s).

The Beach Club combines Southern luxury with a laidback coastal vibe, all with an extra touch of luxury. Expect Lowcountry design with wraparound porches, marina views, and high-end details throughout the property.

Amenities at The Beach Club include a spa, a life-size chess board, a 33-seat theatre, and a pool. You can also easily take the Charleston Water Taxi for a day of exploring the city.

This is one of the most overtly family-friendly hotels on the list and even includes a kids’ club that has all sorts of mariner-themed activities.

Check availability and book now.

The Pinch

A new addition to the Charleston hotel scene, The Pinch was recently named one of Conde Nast’s “Best New Hotels in the World’ in 2023. It’s a passion project with exquisite style and one that’ll have you wishing you could take all the details home. And it does feel like somewhere you could live, with each room fully equipped with a washer, dryer and kitchen. It’s a perfect if you’re staying in Charleston for a longer stay (and have the money to spare).

While not specifically family-friendly, the fact you can self-cater makes it appealing if you’re traveling with kids. And they also have two-bedroom apartments, ideal for bigger families.

Check availability and book now.

Emeline

Emeline began as a wholesale grocery business in 1852. After that business closed in the 1860s, the location became a provisions dealership and a bank, among other things, until it eventually became the historic hotel it is today.

The property offers an outdoor courtyard and greenhouse, along with amenities like The Nook (with all-day water and fruit), daily coffee, welcome craft cocktails, record players with a library of vinyl, and a wellness passport with access to several fitness studios.

Rooms feature rich forest greens, golds, and other dark tones with royal accents. Each one offers a workspace, custom linens, and more.

Check availability and book now.

20 South Battery

Built in 1848, 20 South Battery is a small boutique hotel, with just 11 guest rooms. Previously designed as a mansion, the hotel has a unique past. It was battered during the 1863 Siege of Charleston and then later purchased by Union Colonel Lathers who hired an architect to redesign it with some New York flare.

The ballroom was used as a conference room for U.S. senators and governors, then it was purchased by yet another family and became the birthplace of the Society for the Preservation of Old Dwellings.

Today, that historic charm can be found throughout the property, with four poster beds and exposed beams on the ceiling. And it oozes luxury, with a special Concierge Level for those guests seeking additional attention.

Kids are welcome here but the house is full of antiques, so you’d beed to be pretty sure your kids can be trusted not to break anything (I sadly don’t have that confidence in my two boys!).

Check availability and book now.

The Restoration

The Restoration Hotel, previously known as Restoration on King, has excellent city views, a rooftop pool, and plush community spaces – all in a historic setting.

Choose from a room or suite in the boutique hotel, or one of the multi-room suites at The Residences if you want more space and privacy.

Within the rooms, you’ll find wood floors, exposed brick walls and ultra-cosy linens and beds. It’s one of Charleston’s most popular hotels, and the large rooms make it a good choice for families.

Check availability and book now.

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