Charleston Place Review: Luxury Hotel in Charleston, SC

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Last week, I was invited to tour Charleston, South Carolina and stay for two nights at the fabulous Charleston Place. I had been wanting to visit Charleston for the  longest time, and when the opportunity to attend this FAM (familiarization) trip I jumped at the chance to apply. I was excited (and honored) to be invited to attend. The trip was incredible (as I expected it would be) and my stay at the Charleston Place, made the adventure even more special. Keep reading for a full review and how to best book your next Charleston getaway.

Belmond Charleston Place

I was invited to visit and tour the Charleston Place hotel. As always, all opinions are my own.

 

Charleston Place Review

Charleston is a great city, with a rich history, beautiful architecture, an incredible food scene, and a beach nearby. Water sports, history, shopping, great culinary adventures – you really can do it all in this South Carolina, coastal town. There is even a cruise port in Charleston, where you can pick up a Carnival Cruise year round and other ocean cruise lines throughout the year.

Where to stay in a city like Charleston is always an important decision. You want to choose a hotel that highlights the uniqueness of the destination, and is a site itself. Central location and walkability is key. For those reasons, the Charleston Place is a perfect place to stay on your next Charleston trip.

Belmond Charleston Place

Planning a vacation can be tough – even a domestic one. In Charleston there is so much to see and do and you for sure want to maximize your vacation time, and budget.

For those reasons, it’s always best to consult with a travel professional to help find the perfect hotel for you next Charleston vacation. And the best part? My services are free! Oh and even better – my Charleston Place bookings might qualify for upgraded amenities. Click the banner to get started on planning your getaway!

 

Which attractions are Close to Charleston Place?

I loved so many things about the Charleston Place, but its central location cannot be beat. The property takes up a whole square block, its housed between Market, Meeting, King and Hasell Streets.

From the Charleston Place, it’s such an easy walk to shop on King Street, head to the historic district, grab a carriage ride, or head over to the marina, aquarium, and Fort Sumter ferry!

Carriage Ride in Charleston South Carolina

From the Charleston Place can also walk to so many great bars and restaurants, as well as pick up an evening ghost tours.

Charleston Place PRO TIP: Put on your sneakers, head south on King Street and just let yourself get lost among the incredible historic homes of Charleston. This area is know as “South of Broad”

South of Broad, Charleston South Carolina

Restaurants at Charleston Place

When I first got our schedule for the FAM trip, I noticed we were having most of our meals at the hotel. At first, I was like “ehh, okay” but man was I wrong. The restaurants at the Charleston Place were ALL INCREDIBLE.

For breakfast you have the choice of a sit down meal at the Palmetto Café (this is also where guests who book through me get their complimentary breakfast), or grab a coffee at the coffee shop down in the lobby.

 Charleston Place PRO TIP: Book a club level room where you will find all day meals and snacks in the concierge lounge. For breakfast there was a full spread including hot entrees.

For lunch, dine at the Palmetto Café (tip: check out the outdoor garden and order the famous crab salad), Meeting at Market, or up on the roof deck at the Clocktower Terrace which is located on the fourth floor by the pool. There is a bar up there as well.

Meeting at Market Belmond Charleston Place
Tacos from Meeting at Market

In the evening, have a happy hour cocktail at the Thoroughbred club before a five star dinner at Charleston Grill.

Cocktails at Thoroughbred Club at Belmond Charleston Place
Cocktails at Thoroughbred Club at  Charleston Place

As a vegetarian guest, there were plenty of options for me at the hotel restaurants. I noticed they offer gluten free dishes as well.  Even if you are not staying at the hotel, the Palmetto Café, Meeting on Market, and Charleston Grille are open to the public.

Keep in mind, if you are heading out for a day of exploring, Charleston Place offers a Picnic menu – yes, the property will prepare a picnic for your group!

 

Property Amenities at Charleston Place

The  Charleston Place is a well-appointed hotel with tons of great amenities.

You might be wondering if Charleston Place has a pool, and yes, they do! Up on the fourth floor, you will find the pool, spa, and fitness center. When I visited in March of 2021, reservations were required for the fitness center and pool, as to keep with social distancing requirements.

TIPS FOR VISITING A HOTEL DURING THE PANDEMIC

The pool is indoors, with a retractable roof, which can be opened in the warmer months. There are lounge chairs both inside and out on the deck, and hot tub too. Again, poolside food and beverage service are offered.

Belmond Charleston Place Pool

The fitness center is located up here as well. And friends, this is no ordinary hotel gym. The gym at the Charleston Place has great equipment – including peloton bikes! That’s right, never miss your favorite spin class when you are staying at Charleston Place.

Belmond Charleston Place Pelaton Bikes and Fitness Center

Lastly up on the fourth floor is the full service spa. I was lucky enough to indulge in a 50-minute massage at Charleston Place, and it was heavenly. I definitely recommend taking some time during your stay for a little pampering.

And after you swim, workout, visit the spa and eat – what’s left? Shopping!

Shops at Belmond Charleston Place

The first floor has an extensive mini-mall called Shops at  Charleston Place. Here you will find all of your high end retailers like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, along with mall favorites like Soma, and White House Black Market.

In the lobby area is where you will find the salon, and coffee shop. Again, this is open to the public, so feel free to find some retail therapy, even if you aren’t staying at the hotel.

Things to do near the Charleston Place

There are so many incredible things to do close to the Charleston Place. In walking distance even! Yes, Charleston is a very walkable city.

Charleston Place PRO-TIP: Driving to Charleston? There is a parking garage adjacent to the hotel. Self park or valet (for a small fee) and leave the car parked during your stay.

The hotel is super close to the Historic Charleston City Market. In fact, if you walk out the east entrance to the hotel (by Meeting at Market) its right there. Walk through and peruse the vendor’s items for purchase.

 

CHARLESTON PRO TIP: Shop on the inside of the market, but don’t forget to shop the businesses on the street side too!

 

At the end of the market, you will start to see the horse drawn carriages waiting for passengers! On my recent visit, we did a private ride with Palmetto Carriage Works (we had 8 people in our group). You can do a public ride, or a totally private ride for two.

After your carriage ride, it’s easy to walk down to the pier where you can pick up a boat ride on the Schooner Pride and/or visit the Charleston Aquarium. This park is also where you catch the ferry to historical Ft. Sumter!

Schooner Pride, Charleston South Carolina

From Charleston Place you can easily shop the boutiques on King Street, go south to head to the water and Battery, or north to head up to Marion Square where you can find some of the best restaurants in town.

 

How to Get to Charleston Place from the Airport

Charleston Place offers guests round trip shuttle service for a small fee.

When I visited, their comfortable van picked us up at the airport, right outside baggage claim. It was a short (less than 20 minute) ride from the Charleston airport.

Belmond Charleston Place Airport Shuttle

I have been getting amazing package deals on flights and hotels. Click here to get started planning your next vacation!

When I left Charleston, there was an Uber shortage (I was staying and touring a second hotel) and it was a little stressful waiting for a ride back to the airport. So I definitely recommend booking the Charleston Place airport van in advance!

 

Charleston Place Club Level Rooms

I stayed in a Club Level room, which are the accommodations on the seventh and eighth floors. Staying in a Club Level room allows access to the Club Lounge on the eighth floor – which was a little slice of food and drink heaven!

Belmond Charleston Place Club Level Rooms

I loved having easy access to a quick, but hot breakfast (plus fresh coffee ready for me in the morning). Additionally, throughout the day there is a rotation of heavy snacks offered.

PRO TIP: Try the iconic southern pimento cheese! And be sure to grab a cold Chardonnay to wash it all down.

Club Level Snacks at the Belmond Charleston Place
Club Level Snacks at the  Charleston Place

Yes, beer and wine are available on the club level all afternoon, with cocktails available later in the day. So when you book your Charleston vacation, be sure to upgrade to a Club Level room at Charleston Place!

Belmond Charleston Place

 

My full Review of Charleston Place

I had an incredible stay at Charleston Place. I was torn between spending time sitting in the luxurious room, and hitting the town to see everything. I also LOVED relaxing at Charleston Place’s rooftop pool.

The service was outstanding, the food on property was incredible and the location of the Charleston Place is ideal for exploring the city!

I love properties with modern amenities, but historic charm. I highly recommend you stay at the Charleston Place, a  Hotel for your next Charleston getaway.

Have you been to Charleston? Have you stayed at Charleston Place?

Belmond Charleston Place

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14 Comments to “Charleston Place Review: Luxury Hotel in Charleston, SC”

  1. I love Charleston. I only live three hours away and have gone a few times. I never stayed at this hotel, but now it is on my list. I adore taking the ghost tours and the market right in the town square. So much to do in Charleston, SC!

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