Four of America’s Historic Hotels in Charleston

Stay with the theme of Charleston carriage tours, cobblestone streets, period homes and old-world charm on your next visit. The city is proud to have four members of Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation that recognizes the finest in America.

Enjoy Charleston’s Southern hospitality with touches like free Wi-Fi, wine and cheese or sherry receptions, complimentary afternoon tea, evening turndown service with nightly chocolate and breakfast inclusive.

John Rutledge House Inn

John Rutledge Inn

John Rutledge’s signature can be found on the U.S. Constitution. The governor’s lovely Charleston home was built as a wedding gift for his bride in 1763, and is only one of 15 original signer’s homes still standing. A National Historic Landmark that you can actually stay in, the property has been a survivor through fire, war and cannons.

Spot the graceful ironwork adorning the front of this distinctive bed and breakfast-style hotel. Inside, the period restoration with all the modern amenities features carved Italian marble fireplaces, original inlaid floors, lovely furnishings and chandeliers hung from tall molded ceilings. Wake up in a comfy four-poster canopied king-sized bed and enjoy a delicious breakfast before joining us at Charleston Carriage Works for your horse drawn carriage.

In the heart of downtown on Broad Street, where else could you stay in a home with such an outstanding pedigree? Ranked on lists of best in the U.S. from Condé Nast Traveler and US News, The John Rutledge House Inn is pet-friendly, just like our popular carriage tours of Charleston, SC.

Kings Courtyard Inn

Kings Courtyard Inn

Two sunny inner courtyards and a rear garden are lovely features of this mid-19th century antebellum hotel crafted in a Greek revival style. Each guestroom is furnished with early-19th century reproductions, poster beds, oriental rugs over original hardwood floors, and even select rooms with fireplaces, under high ceilings.

Right on historic King Street, the location means proximity to Charleston’s historic homes, gardens, churches, art galleries, shops and restaurants…and, of course, to our Charleston horse carriage tours. Like its sister property, The John Rutledge House, Kings Courtyard Inn serves a great breakfast for guests and welcomes pets.

Wentworth Mansion

wentworth mansion

Stunning wood paneled guest rooms and suites with gas-lit fireplaces, Italian chandeliers, whirlpool baths and antique furnishings in this former private residence reflect elegance of the Gilded Age. Guests can stroll across the grounds to The Spa or to Circa 1886 AAA-rated restaurant in the carriage house.

Ranked #4 of America’s small city hotels by Travel + Leisure, additional recent awards include US/Canada #1 for service and top 25 in the USA from Condé Nast Traveler.

Like Charleston Carriage Works, the mansion and its gorgeous grounds are a firm favorite for destination weddings. We love hosting bridal parties for Charleston carriage tours and for private groups of up to 16.

Francis Marion Hotel

Francis Marion Hotel

Urban sophistication rises 12 stories above the historic district in this 1924 landmark named for a Revolutionary War hero. The largest and finest hotel in the Carolinas upon opening, this was the place to be seen in the days of America’s golden age.

Now meticulously renovated with a National Trust for Historic Preservation award-winning restoration, the stately hotel is just 10-12 minutes’ walk along King Street to the start of our Charleston horse carriage rides at 20 Anson Street. Afterwards, continue to unwind in the manner that suits you best: a Spa Adagio treatment, a fitness center workout or cocktail service accompanied by live jazz.

Like a great historic hotel, Charleston Carriage Works always aims for enduring quality, authenticity, style, comfort and charm, with the intention of surprising and delighting our guests. See you soon.

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