South - CHS historic district hotels?

I will be making a quick weekend trip to CHS this summer ... of course, in the midst of tourist season .... of course, under weight of high humidity .... and of course, in a city where there is no Starwood property downtown (only out at the airport).

I have been able to get rates of $142 a night at both the Francis Marion (King St) and the Doubletree Suites (Church St). I think they both are close together .... in the same area. I've booked a standard room at the FM and a 2-room "suite" at the Doubletree. I have no status at either. :(

Recommendations from anyone for one hotel over the other .... or at a "better" hotel for a similar rate? I'm not going to spend a lot of time in the room, so while I'm not willing to stay in a rat-hole, I'm also not willing to pay much more to stay in one of the charming B&Bs or inns. I also will not rent a car, so being in the historic section is a priority.

I haven't stayed in either, but the FM is right in the center of shopping. I'm not sure where the doubletree is. I usually stay in the Embassy Suites.

The Francis Marion is at the northern edge of anything of interest, next to the College of Charleston. You will be better off at the Doubletree Suites, which puts you right in town.

Hope that a cruise ship is not in town while you are there - completely spoils downtown. You can't get in a restaurant or - worse yet - a bar.

Did you check out Vendue Inn? Near waterfront park, and walkable to restaurants, sites, etc. Interesting small hotel, rooftop bar/casual restaurant, plus nicer restaurant on premises. We had a nice stay there in February.

Yeah, the Vendue was one of the places I checked out at first. For the weekend I will be there, an interior room is about $50 a night more. I'm not claustrophobic, but a window is nice!

The Francis Marion is at the northern edge of anything of interest, next to the College of Charleston. You will be better off at the Doubletree Suites, which puts you right in town.

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+1 Much better location for all the shops/bars/restaurants.

You mentioned that you have one of the 2 room suites. If they offer an "upgrade" to the new wing, turn it down. The rooms are newer, but have zero character and are a hassle to get to / from the main entrance.

Anyone ever stayed at the Indigo Inn? They've got great rates that weekend!

The Holiday Inn Historic district has the best concierge I have ever met. The rooms are not bad and the place is walking distance to much of historic Charleston. Not as charming as some of the bed and breakfasts but the concierge makes up for it. If you are interested in any sightseeing, call him before your trip and he will make very good suggestions.

I would contact the Charleston Visitor's Center and ask them for recommendations:
http://www.charlestoncvb.com/visitors/
800-774-0006

I would contact the Charleston Visitor's Center and ask them for recommendations:
http://www.charlestoncvb.com/visitors/
800-774-0006Thanks. I think most of us at FT travel enough that we know about tourist offices .... instead, the great thing about a site like FT is the luxury of getting personal comments from others who travel as much as we. ;)

Agree with Dugernaut...the FM has spectacular views from the higher floors...the Doubletree is in the middle of the more historic part, but also in the middle of lots of people. As to the HI, the rooms are just that...not bad...and you're in no different location than the FM across the street...I would go with the Francis Marion.

Anyone stayed at The Renaissance? How is the location for access to the historic district? My wife, 4 year old daughter, and I will be visiting Charleston for the first time this summer in mid July over a weekend. We plan to do a carraige ride, see the historic district, and probably do a plantation tour. I will have a car, this is a weekend in the middle of stay between Mrytle Beach and Hilton Head Island.


If I can get a special FFM rate, the Renaissance is currently my first choice. If that rate doesn't become available I have a fallback reservation booked at The Doubletree. I am Marriott Plat. and Hilton Diamond, so should hopefully get decent treatment at either family of hotels. The other option is for me to do an award reservation at The Renaisssance. Due to the relatively high point cost for a short stay there, I'd rather do a paid stay and save the points for next year. Bottom line, based on location and quaility of the accomodations, which property is better, The Doubletree or The Renaissance? If the Renaissance is better, how superior is it to The Doubletree?

--Jon

P.S. I also considered the The Embassy Suties, but the location at the old Citadel seems to be further from most of the action.

The Renaissance is far superior to the Doubletree and in a great location...away from the crowded Market area, near the antique shops and boutiques...rooms are lovely, but small. You might ask for a corner room since you have your daughter with you...Renaissance is a great choice!

The Ren is nice, and the location is great. As a MR gold on an award stay, I was upgraded to a good-sized room with a balcony.

Shortcoming for folks with MR status: no C-lounge.

Thanks VA747 and Big Mo! Since it is a weekend, I am expecting I'll have to pay for breakfast. That is one of the standard downsides of the Marriott Program even when you are an elite member.

--Jon