South - Going to Charleston with the guys

It is man-cation time and we're headed to Charleston, primarily for a college basketball tournament (at CoC), but also to eat well and have some fun. We are a handful of guys, early 30s. We'll be there in mid-Nov...

Where should we stay? We're looking at renting a place, and downtown seems like the obvious place, but we're open to other options that make sense.

Anyone know of a hotel that may have 3 BR suites?

Eating / Drinking / What to do... I'll spend some time searching the past recommendations, but if any advice is of course welcome.

Thanks in advance!

A good possibility for renting a place is the beach. From Folly Beach, you can be downtown in 15-20 minutes. Do a search for Folly Beach rentals and you will find that a lot is available this time of year.

Where to stay?
Check out the Residence Inn Charleston Downtown/Riverview, 90 Ripley Point Drive, Charleston, SC 29407 http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/chsri-residence-inn-charleston-downtown-riverview/
They have 2 BR suites, but maybe not 3 BR suites. Amenities include free parking, free local phone calls, proximity to the historic district and a very good hot breakfast. I'm not sure if you've ever stayed at a residence Inn before, but they offer a full kitchen and a living room.

The only negative is that they can be hard to find. Otherwise, an amazing value. If one of your group is an AAA member, the 2 BR rates can be very attractive.

Ive stayed many times in Charleston at the Doubletree on Market street, you are close to all the restaurants you could imagine... there is a grill down Market right accross from the confederate museum (which is cool if you have any interest) that is amazing... although I cant remember the name, I remember many awesome meals there, haha. If you are into history and the HMS Hunley submarine is open to see, I'd recommend it.

Ive also stayed on Isle of Palms, at one of the few waterfront hotels Charleston has to offer... but I prefer to stay downtown, take a day trip out to Isle of Palms or James Island unless you are a beach addict.

You MUST get some chocolate pralines from the Savannah Candy Company on Market... they are amazingly good... lol.