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Charleston TRAVEL GUIDE AND DEALS

It's hard to feel cynical in this gardenia-scented confection of a city, with its rainbow rowhouses, ornate churches, riverside parks and tucked-away cafes. Founded in 1670, Charleston was once one of the most important ports in America. These days, around four million tourists hit the well-preserved downtown every year.

Why Go

 For the history, the culture, and the ocean.

Charleston Travel Deals

Charleston Hotels

It's all about intimacy and authenticity in historic Charleston, with romantic, riverside B&Bs and tiny, boutique hotels decked out with period furniture. A handful of larger hotels can be found in and near downtown, and the budget-minded will find a few chain motels on the peninsula and many more on the highways leading into town.

= Smart Splurge = Great Value

Barksdale House Inn
Each of the 14 rooms in this elegantly restored cottage from 1778, have canopy beds and old-fashioned, floral decor. Enjoy an...

Best Western Charleston Downtown
Close to downtown, this high-rise hotel offers good value in high season, with 151 bright, clean rooms, many overlooking the...

Charleston Place Hotel
While the 440 rooms and suites are decked out in grand, Old South style - mahogany furniture, balconies with French doors -... expensive

Mills House Hotel
This downtown charmer, built in 1853, has a gracious interior courtyard with a fountain, an old-fashioned bar and lounge... smart splurge | expensive

Doubletree Guest Suites
Smack in the middle of the historic district, this chain hotel has great regional touches, such as an interior courtyard,... family | location | great value

French Quarter Inn
This contemporary, boutique hotel provides a respite for those tired of Charleston’s seemingly ubiquitous, frilly,... moderate

Barksdale House Inn
Each of the 14 rooms in this elegantly restored cottage from 1778, have canopy beds and old-fashioned, floral decor. Enjoy an...

Best Western Charleston Downtown
Close to downtown, this high-rise hotel offers good value in high season, with 151 bright, clean rooms, many overlooking the...

Charleston Place Hotel
While the 440 rooms and suites are decked out in grand, Old South style - mahogany furniture, balconies with French doors -... expensive

Mills House Hotel
This downtown charmer, built in 1853, has a gracious interior courtyard with a fountain, an old-fashioned bar and lounge... smart splurge | expensive

Doubletree Guest Suites
Smack in the middle of the historic district, this chain hotel has great regional touches, such as an interior courtyard,... family | location | great value

French Quarter Inn
This contemporary, boutique hotel provides a respite for those tired of Charleston’s seemingly ubiquitous, frilly,... trendy

French Quarter Inn
This contemporary, boutique hotel provides a respite for those tired of Charleston’s seemingly ubiquitous, frilly,... moderate

Charleston Restaurants

Whether you prefer your shrimp served over a scoop of humble, hominy grits or stuffed into lobster tail with a white wine reduction, Charleston's got what you want (unless you don't like seafood, that is). Restaurants range from old-fashioned Lowcountry dives to haute French bistros.

= Smart Splurge = Great Value

AW Shucks
This longtime seafood joint does big business in crab dip, pitchers of beer, and AW Shucks logo t-shirts ("Big Mussels,... seafood | american

Hyman's Seafood
A longtime favorite with locals and tourists alike, boisterous Hyman's attracts enormous crowds with it's she-crab soup and... family | seafood | american

FIG
This modern, warmly lit bistro focuses on local, seasonal food that is casually, yet elegantly, prepared - think... smart splurge | trendy | new american

Peninsula Grill
Toast your prime beef and lobster dinner with Veuve Cliquot at the swanky Peninsula Grill, attached to the Planter's Inn. A... seafood | american | steakhouse

Jestine's Kitchen
South Carolina soul food at its finest, this homey cafe has checkered tablecloths and to-die-for fried chicken, catfish, and... family | great value | american

Virginia's on King
Though brand new, Virginia's serves seriously old-school specials like okra soup and "lowcountryboil" - a delicious... family | new | southern

AW Shucks
This longtime seafood joint does big business in crab dip, pitchers of beer, and AW Shucks logo t-shirts ("Big Mussels,... seafood | american

Hyman's Seafood
A longtime favorite with locals and tourists alike, boisterous Hyman's attracts enormous crowds with it's she-crab soup and... family | seafood | american

FIG
This modern, warmly lit bistro focuses on local, seasonal food that is casually, yet elegantly, prepared - think... smart splurge | trendy | new american

Peninsula Grill
Toast your prime beef and lobster dinner with Veuve Cliquot at the swanky Peninsula Grill, attached to the Planter's Inn. A... seafood | american | steakhouse

Jestine's Kitchen
South Carolina soul food at its finest, this homey cafe has checkered tablecloths and to-die-for fried chicken, catfish, and... family | great value | american

Virginia's on King
Though brand new, Virginia's serves seriously old-school specials like okra soup and "lowcountryboil" - a delicious... family | new | southern

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