Where to stay in Charleston, SC.

[Anonymous]

We will be there in two weeks. We have 2 kids under 6. We would like a place in town of at least 4 stars. Never been there before.
TIA.

[Anonymous]

There are lots of options -- I'd recommend Charleston Place, the French Quarter Inn, the Planters Inn, the Vendue Inn, the Wentworth Mansion, the Francis Marion. The Mills House is historic and convenient but I think is past its prime (still fine though). There is a very nice Hampton Inn at (I think) Calhoun and Meeting Sts., and a nice and very convenient Doubletree Suites on the corner of Market and Church Streets. The Fulton Lane Inn is tiny and quaint. You want to stay somewhere in the heart of the historic district -- a reference point is the closer you are to the corner of Meeting and Market Sts. or Market and East Bay Sts. or King and Market Sts., the closer you are to the heart of the touristy stuff. (And by "touristy stuff," I mean the fun stuff, good shopping, good restaurants.) Have fun!

[Anonymous]

We stayed at the Planters Inn with our 6yo daughter and loved it. Great central location.

[Anonymous]

I really loved Wentworth Mansion. It's a little off the main drag, but it's a great place. I'm jealous of you. I love Charleston!

[Anonymous]

I haven't been there in awhile, but the last time I was, Charleston Place (which used to be an Omni; don't know if it still is) was the nicest hotel if you are looking for four star luxe. There used to be a Gucci boutique in it, etc. But, as a result, food, room service, etc., is pretty pricey.

There are lots of other inns in Charleston that are more in keeping with the city's culture located in some really nice old mansions. The Meetng Street Inn, #2 Meeting Street, and some others would fit the bill. You might try surfing the Southern Living website for some more info. Charleston is a lovely city. Have fun!!!

[Anonymous]

I know you said you want an hotel in the city, but let me suggest to you staying outside of the city on the Isle of Palms. There is a really nice place on Isle of Palms called "Wild Dunes Resort", it's on the beach and a short drive to Charleston (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g54283-d226198-Reviews-Villas_at_Wild_Dunes_Resort-Isle_of_Palms_South_Carolina.html).
You will want a car anyway to go visit plantations and it would be nice to alternate visits to the city/plantations with more relaxing days at the beach.

[Anonymous]

PP 21:45 here.

Two thoughts: The Meeting Street Inn is definitely not four-star. It's a great location, and it's fine, but it's fairly shabby. If you definitely want four-star, it's not your place.

I love Wild Dunes, but that's where you should stay if you want a beach vacation with the opportunity to make a day trip or two to Charleston. If you want a trip to Charleston first and foremost, you should stay in town the way you're planning. (It won't be warm enough in two weeks to really get the best out of the beach anyway.)

[Anonymous]

I am from Charleston and now go every year at least twice. We always stay at charleston Place. Very nice, kid friendly, walking to everything. You could rent a car and dirve out to the beach, I would highly recommend Folly, about 10 minutes from downtown. Have fun. Wish I were going!