UPDATED: September 3, 2024
Looking for a perfect girls’ weekend getaway in Charleston, South Carolina? The Palmetto Hotel is the perfect spot. Located in the heart of historic downtown Charleston, The Palmetto Hotel offers the best of everything that Charleston has to offer. The hotel is situated on a quiet street and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. In this blog post, we will explore what it’s like staying at The Palmetto Hotel in Charleston.
Do you have a favorite hotel in Charleston that you think we should review? Let us know by commenting at the end of this article!
For years one of my best friends from college and I have talked about how one day we would take a girls trip somewhere fun. This conversation has been ongoing for well over 10 years now and after an especially difficult year for both of us, we decided the time had come for us to finally make that girls trip happen. Truthfully, I've been dealing with a very new fear of flying the last couple of years and because of this we decided to make our first (but certainly not last!) girls trip somewhere that was within driving distance to me in Tennessee.
We still wanted somewhere that was fun and offered plenty to do while still giving us space to rest and relax. After a bit of back and forth, we landed on Charleston, South Carolina. While Charleston wasn't new for either of us, it was first time we had been there on a girls trip. We'd both previously been there with our husbands, but for a girls trip we thought it would be fun to splurge on somewhere pretty and centrally located.
My friend is quite the world traveler and has stayed in some of the best hotels around the world so I deferred the hotel picking to her and I'm so glad I did! She found this beautiful, quaint, boutique hotel centrally located in Charleston, South Carolina. The Palmetto Hotel served as the perfect landing place for us between adventures out and about around town!
Charleston, the jewel of the South Carolina coastline, is nestled on a peninsula located along the eastern seaboard of the United States. It's an enchanting city steeped in history and adorned with cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and pastel antebellum houses. With its unique blend of Southern charm, historical significance, and coastal allure, it’s no wonder Charleston is a prime destination for travelers far and wide.
Charleston, South Carolina: Google Maps
Atlanta, GA to Charleston, SC: 305 mi | 4 hr 51 min | Google Maps
Charlotte, NC to Charleston, SC: 209 mi | 3 hr 12 min | Google Maps
Nashville, TN to Charleston, SC: 551 mi | 8 hr 31 min | Google Maps
Charleston, South Carolina, is a year-round destination, with each season offering its unique charm. Spring (March to May) is a delight as temperatures range from 60°F to 80°F, and the city blooms with azaleas and magnolias. Summer (June to August) brings hot and humid conditions with temperatures often in the 90s°F - perfect for beach trips and indulging in the city's vibrant nightlife. Fall (September to November) brings cooler temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F, offering the ideal conditions for exploring the city's historic sites. Winter (December to February) is mild and unpredictable with temperatures anywhere from 40°F to 60°F, a perfect time for those who don't mind a bit of chill and prefer less crowded attractions. No matter the season, Charleston's charm is ever-present.
Address: 194 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401 | Google Maps
The Palmetto Hotel is nestled snugly on King Street, which is basically the beating heart of Charleston. You're not just close to the action, you're smack in the middle of it! All around you, you'll find the city's iconic pastel buildings, quaint boutiques, and the mouthwatering aroma of southern cooking wafting out of restaurants.
You're also just a short stroll away from the Charleston City Market, a must-visit for anyone new to the city. It's a bustling hub where local artisans display their handiwork—from sweetgrass baskets to handmade jewelry. And when you're done shopping, the beautiful waterfront park isn't too far off. It's the perfect spot for a sunset picnic after a day of exploring. So, packing in your Charleston experience is a breeze when you're staying at The Palmetto Hotel. You've got all the top spots within a stone's throw!
The Palmetto Hotel is a perfect blend of Southern charm and modern chic. As soon as you step into the hotel, you're greeted by a small but elegant lobby adorned with a mix of antique and contemporary furniture. The color scheme is a calming palette of soft creams, blues, greens, and grays, accented with gold throughout giving it a shiny and fun feel.
The rooms at The Palmetto Hotel are a calming, comfortable, and luxurious. Each one is thoughtfully designed with comfortable linens, beautiful textures, and soothing color schemes. They're awash with natural light, which highlights the tasteful and beautiful rooms. The beds are super comfy, decked out with the fluffiest of pillows and the softest of linens, guaranteeing a good night's sleep after your Charleston adventures. The rooms also feature locally inspired artwork and vintage touches, adding to the sense of being immersed in the unique culture and history of Charleston.
The pros of staying at a smaller boutique hotel is that oftentimes that means that there are fewer amenities. Less space usually means less amenities. Not always, but I want to preface this part of the review and say that many hotels similar to The Palmetto focus on quality vs. quantity.
I also want to say this: less amenities doesn't mean lesser quality! Like I just said, quality over quantity is often what sets places like The Palmetto Hotel apart from major chain hotels. Depending on the type of travel you'll be embarking on what it is that has brought you to Charleston, South Carolina will likely determine what type of hotel you should be looking for.
Personally, for our girls trip we wanted somewhere that felt comfortable, luxurious, and special. We don't get to see each other often and we wanted it to be a memorable and fun trip and The Palmetto Hotel delivered! The linens were high-end, the shower and bathroom wonderful, the lobby was beautiful without being overwhelming, and the customer service at the front desk was always topnotch. We were even on a first name basis with some of the employees after our four night stay there.
For our girls trip we wanted comfort but weren't necessarily looking for amenities. We planned to spend most of our time exploring the city, walking museums, and sipping coffee at cafes. The hotel was meant to be a place to relax, unwind, and watch TV at night when our feet were tired and we were socialized out (after all, we're both introverts).
The Palmetto Hotel was a wonderful pick for us, but if you're visiting Charleston, South Carolina for business or on a honeymoon trip or romantic getaway with your significant other, you might want a hotel with a few more amenities. For example, if I were visiting with my husband for a romantic getaway, we'd likely plan to spend a good bit of time in the hotel relaxing. Often we pick a hotel based on the facilities and we like to enjoy a good pool, gym, and maybe even get a massage at the spa if we're splurging a little.
Below are the list of the amenities at The Palmetto Hotel. Figure out exactly what type of trip you're hoping to have in Charleston before you pick the hotel. If you're trip is somewhat inline with what we had in mind, I'd highly recommend The Palmetto Hotel!
Check-in/check-out: 4:00 PM check-in, 11:00 AM check-out
Breakfast: Yes, a simple European style breakfast is available in the lobby each morning (coffee, pastries, yogurt, and fruit).
Restaurant: No
Bar: Yes, Monday-Thursday 4:00 PM-11:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 11:00 AM-12:00 AM, and Sunday 11:00 AM-11:00 PM
Pool: No
Spa: No
Handicap accessible: Yes
Kid friendly: Yes
Dog friendly: Yes, dogs up to 40 lbs are welcome, but there is a nonrefundable $150 cleaning fee per stay.
Smoking: No
Room service: No
Fitness center: No, but hotels are granted access to a nearby fitness center.
Business center: No
Free wifi: Yes
Parking: Yes, valet parking is available for $45 + tax daily for sedans, and $55 + tax daily for SUVs or oversized vehicles.
Other fun amenities: In room Nespresso machine, robes and slippers, steamer, in room safe, 55" TV, nightly turndown service, free bicycle rental, 24/7 concierge service, laundry and dry cleaning service
Charleston, SC is a city teeming with history, culture, and stunning architectural beauty. The Palmetto Hotel's location gives you easy access to explore all these attractions and more. Just a quick walk from the hotel, you'll find the historic Charleston City Market, where you can shop for local arts, crafts, and iconic sweetgrass baskets.
For history buffs, a visit to the nearby iconic St. Michael's Church, dating back to the 1760s, is an absolute must. You can also wander along the historic district’s cobblestone streets and take in the jaw-droppingly beautiful antebellum houses.
Art lovers can make a beeline for the Gibbes Museum of Art that's just around the corner. It features an exceptional collection of American art, with a particular emphasis on the South.
And don't forget to visit the breathtakingly beautiful Battery, with its grand antebellum homes and stunning views of the harbor. It's truly an Instagrammer's paradise.
Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the hotel, you'll stumble upon the iconic Rainbow Row, a series of colorful historic houses that are a must-see and an absolute delight for the 'gram.
If you're a foodie, the hotel is surrounded by some of the city's top-rated restaurants. Whether you're craving traditional southern comfort food, seafood, or international cuisine, you'll find it all just a stone's throw away.
Those in the mood for a night out will love the lively local music scene. The Music Farm and the Charleston Music Hall both offer great live music ranging from rock to country to jazz.
When the hunger pangs hit, you're in luck because Charleston’s culinary scene is a food lover’s dream and many of the city's best dining spots are just steps away from The Palmetto Hotel. For a start, you can't miss out on Husk, an innovative restaurant serving farm-to-table Southern cuisine. It's a Charleston classic where the menu changes daily depending on the freshest ingredients available.
For breakfast in the morning you can't skip Harken Cafe. They serve up Methodical Coffee from Greenville, South Carolina (one of our favorite spots in Greenville) and delicious pastries and breakfast treats in a cozy setting.
If you're in the mood for some fresh seafood, 167 Raw Oyster Bar is a must-visit. This tiny oyster bar is known for its fresh oysters, lobster rolls, and fish tacos. It's wildly popular and doesn't take reservations, so be prepared for a bit of a wait, but trust us, it's worth it!
For those who love Italian, Indaco is the place. While it's not a short walk from The Palmetto Hotel (1.6 miles to be exact), it is worth the jaunt or drive. They serve rustic Italian fare, like wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta, in a hip, bustling environment.
Lastly, if you've got a sweet tooth, you can't miss Kaminsky's, a cozy dessert café offering a wide selection of homemade desserts, milkshakes, and specialty cocktails.
Each of these spots is within a short walk from the hotel, making it easy to sample some of the best food that Charleston has to offer without having to travel far.
Charleston, South Carolina is a fantastic destination for a girls' weekend getaway, and there's no better place to stay than The Palmetto Hotel. From the hotel's unbeatable location, classic Southern-style, and luxurious amenities, any guest will have a memorable stay. Whether you want to explore the city's historical past, indulge in the culinary delights, or lounge by the pool, The Palmetto Hotel has got you covered. So, gather your gal pals; pack your bags and get ready for your perfect girls’ trip at The Palmetto Hotel.
