Pros

  • Great location close to the Charleston Market and harbor
  • Free, excellent hot breakfast on a rooftop terrace
  • Freshly baked cookies and snacks throughout the day
  • Charming rooms with West Indies-style decor, iPod docks, and flat-screen TVs
  • Housed in 2 historic 19th century buildings with original wood floors and brick walls
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout
  • Free passes to nearby EcoFitness gym
See More Pros

Cons

  • No on-site fitness center, but free access to nearby gym
  • Some rooms are tiny; others have windows that face the interior of the building only
  • Fee for valet parking
  • No on-site restaurant
See More Cons

Bottom Line

This 41-room boutique hotel, located within walking distance of Historic District attractions, is housed within two historic buildings dating to the 1860s. Its decor incorporates both traditional Charleston details (such as original brick walls) and West Indies style. The charming rooms, renovated in 2010 and 2011, all have individual decor; some have historic details such as original wood floors. But a few units are very small and lack impressive views. The hotel has few on-site features, but the attractive rooms, convenient location, and multiple freebies make it a good value.

See More Bottom Line

Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Fitness Center
  • Internet

Oyster Hotel Review

Andrew Pinckney Inn

Scene

Casual atmosphere and an excellent location in Charleston's Historic District

Andrew Pinckney Inn has a quintessential Charleston façade, with bright yellow paint and picturesque Juliette balconies covered in colorful flowers. The property's two historic buildings date back to the mid-1800s, and feature original hardwood floors and exposed brick walls. The hotel opened in 1996 and was renovated in 2010 and 2011; its style blends the influences of traditional Charleston and the West Indies.

While the lobby and tri-level atrium area are somewhat dark, other spaces, including the entry to the annex building and most of the rooms, receive ample sunlight.

The rooms have varying layouts, due to the historic nature of the buildings. Decor varies from room to room as well. Some rooms feature enviable views, such as St. Philip's Suite, which has postcard-perfect vistas of the iconic Episcopal church.

The hotel's list of on-site features is short, which helps explain the reasonable rates. The hotel does provide self-parking (for a fee), free daily hot breakfast on a rooftop terrace, free snacks and beverages throughout the day, free Wi-Fi, and a business center with free Internet access and printing.

See More Scene

Location

In the heart of downtown Charleston, within walking distance of many of the principle tourist sights

Andrew Pinckney Inn may offer the best location in Charleston for the price. It's located on Pinckney Street in Charleston's charming Historic Downtown, two blocks north of the Charleston City Market and within walking distance of grand churches, historic sights, world-famous restaurants, and chic shops and galleries. Just around the corner from the hotel are several tour operators specializing in horse-drawn carriage rides.

  • 21-minute drive to Charleston International Airport
  • 4-minute walk to the Charleston City Market
  • 4-minute walk to St. Philip's Church
  • 5-minute walk to Waterfront Park
  • 7-minute walk to Gibbes Museum of Art
  • 8-minute walk to King Street, lined with high-end restaurants, art galleries and shops
  • 10-minute walk to Marion Square
  • 11-minute walk to the College of Charleston
  • 17-minute walk, or three-minute drive, to Calhoun Mansion
  • 14-minute walk, or two-minute drive, to the Charleston Museum, the oldest museum in the US
  • 17-minute walk, or four-minute drive, to South Carolina Aquarium
  • 20-minute walk to South Battery Park
  • 12-minute drive to the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum
  • 16-minute drive to Charles Towne Landing, the birthplace of America
See More Location

Rooms

Charming rooms with West Indies style, and in some, original historic details

The rooms have charming, West Indies style decor -- think British colonial with a tropical twist, with crisp white bedding, chairs upholstered in light blues and yellows, and a mix of dark and white woods. Modern electronics include 32-inch flat-screen TVs, and iPod docks. Some units have original historic details such as hardwood floors and exposed brick walls.

Every room has a unique layout, due to the historic nature of the two buildings. The downside to this is that some rooms are far more desirable than others: Some units are extremely small, while others have windows that only face the interior of the building.

Still, several rooms, including the St. Philip's Suite and the property's three townhouses, are particularly spacious and even have rather breathtaking views of the downtown skyline's iconic churches.

  • Each room is unique, and some feature original hardwood floors and exposed brick.
  • Bathrooms with shower/tub combos and Gilchrest & Soames toiletries
  • 32-inch flat-screen TVs with digital cable
  • iHome docking stations and clock radios
  • Daily housekeeping and evening turndown service
  • Air-conditioning (some units also have ceiling fans)
  • Queen Guestrooms are the inn's most affordable -- the downside, however, is that windows face the building's indoor atrium and thus receive virtually no natural light.
  • Junior Suites feature extra sitting areas outfitted with pull-out sofas. Some Junior Suites also feature Jacuzzi bathtubs.
  • Two-story Townhouse Suites feature living rooms with pull-out sofas, one-and-a-half bathrooms, wet bars, kitchenettes, and master bedrooms.
  • The St. Philip's Suite features excellent views of the city's iconic St. Philip's Church from a Juliette balcony.
See More Rooms

Family

Families may appreciate the convenient location, rooms with pull-out sofas, and free cookies in the lobby

While the hotel does not provide any specific amenities for children, the property is suitable for families. Some room types have pull-out sofas and kitchenettes, and little ones might enjoy the free snacks and freshly baked cookies found in the lobby throughout the day. The location in Historic Downtown is convenient for sightseeing.

See More Family

All-Inclusive / Food

No restaurant, but a great free breakfast and daily snacks

  • The free breakfast served on the hotel's rooftop terrace is extensive, featuring hot items such as casseroles, meat dishes, grits, and sausage, as well as pastries and croissants from the acclaimed local bakery, Saffron.
  • Snacks and beverages are available throughout the day in the lobby.
See More All-Inclusive / Food

Services

Lots of freebies

  • Free Wi-Fi throughout
  • Free newspaper delivery to rooms
  • Concierge desk and 24-hour front desk staff to assist with activities, restaurant bookings, and specialized tours
  • Laundry service (Monday through Friday)
  • Valet parking, for a fee
See More Services

Business and Conventions

Limited offerings for small business groups

The hotel does not have dedicated conference rooms, but the property's atrium and rooftop are available for small business meetings. There is also a small business center with one computer and a printer (Internet access and printing are free).

See More Business and Conventions

Eco-Friendly

A few measures for better sustainability

The Andre Pinckney Inn participates in the Green Hotels program, and is required to follow certain eco-friendly practices.

  • The hotel uses eco-friendly cleaning supplies and laundry detergent.
  • Coffee and tea products are organic and Rainforest-friendly
  • The hotel recycles all eligible materials.
  • Recycled paper used for office supplies
See More Eco-Friendly

History

Housed within two historic buildings that date back to the 1860s

The two buildings that house Andrew Pinckney Inn's guestrooms are located on opposite sides of Pinckney Street. Both buildings date back to the mid-19th century and have a few preserved historic elements, including hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, and a few stabilizing cables that were strung through the building following the city's 1886 earthquake. Horse-drawn carriages often make their way down this street, as they did over a century ago.

See More History

Renovations and Upkeep

Rooms were renovated in 2010 and 2011

All rooms at the Andrew Pinckney Inn were renovated in 2010 and 2011 and are still in excellent condition. Bathrooms were also redone, featuring stylish fixtures and whirlpool tubs.

See More Renovations and Upkeep

Handicap

Elevators, ADA-compliant rooms, and services for hearing-impaired guests

For a historic property, the Andrew Pinckney Inn has made a good deal of effort to accommodate those guests with mobility impairments, adding a ramp to the annex and installing elevators in both buildings. The hotel says its rooms are ADA-compliant. (Guests in wheelchairs should note that none of the bathrooms we viewed had roll-in showers or grab rails, however.) The hotel accommodates hearing-impaired guests with communication kits featuring visual alarms and notification devices, closed caption TVs, and TTY telephones.

See More Handicap

Safety

In a safe neighborhood

Although several units at the inn are accessible directly from the outside, and don't require entrance through the lobby, the neighborhood is extremely safe, so there is little cause for concern. All rooms come with safes, and there is a security guard and front desk clerk on-site at all times.

See More Safety

Oyster Hotel Review

Andrew Pinckney Inn

Scene

Casual atmosphere and an excellent location in Charleston's Historic District

Andrew Pinckney Inn has a quintessential Charleston façade, with bright yellow paint and picturesque Juliette balconies covered in colorful flowers. The property's two historic buildings date back to the mid-1800s, and feature original hardwood floors and exposed brick walls. The hotel opened in 1996 and was renovated in 2010 and 2011; its style blends the influences of traditional Charleston and the West Indies.

While the lobby and tri-level atrium area are somewhat dark, other spaces, including the entry to the annex building and most of the rooms, receive ample sunlight.

The rooms have varying layouts, due to the historic nature of the buildings. Decor varies from room to room as well. Some rooms feature enviable views, such as St. Philip's Suite, which has postcard-perfect vistas of the iconic Episcopal church.

The hotel's list of on-site features is short, which helps explain the reasonable rates. The hotel does provide self-parking (for a fee), free daily hot breakfast on a rooftop terrace, free snacks and beverages throughout the day, free Wi-Fi, and a business center with free Internet access and printing.

See More Scene

Location

In the heart of downtown Charleston, within walking distance of many of the principle tourist sights

Andrew Pinckney Inn may offer the best location in Charleston for the price. It's located on Pinckney Street in Charleston's charming Historic Downtown, two blocks north of the Charleston City Market and within walking distance of grand churches, historic sights, world-famous restaurants, and chic shops and galleries. Just around the corner from the hotel are several tour operators specializing in horse-drawn carriage rides.

  • 21-minute drive to Charleston International Airport
  • 4-minute walk to the Charleston City Market
  • 4-minute walk to St. Philip's Church
  • 5-minute walk to Waterfront Park
  • 7-minute walk to Gibbes Museum of Art
  • 8-minute walk to King Street, lined with high-end restaurants, art galleries and shops
  • 10-minute walk to Marion Square
  • 11-minute walk to the College of Charleston
  • 17-minute walk, or three-minute drive, to Calhoun Mansion
  • 14-minute walk, or two-minute drive, to the Charleston Museum, the oldest museum in the US
  • 17-minute walk, or four-minute drive, to South Carolina Aquarium
  • 20-minute walk to South Battery Park
  • 12-minute drive to the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum
  • 16-minute drive to Charles Towne Landing, the birthplace of America
See More Location

Rooms

Charming rooms with West Indies style, and in some, original historic details

The rooms have charming, West Indies style decor -- think British colonial with a tropical twist, with crisp white bedding, chairs upholstered in light blues and yellows, and a mix of dark and white woods. Modern electronics include 32-inch flat-screen TVs, and iPod docks. Some units have original historic details such as hardwood floors and exposed brick walls.

Every room has a unique layout, due to the historic nature of the two buildings. The downside to this is that some rooms are far more desirable than others: Some units are extremely small, while others have windows that only face the interior of the building.

Still, several rooms, including the St. Philip's Suite and the property's three townhouses, are particularly spacious and even have rather breathtaking views of the downtown skyline's iconic churches.

  • Each room is unique, and some feature original hardwood floors and exposed brick.
  • Bathrooms with shower/tub combos and Gilchrest & Soames toiletries
  • 32-inch flat-screen TVs with digital cable
  • iHome docking stations and clock radios
  • Daily housekeeping and evening turndown service
  • Air-conditioning (some units also have ceiling fans)
  • Queen Guestrooms are the inn's most affordable -- the downside, however, is that windows face the building's indoor atrium and thus receive virtually no natural light.
  • Junior Suites feature extra sitting areas outfitted with pull-out sofas. Some Junior Suites also feature Jacuzzi bathtubs.
  • Two-story Townhouse Suites feature living rooms with pull-out sofas, one-and-a-half bathrooms, wet bars, kitchenettes, and master bedrooms.
  • The St. Philip's Suite features excellent views of the city's iconic St. Philip's Church from a Juliette balcony.
See More Rooms

Family

Families may appreciate the convenient location, rooms with pull-out sofas, and free cookies in the lobby

While the hotel does not provide any specific amenities for children, the property is suitable for families. Some room types have pull-out sofas and kitchenettes, and little ones might enjoy the free snacks and freshly baked cookies found in the lobby throughout the day. The location in Historic Downtown is convenient for sightseeing.

See More Family

All-Inclusive / Food

No restaurant, but a great free breakfast and daily snacks

  • The free breakfast served on the hotel's rooftop terrace is extensive, featuring hot items such as casseroles, meat dishes, grits, and sausage, as well as pastries and croissants from the acclaimed local bakery, Saffron.
  • Snacks and beverages are available throughout the day in the lobby.
See More All-Inclusive / Food

Services

Lots of freebies

  • Free Wi-Fi throughout
  • Free newspaper delivery to rooms
  • Concierge desk and 24-hour front desk staff to assist with activities, restaurant bookings, and specialized tours
  • Laundry service (Monday through Friday)
  • Valet parking, for a fee
See More Services

Business and Conventions

Limited offerings for small business groups

The hotel does not have dedicated conference rooms, but the property's atrium and rooftop are available for small business meetings. There is also a small business center with one computer and a printer (Internet access and printing are free).

See More Business and Conventions

Eco-Friendly

A few measures for better sustainability

The Andre Pinckney Inn participates in the Green Hotels program, and is required to follow certain eco-friendly practices.

  • The hotel uses eco-friendly cleaning supplies and laundry detergent.
  • Coffee and tea products are organic and Rainforest-friendly
  • The hotel recycles all eligible materials.
  • Recycled paper used for office supplies
See More Eco-Friendly

History

Housed within two historic buildings that date back to the 1860s

The two buildings that house Andrew Pinckney Inn's guestrooms are located on opposite sides of Pinckney Street. Both buildings date back to the mid-19th century and have a few preserved historic elements, including hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, and a few stabilizing cables that were strung through the building following the city's 1886 earthquake. Horse-drawn carriages often make their way down this street, as they did over a century ago.

See More History

Renovations and Upkeep

Rooms were renovated in 2010 and 2011

All rooms at the Andrew Pinckney Inn were renovated in 2010 and 2011 and are still in excellent condition. Bathrooms were also redone, featuring stylish fixtures and whirlpool tubs.

See More Renovations and Upkeep

Handicap

Elevators, ADA-compliant rooms, and services for hearing-impaired guests

For a historic property, the Andrew Pinckney Inn has made a good deal of effort to accommodate those guests with mobility impairments, adding a ramp to the annex and installing elevators in both buildings. The hotel says its rooms are ADA-compliant. (Guests in wheelchairs should note that none of the bathrooms we viewed had roll-in showers or grab rails, however.) The hotel accommodates hearing-impaired guests with communication kits featuring visual alarms and notification devices, closed caption TVs, and TTY telephones.

See More Handicap

Safety

In a safe neighborhood

Although several units at the inn are accessible directly from the outside, and don't require entrance through the lobby, the neighborhood is extremely safe, so there is little cause for concern. All rooms come with safes, and there is a security guard and front desk clerk on-site at all times.

See More Safety

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Basic Television

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Free Breakfast

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.