Francis Marion Hotel

Dating back to 1924, this iconic 12-story hotel is housed in the tallest building in town. It was designed by New York architect W.L. Stoddard and was named for the Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion, also known as the “Swamp Fox." The exterior is a classic exercise in brick and stone, with ornate carvings and arched windows. United States and South Carolina flags fly above the entrance. The lobby is spacious and grand, with huge columns, ornate period molding, regal rugs atop polished tile flooring, rich drapery, and huge crystal chandeliers. Numerous seating areas with plush sofas and chairs provide places for guests to gather, which is a good thing, as the hotel is often busy with conferences and social gatherings such as weddings. With an ideal location and elegant interiors, this hotel draws all sorts of travelers, including couples and those attending events here, plus families, groups, businesspeople, and individuals. 

This hotel is located across from Marion Square park on iconic King Street at the northern end of the historic district. This is a great choice for tourists who want to be within walking distance of all of the great shops and galleries of King Street and historic downtown Charleston. Attractions within a 10-minute walk of the hotel include the College of Charleston, the Charleston Museum, the Charleston City Market, and the Aiken-Rhett House, the former governor's home that was built in 1818. The South Carolina Aquarium, Gibbs Museum of Art, and the harbor and maritime park can all be reached in about 15 minutes on foot. A Starbucks outlet is right next door, and there are fast food outlets and a drug store on the block. Charleston International Airport is about a 30-minute drive from the hotel. 

The hotel's rooms and suites are tastefully decorated in historic Charleston style, with granite-topped traditional wood furniture, two-poster beds, soft blue and beige color schemes, patterned carpeting, and custom drapery. Traditional artwork and ornate gold mirrors hang on the blue walls. It's a sharp look that continues the handsome style found in the hotel's common areas, and helps make a stay here feel seamlessly upscale. Flat-screen TVs add a modern touch, and rooms also have air-conditioning, coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, and safes. Some have mini-fridges. Deluxe rooms have sitting areas with two armchairs, and suites have separate living rooms with a sofa bed and chairs. Bathrooms are small, but offer granite countertops, tiled shower/tub combos in most, hairdryers, and higher-end toiletries. Rooms on higher floors have views of the city or harbor, but those on lower floors may pick up a bit of noise from traffic outside. 

The hotel has been offering classic Southern cuisine on-site since 1924. The Swamp Fox Restaurant & Bar serves all meals with a focus on fresh, regional ingredients and has seasonal menus. The cozy, traditional space overlooks Marion Square Park, and while breakfast is offered, it's not included in room rates. Live jazz piano music entertains on select nights throughout the week, and a separate dining room, the Parkview, is available for private events of up to 30 people. Offering 18,000 square feet of meeting space (1,672 square meters), the hotel is popular for weddings and other events. Its two historic ballrooms are grand and beautifully restored, with ornate period detailing, crystal and gold chandeliers hanging from high ceilings, and large windows. The hotel can accommodate groups of up to 450 people, and planners are available to assist with details. It also has smaller rooms for more intimate gatherings. Treatment rooms in the Spa Adagio are snug, but services include the usual massages, facials, and body treatments. The compact fitness center offers a few cardio and weight training machines, as well as free weights. It's open around-the-clock, and a wall-mounted flat-screen TV helps entertain. The on-site General's Store sells gifts, souvenirs, snacks, and drinks. Wi-Fi is free in the hotel, but that doesn't include the meeting rooms, where there is an extra charge. There's also a fee for parking.