The Meeting Street Inn

The Meeting Street Inn has the look of a classic bed-and-breakfast with an intimate vibe to match. Local specialties appear on the breakfast spread cooked every morning, there's an afternoon wine and cheese reception for guests, and extras like pink lemonade and coffee are on offer in the lobby all day. The four-story building, which dates back to the late 1800s, is a perfect fit for historic Charleston, with an attractive, peachy-pink facade offset by white accents. Inside, dark-wood antique furniture is paired with bright floral wallpaper, but the line between charming and outdated can feel thin here, with some upholstery, carpeting, and paint in need of a refresh. Perhaps the best option for lounging is outside, where there's a pretty fountain set in the center of a red-brick courtyard, and plenty of table seating. Guests here are mainly tourists of historic Charleston, and include couples, families, and small groups of friends.   

The Meeting Street Inn is situated in the heart of historic Charleston, almost directly across the street from the popular open-air City Market, one of the oldest public markets in the U.S. It's flanked by a Days Inn and a building housing several businesses. Restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, antebellum mansions, museums, and historic churches are all within an easy walk from the hotel. Many are situated right on Meeting Street, with many more on King Street, just a block away. The Aiken-Rhett House is about a 20-minute walk, as is the waterfront where the ferry leaves for Fort Sumter, where the American Civil War began. Charleston International Airport is a 20-minute drive. 

Individually styled guest rooms feature 19th-century decor that's either quaint and charming or dated and in need of TLC, depending on whom you ask; the reality is probably somewhere in the middle. The four-poster canopy beds are the centerpieces of the rooms, and do offer old-fashioned charm, though the pairing of busy floral wallpaper and striped dust ruffles (or vice versa) can feel more outdated than antique. High-backed armchairs, hardwood floors, and rich wood furniture -- such as armoires and writing desks -- are common, and a nice change from the wood-laminate offerings at most mid-range chain properties.

Some past guests have noted that rooms show wear, smell musty, and are a bit dark due to lack of overhead lighting. While the hotel can't quite live up to its own website's claim that the rooms rival "the finest luxury hotels" guests usually find them tidy and comfortable. 

Units are available in a range of sizes that include double, queen, or king canopy beds. Larger rooms also tend to be more stylish, and some have French doors that open onto private balconies with cafe tables and chairs, while others have courtyard access. The Honeymoon King has a two-person whirlpool tub. All rooms are air-conditioned and feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and mini-fridges, plus safes and irons and ironing boards. Bathrooms have standard white-tile floors, painted walls (often in a bright color), vanities, and most have showers/tub combos. They're stocked with hairdryers and free individual toiletries. 

The star of this bed-and-breakfast-style hotel is as it should be: the breakfast. It's served daily in the lobby, and features everything from eggs and sausage to cinnamon rolls and southern specialties like shrimp and grits. In addition, there's always a standard continental spread, with items such as fruit, cereal, yogurt, and bagels. Free drinks -- pink lemonade, iced tea, coffee, and tea -- are available in the lobby all day. In the early evening, there's a free manager's reception, where wine and cheese are a good excuse to mingle with fellow guests. However, there's no full-service restaurant or bar on-site. 

The hotel also lacks wellness facilities, but there's a spacious whirlpool out back, and pleasant outdoor seating areas. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi throughout, concierge service, laundry service, and cribs for those traveling with children. Valet- and self-parking is available a few blocks away and costs extra. Also of note: unlike many historic hotels, this one has an elevator.