Travelers looking for Charleston SC hotels would be well advised to look it up on a map and see the layout. This is important in this case because the Downtown area is on a peninsula. It is separated from the city’s other parts by the Ashley & Cooper rivers that meet here and flow into the Atlantic.

The point here is that this unique situation offers visitors the choice of staying in three locations. These choices are the historic Downtown area, and Greater & North Charleston. The choice is essentially an individual decision that will depend on the budget, purpose of the trip and mode of local transportation.

But listed here are a few general guidelines to help visitors find a suitable location and a good hotel therein. First thing to know is that the historic downtown peninsula is relatively compact and it’s not so hard to walk around and see everything including the French Quarter and the Citadel. Fort Sumter has to be accessed by a ferry from Liberty Square, while visiting the Holy City’s many Churches is going to need a tour bus or vehicle.

The whole point is that it isn’t necessary (or cheap) to stay in the historic downtown hotels. A stay in the Greater Charleston area would mean many river crossings, so the best bet is a hotel in North Charleston. They’re cheaper and a lot more convenient for leisure as well as business, since the airport, convention center, Coliseum and Downtown area are all quite close.

There’s also the question of what kind of facilities and services Charleston SC hotels provide for their guests. In keeping with the spirit of genuine Southern hospitality, a hotel here is a home away from home. This means a nice and free hot breakfast, a newspaper delivered to the door every morning, complimentary wi-fi internet and free local calls.

Free coffee will always be available in the lobby, and valet dry cleaning will take care of all the hassles. After a hard day of tramping around the city, guests can simply lie back and wallow in the outdoor pool. For those who want to work out, there’ll be an onsite fitness center.

Business travelers staying in a North Charleston hotel can expect a full service business center and free shuttles for airport and convention center transfers. In-room facilities and amenities will include a work desk with ergonomic chair, and room service from the onsite restaurant. Most of the hotels near the airport also offer park & fly packages to make it easier.

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