Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about Our Stay in Historic Charleston at the Francis Marion Hotel.
If you are planning a trip to Charleston, South Carolina, then the Francis Marion Hotel in historic Charleston is truly a destination of choice.
It became an instant Charleston landmark when it opened in 1924. Rising 12 stories above the Historic District, the hotel offers spectacular views of Charleston and provides easy access to a wealth of Charleston’s activities.
The hotel is conveniently located on Marion Square in the heart of downtown’s Historic District and is within walking distance of the magnificent gardens, museums, antique shops, local boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife that has earned Charleston the accolade of the number one of the US cities to visit by Travel & Leisure.
Designed by renowned architect W.L.Stoddart, the hotel underwent a multi-million dollar renovation in the 1990’s, which earned it an esteemed National Trust Award.
The hotel has over 200 guest rooms, as well as 3 ballrooms, 8 breakout meeting rooms, and offers self park or valet parking next door to the hotel.
Combining 1920’s style and grace with 21st Century comfort and convenience in the heart of Historic Charleston on Marion Square, the only things guests need to focus on are deciding which of the many Charleston attractions to visit next!
Stay in Historic Charleston at the Francis Marion Hotel
Location
Conveniently located in the heart of downtown’s Historic District, and on the city’s popular Upper King Street, the Francis Marion provides the perfect location for guests to easily access Charleston’s best restaurants, shops and attractions by foot. The hotel’s rooms and suites offer spectacular views of Charleston’s historic harbor, church steeples and legendary King Street.
Located across from Marion Square, the hotel is also convenient to the Charleston Farmers Market (CFM) which offers a variety of local produce, plants, herbs and cut flowers as well as breakfast and lunch vendors, live entertainment and an assortment of arts and crafts from local artisans on Saturday’s from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Marion Square is also the junction between Upper King Street, from Calhoun Street/ Marion Square to Spring Street, and Middle to Lower King Street, which runs from Marion Square to Broad Street.
Upper King Street is the Design and Dining District, and is also home to the majority of the best restaurants in Charleston. It was initially named the Design district because of its stunning architecture, art galleries, home furnishings and interior decor shops but it is now also one of the liveliest areas for Charleston’s nightlife and boasts some of the city’s vibrant new restaurants.
Lower King Street is aptly named the Antique District, as you can find antiques from any period and from all over the world, and Middle King, from Market Street to Calhoun Street, is the King Street Fashion District. It was named one of the country’s “10 Top Shopping Districts in the USA” by Forbes Traveler, and here you will find a mix of national brands, such as H&M, Luleman, J Crew and Anthropologie interspersed with locally-owned boutiques.
At the Francis Marion you are ideally positioned to explore both sides of King Street, and it is just a short walk to the French Quarter, Rainbow Row, the waterfront park with its iconic pineapple statue, the antebellum houses of the Battery and White Point Garden.
History and Charm combined with Comfort and Convenience
As soon as you step into the luxurious lobby, you will experience the history and charm that are inherent to the Francis Marion hotel, but you will also find all the modern facilities you would expect of a luxury hotel, including
- Doormen
- Bell Service
- Concierge Assistance, Valet Service and Luggage Handling
- Laundry Service and Dry Cleaning
- Complimentary High-Speed WIFI
- Complimentary use of the Business Center, with Computers and Printer
- Valet Parking or Self-Parking adjacent to the hotel
- Soda vending machine and ice machine on each floor
Rooms and Suites
With 235 guest rooms spanning suites, double and king or queens, visitors can select the option that best meets their needs.
There are 18 suites, 98 double rooms and 119 King or Queens rooms, and each room has the following facilities:
- Granite countertop vanity
- Lighted cosmetic mirror
- 42 inch flatscreen television
- Complimentary Wireless Internet access
- Individual guest room climate control
- Iron and Ironing Board
- Bluetooth Alarm Clock and Wake-up calls
- Hair Dryer
- Coffee maker with complimentary coffee and tea
- In-Room Safes and Refrigerators
- Luxurious triple sheet bedding
- Heavenly pillow – top mattress
- Room Service available for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Prestigious Penthouse Suites
Located on the 12th floor, the eight Penthouse Suites offer incredible views over Charleston and the Harbor. Accommodations vary, including a hospitality suite and one to two bedroom suites with full kitchen amenities, spacious living rooms and full dining tables.
Facilities
Guests have access to a well-equipped 24 hour fitness center and for guests looking to relax and unwind, the hotel’s onsite Spa “The Spa of Charleston” has just opened last weekend.
Dining
Guests can enjoy classic Southern cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner in The Swamp Fox Restaurant & Bar, a Charleston restaurant, known for its artfully prepared dishes using local farm fresh ingredients. They are a Proud Participant of the Certified South Carolina Fresh on the Menu
Or you can just simply relax with cocktails and jazz piano music in The Swamp Fox Bar.
If you are just looking for a coffee and/or a snack, then you can pop into the onsite “Starbucks” coffee shop.
The Perfect Place for your Charleston Wedding
Since it originally opened its doors almost 100 years ago, the Francis Marion Hotel has been the epicenter of weddings and social events in Charleston society. The tradition of elegance and grandeur live on in two of the most elegant ballrooms in Charleston.
With unique features like antique chandeliers, 20-foot high ceilings, monumental windows, and marble accented fireplaces, the Francis Marion Hotel provides the ideal location for a romantic Charleston wedding.
In fact, the Francis Marion Hotel was voted as Charleston’s Choice Best Wedding Venue of 2022.
Final Thoughts about Our Stay in Historic Charleston at the Francis Marion Hotel
The Francis Marion Hotel is the epitome of Charleston elegance, combining 1920’s style with every modern convenience and offering guests an unforgettable experience, ideal for those seeking the the perfect base to explore Charleston on foot.
Francis Marion Hotel has been a member of Historic Hotels of America since 1999.
I hope you enjoyed this feature about our Stay in Historic Charleston at the Francis Marion Hotel and have a look here for more of our hotel and resorts features.
You can also read or download our ultimate travel guide to what to see and what to do in Charleston below.
By Julia Rees in The Velvet Runway Travel Guides
50 pages, published 11/6/2022
Image Credit : The Francis Marion Hotel and Richard Bell Photography
This is absolutely stunning! Having a wedding there would be incredible!
We had a wonderful stay and I think a wedding there would be lovely x
Nice
Thank you x
I would love to visit Charleston again. This looks like such a charming and beautiful hotel!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Thanks Carrie. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here and the location was perfect! x
Grand and impressive hotel.
For sure xo
Such a gorgeous hotel- and Charleston is such a charming city!
-Ashley
Thank you Ashley! I totally agree x
Charleston is one place we haven’t been yet but are dying to go. We were thinking that maybe next Christmas it could be fun. Thanks for this,
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Ooh, yes! I think Christmas would be an amazing time to go! Do let me know if you make it there x
Wow! What a beautiful property. The space, the decor and just the view – it is all amazing. Charleston is on my travel bucket list and I am trying to convince the hubby to take me on my birthday this year. I will definitely keep this place in mind!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Charleston is an amazing destination and we loved the hotel! I hope you manage to convince your hubby to go x
Love the classic decor of this hotel! Thanks for sharing this beautiful hotel.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks Kathrine! I loved the decor too x