Question 1

Which are the best hotels to stay in Charleston as a budget traveler?

Accepted Answer

The best hotels for a budget traveller in Charleston include 20 South Battery, Fulton Lane Inn, Indigo Inn, and Home2 Suites by Hilton Charleston West Ashley.

20 South Battery is a hotel with an exceptional 9.8 rating. Guests consistently praise the absolutely amazing staff, great and quiet rooms, and the wonderful, delicious free continental breakfast. Its location is often described as absolutely beautiful and great, offering excellent value.

Fulton Lane Inn, also a hotel with a 9.4 rating, offers spacious and clean rooms. Travellers frequently highlight its absolutely beautiful and amazing location, friendly and helpful staff, and excellent free breakfast. Convenient parking is another often-mentioned perk.

The Indigo Inn, rated 9.4, provides friendly and helpful staff, an excellent location, and comfortable, clean rooms. Guests rave about the great and amazing free breakfast and excellent, easy parking, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious visitors.

For those looking for a contemporary stay, Home2 Suites by Hilton Charleston West Ashley is an option with a 9.4 rating. This hotel is commended for its clean and big rooms, fantastic free breakfast, and friendly, considerate staff. Its location is described as great and good, and the beds are noted for being comfortable.

Question 2

Which area of Charleston is best to stay in for cheap hotels?

Accepted Answer

For budget-conscious solo travellers seeking cheap hotels in Charleston, areas just outside the historic core, such as North Charleston or West Ashley, often provide more affordable accommodation options. While not directly in the heart of the historic district, these areas offer good value and still provide convenient access to the city's main attractions via public transport or a short drive.

North Charleston, in particular, has a concentration of hotels that cater to various budgets, often including amenities like complimentary breakfast and parking. Solo travellers will find that while it lacks the immediate charm of downtown, it serves as a practical base for exploring. From here, you can easily catch a bus or use ride-sharing services to reach the historic district for sightseeing and dining.

Alternatively, West Ashley offers another viable option for affordable lodging. It's a more suburban area with a range of hotels and is often a good choice for those with their own transport, as parking is generally easier and more readily available than in the city centre.

Question 3

What are the top-rated cheap hotels for families in Charleston?

Accepted Answer

For families seeking top-rated yet affordable accommodation in Charleston, the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Charleston-West Ashley, Hampton Inn Charleston-Historic District, and Hyatt House Charleston/Historic District are excellent choices.

The TownePlace Suites by Marriott Charleston-West Ashley, with an 8.4 rating, provides fantastic value with free buffet breakfast, free continental breakfast, and free self-parking. Families will appreciate the comfortable and clean rooms, and free cribs are available upon request. Guests often praise the friendly and wonderful staff, as well as the good, free breakfast.

Another highly-rated option is the Hampton Inn Charleston-Historic District, boasting an 8.8 rating. This hotel offers complimentary WiFi, free toiletries, and a delicious free buffet breakfast. Reviewers consistently highlight the great and great location, the friendly and helpful staff, and the comfortable and clean rooms. Free cribs are also available here.

The Hyatt House Charleston/Historic District, with an 8.6 rating, is another superb choice for families. It offers free buffet breakfast, including on weekends, and free grocery shopping service, which is a real bonus for those travelling with children. Guests frequently praise the excellent location, the friendly and helpful staff, and the beautiful, clean rooms.

Question 4

What cheap hotels in Charleston offer complimentary breakfast?

Accepted Answer

For budget-friendly hotels in Charleston that offer complimentary breakfast, you have several excellent choices, including 20 South Battery, Barksdale House Inn, Home2 Suites by Hilton Charleston West Ashley, Fulton Lane Inn, and Indigo Inn.

The 20 South Battery, with an outstanding 9.8 rating, provides a wonderful complimentary continental breakfast that guests frequently describe as delicious. Reviewers consistently praise the staff as absolutely amazing, and the rooms are noted for being superb and quiet. Its location is also highlighted as absolutely beautiful and great.

Another fantastic option is the Barksdale House Inn, rated 9.4, where you can enjoy an excellent complimentary continental breakfast. The staff here are super friendly and wonderful, and the rooms are comfortable and big, with comfortable beds. Its convenient location is also a plus for travellers.

The Home2 Suites by Hilton Charleston West Ashley, also rated 9.4, offers a fantastic and good complimentary breakfast, including a to-go option. Guests appreciate the clean and big rooms, comfortable beds, and the friendly and considerate staff.

Fulton Lane Inn, a hotel with a 9.4 rating, provides an excellent and free continental breakfast. The spacious and clean rooms are a highlight, and the staff are consistently described as friendly and helpful. Its location is often called absolutely beautiful and amazing, and parking is convenient.

Finally, the Indigo Inn, with a 9.4 rating, offers a great and amazing self-serve complimentary breakfast. Reviewers frequently praise the friendly and helpful staff, the excellent location, and the comfortable and clean rooms.

Question 5

When is the most affordable time to visit Charleston?

Accepted Answer

The most affordable time to visit Charleston is typically during the shoulder seasons, specifically late autumn (November to early December) and late winter (January to February), avoiding major holidays. During these months, the intense summer heat and humidity subside, and the peak tourist crowds thin out, leading to lower prices on accommodation and flights.

For solo travellers, this period offers a relaxed atmosphere for exploring the city's historic charm without the rush. You'll find better deals on guesthouses and smaller hotels, and it's easier to secure reservations at popular eateries. Many of Charleston's attractions, such as wandering the Battery or exploring Rainbow Row, are free and can be enjoyed comfortably in the milder temperatures.

Families might also appreciate these quieter times; fewer crowds mean a more pleasant experience at popular sites like the Joe Riley Waterfront Park or a stroll through the Historic District.

Question 6

What are the best cheap hotels in Charleston with a pool?

Accepted Answer

For budget-friendly hotels in Charleston that offer a refreshing pool, excellent options include Waterway, Home2 Suites by Hilton Charleston West Ashley, and Home2 Suites by Hilton Charleston Daniel Island.

The Waterway, with a superb 10.0 rating, provides a lovely outdoor pool for guests to enjoy. In addition to the pool, you'll find complimentary toiletries, free self-parking, and free WiFi, making it a great value. The property also features sun loungers by the pool, a yard, a terrace, and balconies or patios in some rooms.

The Home2 Suites by Hilton Charleston West Ashley, rated 9.4, boasts an outdoor pool and offers fantastic value with free breakfast, free WiFi, and free self-parking. Guests frequently praise the clean and large rooms, the fantastic breakfast, and the friendly staff. This hotel also provides free toiletries and free cribs upon request.

Another excellent choice is the Home2 Suites by Hilton Charleston Daniel Island, also rated 9.4. This hotel features a pool and offers complimentary self-parking and free breakfast, including a buffet option. Reviewers often highlight the extremely helpful staff, spacious and super clean rooms, and great amenities.

The Town & Country Inn and Suites, with a 9.2 rating, also offers an outdoor pool. Guests appreciate the spacious and clean rooms, friendly staff, and comfortable beds. Free internet, free toiletries, and free self-parking add to its appeal.

Finally, The Inn At Middleton Place, a hotel with a 9.0 rating, features an outdoor pool and provides complimentary continental breakfast, free WiFi, and free self-parking.

Question 7

Is Charleston a budget-friendly destination?

Accepted Answer

While Charleston is generally considered more expensive than some other US cities, travellers can absolutely experience its charm on a budget with some smart planning.

For accommodation, consider looking slightly outside the historic downtown area, perhaps in neighbourhoods like North Charleston or Mount Pleasant. These areas often offer better value for money and are usually just a short drive or bus ride from the main attractions. Solo travellers might also find more affordable options in guesthouses or smaller inns.

Couples can save on dining by taking advantage of Charleston's excellent food scene during happy hour specials or by exploring the vibrant farmers' markets for fresh, local produce to prepare simple meals. Many of the city's most appealing experiences are free, such as strolling through the historic streets, admiring the beautiful architecture, or enjoying the scenic waterfront parks like the Waterfront Park with its iconic pineapple fountain.

Question 8

What cheap hotels in Charleston offer cooking facilities or kitchenettes?

Accepted Answer

For budget-friendly hotels in Charleston that provide cooking facilities or kitchenettes, you have several excellent choices, including Church Street Inn Historic Charleston, Homewood Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District, Hampton Inn Charleston - Daniel Island, King 583, and Residence Inn Charleston Riverview.

The Church Street Inn Historic Charleston, an Ascend Collection Hotel, has an impressive 9.2 rating. It is situated in a historical district and offers suites with kitchen facilities. Guests frequently praise its superb location, super friendly and helpful staff, and clean, quiet rooms.

Another great option is the Homewood Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District, rated 8.8. This hotel provides spacious, clean rooms with full kitchens and offers complimentary breakfast, including a buffet, and free grocery shopping service. Customers consistently highlight the friendly staff and fantastic breakfast.

Hampton Inn Charleston - Daniel Island, with a 9.0 rating, features rooms with kitchenettes. Reviewers often praise the excellent and friendly staff, comfortable and clean rooms, and the excellent complimentary breakfast. Its location is described as nice and quiet.

King 583, rated 9.0, offers rooms with kitchenettes and free WiFi. It provides various parking options, including accessible parking and valet parking.

Finally, the Residence Inn Charleston Riverview, rated 8.6, provides spacious rooms with full kitchens and a complimentary full breakfast.

Question 9

Which cheap hotels in Charleston have good reviews for customer service?

Accepted Answer

For affordable hotels in Charleston with great customer service, travellers often praise 20 South Battery, Home2 Suites by Hilton Charleston West Ashley, and Barksdale House Inn.

The 20 South Battery, with an outstanding 9.8 rating, is frequently highlighted by guests for its absolutely amazing staff. It also offers valuable amenities like free WiFi, free self-parking, and complimentary continental breakfast.

Another excellent choice is the Home2 Suites by Hilton Charleston West Ashley, rated 9.4. Reviewers consistently mention the friendly and considerate front desk staff and great customer service. Guests will appreciate the free breakfast, free WiFi, and free self-parking.

The Barksdale House Inn, also rated 9.4, receives high marks for its excellent service and super friendly, wonderful staff.

Question 10

Are there any cheap hotels in Charleston that allow for late check-out or early check-in?

Accepted Answer

Yes, several budget-friendly hotels in Charleston offer flexibility for late check-out or early check-in.

The Home2 Suites by Hilton Charleston West Ashley, with an excellent 9.4 rating, is a great option as it allows for late check-out. Guests consistently praise its clean, big rooms and fantastic, good breakfast, which is provided free of charge. The staff are described as friendly and considerate, and the location is considered great.

Another excellent choice is The Inn At Middleton Place, a hotel boasting a 9.0 rating. This hotel offers both early check-in and late check-out options. Reviewers frequently highlight the comfortable, clean rooms, the friendly staff, and the amazing, excellent free breakfast. The location is often described as perfect.

The Hampton Inn Charleston - Daniel Island, rated 9.0, also accommodates early check-in. Guests consistently praise the excellent, friendly staff, comfortable, clean rooms, and excellent breakfast. The location is noted as nice and quiet.

For those prioritising late check-out, the 20 South Battery, with an outstanding 9.8 rating, is a superb choice. This hotel receives rave reviews for its absolutely amazing staff, superb and quiet rooms, and wonderful, delicious free breakfast. The location is described as absolutely beautiful and great.

Finally, the DoubleTree by Hilton Charleston Riverview, rated 8.6, also offers late check-out. Reviewers appreciate its nice, clean rooms, friendly and helpful staff, and great location.

Question 11

What free activities should we do in Charleston?

Accepted Answer

Charleston, South Carolina, offers a wealth of free activities great for budget-conscious travellers, allowing you to immerse yourselves in its charm without spending a penny. You'll find plenty to do, from exploring historic streets to enjoying scenic waterfront views.

For couples, a romantic and free experience is simply wandering the historic streets of the French Quarter and South of Broad. These areas are renowned for their stunning architecture, cobblestone alleys, and colourful historic-era homes. You can stroll hand-in-hand, admiring the intricate ironwork and hidden gardens, feeling the city's rich history come alive around you. Another delightful option is a walk along The Battery, a picturesque promenade and park at the city's southern tip, offering breathtaking views of Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter. It's an ideal spot for a sunset picnic or simply enjoying the sea breeze.

Solo travellers will also find much to enjoy. The Charleston City Market, while offering items for purchase, is free to browse and provides a lively option great for people-watching and soaking in local culture. You can spend an hour or two observing artisans at work and listening to street performers. Additionally, many art galleries in the historic district welcome visitors to browse their collections without charge, offering a quiet cultural escape. For a bit of nature, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge has a pedestrian walkway offering panoramic views of the city and harbour, great for a brisk walk or jog.

Question 12

Can I cancel my budget hotel reservation on Expedia?

Accepted Answer

Many Expedia hotel reservations are refundable, provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline. This is often within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use Expedia's "Fully refundable property" filter during your search to find the right budget hotel in Charleston for you.

Question 13

How can I save on a budget hotel in Charleston with Expedia?

Accepted Answer

There are plenty of ways to save on a budget hotel in Charleston. Join One Key™, our free travel rewards program, to unlock Member Prices across a range of hotels. Typically, booking in advance will help you save on hotel bookings. If you're feeling spontaneous, be sure to check for last-minute deals.

Question 14

How much does a budget hotel in Charleston cost?

Accepted Answer

Budget hotel prices in Charleston vary, but you can find a great deal from AU$130 on Expedia. To find the cheapest budget hotels, be flexible with your dates—typically, off-peak and mid-week stays are cheaper. Stretch your budget further by looking for hotels with free breakfast, free parking or free airport shuttles. Sort your search results by "Price: low to high" to see our lowest rates.

Question 15

Is it cheaper to book a Charleston hotel and flight package?

Accepted Answer

Booking a hotel and flight package on Expedia can be cheaper than booking flights and hotels separately. Bundling can lead to significant savings, especially for international travel or when booking well in advance. However, savings vary depending on factors like destination, travel dates, and availability, so it’s wise to compare options. With access to over 300,000 hotels worldwide, Expedia makes it easy to build the perfect travel package.

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Our top choices for Charleston cheap hotels

1. 360 King

2. The Loutrel

3. French Quarter Inn

4. 86 Cannon Charleston - Adults Only

5. Hilton Club Liberty Place Charleston

6. Jonathan Jasper Wright Inn

7. The Nickel Hotel

8. HarbourView Inn

9. The Pinch Hotel

10. Beautiful Renovated Apartment Near King Street

11. Zero George Street

12. The Iris Charleston

13. The Spectator Hotel

14. 20 South Battery

15. The Cooper

16. The Dewberry Charleston

17. The Restoration

18. Andrew Pinckney Inn

19. Hotel Richemont

20. The Charleston Place

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