The Dock Street Theatre is Charleston's last surviving hotel from the antebellum period. The silhouette of its wrought iron balcony against the spire of St. Philip's church may be the single most photographed spot in the city. The main portion of the building was constructed around 1809 as Planter's Hotel. The hotel was built by Alexander Calder and his wife, who did so by renovating several pre-existing buildings at the site. The main entrance may not have been built until 1855 by J.W. Gamble.

The hotel was used extensively by planters from the midlands of South Carolina, who traveled to Charleston during horse-racing season. It was noted for its wonderful food and drinks during this era, and the South's famous Planter's Punch may have originated here. Guests to the hotel passed through the recessed porch with brownstone columns, into the lobby, and up a grand staircase that ascended to a drawing room. While much of the interior has been altered, these elements of the antebellum hotel remain and were adapted in subsequent uses of the building. A series of additions to the hotel throughout the 19th and 20th centuries can be easily identified by differences in brick coloration.

This theater is said to have been the first building built specifically for theatrical performances in America. Planter's Hotel occasionally housed one of the city's theatrical troupes, which performed at the nearby New Theatre during the mid-19th century. The most notable actor of this troupe was Junius Brutus Booth. Booth was the patriarch of an outstanding family of actors, which included John Wilkes Booth, President Lincoln's assassin. Junius Booth, who stayed at the Planter's Hotel, allegedly tried to kill his manager here in 1838. Today the Dock Street Theatre is home to the Charleston Stage Company, South Carolina's largest professional theater production company, and houses the city's Cultural Affairs office as well as The City Gallery, an exhibition space for local artists.

Top Hotels Near Dock Street Theater in Charleston from AU$346

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Accommodation near Dock Street Theater

The Loutrel

French Quarter, 0.3 km from Dock Street Theater

Lauren

French Quarter Inn

French Quarter, 0.3 km from Dock Street Theater

Rosanna

HarbourView Inn

French Quarter, 0.4 km from Dock Street Theater

Tracy

The Spectator Hotel

French Quarter, 0.3 km from Dock Street Theater

Jonathan

20 South Battery

South of Broad, 0.9 km from Dock Street Theater

Russell

includes taxes & fees

16 Nov - 17 Nov

The Pinch Hotel

King Street, 0.9 km from Dock Street Theater

Paul

includes taxes & fees

17 Nov - 18 Nov

The Nickel Hotel

King Street, 1.7 km from Dock Street Theater

Rachel

includes taxes & fees

16 Nov - 17 Nov

The Iris Charleston

Cannonborough Elliotborough, 2.3 km from Dock Street Theater

nathan

includes taxes & fees

30 Nov - 1 Dec

Andrew Pinckney Inn

Ansonborough, 0.5 km from Dock Street Theater

Kerry

Breakfast, dinner served; American cuisine, garden views

Planters Inn

Ansonborough, 0.4 km from Dock Street Theater

Anthony

includes taxes & fees

30 Nov - 1 Dec

The Charleston Place

Charleston Historic District, 0.4 km from Dock Street Theater

Richard

Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, pillow-top beds, minibar

The Restoration

King Street, 0.7 km from Dock Street Theater

Kelly

includes taxes & fees

1 Dec - 2 Dec

The Dewberry Charleston

Ansonborough, 1.2 km from Dock Street Theater

Alexandria

includes taxes & fees

30 Nov - 1 Dec

Outdoor pool, pool cabanas (surcharge), pool umbrellas

Hotel Bennett

King Street, 1.2 km from Dock Street Theater

James

includes taxes & fees

30 Nov - 1 Dec

Luxurious Private Suites in Downtown Charleston

Cannonborough Elliotborough, 2.4 km from Dock Street Theater

Anna

includes taxes & fees

12 Nov - 13 Nov

Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, pillow-top beds, in-room safe

The Vendue

French Quarter, 0.3 km from Dock Street Theater

Craig

includes taxes & fees

13 Nov - 14 Nov

Indigo Inn

Ansonborough, 0.5 km from Dock Street Theater

Jessica

Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton

Charleston Historic District, 0.2 km from Dock Street Theater

Emilio

includes taxes & fees

7 Dec - 8 Dec

Emeline

Ansonborough, 0.4 km from Dock Street Theater

Jennifer

includes taxes & fees

1 Dec - 2 Dec

The Palmetto Hotel

French Quarter, 0.3 km from Dock Street Theater

Steffonie

includes taxes & fees

23 Nov - 24 Nov

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Top Dock Street Theater Hotel Reviews

Andrew Pinckney Inn

10/10 Excellent

"This is a lovely property with a nice staff. The breakfast has a lot of hot and cold options, and our room was big and quiet. The location is walkable to many restaurants and activities. Overall, very happy with the evening we spent at the Andrew Pinckney. "

Hotels near other Dock Street Theater attractions

Pink House Gallery

You can browse the exhibits at Pink House Gallery, a museum with a storied past, during your holiday in Charleston. Add the area's churches or shops to your travel plans.

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Old Slave Mart Museum

You can browse the exhibits at Old Slave Mart Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Charleston. Discover the area's churches or seek out its local tours.

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Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around Dock Street Theater?

Dock Street Theater is located in a historic area of Charleston known for its bar scene and array of dining options. If you're looking for a convenient place to stay, take a look at the 309 hotels and other accommodation options you'll find within a mile.

What's the best hotel to stay close to Dock Street Theater?

Adjacent to Dock Street Theater, Emeline is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveller data, and this hotel offers a restaurant and a fitness centre. Other good choices close by include The Francis Marion Hotel and The Vendue.

How many hotels will I be able to find close to Dock Street Theater?

Expedia has 309 hotels and other accommodation options within a mile from Dock Street Theater.

If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Dock Street Theater, will I receive a refund?

Yes! The majority of hotel reservations are fully refundable provided that you cancel prior to the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which often is within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. If your reservation is non-refundable, you might be able to still cancel and be given a refund within 24 hours of your booking. Put your dates in and click on "Search", then you can filter by "fully refundable" to view the top deals on offer near Dock Street Theater.

What can I see and do near Dock Street Theater?

Gibbes Museum of Art, International African American Museum and Charleston Museum feature captivating exhibits. Pink House Gallery, Charleston City Market and Rainbow Row are some of the notable landmarks to see in the area. You can catch a show at Charleston Gaillard Center, Charleston Music Hall and Music Farm.

Top Hotels Near Dock Street Theater in Charleston from AU$346

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Accommodation near Dock Street Theater

The Loutrel

French Quarter Inn

HarbourView Inn

The Spectator Hotel

20 South Battery

The Pinch Hotel

The Nickel Hotel

The Iris Charleston

Andrew Pinckney Inn

Planters Inn

The Charleston Place

The Restoration

The Dewberry Charleston

Hotel Bennett

Luxurious Private Suites in Downtown Charleston

The Vendue

Indigo Inn

Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton

Emeline

The Palmetto Hotel

Top Dock Street Theater Hotel Reviews

Andrew Pinckney Inn

Hotels near other Dock Street Theater attractions

Pink House Gallery

Old Slave Mart Museum

Frequently asked questions