Charleston is tricky. You think you've booked a spot near the water, but suddenly you're staring at a highway off-ramp or realizing the "historic" part of town is a twenty-minute Uber ride away. If you are looking for a Marriott hotel in Charleston, you aren't just looking for a bed. You’re trying to navigate a city where the geography is as dense as the she-crab soup.
Most people just click the first thing that pops up on the Bonvoy app. Big mistake. Charleston isn't a "one size fits all" kind of town. The vibe at the waterfront is lightyears away from the collegiate energy near the Citadel or the sleek, corporate feel of North Charleston. You've got to be strategic.
The Reality of Staying at the Charleston Marriott on Lockwood
Let's talk about the big one first. The Charleston Marriott on Lockwood Boulevard is a bit of a local landmark, but not for the reasons you might think. It sits right on the Ashley River. If you get a room on a high floor facing west, the sunsets are basically a religious experience. You see the water, the boats, and the marsh stretching out toward James Island.
But here is the catch. It’s not in the French Quarter.
You aren't walking out the front door and onto cobblestones. You're walking out to a parking lot and a busy road. It is a solid, reliable, full-service hotel with a great rooftop bar called Aqua Terrace, but it's a "shuttle or Uber" situation if you want to see the Rainbow Row. Honestly, it’s a killer choice for business travelers or people who want a pool that actually feels like a resort pool, but don't go in expecting to walk to Husk for dinner.
The rooms here are what you'd expect from a renovated Marriott. Clean. Modern. Standard. But the real value is the easy access to the Joe Riley Waterfront Park (not to be confused with the other Waterfront Park downtown) where the RiverDogs play baseball. It feels like a different side of the city.
When Boutique is Actually Better: The Grand Bohemian
If you have the points or the budget, the Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston, Autograph Collection is the weird, artsy cousin of the family. It’s located on Wentworth Street. It’s right in the thick of it.
This isn't your grandfather’s Marriott.
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The lobby is filled with vibrant art, eccentric furniture, and a literal art gallery. It feels more like a curated museum than a hotel. The rooftop restaurant, Élevé, is usually packed with locals and tourists alike because the view of the steeples is unmatched. You’re steps away from King Street shopping. If you want to feel like you’re actually in Charleston—not just visiting it—this is the play.
The downside? It can be loud. It’s a busy corner. The rooms are a bit darker and moodier than a standard hotel, which some people find cozy and others find a bit much. But for a romantic weekend? It wins. No contest.
The Courtyard and Residence Inn "Double Team"
Down by the Riley Waterfront Park, there’s this interesting cluster where a Courtyard by Marriott and a Residence Inn basically share a footprint. This is the secret weapon for families.
- The Residence Inn Charleston Riverview is great because of the kitchens. You're in Charleston; you're going to have leftovers. You'll go to Lewis BBQ and realize you bought three pounds of brisket and can't finish it. Having a fridge and a microwave matters.
- The Courtyard Charleston Historic District is a different beast entirely. It’s located right on Calhoun Street, next to Marion Square.
Let's pause on that Courtyard for a second. Most Courtyards feel like they belong at an airport. This one doesn't. It’s across from the Gaillard Center and right next to the Saturday Farmers Market. If you stay here, you are basically at the nexus of the "real" Charleston and the tourist Charleston. You can walk to the College of Charleston campus in three minutes.
North Charleston vs. Downtown: The Price Gap
Look, Charleston is expensive. It’s "San Francisco in the South" expensive. If the rates downtown are hitting $500 a night—which they do, frequently—you start looking at North Charleston.
The North Charleston Marriott is near the Coliseum and the Performing Arts Center. It’s a nice hotel. It’s got a great lounge. But you’re twenty minutes (or forty minutes in traffic) from the Battery. If you’re here for a concert or a Boeing meeting, stay here. If you’re here for your 10th anniversary, you’ll regret the commute.
The traffic on I-26 is no joke. It's a bottleneck that can ruin a dinner reservation faster than a sudden summer thunderstorm.
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Renaissance Charleston Historic District: The Sweet Spot?
There’s a Renaissance on Wentworth that often gets overlooked because it’s tucked away. It’s probably the most "Charleston" feeling of the bunch without being as over-the-top as the Grand Bohemian.
The decor leans into the local culture—haint blue ceilings, wrought iron details, and plenty of Southern hospitality tropes that actually feel genuine here. It’s remarkably quiet despite being a block off King Street. If you want a Marriott hotel in Charleston that balances luxury with a sense of place, this is usually my top recommendation for friends.
What Most People Get Wrong About Parking
Regardless of which Marriott you pick, parking is going to be a headache.
Most of the downtown properties charge $30 to $50 a night for valet. It’s a gut punch. Before you book, check if there’s a city-run garage nearby. For example, staying near Marion Square often means you can park in a municipal deck for half the price of the hotel’s valet service.
Also, Charleston is a walking city. If you stay at the Renaissance or the Grand Bohemian, you might not even need a car. Renting one just to have it sit in a garage for three days is a waste of money. Use the money you saved on parking to buy an extra round of oysters at The Ordinary.
The Secret of the Westview Suites
Many travelers don't realize that the Residence Inn Charleston Historic District (on St. Philip Street) offers some of the best square footage for the price. It’s built into a historic-looking brick facade that blends into the neighborhood.
It feels more like an apartment. If you’re staying for more than three days, the cramped feel of a standard hotel room starts to grate on you. Having a separate living area makes a massive difference, especially if one person wakes up early to work and the other wants to sleep in after too many Madeira cocktails the night before.
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Logistics and the "Bonvoy" Factor
If you’re chasing status, the Charleston Marriott (Lockwood) and the North Charleston Marriott are your best bets for lounge access. The M Lounges at these locations are usually well-stocked and offer a decent breakfast.
The "lifestyle" brands like Autograph Collection or Renaissance don't always have traditional lounges. They might give you a breakfast credit instead. In a city with food as good as Charleston's, a breakfast credit is often better anyway. Why eat a lukewarm powdered egg in a lounge when you can walk to Miller’s All Day for the best biscuits of your life?
Actionable Advice for Your Booking
Don't just book on the website and forget it. Charleston is a high-demand market.
- Check the Cruise Schedule: If a big ship is in port, the downtown hotels get slammed. Try to time your visit for mid-week if you want the best service.
- Call the Front Desk: Ask about construction. Charleston is constantly evolving, and nothing ruins a vacation like a jackhammer outside your window at 7:00 AM.
- Map Your Must-Eats: If your "must-visit" restaurant list is all in the Upper King area, stay at the Courtyard or the Hyatt House (if you're straying from Marriott). If you want the historic tours and the harbor, look toward the Renaissance.
- The Summer Humidity is Real: If you stay at the Marriott on Lockwood, that river breeze is a lifesaver in July. The inland streets of the French Quarter can feel like a literal sauna.
Staying at a Marriott hotel in Charleston gives you a safety net of quality, but the "where" matters more than the "what." Pick the neighborhood that matches your walking endurance. If you hate walking, go with the Grand Bohemian. If you want a view and don't mind a short drive, go with the Marriott on Lockwood. Just don't expect a quiet, sleepy town—Charleston is buzzing, and your hotel choice determines whether you're in the heart of the hum or just listening to it from a distance.
If you’re planning to visit during Spoleto Festival in the spring, book your room at least six months in advance. The city sells out completely, and prices for even the basic Courtyard properties will skyrocket. For the best value, look at the "shoulder seasons" in late October or early March. The weather is perfect, and you won't have to fight a thousand people for a photo of a pineapple fountain.
Final thought: check the "Destination Fee." Many of the downtown Marriotts have added a daily fee that includes things like bike rentals or historical tours. Make sure you actually use those perks to get your money's worth. Otherwise, it's just a hidden tax on your stay.