French Quarter Inn — Hotel in Charleston

My family and I recently stayed at the French Quarter Inn in Charleston, SC, and I can confidently say it was nothing short of perfection. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this hotel is in a league of its own, surpassing many 5-star hotels I’ve experienced. I genuinely believe it’s time for the French Quarter Inn to be evaluated for an additional star, as their 4-star rating doesn’t do justice to the exceptional service, amenities, and overall experience they provide. Our stay coincided with my son’s birthday, and the staff went above and beyond to make it one of the most memorable days of his life. It all started with Theresa, who handled our reservations with incredible care and thoughtfulness. She made a special note about my son’s birthday, ensuring the team was ready to make it extraordinary. When we arrived, the bellmen were prompt, kind, and genuinely welcoming, setting the tone for our stay as they assisted us inside. Checking in was an absolute delight, thanks to Ms. Kim, Carson, and their wonderful team. They greeted us with warm smiles and, to my son’s utter surprise, burst into a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday.” He was shocked and thrilled that they knew it was his special day! They had balloons set up for him in our room along with a gift bag, hand written card, and a cake with candles awaiting our arrival. Truly fantastic! This thoughtful gesture was just the beginning of the magic. Theresa, Kim, Carson, and the entire staff brought an infectious energy and genuine joy to their work, creating an atmosphere that felt like home, but better. Finding such authentically happy people who love their jobs and care about their guests is a rare treasure, and their care and professionalism made our stay truly unforgettable. The hotel itself is impeccable, with every detail thoughtfully defined. The location is perfect, placing you within walking distance of Charleston’s best restaurants, bars, and various side adventures. Whether you’re exploring the historic streets or seeking a fun “side quest,” you couldn’t ask for a better home base. And let’s talk about the breakfast—it was beyond incredible! The spread was delicious, varied, and beautifully presented, making mornings a highlight of our trip. The amenities, from the cozy yet luxurious rooms to the inviting common areas, were top-notch, rivaling the finest hotels we’ve stayed in. But what truly sets the French Quarter Inn apart is the staff. Their dedication to creating a personalized, joyful experience is priceless, and it’s clear they take pride in making every guest feel special. Thank you, Theresa, Kim, Carson, and the entire French Quarter Inn family, for crafting such a remarkable and memorable stay. We can’t wait to return and experience your hospitality again soon! This is a place where memories are made, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone visiting Charleston. Five stars aren’t enough for this...

Beautiful hotel with many amenities in the heart of Charleston. The market is next door so you can easily visit the fanciest flea market in town. Most everything in the uptown area is within walking distance. While the hotel is very nice... it tends to disappoint occasionally once the “shiny newness” wears off. We arrived on a Tuesday and left on Saturday. We enjoyed the stay... but I’ll be upfront about some of the minor flaws in the finish. I’ll add the fact this was our 15th anniversary trip and something we are NOT accustomed to. We rarely stay in hotels of this caliber. Check In is nice. You have valet parking and they will take your bags up to your room. Skipping the $32 a day valet parking isn’t an option. You might be able to find a parking lot within walking distance which is cheaper... but then you would have to walk to get your car each time you needed it. Still... if you are mostly visiting the uptown area, that might be worth the effort. wine and Cheese is served at 5:30p in the lobby. Sometimes it is served by a waiter who pours the wine and come by the tables to check on guests. Sometimes it’s just laid out on the table. Sometimes the selection is downright amazing. Sometimes it’s just some cheese and inexpensive wine. It’s very nice... but the inconsistency is a tad off putting. Milk and cookies are served at 8:30p. Again... sometimes it’s a really nice selection with accompanying coffee. Sometimes the coffee is missing. Sometimes there is a pastry too. Sometimes the coffee is there but it’s leftover from earlier and cold. The inconsistency again prevails if you spend a few nights at one of the most expensive hotels in Charleston. The rooms are beautiful. At least ours was. We had a nice view (as nice as you can get in a downtown. We could see St Phillips from our room. Coffee is available on each floor in the mornings. It’s supposedly available from 6:00am-12::00pm. In my experience it was cold or gone by 8:30am. Today there wasn’t creamer or milk (my wife uses the stuff). Maid service was on point. The room was perfect everyday. The towels were fresh. The turndown service is nice with a few chocolates delivered to the room and the bed made ready for you. The management sent a bottle of champagne up to the room for our anniversary. That was a very thoughtful act and shows they really pay attention to their guests. Overall the experience was great and I’m happy to give a 4 star rating. I’m holding off on the 5th star because I think there could be improvements. Some of the features fall flat due to inconsistency and that means there is room for improvement. We will probably consider the French Quarter Inn for our 20th...

Everything about this place exudes charm. You get that impression in the friendliness of the staff, through the complimentary snacks every evening, and so many other features - after all, how many places have you been that have their own pillow concierge?

My folks and I arrived here on Tuesday and each of us had an exceptional experience. After checking in at the desk and receiving complimentary champagne, we made our way to our rooms and took in the accommodations. The rooms are spacious and my folks' suite overlooked the market behind the hotel. Given the plentiful activity happening on the street, there was plenty to look at for those moments when they sat out on their patio.

And hey, while we're on the subject of location, the French Quarter Inn could not be more conveniently located. Charleston is a very walking-friendly town and you're in such close proximity to many touristy things by staying here. They also have bikes you can rent but being that I am built for comfort and not speed, I opted to stroll the town in my Air Force 1s.

But while the rooms are fantastic and the location cannot be beat, it's truly the staff and service that elevate this hotel to a rarified status in my mind. Everyone, from the valet to the housekeeping staff brings their "A" game on a daily basis. And that's tough to do in the service industry because, well, us tourists can be a high-maintenance bunch.

Yet everyone here fostered an atmosphere that felt like we'd been hanging out here for years and not, you know, a handful of days. You get used to seeing familiar faces over the days you spend here and whether it was the front desk team or the bartender (shout out to Ruta for her impeccable engagement and ability to juggle multiple requests), the staff here could not be more polished and attentive.

Which is great because the daily service features are in a class by themselves. Breakfast is available daily direct to your room and between the three of us, I think we exhausted all of the available options - spoiler alert: they were all tasty. Mid-afternoon wine and cheese is offered in the lobby area, too, but the showstopper would be the cookies and milk available every night. These "little" gestures (and truthfully, they're not "little" at all) add up to big impressions and I challenge you to find another hotel out there that excels at this kind of inviting atmosphere.

All in all, French Quarter Inn should be an essential destination for anyone visiting the area. You'll be able to sleep well staying here knowing you're in exceptional care. (And also because the pillow concierge will assist you with finding the best...