Featured Family Hotel: The Iconic Belmond Charleston Place
The Belmond Charleston Place is one of my favorite hotels, located right in the heart of historic downtown Charleston, it is consistently honored as one of the “World’s Best Hotels” by Travel + Leisure.
The Grand Lobby at Belmond Charleston Place
From the moment you arrive, you will experience true Southern Hospitality at its finest.
It is an ideal hotel for families and the perfect jumping off point to explore all of the history and charm Charleston has to offer.
We stayed here for a little over a week last summer, before we decided to pull the plug on California and make Charleston our new home, and we loved it!
Belmond Charleston Place Lobby
From its classic Southern ambiance, proximity to the areas best sights, shopping, and restaurants, to its fabulous rooftop pool and spa, your entire family will love staying here.
You can even bring Fido!
Horse Fountain at Belmond Charleston Place
All of the fountains and gardens in Charleston are sure to delight young and old alike. My kids loved counting all the fountains they discovered as we explored downtown.
One of the many lovely fountains in Charleston
Another fun activity is to see how many churches or steeples you can find during your meanderings of the Holy City.
St. Philip’s Church, Charleston, South Carolina
Why We Love It For Families:
The Pool
If you’re visiting Charleston during the summer months with kids, a pool is a must! The Belmond’s rooftop saltwater infinity pool with a retractable roof is the perfect place to cool off on a sultry summer afternoon in Charleston, or just for the kids to burn off some energy. There’s also a hot tub, indoor and outdoor lounge areas, and a rooftop bar to grab a cocktail or Shirley Temple and enjoy great views of historic King Street below.
Rooftop Pool at The Belmond Charleston Place
The Location
Ideally located in the heart of downtown, you walk outside the gates to this hotel and are immediately immersed in all of the charm that is Charleston. From antebellum mansions, classic Charleston single homes, cobblestone streets, hidden gardens, parks, and alleyways, you’ll discover something new and beautiful around every corner.
Philadelphia Alley in Charleston, South Carolina
A Magnificent Charleston Garden
Another Magical Garden in Charleston
The Historic Homes of Charleston
The hotel is just steps away from historical markets, the famed “Rainbow Row” of colorful homes that line The Battery, and the many great boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, historic homes, and museums in downtown Charleston.
Charleston City Market
Traditional Sweetgrass Baskets at the Charleston City Market
Rainbow Row in Charleston, South Carolina
The Battery’s Waterfront Homes
Noteworthy:
Club Level
Located on the top two floors of the hotel, the private Club Lounge amenities include all day complimentary beverage service, deluxe continental breakfast, afternoon tea, evening cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and after dinner cordials with desserts.
Club Lounge
Full-Service Spa
Right near the pool, is the hotel’s award-winning, full-service spa that includes a sauna, jacuzzi, steam room, and full treatment menu.
The Spa on the 4th Floor
The Shopping
You don’t have to venture far from your room to find some of the best shopping in Charleston. The Shops at Belmond Charleston Place feature a number of world-class boutiques including Louis Vuitton and Gucci. If the shops at the hotel aren’t enough, continue along King Street and explore the wonderful boutiques Charleston has to offer.
Parking
If you have a car with you, you can avoid the valet and self-park in the nearby garage if you prefer.
Exploring Beyond
Start your trip off with a private carriage ride through the historic district. This way, you can talk to your guide and personalize the tour rather than having no choice in your route if you take one of the group tours. *Hot Tip: If you’re visiting in summer, book a morning ride before it gets too hot, or take the tour just before dinner and arrive in style by having the carriage drop you at the restaurant. (I always recommend dinner reservations in Charleston)
Private Carriage Ride
It’s easy to arrange tours to the areas many historic sights. Just talk to the concierge if you want to see some of the area’s plantations, Fort Sumter, or other Civil-War-era points of interest. *If you’re planning an all-day outing, request a picnic lunch from the concierge ahead of time.
The Beaches
Charleston area beaches are beautiful year-round, and there are distinctly different vibes at each one of them. They’re a great way to spend a day with the kids!
Golf
There is no shortage of amazing golf courses around Charleston. You can be playing on a PGA ocean view course within 30 minutes of leaving Belmond Charleston Place.
Business Center
If you have to get some work done while you’re visiting, theres a great business center at the hotel, and wifi is everywhere in Charleston, even in many of the public parks!
Getting Around
While you can easily walk around Charleston, and it is really fun to just get lost downtown, it is also a great area to bike in. You can grab a bike at a number of locations around town, thanks to HolySpokes, Charleston’s bike share. But if you have kids with you, ask the concierge to arrange rentals from a local shop that will better suit your family’s needs.
Holy Spokes Bike Share
Accommodations:
The charming Belmond Charleston Place has 434 luxuriously appointed rooms and suites, all comfortably furnished and featuring modern touches.
Deluxe Double Room
All the rooms and suites have beautiful Italian marble bathrooms. Some feature both a walk-in rain shower, soaking tub with shower, or both. I have to admit, beautiful hotel bathrooms are a weakness of mine, and this one ticked all the boxes!
Italian Marble Bathrooms
If you’re traveling as a family, I highly recommend staying in one of their suites, they are super-spacious and can be connected to accommodate larger families or groups.
Luxury Premier Suite Dining Area
All rooms come equipped with a mini-fridge, which makes keeping snacks on hand for little ones so much easier!
Some suites have dining areas, which is great for families when ordering up room service or just grabbing takeout from one of the great restaurants nearby.
Suite with Balcony
Depending on your suite, you will enjoy a lovely city view or a charming Juliet balcony.
Suites also feature pull-out Tempur-Pedic sofa beds which are great for kids, plus they’re super comfy. The nightly turndown service will make them up for you each night.
The Rooms
Deluxe Rooms- king or 2 doubles on the 2nd-4th floors
Premier Rooms- king or 2 doubles on the 5th and 6th floors, nightly turndown service, and upgraded bath amenities
Premier King Balcony- king bed and a charming Juliet balcony
Junior Suites- features a king bed and a Tempur-Pedic pull-out sofa
One Bedroom Suites- separate living room with pull-out Temur-Pedic sofa and king bedroom with its own flat screen tv (also available on Club Level)
One Bedroom Corner Suites- also have a 4 person dining table
Club Rooms- top 2 floors with stunning views, exclusive access to the Club Lounge where you can enjoy all day complimentary food and beverage service, including continental breakfast, afternoon tea, evening hors d’ oeuvres and desserts
Luxury Premier Suites- extra spacious suites with 2 bathrooms, two, a living area with two couches and an 8-seat dining table. (Can connect for a two-bedroom suite)
Presidential Suites- the ultimate suites feature a 6-seat dining table, sitting area with sofa bed, and large bedroom with a Signature Belmond walk-in closet and dressing room
We stayed in one of their one-bedroom corner suites, and it was perfect for our family! It had a private bedroom with a king bed for us parents, and our kids are still young enough that they were ok with sharing the plush sofa bed that was pulled out for us during the nightly turndown service. The suite also had a mini fridge, a dining table, and they even brought us a high chair for us to use during our stay.
Our Suite’s Master Bedroom
Eat & Drink:
The Palmetto Cafe
Start your day off with a tasty breakfast or brunch at The Palmetto Cafe. If the weather is nice, the courtyard is perfect for al fresco dining. *Try the Palmetto Omelette with lump crab and lobster knuckles
The Palmetto Cafe Courtyard
Hours: Breakfast: 6:30-10:30am Lunch: 11:30am-3pm Saturday Brunch: 8am-noon Sunday Brunch: 8am-1:30pm
*My clients get a full daily breakfast for 2, served in the restaurant
The Community Perk Coffee House
Community Perk Cafe off The Main Lobby
This little coffee shop just off the main lobby opens early and is the perfect spot to grab your morning coffee. They also have a selection of pastries and baked goodies that are great for tiding kids over until everyone is ready to go to breakfast, or if you just want to grab a quick bite and be on your way. *One of my favorite local coffee joints is located just across the street from the hotel. It’s a cool little spot, with great coffee and almond milk lattes, tasty bites, free wifi, and sometimes you can catch live music. If you like to steer clear of the Starbucks of the world, try City Lights Coffee at 141 N. Market St.
The Charleston Grill
Set the youngsters up with a sitter and head to the Charleston Grill for a great dinner complete with live jazz. This Four-Star restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Charleston, serving up delicious Southern specialties and boasting an impressive wine list.
*You can’t go wrong with their tasting menu with caviar and wine pairing
Charleston Grill
Hours: Dinner: 5:30-10pm Bar Opens at 5
Meeting at Market
For a more casual meal, or to catch a sports game, head to Meeting at Market for some gourmet pub fare.
Meeting at Market
Hours: M-F: noon-midnight Weekends: 11am-midnight *Extended hours for certain sports games/events
Thoroughbred Club
For great drinks and tapas-style bites, the Thoroughbred Club, just off the main lobby is the perfect spot. You can stop in and enjoy an afternoon tea, julep, or order a glass of my personal fave- Veuve Cliquot. They also serve up great live entertainment in the evenings.
Chantilly at the Thoroughbred Club Raspberry Vodka, Blood Orange Liquor, Cranberry, Pineapple, Citrus
Snack & Drinks at The Thoroughbred Club
Open 11am-midnight 7 days a week
Clocktower Terrace
This rooftop bar is the perfect place to grab a poolside bite or enjoy a cocktail while taking in the great views of historic King Street.
The Rooftop Clocktower Terrace
Hours: M-F: noon-dusk Weekends: 11am-dusk *weather permitting
Hotel Amenities:
24-hour concierge
24-hour room service
Restaurants/Bars
Spa
Indoor Heated Pool and Hot Tub
Spa
Fitness Facilities
Babysitting Services *they’ll recommend local services
Pet-Friendly
Meeting Facilities
Event Space
When You Book With Alair Travel you Get Exclusive Perks, Such As:
Room upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Full breakfast daily for up to 2 in-room guests, served in the restaurant
$100 USD Food & Beverage credit
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
A Warm Southern-Style Welcome!
Getting There:
The Belmond Charleston Place 205 Meeting Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29401 +1 843-722-4900 12.5 miles from the airport (CHS)
*Airport & Private Transfers Available
Contact Chelsea to book your stay at the iconic Belmond Charleston Place today and start planning a memorable trip to Charleston, South Carolina.
If you’re looking a great place to take your kids to burn off some energy check out The Best Parks & Playgrounds in Downtown Charleston, South Carolina
If it’s really hot or raining during your visit to Charleston, check out 5 Things for Families to do on a Rainy Day in Charleston.
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