86 Cannon: A Historic Charleston Hotel in the Heart of the District

What 86 Cannon offers

86 Cannon is a boutique hotel located at 86 Cannon Street in Charleston's historic French Quarter, steps from restaurants, galleries, and the waterfront. The property occupies a restored 19th-century building and operates as a small, independently owned hotel rather than a chain property. Rooms range from standard accommodations to suites, many with exposed brick, high ceilings, and period details that reflect the building's age and character.

The hotel does not operate a full-service restaurant on-site, but its location puts you within a short walk of dozens of dining options along King Street, East Bay Street, and the surrounding neighborhood. The French Quarter itself—the area bounded roughly by Broad, East Bay, Calhoun, and King Streets—is one of Charleston's oldest residential and commercial districts, with a mix of galleries, boutiques, and historic homes dating to the 1700s and 1800s.

Key Takeaways

• 86 Cannon is a small, independent boutique hotel in a restored 19th-century building on Cannon Street in Charleston's French Quarter.
• Rooms feature period details like exposed brick and high ceilings, with options ranging from standard rooms to suites.
• The hotel has no on-site restaurant, but the location offers immediate access to King Street shops, East Bay galleries, and neighborhood restaurants.
• Parking is available but limited; street parking and nearby paid lots are the primary options in this dense historic district.
• The French Quarter location means proximity to Fort Sumter ferry access, the Waterfront Park, and walking distance to most downtown attractions.

Room types and what to expect

86 Cannon offers a range of room configurations, though the exact inventory changes seasonally. Standard rooms are typically smaller, reflecting the constraints of a historic building, while suites provide more space and often include separate living areas. Many rooms retain original architectural elements—exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, and tall windows—that give the space character but also mean less standardization than a modern chain hotel.

Because the building is historic and not purpose-built as a hotel, room layouts vary. Some rooms may have quirks common to older structures: uneven floors, lower doorways in certain areas, or windows that face interior courtyards rather than the street. If you have specific needs—ground-floor access, a particular view, or accessibility requirements—contacting the hotel directly before booking is worth the effort, as staff can match you to the right room rather than assigning one at check-in.

Location within the French Quarter

Cannon Street runs one block south of Broad Street and one block north of Queen Street, placing 86 Cannon in the heart of the oldest part of downtown Charleston. The French Quarter earned its name from the Huguenot refugees who settled there in the late 1600s, though the neighborhood's character today reflects centuries of occupation and rebuilding. The street itself is narrow, tree-lined, and lined with historic row houses, many converted to apartments, offices, or small businesses.

From 86 Cannon, you can walk to King Street's shops and restaurants in under five minutes, reach the Waterfront Park and the Cooper River in about ten minutes, and access the Fort Sumter ferry terminal in roughly the same time. The area has no major chain stores or restaurants immediately adjacent; instead, you are surrounded by independent galleries, boutiques, and locally owned restaurants. This makes it an excellent base if you want to explore Charleston's historic core on foot without the bustle of the main tourist corridors.

Parking and getting around

Parking at 86 Cannon is limited. The hotel does not operate a dedicated lot; instead, guests typically use street parking on Cannon Street or nearby blocks, or pay to park in one of several commercial lots within a few blocks. Street parking in the French Quarter is free but can be difficult to find during peak season (March through May and October through November), and some blocks have time restrictions. Several paid parking garages operate within a five-minute walk, including facilities on King Street and near the Waterfront Park.

If you are arriving by car, ask the hotel about current parking options and rates when you book. Many guests who stay downtown Charleston choose not to rent a car, since the historic district is walkable and ride-sharing services operate throughout the city. If you do drive, plan to park once and explore on foot; the narrow streets and one-way traffic patterns make navigating by car tedious.

Nearby attractions and dining

The French Quarter itself contains galleries, antique shops, and historic homes open for tours. Waterfront Park, a public green space with views of the harbor and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, is a ten-minute walk away. Fort Sumter National Monument, where the Civil War began in 1861, is accessible by ferry from the nearby terminal; the ferry ride takes about 30 minutes each way.

Dining options surround the hotel. King Street, one block north, hosts restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining, including Bowens Island Oyster Roast, Leon's Oyster Shop, and numerous others. East Bay Street, two blocks east, offers additional restaurants and bars with waterfront views. The neighborhood also has coffee shops, bakeries, and casual lunch spots within a block or two of the hotel. Because 86 Cannon is independent and not part a chain, the hotel staff can often recommend neighborhood favorites based on what you are looking for.

Booking and rates

86 Cannon operates as an independent property, so rates and availability are not listed on major hotel booking sites in the same way chain hotels are. You can contact the hotel directly by phone or through its website to inquire about rates, availability, and any current promotions. Rates vary significantly by season; expect higher prices during spring (March–May) and fall (October–November), when Charleston's weather is mild and tourism peaks. Summer rates are typically lower, though heat and humidity are more intense. Winter rates are lowest but the season is still busy around holidays and special events.

The hotel may offer packages or discounts for longer stays, military guests, or off-season bookings. Because it is small and independently run, staff have more flexibility to negotiate or customize stays than larger chains do. If you are flexible on dates or planning a longer visit, calling directly can sometimes yield better rates than booking online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 86 Cannon within walking distance of major Charleston attractions?

Yes. The hotel is a ten-minute walk from Waterfront Park and the Fort Sumter ferry terminal, and about fifteen minutes from the Battery and White Point Garden. King Street's shops and restaurants are five minutes away on foot. Most of downtown Charleston's historic district is walkable from this location.

Does the hotel have a restaurant or serve breakfast?

86 Cannon does not operate a full-service restaurant. Some rooms may include a continental breakfast depending on the rate or package booked; confirm this when you reserve. Numerous cafes and restaurants are within a short walk if you prefer to eat out.

What is the best time to visit Charleston and stay at 86 Cannon?

Spring (March–May) and fall (October–November) offer the most pleasant weather and are peak tourist seasons, so rates are higher and the neighborhood busier. Summer is less crowded and cheaper but hot and humid. Winter is mild and rates are lowest, though holidays and special events can still draw crowds.

Can I park a car at the hotel?

The hotel does not have a dedicated parking lot. Street parking on Cannon Street is free but limited and may have time restrictions. Paid parking garages are within a few blocks. Ask the hotel about current options and rates when you book.

Is the French Quarter neighborhood safe for walking at night?

The French Quarter is a residential and commercial neighborhood with regular foot traffic, police presence, and good lighting on main streets. Like any urban area, use standard city safety practices—stay on well-lit streets, travel with others when possible, and be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night.