La Quinta by Wyndham Charleston Riverview: What to Expect From This Budget-Friendly Hotel

A straightforward budget hotel near downtown Charleston

La Quinta by Wyndham Charleston Riverview is a budget chain hotel located on the banks of the Ashley River, about two miles from downtown Charleston's historic district. The hotel offers basic rooms at lower nightly rates than most Charleston accommodations, making it useful if you want to spend less on lodging and more on dining and attractions in the city itself.

The property sits on Waccamaw Avenue, a commercial strip that runs parallel to the river. You'll need a car to reach downtown, restaurants, and attractions—the location is not walkable to Charleston's main entertainment areas. The hotel does not offer shuttle service to downtown, though some guests use ride-sharing apps or rent bicycles to cross the nearby bridges into the historic district.

Key Takeaways

• La Quinta Charleston Riverview charges significantly less per night than most downtown Charleston hotels, with rates that vary by season and day of the week.
• The hotel sits two miles from downtown Charleston and requires a car or ride-sharing to reach the historic district, restaurants, and major attractions.
• Rooms include a refrigerator, microwave, and free Wi-Fi, but the property does not have a restaurant or room service.
• The hotel allows pets at no additional charge, which is uncommon among Charleston hotels and may matter if you're traveling with an animal.
• Parking is free and included with your room, unlike many downtown Charleston hotels that charge daily parking fees.

What's included in a room

Each room comes with a microwave, refrigerator, and free Wi-Fi. Beds are queen or double configurations depending on the room type you book. The hotel does not provide daily housekeeping—you can request towel and linen changes at the front desk, but the room is not cleaned during your stay unless you ask.

Bathrooms are small and contain a shower only, no bathtub. There is no air conditioning control in individual rooms; the building uses a central system. Rooms do not include a desk or workspace, though the lobby has seating areas where you can work if needed.

Amenities and what the hotel does not offer

The property has a small outdoor pool and a 24-hour front desk. There is no fitness center, no business center, and no on-site restaurant or bar. Breakfast is not included. The hotel does allow pets at no additional charge, which sets it apart from most Charleston hotels that charge pet fees or do not allow animals at all.

If you need to eat, the surrounding area has fast-casual chains and local restaurants within a short drive. The hotel is near a Walmart and several grocery stores, so you can buy food and use your room's microwave and refrigerator if you prefer to eat in.

Getting to downtown Charleston and major attractions

Downtown Charleston is about two miles away, a drive of five to ten minutes depending on traffic. The hotel does not provide shuttle service. If you don't have a car, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft operate in Charleston and typically charge $8 to $15 for a trip downtown, depending on time of day and demand.

Bike rentals are available throughout Charleston. The Ashley River Bridge and nearby paths connect the hotel's area to downtown, though the route involves some road cycling. If you plan to spend most of your time downtown, consider renting a bike for the duration of your stay rather than paying for multiple ride-shares.

Parking and vehicle access

Parking is free and included with your room. You park in a lot adjacent to the building and do not need a permit or pass. This is a significant cost difference from downtown hotels, many of which charge $15 to $25 per night for parking.

The parking lot is not gated or monitored by security cameras. The hotel is in a commercial area with moderate foot traffic during business hours. If you're concerned about vehicle safety, ask the front desk about the area before you arrive.

Booking and rate information

Rates vary by season and day of the week. Summer months (June through August) and weekends typically cost more than weekday rates in fall and winter. You can book directly through the La Quinta website, through Wyndham's loyalty program, or through third-party booking sites like Expedia, Booking.com, and Hotels.com.

The hotel's phone number is available on its listing page if you want to call and ask about current rates or room availability before booking online. Cancellation policies vary depending on which booking method you use, so read the terms before you complete your reservation.

Nearby dining and shopping

The immediate area around the hotel is commercial and not pedestrian-focused. Within a short drive you'll find chain restaurants like Applebee's and Chick-fil-A, as well as local spots like Bowens Island Oyster Roast and several Vietnamese and Mexican restaurants. The Walmart and Harris Teeter grocery store are both within two miles.

If you want to eat in the historic district, downtown Charleston has hundreds of restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining. Most are a five- to ten-minute drive away. The hotel's location trades walkability and proximity to dining for lower nightly rates and free parking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my pet to this hotel?

Yes. La Quinta allows pets at no additional charge, which is unusual among Charleston hotels. There are no breed or size restrictions listed. Contact the front desk when you arrive to let them know you have a pet.

Is breakfast included?

No. Breakfast is not included with your room. The hotel does not have a restaurant on-site. You can buy food at nearby grocery stores and use your room's microwave and refrigerator, or drive to restaurants in the surrounding area or downtown.

How far is the hotel from Charleston's beaches?

Folly Beach is about 15 miles away, roughly a 20-minute drive. Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island are slightly farther north. The hotel is closer to downtown attractions than to the beaches, so it works better if your main focus is the historic district.

Does the hotel have a shuttle to downtown or the airport?

No. The hotel does not offer shuttle service. Charleston International Airport is about 12 miles away. You'll need to arrange your own transportation through a rental car, ride-sharing app, or taxi service.

What if I need to work during my stay?

Rooms do not have a desk, but the lobby has seating areas and free Wi-Fi where you can work. If you need a dedicated workspace, ask the front desk whether they have a business center or quiet area available.