Planters Inn in Charleston: Historic Lodging in the Heart of the City

What Planters Inn Offers

Planters Inn is a 64-room hotel in downtown Charleston located at 112 N Market Street, steps from the waterfront and the Historic District. The building itself dates to 1844 and operated as a warehouse before its conversion to a hotel in 1996. Rooms feature exposed brick, hardwood floors, and period details that reflect the structure's age, along with modern amenities like air conditioning, flat-screen televisions, and high-speed internet.

The inn does not have a restaurant on-site, but its location puts you within a short walk of dozens of dining options along Market Street, King Street, and the surrounding blocks. A complimentary continental breakfast is included with your stay. The hotel offers a small fitness center and allows pets for an additional nightly fee.

Key Takeaways

• Planters Inn sits in downtown Charleston's Historic District, within walking distance of the waterfront, shops, galleries, and restaurants.
• The building dates to 1844 and retains original architectural features like exposed brick and hardwood floors alongside modern hotel amenities.
• Rooms are smaller than chain hotels but include air conditioning, television, and internet; a continental breakfast is included.
• The hotel allows pets for an additional nightly charge, making it an option if you are traveling with animals.
• Parking is available but limited and requires advance arrangement; street parking and nearby garages are alternatives.

Room Types and Layout

Planters Inn offers standard rooms, suites, and a penthouse. Standard rooms are compact—typical of historic buildings—and feature either one king bed or two double beds. Suites include a separate sitting area and are better suited to longer stays or travelers who want more space. The penthouse is a two-bedroom option with views of the harbor and city roofline.

All rooms include a private bathroom, air conditioning, cable television, and wireless internet. Some rooms have views of the courtyard or the street; others face interior walls. If a particular view or room layout matters to you, contact the hotel directly when booking to request specifics, as availability varies by season.

Location and What's Nearby

Planters Inn's address on Market Street puts you in the middle of Charleston's commercial and cultural core. The City Market—a public plaza with shops, galleries, and street performers—is one block away. The waterfront and Fort Sumter ferry terminal are a five-minute walk. King Street, Charleston's main shopping corridor, runs parallel one block over.

The hotel is also near several museums and historic sites: the Gibbes Museum of Art is two blocks away, and St. Michael's Church, one of Charleston's oldest structures, is visible from the hotel entrance. If you plan to visit plantations or beaches outside the city, you will need a car or a tour service; the hotel can provide recommendations.

Parking and Transportation

Planters Inn has limited on-site parking available for an additional daily fee. Spaces are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and the lot fills during peak season (March through May and October through November). If you arrive without a reservation for parking, the hotel can direct you to nearby public garages, though these also charge daily rates.

If you do not have a car, downtown Charleston is walkable for most attractions within the Historic District. The DASH (Downtown Area Shuttle) offers free trolley service around the city center. Rideshare services operate throughout Charleston, and several tour companies offer guided walks and carriage rides that depart from near the hotel.

Rates and Booking

Room rates vary by season and day of the week. Peak season (spring and fall) commands higher nightly rates than summer or winter. Weekend rates are typically higher than weekday rates year-round. The hotel's website and major booking platforms show current availability and pricing; calling the hotel directly sometimes reveals package deals or discounts not listed online.

The continental breakfast is included in the room rate and is served each morning in the lobby. Pet fees are charged per night and per animal. Parking, if you reserve it, is an additional daily charge separate from the room rate.

Amenities and Services

Beyond the included breakfast and internet, Planters Inn offers a small fitness center with basic cardio and weight equipment. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and can arrange restaurant reservations, book tours, or provide directions to local attractions. Laundry service is available for an additional fee.

The hotel does not have a pool, spa, or on-site dining. If these amenities are important to your stay, larger chain hotels in Charleston offer them, though usually at the cost of being farther from the Historic District or less distinctive in character.

Pets and Accessibility

Planters Inn welcomes pets for an additional nightly fee per animal. There are no breed or size restrictions listed, but you should confirm details when booking. The hotel does not offer pet sitting or special pet amenities beyond allowing them in the room.

The building's age means some accessibility features are limited. The front entrance has steps, and not all rooms are on the ground floor or equipped with wheelchair accessibility. If you have mobility concerns, contact the hotel before booking to discuss which rooms or floors might work for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there free parking at Planters Inn?

No. The hotel has limited on-site parking available for a daily fee. Street parking and public garages nearby also charge daily rates. If you plan to stay in downtown Charleston without a car, you can walk to most Historic District attractions or use the free DASH trolley service.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes. Pets are allowed for an additional nightly fee per animal. There are no listed breed or size restrictions, but you should confirm the current pet policy and fee amount when you book or call the hotel directly.

What is included in the room rate?

A continental breakfast and high-speed internet are included. Parking, pet fees, and any special services like laundry are additional charges. The hotel's website or a call to the front desk will confirm what is included in your specific rate.

Is Planters Inn within walking distance of restaurants and shops?

Yes. The hotel is surrounded by restaurants, galleries, and shops within one to three blocks. Market Street and King Street both have numerous dining and retail options. The City Market plaza is one block away.

Does the hotel have a restaurant?

No. Planters Inn does not operate a restaurant or bar on-site. The included breakfast is continental and served in the lobby. For lunch and dinner, you will walk to nearby restaurants or order delivery to your room.