Residence Inn Charleston Riverview: Extended-Stay Hotel in Downtown Charleston

What to expect at Residence Inn Charleston Riverview

Residence Inn Charleston Riverview is an extended-stay hotel on the Charleston peninsula, a few blocks from the Waterfront Park and the Cooper River. The property caters to guests staying longer than a night or two—most rooms include a kitchenette with a stovetop, refrigerator, and dishwasher, plus a separate living area. If you're in Charleston for a week, a month, or longer for work, family reasons, or relocation, this layout lets you cook your own meals and spread out more than a standard hotel room allows.

The hotel sits at 345 Meeting Street, in the heart of downtown, within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and cultural venues like the Gibbes Museum of Art and the historic City Market. Parking is available on-site, though downtown Charleston parking fills quickly during peak season and special events. The property includes a fitness center, a business center, and a complimentary hot breakfast each morning—a practical feature when you're staying for an extended period and want to control your daily costs.

Key Takeaways

• Residence Inn Charleston Riverview offers kitchenettes in every room, making it practical for stays of a week or longer when you want to prepare some of your own meals.
• The downtown location on Meeting Street puts you within walking distance of the Waterfront Park, City Market, and many of Charleston's museums and restaurants.
• The hotel includes a complimentary hot breakfast daily and a fitness center, reducing some costs and hassles of an extended stay.
• On-site parking is available but can be tight during peak tourist season and major events in Charleston.
• Room types range from studio layouts to one-bedroom suites, so you can choose the space that fits your stay length and budget.

Room layouts and what's included

The hotel offers studio rooms and one-bedroom suites. Studio rooms have a kitchenette, a living area with a sofa bed, and a separate bedroom—roughly 450 square feet. One-bedroom suites add a full kitchen and more living space, around 550 to 600 square feet, making them more comfortable for families or anyone planning a stay of several weeks or months.

Every room includes a work desk, free Wi-Fi, a television, and a full bathroom. The kitchenettes and kitchens come stocked with basic cookware, dishes, and utensils, so you don't need to bring your own or buy them when you arrive. Linens and towels are provided, and housekeeping service is available daily or on a schedule you choose—a useful option when you're staying long-term and want to reduce daily cleaning costs.

Location and what's nearby

Meeting Street runs through downtown Charleston's central corridor, and the Residence Inn sits near the intersection with Vendue Street. From the hotel, you can walk to Waterfront Park in about five minutes—a popular spot for sunset views over the Cooper River and a gathering place for locals and visitors. The historic City Market, with its shops and restaurants, is a ten-minute walk away.

The neighborhood includes dozens of restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining, plus coffee shops, galleries, and bookstores. If you're staying for work, the downtown location puts you near many of Charleston's corporate offices and professional services. The College of Charleston campus is also nearby, so the area has a mix of business, tourism, and student activity depending on the season.

Parking and transportation

The hotel has an on-site parking garage, which is a significant convenience in downtown Charleston where street parking is limited and paid. Rates for parking are included with your room rate, so you won't face surprise charges each day. However, during peak tourist season (March through May and October through November) and during major events like the Spoleto Festival or Charleston Restaurant Week, the garage can fill up, especially if you arrive late in the day.

If you don't have a car, the hotel is walkable to most downtown attractions and restaurants. The CARTA bus system serves downtown Charleston, and several routes pass near the hotel. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate throughout Charleston, and the airport is about 12 miles away—roughly a 20-minute drive or a $25 to $35 ride-share trip depending on traffic.

Amenities and services for longer stays

Beyond the kitchenette and daily breakfast, the hotel offers a fitness center with cardio equipment and weights, useful if you're staying long-term and want to maintain a routine. There's a business center with computers and printing services, important if you're working remotely or need to handle administrative tasks. The front desk can arrange grocery delivery or point you to nearby markets if you want to stock your kitchenette without leaving the hotel.

Laundry facilities are available on-site, either in your room (some suites have washers and dryers) or in a common laundry room. This is a practical feature for anyone staying more than a few weeks. The hotel also offers weekly housekeeping packages at a reduced rate compared to daily service, and you can request additional towels, linens, or supplies from the front desk anytime.

Rates and booking considerations

Nightly rates vary by season and how far in advance you book. Peak season (spring and fall) typically costs more than summer or winter. Many guests staying a week or longer negotiate a discounted rate—it's worth calling the hotel directly to ask about weekly or monthly rates, which are often lower than the nightly rate multiplied by the number of nights. Online booking sites like Booking.com, Hotels.com, and the Marriott website (Residence Inn is part of the Marriott family) all list current availability and rates.

If you're relocating to Charleston or staying for a month or longer, ask about corporate rates or extended-stay packages. Some employers and relocation companies have partnerships with Marriott properties that can lower your cost. Booking directly through the hotel's phone line or website sometimes reveals deals not shown on third-party sites.

Nearby alternatives and when to choose this hotel

Charleston has other extended-stay options, including Candlewood Suites on Meeting Street (also with kitchens and a similar downtown location) and TownePlace Suites on Folly Road (farther from downtown but often cheaper). If you're staying only one or two nights, a standard hotel like the Vendue or the Restoration Hotel might be a better fit and less expensive. If you want a quieter, more residential feel, hotels in neighborhoods like Harleston Village or on James Island offer different atmospheres.

Choose Residence Inn Charleston Riverview if you're staying at least a week, want to cook some of your own meals, value being in the heart of downtown, and appreciate the Marriott brand's consistency and loyalty program. If you're staying just a night or two, or if you prefer a smaller, more intimate property, look elsewhere. If budget is your top priority and you don't mind being outside downtown, compare rates at the other extended-stay chains first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a room for a month or longer?

Yes. The hotel welcomes extended stays and often offers discounted rates for bookings of 30 days or more. Call the hotel directly at the front desk or ask about monthly rates when you book online—direct booking sometimes reveals better pricing than what appears on travel websites.

Is breakfast really included every day?

Yes, a complimentary hot breakfast is included with every room rate. The menu typically includes eggs, meat, pastries, fruit, yogurt, and beverages. If you have dietary restrictions, let the front desk know and they can often accommodate requests or point you to nearby options.

Do I need a car to stay here?

No. The downtown location is walkable to restaurants, shops, and attractions. CARTA buses serve the area, and ride-sharing is widely available. A car is convenient but not necessary, especially if you're staying downtown for work or tourism rather than exploring the broader Charleston area.

What if the parking garage is full?

This is rare but can happen during peak season. If it occurs, the front desk can direct you to nearby paid parking lots or garages, though you would pay out of pocket. Arriving earlier in the day reduces the chance of this happening. If you're concerned, call ahead and ask about garage availability before you arrive.

Are pets allowed?

Residence Inn allows pets at this location, though there is typically a one-time pet fee per stay. Confirm the current pet policy and fee when you book, as policies can change. Ask about any breed or size restrictions when you contact the hotel.