Best Hotels in South Carolina: A Complete Guide 2026

South Carolina's highest-rated hotels split into three regions: coastal and Lowcountry resorts, home to Montage Palmetto Bluff and The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island; historic Charleston, home to The Cooper and Wentworth Mansion; and the Upstate mountain region, home to Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville and Hotel Domestique. The Cooper and Wentworth Mansion both hold 4.8/5 ratings, among the highest in this guide.

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Explore South Carolina's Top-Rated Hotels

South Carolina runs from the barrier islands and marshlands of the Lowcountry coast, through Charleston's cobblestone historic district, and up into the Blue Ridge foothills around Greenville and Travelers Rest. Small towns like Bluffton and Johns Island sit close to Charleston yet feel remote, framed by moss-draped oaks and tidal rivers. That range gives South Carolina genuinely different trip types within a few hours of each other, from oceanfront golf resorts to mountain waterfalls.

That contrast is what separates South Carolina's top hotels, from sprawling coastal nature preserves to Charleston's historic mansions and Upstate mountain lodges. This guide profiles the 10 highest-rated hotels across those three regions.

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How We Choose These Hotels

We evaluated every hotel against four things: guest rating and review volume, the hotel's category and market positioning, what the location actually offers for a specific type of trip, and whether the amenities held up under current guest feedback. Ratings and review counts reflect Google's aggregated guest score and were checked in September 2026.

We cross-checked each property's town and setting against its official site, and weighed service consistency alongside guest sentiment rather than rating alone. Nightly rates shown are directional where a source figure exists, and unlisted where it doesn't, so confirm the current number on the hotel's own site before booking.

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South Carolina's Top 10 Hotels At A Glance

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Coastal And Lowcountry Luxury Resorts

Montage Palmetto Bluff

• Address: 476 Mount Pelia Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910
• Category: Nature preserve resort
• Rating: 4.8/5 across roughly 1.1K reviews on Google
• Standout feature: the resort retains its Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating and sprawls across a 20,000-acre nature preserve with moss-draped oaks, nine dining options, and private cottage accommodations
• Best for: travelers wanting solo peace or a quiet retreat within a massive protected nature preserve

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort

• Address: 1 Sanctuary Beach Dr, Kiawah Island, SC 29455
• Category: Oceanfront golf resort
• Rating: 4.6/5 across roughly 1.2K reviews on Google
• Standout feature: the oceanfront resort offers 12 restaurants, 4 pools, and priority access to world-famous championship golf courses along ten miles of private beach
• Best for: families wanting structured kids' programs alongside championship golf access

The Dunlin, Auberge Collection

• Address: 2118 Andell Bluff Blvd, Johns Island, SC 29455
• Category: Riverside marsh resort
• Rating: 4.6/5 across roughly 129 reviews on Google
• Standout feature: the peaceful, high-end escape sits along the Kiawah River with sweeping marsh views, hiking trails, and Lowcountry-style comfort
• Best for: couples wanting a quiet, crowd-free coastal escape with private porches and marsh eco-tours

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Historic And Urban Charleston Icons

The Cooper

• Address: 129 Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401
• Category: Harborfront luxury hotel
• Rating: 4.8/5 across roughly 115 reviews on Google
• Standout feature: The Cooper debuted as the first luxury hotel built directly on Charleston Harbor, offering private marina access and a nautical-chic rooftop infinity pool overlooking the water
• Best for: travelers wanting Charleston's newest waterfront luxury address

Wentworth Mansion

• Address: 149 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401
• Category: Historic mansion hotel
• Rating: 4.8/5 across roughly 490 reviews on Google
• Standout feature: voted the #1 Favorite Hotel in Charleston by Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards, this 21-room historic estate features 14-foot ceilings and a rooftop cupola with 360-degree views of the historic district
• Best for: couples wanting old-world romance and sweeping historic district views

The Spectator Hotel

• Address: 67 State St, Charleston, SC 29401
• Category: Boutique luxury hotel
• Rating: 4.8/5 across roughly 625 reviews on Google
• Standout feature: every room includes personal butler service in a 1920s-glamour setting, complete with a speakeasy-style cocktail lounge and complimentary gourmet breakfast
• Best for: solo travelers wanting a butler to help handle reservations and itineraries

The Dewberry

• Address: 334 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403
• Category: Mid-century boutique hotel
• Rating: 4.6/5 across roughly 1.4K reviews on Google
• Standout feature: the sophisticated mid-century property overlooks Marion Square and houses the Citrus Club, the highest rooftop lounge in the city
• Best for: solo travelers wanting a social, walkable base with a vibrant rooftop scene

Hotel Bennett

• Address: 404 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
• Category: European-style luxury hotel
• Rating: 4.6/5 across roughly 969 reviews on Google
• Standout feature: the hotel offers bold European elegance on King Street, with the pink-hued champagne lounge Camellias, a French patisserie, and a rooftop pool oasis
• Best for: couples wanting central King Street shopping access alongside upscale European styling

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Upstate Nature And Boutique Escapes

Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, Autograph Collection

• Address: 55 W Camperdown Way, Greenville, SC 29601
• Category: Waterfall-front lodge
• Rating: 4.6/5 across roughly 1.3K reviews on Google
• Standout feature: inducted into Forbes Travel Guide's Curated Collection and named the #2 Best Resort in South Carolina by Travel + Leisure, the lodge is perched directly over Reedy River Falls with a $2 million private art collection
• Best for: families and solo travelers wanting walkable downtown Greenville with direct access to the Swamp Rabbit Trail

Hotel Domestique

• Address: 10 Road of Vines, Travelers Rest, SC 29690
• Category: Blue Ridge foothills B&B
• Rating: 4.7/5 across roughly 324 reviews on Google
• Standout feature: the intimate, European-style property is tucked into the Blue Ridge foothills with a heavy emphasis on cycling, fine wine, and mountain views
• Best for: couples wanting a secluded, ultra-romantic mountain-view retreat with private alfresco dining

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South Carolina Hotel Taxes And Fees

South Carolina charges a 5 percent state sales tax plus a 2 percent statewide accommodations tax on hotel stays, and counties and municipalities can add their own local option and tourism development taxes on top, according to the South Carolina Department of Revenue's accommodations tax guidance. In Charleston, the combined state, local, and tourism-related taxes on a hotel room typically land in the 13 to 14.5 percent range, though the exact combined rate depends on the specific city or county. Resort fees are also common at larger coastal properties like The Sanctuary and Montage Palmetto Bluff, and these are billed separately from tax, so confirm the exact combined rate and any resort fee directly with each hotel before booking.

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Choosing The Right Base For Your Trip

Coastal and golf-focused travelers should choose The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island for championship courses and family programs, The Dunlin for a quieter marsh-front escape, or Montage Palmetto Bluff for total seclusion within a private nature preserve. Charleston-focused travelers have strong options at The Cooper for harborfront luxury, Wentworth Mansion for historic romance, or The Spectator Hotel and The Dewberry for a more social, boutique stay. Upstate travelers should pick Grand Bohemian Lodge for a walkable, waterfall-front Greenville base or Hotel Domestique for a secluded Blue Ridge foothills escape.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the nicest hotel in South Carolina?

Hotel Bennett in Charleston is widely considered one of the nicest and grandest luxury hotels in the state, known for its European-inspired architecture and rooftop pool on King Street. The Cooper and Wentworth Mansion are close alternatives, each holding a 4.8/5 rating in this guide.

2. Which city in South Carolina is considered the best to stay in?

Charleston is widely considered the best city to stay in South Carolina, frequently ranked as the top Southern destination for its historic charm and culinary scene. Greenville is a strong alternative for travelers wanting an outdoor, small-city vibe near the Blue Ridge Mountains.

3. What is the best vacation spot in South Carolina?

Kiawah Island and Bluffton lead for a coastal golf and resort vacation, home to The Sanctuary and Montage Palmetto Bluff. Charleston is the top choice for a history and food-focused trip, with easy access to nearby beaches like Folly Beach and Sullivan's Island.

4. What are the best beachfront hotels in South Carolina?

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is the state's top true beachfront hotel, offering oceanfront rooms and direct beach access. The Dunlin, Auberge Collection is a strong alternative for travelers wanting a quieter riverside and marsh setting on Johns Island rather than open ocean.

5. What is the best hotel in Charleston for a romantic getaway?

Wentworth Mansion and The Spectator Hotel are Charleston's top romantic picks, with Wentworth offering a rooftop cupola for sunset views and The Spectator providing personal butler service in every room. Hotel Bennett is also a strong choice for couples wanting a champagne lounge and rooftop pool.

6. What is the best hotel near championship golf in South Carolina?

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers direct priority access to world-famous championship courses on the island. Montage Palmetto Bluff also includes a top-tier golf course within its 20,000-acre preserve for travelers wanting a quieter golf setting.

7. Is Greenville or Travelers Rest better for a South Carolina mountain trip?

Greenville, home to Grand Bohemian Lodge, suits travelers wanting a walkable downtown built around Falls Park and the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Travelers Rest, home to Hotel Domestique, suits couples wanting a more secluded, cycling-and-wine-focused retreat in the Blue Ridge foothills.