If you’ve never been to Charleston before and you’ll be cruising from the port, you might be interested in what are the best hotels to stay in before or after your cruise.
Many hotels are either located right next to the part, making it easy to walk there for cruise day. While many others offer cruise packages with free parking and cruise transportation.
This extensive list will show you 26 ideal hotels near the Charleston SC Cruise Port, and why these are the best options to look into.
Hotels Within Walking Distance to the Charleston Cruise Port
If you don’t have a car, parking is not something you will need during your stay. In this case, the best hotels for you will be ones that are located within walking distance of the cruise port.
HarbourView Inn
Located right in the cruise port’s backyard is the lovely HarbourView Inn. Directly across the streets are the Waterfront Swings and the Waterfront Park, perfect for watching the waves out on the water. From the hotel itself, you get a great view of the harbor and the coastline.
When it’s time to leave for your cruise, the port is literally right around the corner, so you won’t need to get a taxi or an Uber. However, if you book directly on the website, you get your choice of a $20 Uber credit, a bottle of premium wine, or a $20 restaurant gift certificate. So if you are going to need a ride to the port, you can go for that Uber credit.
They don’t offer free parking during your cruise, but it costs about $18 per day, which is just a little less than parking at the port.
| Distance from Port | 0.1 miles |
| Starting Nightly Rate | $289 |
| Parking | $18 per night |
| Shuttle | No |
| Phone Number | 543-853-9439 |
| Address | 2 Vendue Range |
The Vendue, Charleston’s Art Hotel
Down the road from the HarbourView is The Vendue, Charleston’s Art Hotel. The Vendue was recently voted as the Top 5 Hotel in Charleston by 2019 Travel & Leisure World’s Best Awards. It’s the only art hotel in all of Charleston. It’s very much like staying in an art gallery that just happens to be a hotel. It’s a very short walk from the cruise port, making it an excellent cruise hotel.
They have valet parking, which is $25 per day, but you can either park at a nearby hotel (may need to check first) or just park at the port. Because the hotel is so close, you won’t have far to walk either way.
| Distance from Port | 0.2 miles |
| Starting Nightly Rate | $199 |
| Parking | Valet for $25 per night |
| Shuttle | No |
| Phone Number | 843-577-7970 |
| Address | 19 Vendue Range, Charleston |
The Quarters on Vendue
Thanks to the cruise port’s location right by downtown Charleston and the historic district, many of the city’s luxury boutique hotels are within walking distance of the terminal, a great way to splurge on yourself while being able to easily get to your ship on cruise day.
Their goal is to make all guests feel like locals and will help you plan your travel around town, and might even help you get to the cruise port if you don’t want to walk. We recommend giving them a call beforehand to double check.
| Distance from Port | 0.2 miles |
| Average Nightly Rate | $199 |
| Parking | No parking on site, but the garage behind the hotel is $20 a night |
| Shuttle | Maybe – call to be sure |
| Phone Number | 843-990-9036 |
| Address | 30 Vendue Range #2114, Charleston |
Market Pavilion Hotel
Located just a short walk from the cruise port, the Market Pavilion Hotel is right in the center of downtown. You’ll have access to everything: the waterfront, tours, shopping, and historic homes and museums.
Also, inside the hotel is one of Charleston’s best steakhouses, Grill 225. They have valet parking priced at $25 per night, so it might be better to park at the port, or find a hotel that provides free parking.
If you book directly through the hotel’s website, they’ll give you a $50 voucher to use in their Grill 225 restaurant.
| Distance from Port | 0.2 miles |
| Starting Nightly Rate | $249 |
| Parking | $25 valet parking |
| Shuttle | No |
| Phone Number | 843-508-2080 |
| Address | 225 East Bay St, Charleston |
The Spectator Hotel
The Spectator is another popular hotel near the cruise port, and is also easily within walking distance, making it super easy to get to your ship on cruise day. This boutique is a favorite among many travelers, some saying it’s the best hotel they’ve ever stayed in.
Every guest gets their own personal butler, breakfast in bed, access to a prohibition-style bar, and complimentary in-room nespresso. If you really want to live it up a bit before going on your cruise, you should definitely stay here.
Parking here is a little pricey, so this hotel is best if you’ve flown in and don’t have a car in need of parking.
| Distance from Port | 0.3 miles |
| Starting Nightly Rate | $329 |
| Parking | $32 valet parking |
| Shuttle | No |
| Phone Number | 843-724-4326 |
| Address | 67 State Street, Charleston |
Ansonborough Inn
If being close to the cruise port is what you want, the Ansonborough Inn is another great option. This historic boutique is located right in the heart of the historic district, specifically in the Ansonborough neighborhood. It was named after Lord Anson of England when he won the property in a poker game, back in 1724.
The building was originally a warehouse and has since been remodeled into the gorgeous inn it is today. They offer breakfast, wine, cheese, cookies, and more to all guests who book a stay there. They do have parking on site for $20 a night, the same as the cruise port.
| Distance from Port | 0.4 miles |
| Average Nightly Rate | $209 |
| Parking | $20 per day |
| Shuttle | No |
| Phone Number | 800-723-1655 |
| Address | 21 Hasell St, Charleston, SC 29401 |
French Quarter Inn
There seems to be no shortage of boutique hotels just steps away from the cruise port. The French Quarter Inn is no different. Their main goal is to make you feel at home while you’re there, no matter how long you stay.
They don’t have a cruise package, and valet parking is rather steep, so you would either need to park elsewhere, or find a hotel that offers free parking. As with the other hotels within walking distance of the cruise port, this hotel is best if you don’t have a car.
| Distance from Port | 0.4 miles |
| Starting Nightly Rate | $334 |
| Parking | $32 valet parking |
| Shuttle | No |
| Phone Number | 843-306-2170 |
| Address | 166 Church St Corner of Church St and Linguard St |
The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel
At this hotel, you’ll be able to explore the Museum Mile and learn about Charleston’s rich history. Or you can take a stroll through Charleston Waterfront Park, or have a drink at the Friends Lounge.
They have valet parking only, which is quite expensive at $39 a night. There is a parking garage right next door, though, that is $20 a night. Book the hotel right here.
| Distance from Port | 0.7 miles |
| Starting Nightly Rate | $164 per night |
| Parking | $39 valet parking |
| Shuttle | No |
| Phone Number | 843-577-2400 |
| Address | 115 Meeting Street Charleston |
Belmond Charleston Place
Charleston Place is one of the best luxury hotels in the Charleston area, and it’s just a 15-20 minute walk from the cruise port. They offer self-parking here for $14 per night, and you’ll need to check with them ahead of time to see if you can leave your car there during your cruise.
No shuttle is available here for the cruise port. If you don’t want to walk, Uber should only cost about $10.
| Distance from Port | 0.7 miles |
| Average Nightly Rate | $369 |
| Parking | $14 per night |
| Shuttle | No |
| Phone Number | 843-722-4900 |
| Address | 205 Meeting Street, Charleston |
Renaissance Charleston Historic Downtown Hotel
The Renaissance Charleston Historic Downtown Hotel has a prime spot, located less than a mile from the cruise port. Book your stay with their “Park and Cruise” package and you’ll be able to park your car for free during your cruise.
Additionally, you will get up to 3 nights of complimentary valet parking. They don’t offer transportation to the port, but it’s just a short walk away from the hotel.
| Distance from Port | 0.8 miles |
| Starting Package Rate | $289 ($30 above standard rates) |
| Parking | Free for duration of cruise |
| Shuttle | No |
| Phone Number | 843-534-0300 |
| Address | 68 Wentworth Street, Charleston |
Other Hotels Near the Charleston Cruise Port
Now that we’ve moving further away from the cruise port, we’re encountering more hotels that offer cruise specials for guests cruising out of Charleston, SC.
All of the hotels below at least offer parking to cruise passengers, and some even provide transportation as well. If these types of services are important to you, make sure you check out each hotel on this list.
Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Waterfront/Downtown
The Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Waterfront/Downtown gives you the best of both worlds: proximity to the cruise port (just 2 miles!), and a cruise package that includes free parking the night of your stay ($10 for additional nights), a discount on transportation to the cruise port, and a 10% off food and beverage voucher.
The resort overlooks the gorgeous Ashley River and will give you everything you need to make your stay pleasant and fun. The shuttle must be booked in advance upon reserving your room, so either call to get your room, or call once you’ve finished booking online.
| Distance from Port | 2 miles |
| Starting Package Rate | $298 |
| Parking | Free for one night, $10 per night after |
| Shuttle | Yes (for a fee) |
| Phone Number | 843-637-4074 |
| Address | 45 Lockwood Drive, Charleston |
Holiday Inn Charleston-Riverview
Holiday Inn is a popular hotel presence in Charleston, so you’ll see many of them on this list. They have reasonable prices, gorgeous spacious rooms, and many of them have packages catered especially for cruise guests.
This one in particular, just a few miles from the port, has a package called “Park Stay and Go”. In addition to your accommodation, you’ll get a one-way shuttle transfer to the port, parking for the entire duration of your cruise, and a hot full breakfast buffet for two at the Harborview Restaurant.
The hotel offers a gorgeous view of the harbor and the ships coming into the harbor. After you book your room, call the hotel with your cruise line and boarding time.
| Distance from Port | 2.9 miles |
| Average Package Rate | $164 |
| Parking | Free for the entire cruise duration |
| Shuttle | One way only |
| Phone Number | 843-556-7100 |
| Address | 301 Savannah Highway U.S. Highway 17 |
La Quinta Inn & Suites Charleston Riverview
The La Quinta Inn & Suites Charleston Riverview is a great spot to stay if you’re on a budget for your trip. And they’re only a few miles from the port, so that’s a big plus.
They do have a park and cruise package with free parking and shuttle transportation, but it’s not available to book online. You will have to book over the phone at 843-556-5200.
| Distance from Port | 3 miles |
| Average Nightly Rate | $104 |
| Parking | Free with package |
| Shuttle | Yes |
| Phone Number | 843-556-5200 |
| Address | 11 Ashley Pointe Drive, Charleston |
Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant
As with the previous hotel, to reserve Hotel Indigo’s cruise package, you’ll need to give them a call at 843-884-6000. The package provides breakfast for two, transportation to and from the cruise port, as well as parking during your cruise. If you need transportation for more than two people, it will cost an extra $20. Bookings can be made here.
| Distance from Port | 4.5 miles |
| Average Nightly Cost | $110 |
| Parking | Free with package |
| Shuttle | Yes |
| Phone Number | 843-884-6000 |
| Address | 250 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mount Pleasant |
Sleep Inn Mt. Pleasant
Sleep Inn, while not having a specific cruise package, does let cruise passengers leave their car there for free during a cruise. We recommend giving them a quick call to confirm before booking your room.
This is also a very reasonably priced hotel, compared to a few of the others on our list. If you can leave your car here for free, you’ll save a ton of money. They don’t, however, have a shuttle to the port. But with the terminal being less than 5 miles away, an Uber or taxi shouldn’t cost much.
| Distance from Port | 4.5 miles |
| Average Starting Rate | $92 |
| Parking | Yes (call to confirm) |
| Shuttle | No |
| Phone Number | 843-936-7086 |
| Address | 299 Wingo Way US 17 Bypass N, Mount Pleasant |
Hilton Garden Inn Charleston/Mt. Pleasant
You’ll need to call this hotel to book their cruise package, which gives you free parking during your cruise. No shuttle that we were able to find, but the hotel is only a few miles from the port so getting a taxi or Uber should be easy. Check rates here.
| Distance from Port | 5 miles |
| Average Nightly Rate | $125 |
| Parking | Free with package |
| Shuttle | No |
| Phone Number | 843-606-4600 |
| Address | 300 Wingo Way, Mount Pleasant |
Best Western Charleston Inn
Next on our list is the Best Western Charleston Inn. Book their Cruise Package directly on their website. In order to see it, on the left hand side of the reservation screen, under Rate Type, select “Package”, and the Cruise Package will show up then.
With this package you will get free parking for the entire duration of your cruise, and round-trip transportation to the cruise port. All for a very reasonable price point.
| Distance from Port | 5.5 miles |
| Starting Package Rate | $147.99 |
| Parking | Free with package |
| Shuttle | Yes |
| Phone Number | 843-571-6100 |
| Address | 1540 Savannah Highway Charleston |
Hampton Inn & Suites Charleston/West Ashley
Hampton Inn has a lot of different rate packages, but you won’t find their cruise package on the website. To reserve your stay with that package, you will need to give them a call at 843-556-6078.
Cruise package provides parking during your cruise, breakfast, and complimentary round-trip transportation to the port. This package will probably cost about $50 above the standard rates, which is still better than paying for parking at the port.
| Distance from Port | 7.5 miles |
| Average Nightly Rate | $116 |
| Parking | Free with package |
| Shuttle | Yes |
| Phone Number | 843-556-6078 |
| Address | 678 Citadel Haven Drive, Charleston |
Wyndham Garden Charleston Mount Pleasant
This hotel actually has two cruise packages, one that covers two people, and one that covers four. Each one provides breakfast, round-trip port transportation, and free parking during your cruise. The one for 2 people is about $50 above normal rates, and the one for 4 people costs more than that. Find booking details here.
| Distance from Port | 8 miles |
| Average Package Rate | $205 |
| Parking | Free with package |
| Shuttle | Yes |
| Phone Number | 843-606-1506 |
| Address | 1330 Stuart Engals Blvd, Mount Pleasant |
TownePlace Suites Charleston Mt. Pleasant
Next door to the Wyndham is the TownePlace Suites hotel in Mount Pleasant. They didn’t have a cruise package on their website, but if you call, we believe they do allow cruise passengers to park for free during their cruise.
They are a highly rated hotel with affordable rates and friendly staff. You’ll enjoy not spending a ton of money staying at this hotel.
| Distance from Port | 8 miles |
| Average Nightly Rate | $114 |
| Parking | Free (call to confirm) |
| Shuttle | No |
| Phone Number | 844-631-0595 |
| Address | 1350 Stuart Engals Blvd, Mt. Pleasant |
Cambria Hotel Mt. Pleasant-Charleston
You’ll find that many hotels that don’t provide shuttle transportation to the cruise port, won’t offer any sort of alternative, leaving you to figure it out for yourself.
Cambria Hotel Mt. Pleasant-Charleston, however, will give you a $25 Uber gift card to use for riding around the city when you book the Snooze Park Cruise package. You’ll also be able to park your car for free while on your cruise.
| Distance from Port | 8 miles |
| Average Package Rate | $139 |
| Parking | Free with package |
| Shuttle | No (but they give you a $25 Uber credit) |
| Phone Number | 843-849-9677 |
| Address | 1472 Highway 17 North, Mount Pleasant |
Hampton Inn & Suites Charleston/Mt. Pleasant/Isle of Palms
You should be able to park here for free, even though this hotel doesn’t have a cruise package. You might want to give them a call ahead of time, just to be certain. They also don’t provide any sort of cruise port transportation, so you’ll need to secure your own way of getting to the port for your cruise. Book through here.
| Distance from Port | 10 miles |
| Average Nightly Rate | $121 |
| Parking | Free (call to confirm) |
| Shuttle | No |
| Phone Number | 843-856-3900 |
| Address | 1104 Isle of Palms Connector, Mount Pleasant |
Courtyard North Charleston Airport/Coliseum
Courtyard North Charleston doesn’t have a package like some of these other hotels, but they do offer something for cruise passengers needing to park their car.
They’ve partnered with SpotHero to offer parking at the hotel, and it only costs $7 per night, which is a steal compared to port prices, as well as some of the other parking prices in the area. And with the room at an affordable rate, the biggest extra cost you’ll have to pay is transportation.
| Distance from Port | 10.5 miles |
| Average Nightly Rate | $151 |
| Parking | Offer through SpotHero of $7 per night |
| Shuttle | No |
| Phone Number | 843-747-9122 |
| Address | 2415 Mall Drive North Charleston |
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston/Ashley Phosphate
Yes, this hotel is a bit far from the cruise port, we’re aware. But you don’t want to discount it based on distance because they have some killer cruise packages that will save you a lot of money on your trip!
Park and Cruise For 2, For 3, and For 4 are what they offer, so depending on the size of your group, you’re covered. With each one you get one night stay, free parking for the entire duration of your cruise, and free roundtrip shuttle to the port. Can it get any better? You can book the hotel right here.
| Distance from Port | 14.5 miles |
| Average Package Rate | $179 (for the For 2 option) |
| Parking | Free with package |
| Shuttle | Yes |
| Phone Number | 843-553-1600 |
| Address | 7670 Northwoods Blvd I-26 Exit 209, North Charleston |
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston North
This Holiday Inn Express is now to be outdone by the previous one. In fact, this one offers a Park and Cruise package for 5 people as well. Each cruise package has all the same amenities: overnight stay, free parking, and free roundtrip transportation.
| Distance from Port | 18.7 miles |
| Average Package Rate | $185 |
| Parking | Free with package |
| Shuttle | Yes |
| Phone Number | 843-569-3200 |
| Address | 2435 Elms Center Rd, North Charleston |
Holiday Inn Express Charleston Downtown – Medical Area
This Holiday Inn is located near The Medical University of South Carolina and is within walking distance of the Historic District. If you book your one night stay with their “Park and Cruise” package for free parking and complimentary breakfast.
| Distance from Port | 2.8 miles |
| Starting package rate | $132 per night ($30 above standard rate) |
| Parking | Free for duration of cruise |
| Shuttle | No |
| Phone Number | 843-722-4000 |
| Address | 250 Spring Street, Charleston |
FAQ About Cruising from Charleston SC
This really depends on what your needs are. Did you fly in and want to be as close as possible to the cruise port? Try one of the hotels that are within walking distance. Some of the boutique hotels are pricey, but there are a few budget hotels near the port as well.
With any area, we always recommend arriving at least a day ahead to allow for weather or traffic delays. This also gives you a little extra time to explore the city a little bit and take advantage of the attractions and local cuisine.
We really liked the Holiday Inn Express in North Charleston, as they offer different cruise packages for different sized groups of guests (2, 3, and 4). The Cambria Hotel is also a great choice cause you can park there for free, and you get a $25 Uber gift card.
Also Read: 26 Best Hotels Near Manhattan Cruise Terminal, New York
Conclusion
By now you should have a better idea of what hotels to look for when planning your trip to Charleston, SC. Choose the ones that fit your budget, and give you the amenities you need. Remember that the prices included here are all estimates, and you’ll need to go to the hotel’s direct website with your travel dates to get a more accurate quote. Have fun and be safe!
