The 2018 World's Best Hotels in Charleston

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Courtesy of The Spectator

For the sixth year in a row, Charleston was voted the best city in the United States by T+L readers. And where do they like to stay when visiting the Southern town? In properties as atmospheric as the place itself.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.

Related: The 2018 World's Best Awards

The newest hotel on the list, the Dewberry, immediately earned raves when it opened in the winter of 2016. Set in a mid-century former federal building overlooking Marion Square, the 155-room property feels like a chic throwback to the 1960s — complete with a brass-clad bar and vintage Danish pieces in the lobby — and is an interesting departure from Charleston’s more traditional hotels. “The interior design is unreal, and the food is magical,” said one reader.

Last year’s No. 1 winner, the Vendue, slipped to No. 7 on the list. But it still delights with its contemporary art collection, which one fan described as “thoughtful,” and another said was “exquisite.” Romance was on our readers’ minds at the Wentworth Mansion: many wrote that they chose this 21-room boutique hotel, which boasts crystal chandeliers and hand-carved marble fireplaces, for a honeymoon or anniversary stay. “They brought a bottle of champagne and flowers to our room to mark our 30 years of marriage,” remarked one reader. “We felt like royalty. Thank you!”

Charleston is a big food and drink town — so it’s no surprise that several properties on the list are noted for their restaurant and bar scenes. At the Market Pavilion Hotel, guests can sip sweet-tea martinis at the rooftop Pavilion Bar, a hangout for visitors and locals alike, while at the Planters Inn, they can indulge in a multicourse dinner of seared foie gras, jumbo blue crab salad, and pan-seared snapper at the upscale Peninsula Grill. If you go, be sure to save room for dessert. “The Peninsula Grill is just the best,” added one fan. “My wife can’t stop talking about the coconut cake!”

Read on for the full list of winners.

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10. Market Pavilion Hotel

Market Pavilion Hotel, Charleston, South Carolina

Courtesy of Market Pavilion Hotel

Score: 88.91

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9. HarbourView Inn

HarbourView Inn, Charleston, South Carolina

Courtesy of HarbourView Inn

Score: 89.21

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8. John Rutledge House Inn

John Rutledge House, Charleston, South Carolina

Courtesy of John Rutledge House

Score: 89.52

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7. The Vendue

Peter Frank Edwards

Score: 90.90

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6. Wentworth Mansion

Wentworth Mansion, Charleston, South Carolina

Courtesy of Wentworth Mansion

Score: 92.08

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5. The Dewberry

The Dewberry, Charleston, South Carolina

Courtesy of The Dewberry

Score: 92.13

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4. Zero George

Corbin Gurkin

Score: 92.57

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3. French Quarter Inn

French Quarter Inn, Charleston, South Carolina

Courtesy of French Quarter Inn

Score: 93.13

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2. Planters Inn

Planters Inn, Charleston, South Carolina

Courtesy of Planters Inn

Score: 94.37

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1. Spectator Hotel

The Spectator, Charleston, South Carolina

Courtesy of The Spectator

Score: 95.20

After a brief hiatus, the Spectator once again reclaims No. 1 hotel status in Charleston. Just one block from City Market, the property has modern, clean-lined rooms and an intimate lobby bar. “The 1920s-style bar has some of the best cocktails in town,” raved one fan. Many also gave praise to the friendly staff and butler service. “They are rockstars!”

See all of our readers' favorite hotels, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2018.

Replay gallery

The Top 10 Hotels in Charleston in 2018