The Best New Hotels In Charleston Right Now

Forbes

10 hours ago

Charleston's coolest small inn has a pool and parking. 86 Cannon
Charleston may be known for its historic charm, but it's not stuck in the past. The city is in the midst of a wave of openings—new restaurants, new shops, and, notably, new hotels. These four recently opened properties, offering both riverside retreats and design-forward pied-à-terres in the heart of downtown, cater to all types of travelers.
The Dunlin has beautiful common areas inviting an afternoon of leisure. The Dunlin, Augerge Collection Resorts
The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection
Who it's for: Nature lovers and design fans looking for a peaceful Lowcountry stay with organic spa treatments, delicious food, and riverfront views.
Hugging a peaceful bend of the Kiawah River, The Dunlin sits 35 minutes southwest of Charleston on a 2,000-acre stretch of protected marshland. Opened in August 2024 on John's Island, this Lowcountry retreat from Auberge Resorts Collection offers 52 guest rooms and 20 suites designed by Amanda Lindroth. Interiors evoke a vintage coastal summerhouse, with four-poster beds, cane furnishings, antique birding books, and soaking tubs. MoThe guest rooms include screened porches that overlook either oak trees or tidal waterways.
The property was built to immerse guests in the surrounding ecosystem. An on-site outpost of Coastal Expeditions leads naturalist-guided kayak trips, creek paddles, and boat tours focused on the flora and fauna of the saltmarsh. Cycling trails, wildlife sightings, and firepit gatherings are part of the daily rhythm. Guests can book facials and bodywork at the Aster Spa, where treatments feature organic and plant-based products.
Dining centers around regional seafood and produce. Linnette's, the main restaurant, serves dishes like warm blue crab dip, shrimp and Carolina Gold rice, and buttermilk-fried oysters. At In The Willet Room, cocktails highlight local spirits and herbs, with curious guests able to opt in for informal porch-side mixology classes led by the bar team.
Despite its proximity to Charleston, The Dunlin functions as a standalone destination for those seeking quiet, nature, and regional character. The property's design prioritizes slow days and early nights over urban-style luxury, showcasing preserved marshland views, seafood-forward menus, and low-impact nature-based activities.
Spacious apartment-like rooms at Hotel Richemont. Hotel Richemont
Hotel Richemont
Who it's for: Independent travelers who value design, space, and a central location over extra services.
Opened in June 2025, Hotel Richemont is a 25-room boutique property on Society Street, just off King Street in downtown Charleston. Developed by Indigo Road Hospitality with interiors by B. Berry and architecture by Neil Stevenson, the hotel blends contemporary design with a spacious, residential atmosphere. Guestrooms range from standard kings to bi-level suites featuring balconies, full kitchens, and separate living areas. Custom furnishings, soft neutral tones, and artwork by local artists like Blakely Made and Whitney Stoddard create a polished yet relaxed aesthetic.
Guests arrive through a courtyard layered with climbing vines, flickering gas lanterns, and a central fountain. Inside, curated bookshelves, handmade mirrors by Charleston artisan Robert Hines, and a mural by artist Jess Kollar lend texture and character to the communal spaces.
A preserved vault door in the lobby nods to the building's former life as a neighborhood bank, one of several thoughtful details that connect the new project to Charleston's layered past.
The on-site Two Bit Club, from Chef Jelo Tria, offers Vietnamese-inspired dishes—think pho, turmeric-fried fish, and chili crisp noodles—and cocktails with makrut lime and lemongrass. Guests can order coffee and pastries here in the morning.
While Richemont provides essential services—including 24-hour front‑desk support, concierge assistance, and daily housekeeping—you won't find a full-service spa, pool, or room service.
The 24/7 front desk provides support when needed, while the spacious suites and central location offer a comfortable, independent base in the heart of Charleston.
The Nickel Hotel Lobby has a similar aesthetic to related projects like Lowland Tavern. The Nickel Hotel
The Nickel Hotel
Who it's for: Seeking space and function of a high-end apartment right in the center of the action.
Opened in June 2025, The Nickel is the second Charleston property from Philadelphia-based Method Co., following the debut of The Pinch just off King Street in 2022. Developed in partnership with Capital Square and Morris Adjmi Architects, the five-story new build sits directly on King Street in the Cannonborough neighborhood.
The hotel features 50 rooms and suites, many designed for longer stays thanks to full kitchens, marble countertops, and in-room washers and dryers, as well as dining and lounge areas. The guest rooms offer private balconies, and the penthouse suites include up to three bedrooms and large private terraces.
The hotel layout centers on a leafy, three-story interior courtyard with wrought-iron balconies, a fountain, and a wood-burning fireplace. Additional common spaces include a library, the guest-only cocktail bar Bar Daniel, and a rooftop lounge with city views, Rosemary Rose, which is open to the public.
The Nickel offers thoughtful extras—complimentary bike rentals, welcome cocktails at check-in, and access to a nearby gym—but skips the full-service trappings of larger hotels.
Just be warned: the central King Street location comes with street noise, especially on weekends. For light sleepers or travelers seeking a more tranquil setting, this property may not be the best fit. But for those who want apartment-style independence in the thick of it, The Nickel offers a polished home base.
The Bungalow Suite at 86 Cannon. Katie Charlotte
86 Cannon
Who it's for: Stay-like-a-local with a pool and parking without the noise of King Street.
Set within a meticulously restored 1860s Charleston single house in the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood, 86 Cannon offers an elegant alternative to the city's larger hotels.
The adults-only, 10-room inn spans three historic structures—the Main House, Carriage House, and Garden Suites—each featuring heart pine floors, original fireplaces, and sweeping piazzas. InThe interiors balance classic architecture with contemporary finishes, including Frette linens, Malin+Goetz bath products, mid-century furnishings, and curated bookshelves that create a warm, personal feel.
No two rooms at 86 Cannon are the same—each is individually styled with its layout, furnishings, and architectural details, from vaulted ceilings to antique mantels; balconies to small terraces; or kitchenettes and wet bars.
While 86 Cannon has front-desk staff during daytime hours, it functions more like a private inn or upmarket B&B. There's no restaurant or spa, but guests are welcomed with a drink on arrival. Breakfast is European in style with fresh fruit, yogurt, and warm, local pastries. Each evening, a wine and cheese hour invites guests to unwind on the piazza or in the parlor.
A saltwater plunge pool sits behind the house, framed by brick walls and greenery. It's an uncommon perk for a property of this size in Charleston—even many larger hotels don't offer one—making it a welcome place to cool off or relax after exploring the city on foot or with one of the complimentary cruiser bikes.
Another welcome feature: a private parking lot behind the inn. While many Charleston hotels rely on valet service or require guests to hunt for metered or paid-lot parking, 86 Cannon offers free on-site access. Being able to pull in, unload your bags, and come and go without hassle is a rare convenience in this space-limited city.
With King Street just a few blocks away, 86 Cannon is well situated for travelers who want walkable access to downtown without sacrificing a sense of calm. It's best suited to couples or solo travelers who appreciate thoughtful design, historic character, and the feel of staying in a well-run private home.