Turns out South Carolina isn’t the only state with a city named Charleston.
My home state of West Virginia has a Charleston all its own where the Kanawha and Elk Rivers meet. And West Virginia’s Charleston has a personality that embodies the state. Appalachian culture can be experienced in a four-season, mountain setting.
This riverfront city is a cultural, historical, and artistic hub. You’ll find things uniquely West Virginian here. This city somehow manages to seamlessly blend the outdoorsy activities the state is known for with the bustle of a capital city.
Wondering where to stay to explore all West Virginia’s Charleston has to offer? Check out these 12 popular hotels.
Downtown Charleston Hotels
Staying downtown puts visitors right in the heart of the city. It’s the best spot for enjoying Charleston. Lodging here is family-friendly and close to all there is to do.
The Charleston Convention Center & Coliseum, Town Center Mall, and Capital Market are steps away. The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences, which houses an art museum, discovery museum, theater, planetarium, and performance stage is within walking distance as well. And loads of restaurants and shops are close enough to forgo the car too.
Downtown hotels are also the closest lodging options for exploring the West Virginia State Capitol Building, West Virginia State Museum and governor’s mansion. All are about a mile and a half away,
If you’re in town for a visit to the University of Charleston, this is a great spot as well. The campus is just a few miles away and some hotels offer UC discounts (be sure to ask!)
1. Embassy Suites Charleston
Embassy Suites by
The all-suite hotel is a half block from the Charleston Civic Center and across the street from the Town Center Mall.
The made-to-order breakfast is a fan favorite as is Cheyenne, the lovely staff member who prepares omelets with a huge smile.
Embassy Suites Charleston’s amenities include:
- Connecting rooms available
- Free made-to-order breakfast
- On-site restaurant
- Complimentary evening reception
- Pet friendly ($75 USD for 1-4 night stay)
- Fitness center
- Business center
- Hilton Honors program points earned and redeemable
- Self-parking $15 USD per day
2. Brass Pineapple Inn
For a getaway that’s more unique than a traditional hotel or vacation rental, check out the locally-owned Brass Pineapple Inn.
This 1900s bed and breakfast is just a half block from the capitol building in a quiet, historic district. The 7 guest rooms are decorated in a Victorian style and feature antiques, luxury linens and terry robes.
Guests are treated to a full breakfast and afternoon tea with hors d’oeuvres daily. Breakfast delivered to your room on a silver tray is even available for an extra cost. And picnic lunches can be packed to go for $45 a couple.
Cancellation is free 48 hours prior to check-in or 7 days prior during holidays and special event weekends.
The Brass Pineapple’s amenities include:
- Free wifi
- Free parking
- Free breakfast
- Pet friendly ($35 USD per night)
- Laundry on site
3. Charleston Marriott Town Center
The Charleston Marriott Town Center has been synonymous with the city itself for decades. Its prime location has always made it a top choice. The Town Center is adjacent to the property, offering easy access to shops and restaurants.
The 3 ½ star hotel houses the most conference space of any other Charleston hotel. So, it’s a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers. One-bedroom suites are available for travelers needing a little more space.
The Charleston Marriott Conference Center has:
- Free wifi
- Pet-friendly rooms ($100 USD per stay)
- Indoor pool
- Airport shuttle
- On-site restaurant
- Fitness Center
- Laundry on site
- On-site convenience store
- Marriott Bonvoy points earned and redeemable
- Self parking ($15 USD daily)
4. Courtyard Charleston Downtown/ Civic Center
This Marriott brand property tends to be a bit lower priced than the Marriott Town Center. It gets consistently good reviews for great service at the front desk and elsewhere at the hotel too.
It’s also often touted by guests to be super clean, bright, and airy.
The hotel has a scenic view of the river and a fire pit perfect for unwinding at the end of the day.
The Courtyard Charleston Downtown also has:
- Free breakfast
- Indoor pool
- Fitness center
- Free parking
- Free wifi
- On-site restaurant
- Convenience store
- Laundry facilities
- Marriott Bonvoy points earned and redeemable
5. Four Points By Sheraton Charleston
This Marriott property overlooks Haddad Riverfront Park, which means there are great views of the Kanawha River. It’s also within a 5-minute walk of places like Pies and Pints, Laundry Restaurant, and Mountain State Distillery.
You may not need to even go that far for food though because Recovery Sports Grill is on-site. This hotel also gets great reviews for front desk customer service.
With ample meeting space, this option is a popular choice for conferences as well.
Four Points By Sheraton Charleston’s amenities include:
- On-site restaurant
- Free wifi
- Free airport shuttle
- Indoor pool
- Self-parking ($12 USD per day)
- Fitness center
- Convenience store
- Marriott Bonvoy points earned and redeemable
Other Charleston Area/ Kanawha City Hotels
Downtown isn’t the only option for staying in Charleston. The city has other great locations.
In fact, some of the hotels outside of downtown are actually a bit newer and receive better overall reviews. So, while you might not be as close to some of the things to do, you might get a fresher, updated hotel.
Take, for example, South Charleston, which is interestingly not south of downtown Charleston. (But, that’s a whole other history lesson). But it is within about 10 miles of Mardi Gras Casino, a fun place to wager a few bets.
South Charleston has its own take on shopping, restaurants, and things to do too. Be sure to check out the antiques, pastries shop and famous hot dog stand in the Spring Hill district. And don’t miss the one-of-a-kind, locally owned shops at the Mound Area or explore history at the Spring Hill Cemetery Park
The area to the southwest of Charleston is also worth checking out. It’s close to Kanawha State Forest, a haven for hiking, biking, and enjoying the state’s natural beauty.
If you want to venture out of downtown, here are some hotel choices that make for great stays.
6. Fairfield Inn & Suites Charleston South
This hotel is a good example of how being a little out of downtown can mean kicking it up a notch in terms of hotel satisfaction. Not that the downtown hotel chains aren’t also great. But, they average around 4 stars in ratings, while this one is a solid 4.5.
That great rating can be attributed to really friendly staff and the hotel’s well-kept condition. The modern lobby has a variety of seating, comfy chairs, and a gas fireplace, while the dining area has lots of nice seating as well. The small walk-out patio is cute and cozy with a fire pit.
The extra space in many rooms is a huge bonus too. The one-bedroom suites, for example, have a separate living area and are over 450 square feet.
The hotel is located right off Interstate 64 and a close drive to restaurants, shops, and things to do.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Charleston South has the following amenities:
- Free breakfast
- Pet-friendly (USD $25 per night fee)
- Fitness center
- Free wifi
- Free parking
- EV charging station
- Laundry facilities
- Suites available
- Free airport shuttle
- Marriott Bonvoy points earned and redeemable
7. Holiday Inn & Suites Charleston West
This IHG hotel is located within a 5-minute drive to restaurants and attractions and is the closest hotel to the Shawnee Sports Complex. So, if you’re a sports family like us, you’ll appreciate a good hotel option close to the games.
The property is very kid-friendly thanks to the pool, outdoor splash pad, and arcade and game room.
The other things we love are the bright outdoor patio area, nicely decorated lobby, and the cute bar and restaurant. Some rooms have kitchens with full-size refrigerators too.
This property tends to get better reviews than the Holiday Inn Express Charleston-Civic Center. (If you’re still looking for a downtown hotel and want an IHG choice, check that one out though.)
Amenities at the Holiday Inn include:
- Indoor pool with hot tub
- Pet friendly ($25 USD per night)
- Business center
- Free wifi
- On-site restaurant
- Fitness center
- Convenience store
- Free parking
- Free airport shuttle
- Suites available
8. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Charleston South
The great staff at this lodging option makes it worth a look for your trip to Charleston. It’s located off Interstate 64 with restaurants within walking distance.
A homey lobby with a gas fireplace and suites are available for those needing a bit more space.
The whole family can get in on the vacation action here. Kids will enjoy the pool. And your 4-legged family members are welcome.
The Country Inn & Suites has the following amenities:
- Free breakfast
- Free wifi
- Indoor pool with hot tub
- Fitness center
- Free parking
- Laundry
- Business center
- Connecting rooms
- Pet friendly ($30 USD per pet, per stay)
9. Hampton Inn Charleston-Southridge
If you’re looking for a Hampton property, we prefer Hilton’s Hampton Inn Charleston-Southridge over the Hampton Inn Charleston-Downtown property. Retail therapy is at your doorstep at Southridge. You’ll find big-name stores like Cabela’s and Walmart as well as smaller, unique stores at the nearby shopping center.
Inside this lodging option, you’ll find a welcoming, bright lobby and modern decor. Outside there’s a great manicured fire pit area with lots of seating.
And you can choose your room among the 139 offered, which include some suites with jetted tubs.
This Hampton offers:
- Connecting rooms
- Free wifi
- Free breakfast
- Free parking
- Fitness center
- Indoor pool
- Business center
- Pet friendly ($75 USD for 1-4 night stay)
- Airport shuttle
- Hilton Honors points earned and redeemable
10. Sonesta ES Suites Charleston
For a lodging option with a fully equipped kitchen, the price can’t be beat at the Sonesta. Choose from studio to 2-bedroom suites to accommodate the whole family.
Extras like a tennis court, basketball hoop, outdoor pool, and nice outside patio area help to make a stay more comfortable. Some rooms have gas fireplaces to make inside time cozy as well.
This former Residence Inn is tucked away in a quiet area so while restaurants and attractions aren’t within walking distance, they are only about a mile and a half away.
Amenities at Sonesta ES Suites include:
- Free breakfast
- Free wifi
- Pet friendly ($75 USD for up to 7 nights)
- Self parking ($5 USD per car per night)
- Outdoor pool
- Fitness center
- On-site laundry
- Business center
11. Sleep Inn Charleston
This Choice Hotel brand option is only a mile and a half from Yeager Airport in the Mink Shoal area of the city. The hotel sits just outside of the city center and is an easy drive to downtown. It’s conveniently right off Interstate 79.
As a 2-star option, it comes at a lower price point than some of the other options on the list. But it still gets good marks from past guests.
The Sleep Inn in Charleston offers:
- On-site restaurant
- Free wifi
- Free breakfast
- Laundry available
- Business center services
- Microwave and small refrigerator in room
- Free parking
12. Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Charleston WV
This Wyndham property is a good budget hotel located just off of Interstate 64 in a somewhat industrial area. The price is great so it’s perfect for those wanting a quick overnight stay for a road trip. Or it’s good for those needing an inexpensive hotel to experience Charleston.
The Microtel’s bright interior with red accents feels modern and welcoming. And the staff gets high marks for friendliness.
Rooms are available with one king or one queen bed. A two queens configuration is available in a suite option. A room with a microwave and refrigerator is available upon request.
A stay at the Microtel Inn and Suites includes:
- Free breakfast
- Fitness center
- Free wifi
- Business center
Leave a Reply