gay hotels charleston sc

Guide to Gay Friendly Hotels in Charleston, SC (2024 Updated)

Search and book Lesbian and Gay friendly hotels Charleston, SC.

Lesbiangaybisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights in the United States have evolved in recent decades. However, LGBT Americans may still face some legal and many social challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents, particularly in states with large conservative populations, such as in the Deep South; in rural areas; and in some Native American tribal nations.

U.S. federal law does not explicitly include protections against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. In June 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that sexual orientation and gender identity are included under “sex” as a prohibited ground of employment discrimination in the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the U.S. state of Florida may face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Same-sex sexual activity became legal in the state after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Lawrence v. Texas on June 26, 2003, and same-sex marriage has been legal in the state since January 6, 2015.
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in South CarolinaSame-sex couples and families headed by same-sex couples are eligible for all of the protections available to opposite-sex married couples. However, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is not banned statewide.
The city’s historic cobblestone streets are a safe haven for the LGBTQ community, with year-round celebrations that extend far beyond pride week. The city holds an annual LGBTQ Wedding Expo, where spouses-to-be can connect with wedding professionals.
Charleston has a long history of being a  gay friendly town and in downtown we can find a few gay friendly bars as well as Dudley’s is the most famous gay bars in Charleston, SC.
Charleston, the South Carolina port city founded in 1670, is defined by its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages and pastel antebellum houses, particularly in the elegant French Quarter and Battery districts. The Battery promenade and Waterfront Park both overlook Charleston Harbor, while Fort Sumter, a federal stronghold where the first shots of the Civil War rang out, lies across the water.

 Top attractions to visit in Charleston

1. Francis Marion Hotel 4* – Gay Friendly Hotels Charleston SC

Francis Marion Hotel
Francis Marion Hotel

Set in the heart of Charleston across from Marion Square, this historic hotel features a full-service spa and an on-site restaurant serving classic Southern cuisine. The French Quarter is 0.6 miles away. Free WiFi is provided.

A flat-screen TV with premium cable channels is featured in all rooms. A custom-made vanity and seating area are also provided. Guests will enjoy the convenience of a coffee maker.

A fully equipped fitness centre is provided. A Starbucks Coffee® shop and full-service are on site as well.

While staying at the Francis Marion, guests can enjoy regional specialities for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the Swamp Fox Restaurant. Live jazz music along with cocktails is also available at the hotel’s Swamp Fox Bar.

Dating from 1924, this sophisticated hotel is opposite Marion Square. It’s also 15 minutes’ walk from both the South Carolina Aquarium and the historic City Market.

Traditionally decorated rooms come with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and coffeemakers. Suites add separate living spaces; some offer harbor views and/or kitchens.

Breakfast (fee) is served in-room or in a Southern-style restaurant/bar, which offers regular, live jazz music. Other amenities include a spa, an exercise room and a Starbucks coffee shop.

Experience unsurpassed views of the historic harbor at the Francis Marion Hotel, the only high-rise hotel in Charleston’s historic district. All 234 guest rooms including 10 Suites and 7 Penthouse Suites are tastefully furnished for today’s sophisticated traveler, and provide modern conveniences from wireless Internet access, voicemail and data ports to on-demand movies.

Charleston SC is a beautiful city with so much to do and the city has designed services to make visitors’ experiences as close to ideal as possible. The Francis Marion is the grand dame of the hotels and retains its 1930s style while providing the latest in comfort and experience. The hotel’s restaurant is incredible – the hush puppies and shrimp dishes are amazingly good.

The rooms are gracefully presented and the staff is very hospitable in every way. The hotel sits across the street from the ‘town square’ and is just a good walk from the ocean and aquarium in one direction and in another to museums, antique shops and even some local clothes designers. The hotel is a block away from the College of Charleston and the jibe is great in the many bars and restaurants nearby.

Loved the lobby with the 1920’s swing jazz music continuously playing over the speaker.. Vintage olde south & full of character! My room was very neat, the bathroom was clean new marble. I’ve read reviews about it being too small but really it’s fine unless you plan on having more than one person in at a time. Easy location for a 1st timer to Charleston. Can walk ANYWHERE in the downtown area from here within 10-15 mins.

Staff is friendly, valet was ALWAYS attentive, & our bartender made great conversation & great drinks. Always clean and shiny & steadily busy. And both the Starbucks & the Swamp Fox restaurant/bar were occupied everytime we went in or out….from looking at the reviews, Anyone that says this hotel is “going down the drain”, or no one wants to stay here since its not as modern isn’t accurate. It’s just not their personal choice, but it is definitely not the general consensus! To each his own, but there is still plenty of traffic through this place.

The prices were the cheapest for the best location. It has the coolest breeze. Right on King St so you don’t need a car! The city has a free dash trolly to take you anywhere you want but because of the location you can walk. It is across the street from the main park, ask for a room overlooking the park, you also see the ocean, the bridges light up at night and the church steeple, it’s gorgeous!

The rooms are so cute! The reviews said they are small but we didn’t find that and we had a room with four people in it. The hotel is so immaculate. There is automatic hand sanitizers everywhere in the hotel. The windows open for a cool ocean breeze! Stay here every time for a happy vacation! The dash trolleys come on the corner so you don’t have to walk anywhere if you don’t want to! Choose this hotel every time! The other locations for hotels are worse and more expensive. We got so lucky to choose this one.

Gay Friendly Hotels Charleston
Gay Friendly Hotels Charleston

How much does a room costs at Francis Marion Hotel?

Prices start 158$/night for Traditional Room. The King Room with Sea View is  225$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.

This spacious room features a seating area, flat-screen cable TV, and an en suite with marble and granite accents. A desk and small seating area are also provided. Views of historic Charleston harbor are provided.

Where to book online – Francis Marion Hotel –  Gay Friendly Hotels Charleston SC – you can find the best hotels deals in Charleston SC during MOJA Arts Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Charleston SC on Booking.com   or  Agoda.comor Hotelscombined.com  and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

2. Harbourview Inn 4* – Gay Friendly Hotels Charleston South Carolina

Harbourview Inn
Harbourview Inn

Overlooking Historic Charleston Harbor and Waterfront Park, this luxury boutique hotel features elegant rooms with a 42-inch flat-screen TV and free WiFi. Extras include a free afternoon wine and cheese reception and rooftop skyline tour.

A 4-post bed, original artwork, and a small refrigerator are featured in all Old World-inspired rooms at Harbourview Inn. A hardwood desk. A valet laundry service is available Monday through Saturday for a fee.

Snacks and iced tea are served in the Atrium Lobby, which also features handcrafted wood furnishings by Art Welling, a 2nd generation master craftsman. Fresh coffee is available 24 hours in the lobby, and the business centre is open 24 hours.

Set a 2-minute walk from Charleston Harbor, this refined hotel is 1 mile from the Charleston Aquarium and 5 minutes’ walk from the sprawling, 200-year-old City Market.

Traditional rooms come with 4-poster beds, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and mini fridges. Historic rooms feature circa-1830 brick walls and handcrafted furniture.

Complimentary amenities include breakfast served either in the lobby, in-room or on a terrace, along with all-day coffee and snacks, and an afternoon wine and cheese reception. Other amenities include milk and cookies in the evening.

Fresh yet graciously familiar in a way that feels like coming home, the HarbourView Inn lulls you into a more intimate experience in Charleston. A place where Carolina jessamine scents the air, British West Indies furnishings decorate light-filled rooms, and sweeping views of the Charleston harbor set the stage for an unforgettable getaway.

The location was perfect – its located right in the heart of the French Quarter next to all of the major restaurants. King Street is also a short 10-15 minute walk (at most) so you never are far. It’s about a 3 minute walk to Rainbow Row, which we walked to a few times for coffee breaks. The boardwalk right outside the hotel is also wonderful – there are porch swings along the dock, so it was a very relaxing and romantic spot.

The location on the water, in the French Quarter (or very close) made it possible to walk everywhere. Nearby restaurants were plentiful and suited both me and my vegan friend. Afternoon wine and morning breakfasts delivered to our room made this a perfect getaway. I would never consider staying anywhere else if I were to return to the beautiful, quaint city of Charleston.

Lovely hotel. Perfect location along the water and just steps from excellent bars, restaurants and historical locations. Service was outstanding. Daily breakfast included and can even be delivered to your room! Happy hour daily, also included with cheese and crackers. The staff at the front desk were very helpful and gave us ideas on places to visit.

The Harbourview Inn is on the top of my list of best places to stay. The location is perfect for walking the historic district. The Inn is perfect for cleanliness, comfort, service and the free breakfast is outstanding. We would not stay elsewhere when we return to beautiful Charleston. Our stay was superb in every way.

The location of this Inn is IDEAL for walking everywhere around town. They have a beautiful view of the Harbor and fountain from the rooftop terrace. The included perks are endless- complimentary cocktail upon arrival, wine and cheese from 5-6pm, cookies and milk from 9-10pm, and a gourmet continental breakfast delivered right to our room (until 10am) which included quiches, muffins, croissants, cinnamon rolls, fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, cereals, milk, juice, coffee, tea, etc.

We chose one of everything(!) and were so stuffed we skipped our lunch plans. Next time, and every time, we visit Charleston we’ll stay at the HarbourView Inn.

gay charleston sc hotels
gay charleston sc hotels

How much does a room costs at Harbourview Inn?

Prices start 292$/night for Traditional King Room. The Room with Two Queen Beds – Historic Wing is  380$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.

This room is located in the historic section and features 4-metre high ceilings. A 42-inch flat-screen TV is also included.

Where to book online – Harbourview Inn –  Gay Friendly Hotels Charleston SC – you can find the best hotels deals in Charleston SC during MOJA Arts Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Charleston SC on Booking.com  or  Agoda.comor Hotelscombined.com  and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

3. The Restoration Hotel 4* – LGBT Friendly Hotels Charleston SC

The Restoration Hotel
The Restoration Hotel

This Charleston The Restoration hotel and spa features a library, restaurant, and shop. The hotel is located only 1,800 feet from the College of Charleston and 9 minutes’ walk to Charleston City Market.

The gourmet continental breakfast is made-to-order and served in a picnic basket by The Rise Coffee Bar. Breakfast items include but are not limited to croissants, Danishes, and bagels as well as fresh fruit and lox with hard boiled eggs.

Every suite at The Restoration boasts exposed brick walls, hardwood flooring, and spacious living areas. Each suite provides a flat-screen TV, an iPod docking station, and a modern kitchenette or kitchen. Select suites have a washer and dryer.

An evening wine and cheese reception is offered on select nights at The Restoration. The hotel also offers freshly baked cookies in the evenings. A rooftop bar and grill is open for lunch and dinner, and a coffee shop is also on site.

Set in historic downtown Charleston, this chic, all-suite hotel is 0.9 miles from the South Carolina Aquarium and a 12-minute walk from the Charleston Museum.

The warm suites feature free Wi-Fi, loaner iPads, flat-screen TVs, washer/dryers and full kitchens. Complimentary breakfast is delivered in a picnic basket. Some suites have high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and balconies with city views.

Amenities include evening wine and cheese receptions, plus a rooftop terrace with couches and tables. Loaner bikes are available, and guests receive free access to a nearby fitness club.

Lowcountry, high standards. The Restoration Hotel defines the New South with their blend of classically appointed Suites and Residences. Located on iconic King Street, The Restoration offers locals and travelers alike the opportunity to experience light touch luxury modernized with a few twists.
From our fireside Assouline Library to the rooftop Indigo Pool, each onsite amenity is uniquely designed to allow guests to connect with community and transcend the traditional hospitality experience. Serving farm to table fare alongside handcrafted cocktails, The Watch Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits offers unparalleled views of Charleston’s most recognizable landmarks. Guests are invited to unwind at the jewel-box inspired Amethyst Spa, or energize at The Rise Coffee Bar brewing seasonal coffee creations from local roasteries. We welcome you to experience The Restoration first hand to see what the New South is all about.
This is a premiere establishment and I do believe gay friendly as they were putting out the rainbow flag for a week as we were checking out.
Restoration on King was originally developed as luxury apartments, but the economy apparently led to it being turned into a hotel. This means that you don’t just get a hotel room with a living area tacked on – you have a proper luxury apartment with all mod cons, where you could easily live. The decor was beautiful – cool and modern, neutral and stylish.
The bed was delightfully comfortable. The whole place was pristine. And the service was great – the breakfast picnic baskets being a particularly nice touch. Great free wifi. Free drinks in the fridge. Cheese and wine from 5-6 in the lobby; milk and cookies 9-10. This hotel sets out to give you the experience of living in this fabulous part of town – feeling independent, but also pampered and taken care of.
The complimentary wine/cheese hour and breakfast basket are nice perks. But the complimentary golf cart service within a mile of the hotel is golden!!! Coffee bar and restaurant are amazing. Farm to table style restaurant with seasonal menu changes. Great western exposure on the 7th floor for amazing sunset views for dinner/happy hour experiences. Great location to walk to any shops/restaurants as well.

Over the past few years, King Street has exploded north of Marion Square with restaurants, bars, cafes, nightclubs, and, yes, even ice cream parlors that rival any city ten times Charleston’s size. Meanwhile, all the history and old guard architecture the city is so famous for has remained firmly rooted in the opposite direction on the southern end of the peninsula.

From the Restoration’s central location, you can, say, stop by GoatSheepCow for a couple of their gourmet charcuterie-inspired sandwiches (they don’t tell you what they’ve made until 11am that day) and wander down to the waterfront for a lunchtime picnic. And then after a few hours sightseeing and maybe a nap at the hotel, stroll up to the Rarebit, north of the square, for happy hour Moscow Mules. Or maybe an ice cream cone at Jeni’s, if that’s your thing. (It’s mine).

We’ve stayed in two rooms, both in the Residences section of the hotel. The first was an enormous one bedroom, one and a half bath loft absolutely dripping with gorgeous warehouse brick on nearly every wall. The show stopping experience began when the door opened to a long, wide entry hall with elegantly curved walls decorated with a tasteful, understated credenza and ended with the step down into the massive living/ dining/ kitchen space.

As for the rest of the public spaces in the hotel, they’re stunning. Even after an exterior remodel where they’ve highlighted the main lobby entrance with soft but modern green lit panels, the place still has that boutique feel of a collection of cozy and interesting spaces that invite you to explore. In addition to the coffee shop, the store, and the spa, there are also two courtyards and a library to meet or relax in, the latter of which is also where you’ll find the concierge if you’re looking for things to do or need a reservation.
gay hotels charleston sc
gay hotels charleston sc

How much does a room costs at The Restoration Hotel ?

Prices start 301$/night for King Studio. The Luxury Two-Bedroom Suite with Terrace  is  636$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.

This suite features Modern-style furnishings with a full kitchen, separate seating area, and flat-screen smart TV. Extras include a personal iPad, 2 bathrooms with Beekman 1802 toiletries, and custom photographic displays by artist Gately Williams.

Where to book online – The Restoration Hotel –  Gay Friendly Hotels Charleston SC – you can find the best hotels deals in Charleston SC during MOJA Arts Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Charleston SC on Booking.com  or  Agoda.com  or  Hotelscombined.com  and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

by Sorin

Sorin is a freelance travel writer. He is an experienced travel writer and traveller. Since 2012 he explored more than 60 countries on 4 continents: Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. Currently is based in Romania after spending the last 7 years in Myanmar.