Courtyard Charleston Waterfront

The Courtyard Charleston Waterfront may have the amenities and decor style expected of a mid-range chain hotel, but this property has something that makes it particularly appealing among comparable hotels in the area: it is located overlooking Ashley River and its marina, which lends it a relaxing, quiet feel. The lobby and all rooms received some updates in late 2017 and early 2018, but the highlight here is the outdoors. The area behind the hotel abuts the river, and there is a big paved deck with lots of seating, a pool, and a whirlpool. This is a popular spot for guests in the summer, but the fire pit also draws couples and families in the colder months. The sunsets views are beautiful from here. For a fee, the hotel runs a private shuttle to the downtown area. However, those wanting to be closer to major attractions have a few other options for just a little bit more money. The Elliott House Inn is just one of them, featuring quaint rooms, a cute courtyard with a whirlpool, and an array of great freebies, including breakfast and bikes. Another great option for couples with a bigger budget is the Vendue Charleston’s Art Hotel, an upscale boutique with a wonderful art collection, a fine dining restaurant, and stylish, individually decorated rooms. Travelers seeking a secluded property for a romantic and relaxing getaway may want to check out the Inn at Middleton Place, which is located on a gorgeous riverside plantation, and offers lovely rooms with wood-burning fireplaces, an outdoor pool, and a solid restaurant.  

Located right off Highway 30, the Courtyard Charleston Waterfront has a slightly isolated location overlooking the Ashley Marina and adjacent to the Medical University of South Carolina. Though there are no restaurants or major attractions within walking distance, the hotel is just a five-minute drive from downtown Charleston, and it offers shuttle service (for a fee) to the Historic District, home to beautiful houses, gardens, and numerous museums. The South Carolina Aquarium is a seven-minute drive from the hotel, as is the Citadel, which is rich in military history. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from the College of Charleston and the Citadel Military College of South Carolina. Other local attractions, including Folly Beach and Fort Sumter -- where the first shots of the American Revolution were fired -- can be found within a 20-minute drive of the property. It's a 17-minute drive to Charleston International Airport.

The hotel’s 178 rooms and suites received some cosmetic updates in 2017-18, but haven’t been fully renovated in some years. The overall design is still chain-like and plain, with popcorn walls from another era, but gray accent walls, blue sofas with rounded edges, and big contemporary paintings distract from the dull carpets and heavy wooden furniture. Starting at 300 square feet, rooms are well-sized and comfortable, and come with either two queens or a king-sized bed. Most also feature a sofa bed and can fit a cot. Floor-to-ceiling windows make rooms light and airy, and some have glass doors opening onto narrow furnished balconies with panoramic river views. In-room amenities are great for a mid-range hotel, and include mini-fridges, microwaves, flat-screen TVs with premium movie channels, and coffeemakers. Free Wi-Fi is available property-wide, while irons and safes are also provided free of charge in all rooms. Neutral-tone bathrooms are clean but a touch older, with brown granite-like sink areas, and shower/tub combos with fabric curtains. Hairdryers and Paul Mitchell toiletries are supplied as well.  

The hotel’s top feature is its lovely riverfront pool and whirlpool, surrounded by a large deck dotted with padded loungers, palm trees, and tables with umbrellas. Overlooking this outdoor area, The Bistro is a good spot for a casual bite in the evening, featuring an American menu with burgers, sandwiches, dips, and pasta dishes, as well as Starbucks coffee and cocktails. The restaurant also serves a tasty breakfast menu of pancakes, yogurt bowls, eggs, and French toast for a fee. The gym is small and basic, but it has enough cardio machines and weights for a quick workout. Business travelers may appreciate the hotel’s two meeting rooms, the largest of which is big enough for about 50 guests. Full audiovisual equipment -- including microphones, LCD projectors, and TVs -- is available, and the hotel provides business services such as copying, faxing, and messenger service. There is also a business center with computers and a printer. On-site parking is free and covered.