SpringHill Suites Charleston Downtown/Riverview

SpringHill Suites Charleston Downtown/Riverview is a mid-range chain hotel under the Marriott umbrella that attracts business travelers with modest budgets as well as families and tourists who don't mind staying outside of the charming city center in order to save a little cash. It's housed in a large purpose-built structure with pale-yellow exteriors and a bright lobby featuring a mix of pale-blue walls and stairways paired with a mix of gray and tan stone-finish floors topped with soft chairs in hues of blue, yellow, and green (a color scheme found throughout the property) and a few tables. Other common areas include a breakfast room with a long buffet section and granite-topped tables, plus a few more places to sit in the outdoor terrace area.

SpringHill Suites is located in the St. Andrews area of West Ashley, across the river from downtown Charleston. West Ashley is a mixed commercial and residential area with a mix of wide tree-lined streets dotted with houses and gargantuan shopping malls full of chain stores and restaurants. There's not a whole lot of interest within walking distance of the hotel save for a few shops and restaurants. The South Windemere Shopping Center is a 15-minute walk away. Most attractions require a car to get to. It's a seven-minute drive to historic Charleston and it takes just a little longer by car to get to attractions such as the South Carolina Aquarium and the City Market. Folly Beach and Charleston International Airport are a 20-minute drive away. It's about a 45-minute drive/ferry ride to Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began.

This hotel offers two types of room: Studios and Larger Studios. Each Studio unit has a king bed and a sofa bed, while Larger Studios are, naturally, larger and come with either a king bed or two queen beds. Decor is identical across categories, with a pale-blue and olive-green color scheme. Expect teal-and-olive patterned carpets, blue sofas and chairs with green accent cushions and coordinating cool-toned wall art, light-blue accents on headboards and drapes, and light wood-finish furniture in both the rooms and vanity areas. All come equipped with desks with ergonomic chairs, flat-screen TVs, large chrome-finish microwaves, large mini-fridges, coffeemakers, irons with ironing boards, and hairdryers. Bathrooms have olive-green walls and shower/tub combos, and toiletries are provided. Some units have balconies and views out over the Ashley River and the Ripley Point Marina. 

Amenities are geared toward business travelers and many of the facilities are open around the clock. There's no restaurant for lunch or dinner, but the hotel does offer a breakfast buffet with hot items such as eggs and DIY waffles as well as cereals, breads, and other standard continental fare. The hotel offers two event spaces, a 24-hour business center with two workstations and a printer/scanner, and free hotel-wide Wi-Fi. There's a 24-hour fitness center with a few pieces of cardio equipment and free weights, but it's on the small side and might not suit the needs of long-term guests with a serious fitness regime. Alternatively, there's a smallish outdoor saltwater swimming pool with an adjacent whirlpool hot tub and a few lounge chairs. It's open until late in the evening, though it's closed in the winter months. Other features include a 24-hour laundry room with two coin-operated washing machines and two dryers. Detergent and dryer sheets are available from the vending machine. There's also an ATM in the lobby and a 24-hour market selling snacks and sundries, plus plenty of free on-site parking.