$153 Avg/night
Rate and special offer based on Check-in: May 27, 2013 Check-out: May 30, 2013

Francis Marion Hotel

4 stars
387 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Hotel Overview
Reviewer score
3.9
out of 5
135 reviews
Comfy upscale hotel

A great choice for our first time in Charleston. The beds were super comfortable. The staff is... See full review

  • 1st time Charleston visit
  • Jan 23, 2013
Great stay

Awesome weekend in Charleston. Friendly staff, clean hotel and overall appearance was beautiful. See full review

  • Mary Bee
  • Dec 17, 2012
Historic charm, modern conveniences in downtown Charleston
The Francis Marion Hotel was built in 1924, completely renovated in 1996 with a $12 million grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, but there's still plenty of old-fashioned charm. The rooms feature European-style bedding and marble bathrooms with pedestal sinks and brass fixtures. Over the years, the Francis Marion Hotel has hosted celebrities and historical figures, and its location is convenient to downtown Charleston's historic homes, shops, restaurants and other attractions.
Highlights
  • Named after Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion, "The Swamp Fox"
  • In the heart of downtown historic Charleston, walking distance from many attractions
  • Entire facility is smoke free
  • Listed on the Virginia and National Registers of Historic Places
  • The two ballrooms feature antique chandeliers, high ceilings and windows and marble accented fireplaces

 

Rooms
The Francis Marion Hotel has 233 rooms, 10 suites and seven penthouse suites. The room décor is reminiscent of 1920s grandeur, but with up-to-date amenities such as free wireless Internet and on-demand movies (fees apply).
Features
The Francis Marion Hotel offers concierge service, Spa Adagio Day Spa and an on-site fitness center.

 

Dining
The Swamp Fox Restaurant and Bar features classic Southern cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Francis Marion Hotel also has a Starbucks on site and offers and room service.
Transportation
  • Charleston International Airport (11.2 mi/18 km)
  • Amtrak station (7.6 mi/12.2 km)
  • Walking distance from many attractions downtown
Attractions
  • Charleston's Museum Mile (0.1 mi/0.2 km)
  • Children's Museum (0.3 mi/0.5 km)
  • Charleston Visitor Center (0.4 mi/0.6 km)
  • Fort Sumter and Dinner Cruises (0.7 mi/1.1 km)
  • South Carolina Aquarium (0.7 mi/1.1 km)
  • Gibbes Museum of Art (0.7 mi/1.1 km)
  • Patriots Point Park including USS Yorktown (5 mi/8 km)
  • Magnolia Plantation (12 mi/19.3 km)
Business
  • 10 meeting rooms totaling 19,000 square feet, all with Wi-Fi
  • The Francis Marion added a 7,000 square-foot conference center in 2004
  • Audio/visual equipment available (fees apply)
  • Business center
Policies and fees
No pets allowed. Valet parking (fees apply). Self-parking is available at a city garage next door (fees apply). Effective March 1 2012, parlking fees will be $14 for self parking and $19 for valet parking.

This is not a comprehensive list of fees. Any amounts listed above may not include taxes and are subject to change.

Francis Marion Hotel Rooms

Deluxe Room
One king or two double beds. Early 20th-century decor and furnishings. 350 square feet. Rooms includes air conditioning, refrigerator, wake up calls, complimentary toiletries, iron and iron board, clock radio, cribs(infant beds)available, satellite/ cable TV with pay movies, premium bedding, complimentary newspaper, multiline phone, voice mail, coffee and tea maker, house keeping daily, extra towels and bedding in room, hair dryer, electronic and magnetic keys. European-style bedding with overstuffed duvets and down pillows. Marble bathroom, pedestal sink, and brass fixtures. Nonsmoking
Treditional
Room includes one queen or two double beds. 250 square feet. Early 20th-century decor and furnishings, European-style bedding with overstuffed duvets and down pillows, desk with lamp and chair, wooden armoire with TV, dual-line phone, premium cable with pay movies, marble bathroom, pedestal sink and brass fixtures, Nonsmoking.

Amenities

  • Wireless internet
General
Concierge
Activities
Health club
Spa services
Dining
Restaurant
Room service
Services
Business center
Conference facilities
Internet
Wireless internet
Accessibility
Handicapped rooms/facilities

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Reviewer score 3.9 out of 5
Reviewer score 3.7 out of 5

Hotel Map

32.7859 -79.9364
Area served
Charleston.
Nearby airports
Hotel is located 12 miles East of Charleston Airport (CHS)
Area description
Located in Historic Downtown Charleston. Marion square park- across the street, king street shops and galleries - 1 block, college of charleston - 0.25 mile, fort sumter tours - 0.5 mile, south carolina aquarium - 0.5 mile, old market place - 0.5 mile, charleston battery - 1.5 miles, old exchange - 1.5 miles, The citadel-2 miles, USS yorktown - 5.5 miles, Boone hall plantation - 9.5 miles, Magnolia plantation - 14 miles.

Nearby points of interest

  • Port Charleston: 0.7 mi

Meeting facilities

Meeting Info
A full array of business services is available for conferences and meetings. Host an elegant business meeting in one of conference rooms. The new conference facility features 7,000 square feet of total conference space.

Hotel Policies

Check-in:
1600
Check-out:
1200

Terms and conditions

Rates quoted in currencies other than the hotel's base currency are subject to the rate of the international exchange. Rate may change throughout stay. Rate may reflect average nightly rate. Extra charges may apply. Incidental charges, such as room service, are not included in the rate.

The amenities and/or facilities may not be located at the hotel, but within a reasonable distance, and additional charges may apply for use.

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Guest Reviews (135)

Ratings and reviews for Francis Marion Hotel

Overall score

3.9 / 5
135 out of 135
Amenities:
3.8
Room cleanliness:
4.3
Hotel staff:
4.4
Room comfort:
4.1
Location:
4.6
Value:
3.9

90% would recommend to a friend.

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Review this hotel
Review of Francis Marion Hotel

Reviewer score

4
Anonymous
DC
Apr 24, 2011

destination wedding weekend getaway

Extremely kind and accommodating staff. Fantastic location in the heart of downtown. Only minutes to walk to the best dining, shopping, and bars in town. We were here for an Easter weekend wedding and loved our entire stay!

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
3
Review of Francis Marion Hotel

Reviewer score

4
Anonymous
Michigan
Apr 10, 2011

charming 20th century luxury hotel

Stayed only one night. Helpful, friendly and professional staff. Comfy bed. 1920's decor with completely modern bathrooms.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
5
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
3
Dining tip: In Hotel

The Swamp Rat Restaurant is excellent. The food is better than the ambiance and well worth it.

Review of Francis Marion Hotel

Reviewer score

4
Kathy G
Omaha, NE
Apr 10, 2011

Great Location!

Right on King Street with lots of shopping options. Close to harbour and open air markets. Free DASH transportation right along King Street.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
4
Location:
4
Value:
3
Review of Francis Marion Hotel

Reviewer score

4
Anonymous
new york
Mar 21, 2011

great birthday for sister

The room was great with a good view. The staff was courteous, and attentive. This was one of the best experiences I have had in the past eighteen months

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
4
Dining tip: Short walk from hotel

the location is central to the old district with up scale restaurants as well as really great local spots. Shopping, museums etc.

Review of Francis Marion Hotel

Reviewer score

4
Anonymous
New York New York
Mar 8, 2011

Maureen trip to Charleston SC

I love Charleston...The Francis Marion Hotel was very confortable...The staff was excedingly helpful...Will return there again

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
3
Dining tip: Short walk from hotel

From the Hotel within 3 Blocks there are several top rated restraunts...Hank Chophouse is by far the best followed by a close second is Fish...Both restraunts I would give 4 to 5 stars both for service price and a wonderfully exciting menues.

Review of Francis Marion Hotel

Reviewer score

4
M's
Nor Cal
Mar 7, 2011

Excellent hotel - terrible cab service

The hotel is perfectly located in the hear of Charleston. I was accommadated with an early check-in which allowed me to nap before the wedding I was attending. The room was clean and the beds are amazingly comfortable. It was a bit noisy because there was a festival in the park outside, but the view from my window was great and the noise dissipated after a while. The biggest problem is the terrible cab service. I could not get a cab for a good 30-45 minutes every time I asked for one. Even the service to the airport took that long and caused me to rush at the airport.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
3
Shopping tip: Short walk from hotel

Definitely walk up and down King Street and go shopping in the stores.

Review of Francis Marion Hotel

Reviewer score

4
Anonymous
Lovettsville, VA
Feb 24, 2011

Sister's only weekend

My sister and I were away for a long weekend and decided it would be best to stay in the historic district of Charleston, where we would be able to walk everywhere. This hotel fit the bill! It is full of old city charm and service. It is the oldest hotel in Charleston, and though remodeled, still carries the flavor from a different era. It has a grand foyer and doors are opened for you upon your arrival. The concierge was so helpful in making plans, reservations, etc, they went out of their way to be accomodating. It is about a 5-7 block walk downtown, and there are many terrific shops and restaurants all the way up and down the street on your way! If you don't want to walk, you can catch the free trolley just across the street, it runs most of the day but does shut down by about 8-9 pm. We felt safe walking everywhere,, even late at night and it never seemed like it was too far (but we do love to walk!) Wearing comfortable shoes is a must. The beds in the hotel were very comfortable, but if you like big bathrooms, don't come here! Ours was tiny, but completely functional, we didn't mind it at all. There is no pool here so that could be a drawback in the summer when it is hot. If you don't have bottled water in your room upon arrival, just ask the front desk and they will send it up. All in all, we were very happy with our choice of hotels.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
4
Location:
4
Value:
4
Dining tip: Short walk from hotel

The restaurants downtown can be quite expensive, ask the concierge about where the "locals" go to eat, we saved money this way and the food was all delicious!

Review of Francis Marion Hotel

Reviewer score

4
Yankee visitor
Boston, Mass
Feb 21, 2011

Right next to College of Charleston!

Great historic hotel near many attractions.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
4
Location:
5
Value:
4
Review of Francis Marion Hotel

Reviewer score

4
Anonymous
Business
Virginia
Jan 31, 2011

A good experience

I had a very positive experience during my stay at the hotel. I was there for a couple of nights for a meeting and had all of my needs met.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
4
Location:
5
Value:
4
Trip purpose:

Business

Shopping tip: Short walk from hotel

The market is close by as is a larger shopping mall. The hotel is in a great location in the city. Along with shopping there are many good places to eat within walking distance.

Review of Francis Marion Hotel

Reviewer score

4
A Thawing Romantic
Fargo, ND
Jan 29, 2011

Classic Charleston Lodging and Dining

[...], the concierge, was the greatest! She got me Kombucha and had it ready for me when I arrived. She also had a refrigerator for my medicine. She is so pleasant and helpful to deal with. The Breakfast buffet was great. Jerome and the other staff were so friendly. I enjoyed the Shrimp and Grits Martini. A wonderful meal. The room was beautiful and wonderfully appointed. The only downside was the air conditioner which had a black mold and had a musty aroma.I would stay there again, but would call ahead and have them check the a/c unit before I arrived.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
5
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Entertainment tip: Short walk from hotel

We took a pedicab from the hotel to the Dock Street Theater and saw a wonderful play. After the show, the same driver took us on a tour and then dropped us at Kominsky's for dessert and coffee. Then a short ride back to the hotel.

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