The Dock Street Theatre is Charleston's last surviving hotel from the antebellum period. The silhouette of its wrought iron balcony against the spire of St. Philip's church may be the single most photographed spot in the city. The main portion of the building was constructed around 1809 as Planter's Hotel. The hotel was built by Alexander Calder and his wife, who did so by renovating several pre-existing buildings at the site. The main entrance may not have been built until 1855 by J.W. Gamble.

The hotel was used extensively by planters from the midlands of South Carolina, who traveled to Charleston during horse-racing season. It was noted for its wonderful food and drinks during this era, and the South's famous Planter's Punch may have originated here. Guests to the hotel passed through the recessed porch with brownstone columns, into the lobby, and up a grand staircase that ascended to a drawing room. While much of the interior has been altered, these elements of the antebellum hotel remain and were adapted in subsequent uses of the building. A series of additions to the hotel throughout the 19th and 20th centuries can be easily identified by differences in brick coloration.

This theater is said to have been the first building built specifically for theatrical performances in America. Planter's Hotel occasionally housed one of the city's theatrical troupes, which performed at the nearby New Theatre during the mid-19th century. The most notable actor of this troupe was Junius Brutus Booth. Booth was the patriarch of an outstanding family of actors, which included John Wilkes Booth, President Lincoln's assassin. Junius Booth, who stayed at the Planter's Hotel, allegedly tried to kill his manager here in 1838. Today the Dock Street Theatre is home to the Charleston Stage Company, South Carolina's largest professional theater production company, and houses the city's Cultural Affairs office as well as The City Gallery, an exhibition space for local artists.

Hotels near Dock Street Theater

Name: Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District
Price range: $282 total

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Mar 14 - Mar 15

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Mar 15 - Mar 16

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Featured Hotels near Dock Street Theater

Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton

Free Cancellation

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0.12 mi from Dock Street Theater

$331 nightly

$378 total

Apr 5 - Apr 6

Total with taxes and fees

Guests staying at Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton enjoy an outdoor pool, a 24-hour gym, and free WiFi in public areas. Valet parking is offered for USD 59 per night. The 24-hour front desk has multilingual staff ready to assist with luggage storage and securing valuables. Additional amenities include conference space, a terrace, and an ATM.

Pool

Pet friendly

Free Cancellation

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0.17 mi from Dock Street Theater

$330 nightly

$376 total

Apr 5 - Apr 6

Total with taxes and fees

Guests of The Vendue enjoy a rooftop terrace, free WiFi in public areas, and coffee in a common area. Valet parking is offered for USD 49 per night. Multilingual staff at the front desk are standing by 24/7 to help with concierge services, luggage storage, and dry cleaning/laundry. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers food and water bowls. Other amenities at this boutique hotel include a meeting room, free use of bicycles, and express check-out.

Breakfast included

Pet friendly

Free Cancellation

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0.2 mi from Dock Street Theater

$371 nightly

$423 total

Mar 16 - Mar 17

Total with taxes and fees

The Palmetto Hotel features free WiFi in public areas, meeting rooms, and coffee in a common area. Valet parking is offered for USD 55 per night. Front-desk staff can answer questions 24/7, and assist with tours or tickets, luggage storage, and dry cleaning/laundry. This hotel also has free use of bicycles.

Breakfast included

Pet friendly

Free Cancellation

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0.23 mi from Dock Street Theater

$373 nightly

$425 total

Mar 15 - Mar 16

Total with taxes and fees

Guests of Planters Inn enjoy access to free WiFi in public areas, meeting rooms, and conference space. Valet parking is available for USD 45 per day. The 24-hour front desk has staff standing by to help with dry cleaning/laundry, tours or tickets, and luggage storage. Other amenities at this luxury hotel include a business center, coffee/tea in a common area, and a library.

Free WiFi

Restaurant

0.24 mi from Dock Street Theater

$350 nightly

$397 total

Apr 5 - Apr 6

Total with taxes and fees

Guests of Emeline enjoy a gym, free WiFi in public areas, and meeting rooms. Valet parking is available for USD 58 per night. The 24-hour front desk has multilingual staff ready to assist with dry cleaning/laundry, securing valuables, and concierge services. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers food and water bowls. Other amenities at this luxury hotel include conference space, a library, and free newspapers.

Pet friendly

Free WiFi

Free Cancellation

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0.29 mi from Dock Street Theater

$334 nightly

$381 total

Mar 29 - Mar 30

Total with taxes and fees

Andrew Pinckney Inn features free WiFi in public areas, a business center, and coffee in a common area. Valet parking is available for USD 35 per night. The front desk is staffed 24 hours a day to help with concierge services and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a computer station, free newspapers, and a terrace.

Breakfast included

Free WiFi

Free Cancellation

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0.35 mi from Dock Street Theater

$286 nightly

$325 total

Mar 22 - Mar 23

Total with taxes and fees

Guests of The Ryder Hotel enjoy an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and coffee in a common area. Valet parking is offered for USD 58 per night. The 24-hour front desk has staff standing by to help with securing valuables and concierge services. Additional amenities include a meeting room, free use of bicycles, and a communal living room.

Pool

Pet friendly

0.68 mi from Dock Street Theater

$269 nightly

$307 total

Apr 12 - Apr 13

Total with taxes and fees

Guests staying at The Francis Marion Hotel enjoy access to a full-service spa, a gym, and free WiFi in public areas. Valet parking is available for USD 40 per day. The 24-hour front desk has staff standing by to help with luggage storage, dry cleaning/laundry, and securing valuables. Other amenities at this luxury hotel include meeting rooms, a conference center, and a business center.

Spa

Free WiFi

Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District

0.76 mi from Dock Street Theater

$245 nightly

$282 total

Mar 22 - Mar 23

Total with taxes and fees

Guests of Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District have access to an outdoor pool, a 24-hour gym, and free WiFi in public areas. Valet parking is offered for USD 50 per night. The 24-hour front desk has staff standing by to help with luggage storage, and answer any questions about the accommodations. Additional amenities include meeting rooms, conference space, and a business center.

Pool

Breakfast included

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Dock Street Theater hotels essential information

Accommodation	5,278 hotels
Lowest Price	$282
Highest Price	$425
Popular hotels	Emeline, The Ryder Hotel, The Vendue, Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton, The Francis Marion Hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District, The Palmetto Hotel, Planters Inn, Andrew Pinckney Inn