Here’s the truth:
Planning romantic getaways is hard.
You not only have to wrangle a lot of moving pieces:
- Where to stay
- What to do
- Where to eat
But you also need to ensure that your significant other will appreciate the trip (and therefore you) while you’re together.
Be honest:
The pay-out can be huge, but the work involved can be stressful.
But good news:
Planning romantic weekend getaways in Charleston, SC, are relatively easy.
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There are plenty of companies in town that would love to help you plan in exchange for your money. Everyone from:
- Hotels
- Bed and breakfasts
- Tour company operators
- Day spas
And more are ready and willing to offer up their own romantic, all-inclusive getaway packages.
Not sure where to begin? Check out our romantic Charleston travel guide:
Where to Find the Most Romantic Restaurants and Things to Do in Charleston, South Carolina
Most people associate date night with romance. But a full weekend devoted to romantic pursuits requires more than a night out at a restaurant.
Luckily, Charleston is pretty damn romantic.
Check-out our list of the most romantic date night restaurants and things to do in Charleston, SC, for couples. It includes free romantic things to do, like walking to the Morris Island Lighthouse, or luxury romantic experiences like the spa at the Belmond Place Charleston.
There are some other romantic places nearby for quick Lowcountry day trips, as well. Choose one of the closer options on our list of day trips from Charleston, SC, like Beaufort.
The Most Romantic Hotels and Places to Stay in Charleston
Romantic is typically synonymous with expensive. Ensuring every detail is attended to means a need for luxuries, amenities, and service standard in romantic hotels. You can either spend a lot of money or do it yourself. Below are choices to take either path, all centered around historic downtown Charleston.
Romantic Luxury Hotels in Downtown Charleston
Many of the best luxury boutique hotels in downtown Charleston are perfect for a romantic getaway. They’re easily accessible to everything downtown. But they’re also not cheap. Some top choices include:
Wentworth Mansion
The best word to describe this Gilded Age mansion turned boutique hotel is opulent. The Wentworth Mansion attends to every detail on its full-service hotel. And it’s one of the best hotels near Colonial Lake. They offer a ready-made romantic getaway package, though you apparently have to call for pricing.
Belmond Charleston Place
Another well-known hotel in Charleston, the Belmond Charleston Place is known for its luxury and its price. This is in a prime location between King Street and the Historic Charleston City Market, though. And its day spa is considered to be one of the most romantic things to do in Charleston. That said, their retreat to romance getaway package isn’t impressive, honestly. Unlike the next one on the list.
Planters Inn
This luxury boutique hotel has just as prime a location as the Belmond.
It’s across Meeting street from it.
And in my opinion, it’s one of the best hotels near the Historic Charleston City Market. To go with the stylish decor of their accommodations is an awesome romance package. The Planters Inn’s romantic Charleston getaway package includes some great touches (spoken from a former worker in the industry):
- Private carriage tour
- Champagne and cake to share
- Even a teddy bear to remember your visit
HarbourView Inn
On Vendue Range, down the street the Vendue Inn and one of my favorite rooftop bars and restaurants in Charleston sits the HarbourView Inn. It overlooks the splash pad of Waterfront Park. It also offers a variety of vacation packages according to what you want to do here. None are officially for a romantic getaway, but there’s something to work with depending on the couple’s’ interests:
- Champagne and sailing on the Charleston harbor
- Dinner and a private carriage tour through downtown Charleston
- Even a ghost tour, if you’re that kind of couple
Fulton Lane Inn
The Fulton Lane Inn is the least expensive lodging option on this list. It’s in a secluded location, though right on King Street. And their romantic getaway packages will give you the chance to explore historic Charleston without going crazy with planning. They’re a fantastic choice of hotels in Charleston, SC, even for a non-romantic getaway.
Romantic Bed and Breakfasts in Charleston
The best part about bed and breakfast inns from the perspective of this writer is that they’re usually locally-owned and operated businesses. Shop local, stay local is one of the standard mantras of the Millennial hipster movement. So put your money where your mouth is when you’re planning a romantic getaway for the weekend in Charleston. The ones on this list are arguably some of the best places to stay in Charleston, SC.
Two Meeting Street Inn
Overlooking White Point Gardens and the surrounding Charleston Harbor, Two Meeting Street Inn is synonymous with romance. This elegant bed and breakfast has a waitlist for rooms, even the ones on the top floor without attached bathrooms. The staff is very protective of their guests and are hesitant to allow any non-guests onto the property. Perhaps that’s part of their appeal to visitors. Though I can’t say I really get it.
Their Divine Romance Getaway Package does seem to connect the experience of staying in the South of Broad neighborhood. It features:
- Champagne
- Red roses
- Public carriage ride
- Chocolates
To go with your romantic accommodations at the corner of Meeting Street and South Battery.
Ashley Inn and Cannonboro Inn Bed and Breakfasts
Being right across the street the MUSC (Medical University of South Carolina) campus doesn’t sound too romantic, what with ambulances and whatnot. But the The Ashley features romantic elegance in a historical setting. The Federal style of the building dates from 1832 and features piazzas on both stories of the house and surrounding gardens. This inn or its sister inn, the Cannonboro Inn, are perfectly located in the Cannonborough / Elliotboroguh neighborhood. They’re both on Ashley Avenue, just a short walk from each other.
The Battery Carriage House Inn
Some claim that the Battery Carriage House Inn is the most haunted bed and breakfast in Charleston. And that’s saying something. But it is also arguably in a defensible position as one of the most romantic bed and breakfasts in downtown Charleston. This nine room inn is secluded and intimate, though right on White Point Gardens and the Battery. Their vacation packages and specials change fairly frequently, so check the website for what’s on offer now.
Inn at Middleton Place
The Inn at Middleton Place is not in downtown Charleston. In fact, it’s pretty far away. But that’s actually part of the beauty of the property: it’s far enough away to feel like a relaxed and secluded romantic escape from Charleston. The modern architecture of this bed and breakfast inn was designed to fit into and take advantage of the beautiful surrounding scenery. The large windows frame the views of the Ashley River quite well. And as the name implies, it’s an easy walk over to Middleton Place (admission is included in your stay). It’s also a short drive to the other Charleston plantations on Ashley River Road:
The Inn at Middleton Place has some great vacation packages, including a romantic getaway package, to check out before you book.
Are There Any All-Inclusive Charleston Resorts?
Not that I’m aware of. There are a few resorts, like the Wild Dunes resort on Isle of Palms. I’m not sure if they offer an all-inclusive package, however. Check-out their romantic hotel deals to see what I mean.
Jacuzzi Suites in Charleston
I personally find jacuzzis tacky.
But having a jacuzzi suite is important to some couples when planning their romantic getaway. And I would be remiss to not recommend a few in this article. So, you’re welcome.
Fulton Lane Inn
They’re on the list again for their suites, which feature two-person jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces in certain romantic suites and accommodations.
Wentworth Mansion
Suite Nine and the Grand Mansion Suite both feature over-sized whirlpool tubs to match the fireplaces and spacious accommodations.
HarbourView Inn
Penthouse Rooms and the Suite feature fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. Try to snag one overlooking Waterfront Park.
Which are the Best Charleston Getaway Packages?
It seems like everyone tries to get in on the action of offering romantic Charleston getaway packages.
The list includes the Holiday Inn Express, because nothing says romance like that name.
Feel free to get overwhelmed by the complete list of romantic Charleston getaway vacation packages and hotel deals at the Charleston CVB website. Or just scroll up to individual hotels and inns I’ve already mentioned. The links are there for the ones I like for easy romantic getaways in Charleston.
Charleston Honeymoon Planning and Packages
Just like the jacuzzi suites, I am not Charleston’s target demographic for honeymoon getaways.
Maybe it’s because I live here (and therefore it’s not exotic), but I wouldn’t choose Charleston for a honeymoon. I’d probably do the mountains, or somewhere international.
But if you’re reading this, you don’t care where I would honeymoon! Unless I was planning a honeymoon in Charleston.
This Charleston honeymoon itinerary is okay, but it seems like the writer just threw the most expensive items she could find in Charleston. As such, her list includes:
- The Market Pavilion Hotel
- Husk
- McCrady’s
And the like.
But your ideal honeymoon depends on what experience you want. IF I were to come to Charleston for my honeymoon, I’d want a beach honeymoon, where we do little beyond lounging in the sand.
And hippie Folly Beach would be my pick.
And I think the Water’s Edge Inn at Folly Beach would be ideal for just such a honeymoon. Their Folly Beach honeymoon package makes for a romantic three day stay at one of the best beaches near Charleston, SC.
The Tides Hotel is also an option for Folly Beach hotels, but they’ve got mold in their showers. That’s not romantic.
Honeymoon Suites
But I’m ready to admit that what is la vie quotidienne for me is both romantic and exotic to people from off. And if you’re in that boat, you likely want a big, luxurious honeymoon suite at a luxury lodging establishment in the heart of Charleston’s history, downtown.
The Planters Inn
If I had to pick one of the Planters Inn’s accommodations as the ideal honeymoon suite, it would likely be the Proprietor’s Suite. Though all of their suites are gorgeous and spacious.
Fulton Lane Inn
Snag one of the Cathedral Suites at the Fulton Lane Inn if you’re looking for something fit for a special occasion like a honeymoon or anniversary getaway to Charleston.
Wentworth Mansion
If you feel like you didn’t spend enough money on your wedding, you can book the Mansion Suite at the Wentworth Mansion. This massive (1,000 feet) suite is the perfect place to luxuriate in the splendor that are these accommodations. Prices vary based on time of year and day of the week, so I’ll let you go check-out their reservations page to enjoy that sticker shock.
Enjoy Your Romantic Weekend Getaways in Charleston!
You now have all the tools you need to plan a quick, easy, and painless romantic weekend getaway in Charleston. Enjoy!
