Get Away

My friend and I age 24 are looking for a get away in early March. We will be flying in to Charleston. I would appreciate help in knowing what is the best place to stay since we will be w/o a car. Since we are college women we are on a budget but want to stay someplace safe and walking distance to the ocean, shopping and nightlife. Thanks.

Get Away

How long do you plan to stay in the area?

Also, are you more interested in being by the ocean, or in being in historic Charleston?

(Although Charleston is surrounded by water, it does not have a beach.)

Get Away

You might want to think about renting a car to do all that you are asking for. As Villa said, Charleston is surrounded by water, but no beach, you have to go to one of the barrier islands to find beach (Sullivans, Isle of Palms, both are north of Charleston, Folly, Seabrook %26amp; Kiawah are south of Charleston and further than Sullivans %26amp; IOP)

Look into the Mt. Pleasant or Shem Creek areas, that will put you between the Historic District and the beach. Shem Creek would have some nightlife, but the Historic area would have more. There is lots of shopping in the area, but it is most easily accessed by car (unless you stay in the Historic District).

What is your budget??? Given that info there may be more help out here for you.

Which hotel would you recommend in the historic Charleston to stay in to be walking distance to shopping and the nightlife? Thanks so much for your input.

Most hotels in the historic district will be within walking distance of shopping and nightlife, especially if you choose a hotel near the Charleston Market or East Bay Street.

The question is: What is your budget for accommodations?

Hotel price within $100-120. I%26#39;ve read good reviews on the Holiday Inn Historic district. Is the hotel within walking distance to shopping, nightlife and restaurants? Would you recommend this hotel or what other hotels you would suggest? Thanks again.

The Holiday Inn Historic district is a little further from the center, but it is definitely walkable for two young women. HI Historic district is close to the College of Charleston. There are some popular casual places in the area. You will see lots of students around, and they will direct you to their favorite haunts.

Holiday Inn Historic District is in a good, walkable location, but I would be surprised if you can get it in your price range (it shows an average of $189/nt through this website).

It%26#39;s going to be tough to find that price range in the Historic District. If you were staying along I-26 or out near the outlet mall, you might be able to find it.

I agree with the others. You are looking at $190 at the low end to about whatever you want to spend on the upper end. The Lodge Alley Inn on East Bay is very convenient to everything but the ocean. It gets generally good reviews. I actually stayed there once. If you try this one ask for a room on the back side of the Inn.

If you are staying for a week, you can still get good weekly rates in some of the villas on IOP, especially the ones in Wild Dunes. This will give you the ocean part. Charleston is about a 20-25 minute drive so you will need a car. FYI the rental rates in WD go up 03/01 so late Feb is cheeper that early Mar.

I would also suggest you sign up with the major hotel chains frequent traveler programs. They sent out email alerts of special deals at various locations. Charleston shows up on Marriott%26#39;s alert almost every week.

What is your opinion of the Days Inn-Historic District? Thank you.

Location would be good, have not stayed there. You might want to check some of the reviews on this site.