What areas outside of downtown are ';questionable';

I would like to book outside of downtown (Saturday night rates are crazyz)....but I can%26#39;t remember what area%26#39;s aren%26#39;t good. For example, I remember years ago we visited the Citidal, and the area around there was sort of scary. But I don%26#39;t know what that was....was that North Charleston? Looking for a basic Sleep Inn, Hampton Inn, etc., but we want a safe neighborhood.

Thanks!

What areas outside of downtown are ';questionable';

Try Mt. Pleasant - there really isn%26#39;t a bad area. You are coming at a busy time so don%26#39;t expect terrific deals (and North Charleston is not as desirable as Mt. P)

You won%26#39;t get phenomenal deals there either as most of the hotels are pretty nice and relatively new (with at least one exception!!!! beware - if the rate is MUCH lower you are getting a hotel that is in desperate need of updating) but it should be a bit cheaper than the Historic District.

What areas outside of downtown are ';questionable';

There are a few hotels in West Ashley on Hwy. 17, I would probably check out the Town And Country Inn.

I agree that West Ashley is a good alternative for a budget traveler with a car. While West Ashley is not ';scenic';, it includes all suburban conveniences, including some nice restaurants; and it is very convenient to Charleston by car. West Ashley is also convenient to Folly Beach and to the Ashley River plantations.

Mt. Pleasant is an excellent choice if you can find something affordable for you. The restaurants along Shem Creek are real favorites.

Avoid North Charleston unless you need convenience to the airport or the discount shopping mall.

I got to see Shem Creek from a boat last summer. All the restaurants along the waterfront were packed. It looked like a happening place. The captain told us there were some great seafood places there.

Shem Creek is indeed a ';happening'; place - it%26#39;s very easy to drive to (just about 2 minutes from the Mt. Pleasant side of the bridge). Lined with restaurants and bars and one lodging choice - the Shem Creek Inn.

I just checked on Expedia and Courtyard By Marriott in Mt. Pleasant is $129/nt for Saturday night. Great reviews; convenient location. (a few miles from the bridge but you%26#39;re close to lots of dining, shopping, beaches, etc) Sure, there are a couple of cheaper and closer ';Inns'; but those are the ones that have gotten very bad reviews lately, and deservedly so.