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
136 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

  • Charleston Music Hall: 0.2 mi
  • Theater99: 0.2 mi
  • Charleston Museum: 0.3 mi
  • Children's Museum of the Lowcountry: 0.3 mi
  • Aiken-Rhett House: 0.4 mi
  • Unitarian Church in Charleston: 0.5 mi
  • The Black Fedora: 0.5 mi
  • Gibbes Museum of Art: 0.6 mi
  • Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist: 0.6 mi
  • Dock Street Theater: 0.6 mi
  • St. Michael's Episcopal Church: 0.7 mi
  • Port Charleston: 0.7 mi
  • The Calhoun Mansion: 0.7 mi
  • South Carolina Aquarium: 0.7 mi
  • Charleston Waterfront Park: 0.8 mi
  • Charleston Music Hall: 0.2 mi
  • Theater99: 0.2 mi
  • Charleston Museum: 0.3 mi
  • Children's Museum of the Lowcountry: 0.3 mi
  • Aiken-Rhett House: 0.4 mi
  • Unitarian Church in Charleston: 0.5 mi
  • The Black Fedora: 0.5 mi
  • Gibbes Museum of Art: 0.6 mi
  • Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist: 0.6 mi
  • Dock Street Theater: 0.6 mi
  • St. Michael's Episcopal Church: 0.7 mi
  • Port Charleston: 0.7 mi
  • The Calhoun Mansion: 0.7 mi
  • South Carolina Aquarium: 0.7 mi
  • Charleston Waterfront Park: 0.8 mi
  • Heyward-Washington House: 0.8 mi
  • Old Exchange & Provost: 0.8 mi
  • Nathaniel Russell House: 0.8 mi
  • Arthur Ravenel Jr.Bridge: 0.9 mi
  • Audbon Swamp Garden: 0.9 mi
  • Edmonston-Alston House: 1.1 mi
  • The Citadel: 1.5 mi
  • Magnolia Cemetry: 2.4 mi
  • American Military Museum: 5.5 mi
  • Morris Island Lighthouse: 6.6 mi
  • Drayton Hall: 10.2 mi
  • Magnolia Plantation & Gardens: 11 mi
  • Middleton Place: 14.1 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 (136)

Ratings and reviews for Francis Marion Hotel

Overall score

3.9 / 5
136 out of 136
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
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
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
Endwell, New York
May 5, 2011

Great centrally located hotel

Very nice hotel within a short walking distance of shops, the, market, and the historic center of Charleston. The room was well appointed and very clean. The bathroom was very small, and we would have like a small fridge in the room, but that wasn't necessary. This was my second stay there and would definitely return there when I visit Charleston next. Take a buggy tour which is fun and worth your time. Check out the visitors' center which is a 5 minute walk from the hotel. You can book all of Charleston's tours right there. Middleton Place and Magnolia Plantation are worth the visit. Above all, relax and enjoy the atmosphere there - calming and hospitable!

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

Dinner at Anson's near the market was a highlight of our trip. The meal and service were excellent. The restaurant is located next door to some of the carriage companies which offer 1 hour tours of the city. Take a nice ride and have dinner after.

Review of Francis Marion Hotel

Reviewer score

4
Kerri and Jeff
Austin, Tx.
May 7, 2011

Great family getaway

We went for my cousin's wedding. It was me, my husband, my mother, and grandfather. We really enjoyed the Historic hotel. The staff was very polite, professional, and knowledgeable about Charleston. The Swamp Fox restaurant was incredible - where I fell in love wih she crab soup. The biscuits and gravy and bread pudding on the breakfast buffet are to die for! While the rooms are a bit small (what can you do with an old hotel?), the location was the best part about it. The park across the street was home to many events including the phenomonal farmer's market on Saturdays and movie night in the park on Fridays. It was also an easy walk (for me and my husband) to the market streets and carriage rides. When we did drive, it was never more than ten minutes away from anything and there are wonderful restaurants and rooftop terraces surrounding it. We really had a great time and when we return to Charleston, we'll be staying at the Francis Marion.

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

The Swamp Fox restaurant

Review of Francis Marion Hotel

Reviewer score

4
EC SLP
Business
Narragansett, RI
May 25, 2011

Great location and facility

Historic hotel in the heart of downtown Charleston. Perfect location to walk to shopping, restaurants, market. Easy access. Well appointed rooms. Small bathroom. Great staff! Very enjoyable! Would recommend highly to friends and family.

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

Business

Shopping tip: Short walk from hotel

Any kind of shopping you want is just a brief walk down the street.

Review of Francis Marion Hotel

Reviewer score

4
Anonymous
Atlanta, GA
Jun 28, 2011

Great Location, Great Service

The hotel was wonderful, the staff was very helpful and always willing to help.The location was wonderful! There's a beautiful square right across from the hotel and access to everything, including shopping, dining, and easy access to get everywhere you would want to go on vacation! The drive to the beach and other activities is all less than 20 minutes away!

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

Reviewer score

4
Chucker
Fairfield, CT, USA
Aug 19, 2011

Frances Marion

Rooms are good but bathrooms are too small. Location could not be better. Overall a good experience.

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

Reviewer score

4
January girls
New York, NY, USA
Aug 25, 2011

50th Anniversary weekend

The hotel was very lovely, with a beautiful lobby. The room was large with a king bed, a sofa, desk and makeup vanity. All in all, a good deal for the money. There was one thing that was very irritating however, and that was the bathroom. It was very large, with a single sink, toilet and smallish bathtub; and NOT ONE HOOK OR RACK in the WHOLE bathroom except for one small rack over the toilet where the maid would place the clean towels for the day. Absolutely no where to put your robe or your clean towel for when you get out of the shower. Not even a hook on the back of the door. Strangely enough, they ask you to be green and hang your towel for another use. WHERE should I hang it?????? Ufortunately, we had to put themon the floor and get new ones for the next day. Aside from that, our stay was comfortable. The bed was very comfy, and the airconditioning worked well. We ate breakfast in the hotel restaurant and it was very good. Also tried dinner one night and sampled grits and local shrimp. I'd go back just for that!

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

Reviewer score

4
JonathanJ
Greenville, SC, USA
Sep 1, 2011

Good choice

Rooms are small but very nice and quite clean. The location is not bad, but it's a mile fro the Slave market, so you may have to drive to get to a lot of things downtown nearer the battery, market, etc.

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