StayAreasIs King Street & Marion Square a good place to stay in Charleston?
Yes, especially for food, shopping and nightlife. Everything is on foot, but Upper King is loud at weekends.
Stay here if
- Couples and groups of friends
- Food lovers
- Shoppers
Look elsewhere if
- You want quiet weekend nights
- You want the harbour on the doorstep
- You're on a tight budget
Hotels in King Street & Marion Square
All King Street & Marion Square hotels on Booking ↗Typical rates for a double outside peak events, not live prices. Updated Oct 2026 · How we rate areas · Booking through our links costs you nothing extra and may earn us a commission. Learn more
Staying in King Street & Marion Square
King Street is the liveliest place to stay in Charleston. Boutiques, restaurants and rooftop bars line the street, Marion Square's farmers market fills on Saturdays, and the French Quarter's sights are about 15 minutes' walk south.
The street changes as you walk it. Lower King has antique shops and quiet townhouses, Middle King has stores and brunch spots, and Upper King is where the city goes out, with cocktail bars, rooftop terraces and restaurants open late. The luxury hotels around Marion Square are some of the finest in the South.
The downside is the noise. Upper King is busy and loud on weekend nights, with bachelorette parties and college students, and rooms at the top hotels are very expensive.
What makes King Street worth it is the food and the buzz. You can shop in the afternoon, have dinner at one of the best restaurants in the South and finish on a rooftop overlooking the steeples, all on foot.
Getting around
- Marion Square3walk
- Charleston City Market13walk
- Gibbes Museum of Art14walk
- Nathaniel Russell House22walk
- Fort Sumter ferry, Liberty Square22walk
- International African American Museum22walk
- Charleston International Airport (CHS)20
King Street & Marion Square questions
Is King Street & Marion Square a good area to stay in Charleston?
Yes, especially for food, shopping and nightlife. Everything is on foot, but Upper King is loud at weekends. It suits couples and groups of friends, food lovers and shoppers.
How much does a hotel in King Street & Marion Square cost?
A typical double is around $230 a night at a budget hotel, $320 mid-range and $800 for luxury, outside peak events.
How do I get from Charleston International Airport (CHS) to King Street & Marion Square?
About 20 minutes door to door: taxi or rideshare from the airport.
How far is King Street & Marion Square from the main sights?
Door to door from King Street & Marion Square: Marion Square 3 minutes on foot, Charleston City Market 13 minutes on foot, Gibbes Museum of Art 14 minutes on foot and Nathaniel Russell House 22 minutes on foot.