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1924

Francis Marion Hotel

Charleston, South Carolina
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387 King Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29403 Original Property Opened in 1924 Historic Hotels of America member since 1999
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presidential

Built in 1924 as the Grande Dame of the Carolinas and named for Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion, the restored Francis Marion Hotel remains one of Charleston’s premier hotels. Rising 12 stories above South Carolina's Historic District, this downtown Charleston hotel offers spectacular views of historic Charleston’s church steeples, its antebellum mansions, and its famous harbor. And located downtown on Marion Square, the hotel is within walking distance of the magnificent gardens, house museums, antique shops, boutiques, award-winning restaurants, and nightlife that make Charleston a world-renowned destination.

Discover

  • Learn how the Francis Marion, named for Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion (the "Swamp Fox"), became an instant Charleston landmark when it opened in 1924. An award-winning restoration in 1996—comprising its grand lobby, elaborate moldings, ornate ironwork, and stunning crystal chandeliers—reclaimed the 234 original guestrooms that the hotel is home to today.
  • Stay where many greats have rested during trips in years past. Elvis Presley stayed the evening of March 18, 1956, after giving two concerts at the Old County Hall, as did former President Barack Obama, on the campaign trail, in 2008.
  • Discover views of Historic Marion Square, many church steeples, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, and the beautiful nearby harbor. Guests will find themselves in the heart of downtown Charleston and, with a short walk beyond, are sure to arrive in the heart of Lowcountry history.

Explore

  • Explore the city’s best museums within minutes from the hotel’s front doors. Visit the Charleston Museum, the most historic museum in the United States, and home to a variety of historical artifacts. Visit aquatic critters at the South Carolina Aquarium, and learn about the wildlife swimming and slithering nearby.
  • Explore the heritage of the USS Yorktown. Moored across the harbor at Patriots Point, this mighty aircraft carrier served in many battles in the Pacific Theater throughout World War II.
  • Walk down Rainbow Row, a series of thirteen historic Charleston homes in an array of vibrant hues. Just a hop and skip away from these pastel beauties is the Battery, a landmark defensive seawall and promenade, where observant vistors may spy a dolphin or two.

Experience

  • Experience a tour of Fort Sumter National Monument. Located out in the heart of Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter was the site with the American Civil War erupted in 1861.
  • Experience the city from a horse-drawn carriage guided by trained experts, to take in highlights of Charleston’s past, as well as its carefully hidden history.
  • Catch a world-class performance at the Gaillard Center, see a modern-day play at Wolfe Street Playhouse, or enhance the visit with an interactive comedy-mystery play at the Black Fedora Theater.

Taste

  • Indulge that singular thought many come to Charleston with: food. Dine at The Swamp Fox Restaurant, located inside the hotel, for the best shrimp & grits found on the peninsula. Enjoy signature meals with views of historic Marion Square.
  • Explore the exquisite menus created by some of the world’s finest cooks, created by many James Beard-winning and nominated chefs. Sample and taste a bounty of the South, with Chefs using ingredients solely from Southern farmers and purveyors.
  • Wander into a multitude of rooftop bars that offer stellar spirits and views. Bask in the craft beer scene, with over 25 local breweries to visit and sample.
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FEATURED ACCOMMODATIONS

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Deluxe Room
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Uptown View Suites
View Accommodations

Featured Offers

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Best Available Rate

Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotels.org and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

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AAA Member Rate

While this hotel typically offers the AAA Member Rate, availability is dependent on your exact dates of stay. Please also plan to present member ID at check-in to prove eligibility

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Special Occasions

Meetings & Groups

Francis Marion Hotel has been at the heart of Charleston's social, business, and community life since it opened in 1924. Generations of Charlestonians have marked the important milestones in their lives in this historic Charleston wedding venue in downtown Charleston. The Francis Marion Hotel ballrooms, with their 24-foot ceilings and antique crystal chandeliers, will create an elegant backdrop for any event. In addition to two grand ballrooms, the Francis Marion offers a 4,500-sq.-ft. conference center, the Carolina Room, and eight smaller meeting rooms. All rooms are equipped with high-speed Internet connections and the latest audiovisual equipment.

learn more
Special Occasions

Weddings

Fall into the tradition of elegance and grandeur of the most elegant historic ballrooms in Charleston. Features like antique chandeliers, 20-foot-high ceilings, monumental windows and marble-accented fireplaces create an ideal backdrop for a fairytale wedding. In addition to the stunning ballrooms, the Francis Marion Hotel has modern conveniences located right on the premises. For rejuvenation and relaxation, get pampered at Spa Adagio, one of the best spas in Charleston. The Swamp Fox Restaurant features low-country favorites and daily specials for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as private dining options for rehearsal dinners or bridal showers. The restaurant also offers full catering service for a post-ceremony meal. From start to finish, the hotel’s professional wedding coordinators pay close attention to ensure every detail is executed perfectly.

learn more
Special Occasions

Meetings & Groups

Francis Marion Hotel has been at the heart of Charleston's social, business, and community life since it opened in 1924. Generations of Charlestonians have marked the important milestones in their lives in this historic Charleston wedding venue in downtown Charleston. The Francis Marion Hotel ballrooms, with their 24-foot ceilings and antique crystal chandeliers, will create an elegant backdrop for any event. In addition to two grand ballrooms, the Francis Marion offers a 4,500-sq.-ft. conference center, the Carolina Room, and eight smaller meeting rooms. All rooms are equipped with high-speed Internet connections and the latest audiovisual equipment.

learn more
Special Occasions

Weddings

Fall into the tradition of elegance and grandeur of the most elegant historic ballrooms in Charleston. Features like antique chandeliers, 20-foot-high ceilings, monumental windows and marble-accented fireplaces create an ideal backdrop for a fairytale wedding. In addition to the stunning ballrooms, the Francis Marion Hotel has modern conveniences located right on the premises. For rejuvenation and relaxation, get pampered at Spa Adagio, one of the best spas in Charleston. The Swamp Fox Restaurant features low-country favorites and daily specials for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as private dining options for rehearsal dinners or bridal showers. The restaurant also offers full catering service for a post-ceremony meal. From start to finish, the hotel’s professional wedding coordinators pay close attention to ensure every detail is executed perfectly.

learn more
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