Dock Street Theater

The Dock Street Theatre is Charleston's last surviving hotel from the antebellum period. The silhouette of its wrought iron balcony against the spire of St. Philip's church may be the single most photographed spot in the city. The main portion of the building was constructed around 1809 as Planter's Hotel. The hotel was built by Alexander Calder and his wife, who did so by renovating several pre-existing buildings at the site. The main entrance may not have been built until 1855 by J.W. Gamble.

The hotel was used extensively by planters from the midlands of South Carolina, who traveled to Charleston during horse-racing season. It was noted for its wonderful food and drinks during this era, and the South's famous Planter's Punch may have originated here. Guests to the hotel passed through the recessed porch with brownstone columns, into the lobby, and up a grand staircase that ascended to a drawing room. While much of the interior has been altered, these elements of the antebellum hotel remain and were adapted in subsequent uses of the building. A series of additions to the hotel throughout the 19th and 20th centuries can be easily identified by differences in brick coloration.

This theater is said to have been the first building built specifically for theatrical performances in America. Planter's Hotel occasionally housed one of the city's theatrical troupes, which performed at the nearby New Theatre during the mid-19th century. The most notable actor of this troupe was Junius Brutus Booth. Booth was the patriarch of an outstanding family of actors, which included John Wilkes Booth, President Lincoln's assassin. Junius Booth, who stayed at the Planter's Hotel, allegedly tried to kill his manager here in 1838. Today the Dock Street Theatre is home to the Charleston Stage Company, South Carolina's largest professional theater production company, and houses the city's Cultural Affairs office as well as The City Gallery, an exhibition space for local artists.

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The Inn At Middleton Place

£1,027

per person

8 May - 13 May

found 22 hours ago

Return direct flight included

London (LHR) to Charleston (CHS)

9/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)

The large windows in our room opened up to a beautiful view of the Ashley River., We also enjoyed having a real wood-burning fireplace. Our favorite part was the walkway to the Middleton Plantation. The Azalea’s were stunning in late March. We had dinner at the restaurant at Middleton plantation.And then we walked the lighted path back to our room. Magical! We enjoyed the Inn’s wonderful complimentary breakfast bar the next morning as well!

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2026

Planters Inn

Charleston Historic District

£1,522

per person

8 May - 13 May

found 22 hours ago

Return direct flight included

London (LHR) to Charleston (CHS)

9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,010 reviews)

It’s a lovely Inn that’s centrally located, with a lot of charm, and wonderful staff.

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2026

Andrew Pinckney Inn

Charleston Historic District

£1,359

per person

8 May - 13 May

found 22 hours ago

Return direct flight included

London (LHR) to Charleston (CHS)

9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,472 reviews)

Everything was great. Property was in a great location, very easy to walk to everything; staff was kind, helpful and very nice. Breakfast was delicious. The room was very clean, bottled water provided at no charge, afternoon wine and cheese included

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2026

Tours & day trips

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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