South Carolina

These are the 10 best hotels in SC for 2026, U.S. News and World report says. Here’s why

U.S. News and World report ranked the Montage at Palmetto Bluff as the best hotel in SC.
U.S. News and World report ranked the Montage at Palmetto Bluff as the best hotel in SC. Provided

Staying at a hotel feels like a grand get away for many, as it often means you get to experience a new place to visit, enjoy the local attractions and, of course, indulge in everything the hotel has to offer.

There are plenty of hotels in SC that are great to visit, but the best hotels offer luxury, class and style that are hard to find anywhere else.

U.S. News and World report listed the top 10 hotels in SC for 2026.

Here’s the best hotels in SC and what makes them so great:

The 10 best hotels in SC

More than half of the hotels on this list are located in Charleston.

#1. Montage Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton

For more than $900, a night at the best hotel in SC can be yours. The Montage Palmetto Bluff is a luxury, 5-star resort that offers excursions to Daufuskie Island and alligator spotting and kayaking in the local marshes.

#2. The Sanctuary At Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Kiawah Island

If you want a relaxing, stress-free getaway, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is one of the best places to stay.

Sitting on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, sun-seekers can enjoy an entire day of beach activities, go play on the hotel’s five championship golf courses or take a trip to the spa.

#3. The Dunlin, Auberge Collection, Kiawah Island

Also on Kiawah Island, The Dunlin, Auerge Collection has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Guests with top perks get access to complimentary rides in the resort’s Mercedes-Benz vehicles, sports equipment like paddleboards and kayaks, pickleball and tennis courts, crabbing adventures, pilates and yoga classes.

The property has a pool, a spa and a few on-site dining options, including a main restaurant, a lobby bar, a pool bar, and room service.

#4. Hotel Bennett, Charleston

Hotel Bennett is not only one of the best hotels in SC, but it’s also the best hotel in Charleston. With luxury rooms, fantastic customer service and a great location, it’s hard for travelers to find a better hotel in the area.

#5. Zero George Street, Charleston

Zero George Street is a collection of 19th century buildings surrounding a private courtyard. There are 16 rooms in total, and each aims to restore the original elegance of its historical architecture while introducing contemporary comforts.

The restaurant at Zero George serves upscale dinner with limited hours, while the on-site bar is open daily.

#6. Wentworth Mansion, Charleston

Constructed in the late 1800s, the Wentworth Mansion exudes old-world charm, meaning it’s also the perfect Charleston home base for history buffs.

Rooms include spacious bathrooms with whirlpool tubs, fireplaces and porches, and, in some suites, sunrooms.

#7. The Charleston Place, Charleston

The Charleston Place is right in the center of Charleston, just feet away from the City Market, numerous art galleries and the Nathaniel Russell House.

Along with the hotel’s impressive furnishings, The Charleston Place also boasts a spa and an infinity-edge, saltwater indoor-outdoor swimming pool.

#8. The Loutrel, Charleston

Located in the heart of Charleston’s historic district, visitors at The Loutrel can enjoy the local scenery and shopping in the French Quarter. Guests also have access to an exclusive clubroom with 700 square feet of event space and a 24-hour fitness studio with a Peloton bike.

Though there is no on-site spa, the hotel has partnered with Charleston Mobile Massage and The Skin Clique for in-room treatments.

#9. The Dewberry Charleston, Charleston

After an eight-year renovation of a federal building, The Dewberry Charleston became a 5-star hotel designed with mid-century modern style and old-world Charleston charm.

All of the property’s 153 guest rooms and suites feature art by a local artist, chandeliers, queen- or king-sized beds dressed in Irish linens, flat-screen TVs and marble bathrooms with glass-enclosed showers.

#10. French Quarter Inn, Charleston

With friendly service, charming decor and a great location, guests at the French Quarter Inn have nothing but praise for the hotel.

A grand fireplace and cozy furniture welcome guests into the beautiful lobby, and guests can also enjoy a complimentary breakfast in the morning.

DB
Damian Bertrand
The State
Damian Bertrand is a service journalism reporter covering South Carolina for McClatchy Media. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of South Carolina.
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