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.

Photo by Aaron D. Hunt

Book a hotel near Dock Street Theater, Charleston Historic District

Name: The Francis Marion Hotel
Price range: $215 total

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Top hotels close to Dock Street Theater

Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton

115 Meeting Street Charleston SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.11 mi from Dock Street Theater

$240 nightly

$274 total

Dec 14 - Dec 15

Total with taxes and fees

The hotel's outdoor pool, 24-hour gym, and 2 bars/lounges are among the featured amenities. Traveling on business? Take advantage of the free WiFi in public areas, conference space, and valet parking. A restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, and a coffee shop are also provided.

Pool

Pet friendly

The Loutrel

61 State St Charleston SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.16 mi from Dock Street Theater

$321 nightly

$366 total

Dec 7 - Dec 8

Total with taxes and fees

This hotel features a 24-hour gym and a bar/lounge. Guests will appreciate free perks like English breakfast and WiFi in public areas. Valet parking, a communal living room, and express check-in are also offered.

Breakfast included

Free WiFi

The Vendue

19 Vendue Range Charleston SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.2 mi from Dock Street Theater

$207 nightly

$236 total

Nov 30 - Dec 1

Total with taxes and fees

This boutique hotel features 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Enjoy the a rooftop terrace and free perks like continental breakfast and WiFi in public areas. Valet parking, express check-in, and express check-out are also offered.

Breakfast included

Pet friendly

The Palmetto Hotel

194 East Bay Street Charleston SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.2 mi from Dock Street Theater

$251 nightly

$286 total

Nov 30 - Dec 1

Total with taxes and fees

A restaurant and a bar/lounge are featured at this hotel. Guests will appreciate free perks like continental breakfast and WiFi in public areas. Valet parking, dry cleaning, and luggage storage are also offered.

Breakfast included

Pet friendly

Planters Inn

112 N Market St Charleston SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.23 mi from Dock Street Theater

$202 nightly

$231 total

Nov 30 - Dec 1

Total with taxes and fees

A restaurant and a bar/lounge are featured at this hotel. Traveling on business? Take advantage of the business center, free WiFi in public areas, and valet parking. A coffee shop, a terrace, and a garden are also on offer.

Free WiFi

Restaurant

HarbourView Inn

2 Vendue Range Charleston SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.23 mi from Dock Street Theater

$259 nightly

$295 total

Nov 30 - Dec 1

Total with taxes and fees

This hotel doesn't skimp on freebies - guests receive free continental breakfast and free WiFi. Traveling on business? Take advantage of the business center, express check-out, and valet parking. Enjoy the a rooftop terrace and conveniences like a 24-hour front desk and concierge services.

Breakfast included

Free WiFi

The Charleston Place

130 Market St Charleston SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.24 mi from Dock Street Theater

$517 nightly

$589 total

Nov 30 - Dec 1

Total with taxes and fees

A full-service spa, a gym, and a restaurant are all featured at this smoke-free hotel. Families will appreciate complimentary bicycles, kid-friendly dining, and in-room childcare. Enjoy the indoor pool and perks like free WiFi.

Pool

Hot Tub

Emeline

181 Church St Charleston SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.24 mi from Dock Street Theater

$214 nightly

$244 total

Dec 14 - Dec 15

Total with taxes and fees

This hotel features a restaurant, a gym, and a bar/lounge. Traveling on business? Take advantage of the free WiFi in public areas, laundry service, and valet parking. A coffee shop, a garden, and a communal living room are also on offer.

Pet friendly

Free WiFi

Andrew Pinckney Inn

40 Pinckney St Charleston SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.3 mi from Dock Street Theater

$177 nightly

$201 total

Dec 15 - Dec 16

Total with taxes and fees

This hotel doesn't skimp on freebies - guests receive free continental breakfast and free WiFi. Traveling on business? Take advantage of the business center and free internet in public areas. Valet parking, a terrace, and a computer station are also offered.

Breakfast included

Free WiFi

The Ryder Hotel

237 Meeting Street Charleston SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.35 mi from Dock Street Theater

$205 nightly

$233 total

Dec 17 - Dec 18

Total with taxes and fees

This hotel features 2 bars/lounges, a poolside bar, and a restaurant. Enjoy the outdoor pool and perks like free WiFi. There's a 24-hour gym on site, and a 24-hour front desk and a coffee shop are also provided.

Pool

Pet friendly

The Ansonborough

21 Hasell Street Charleston SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.39 mi from Dock Street Theater

$181 nightly

$207 total

Dec 8 - Dec 9

Total with taxes and fees

This hotel features a 24-hour gym and a rooftop terrace. Business travelers can take advantage of the free WiFi in public areas. Relax with a drink at the bar/lounge and enjoy the free buffet breakfast each morning.

Breakfast included

Pet friendly

The Francis Marion Hotel

387 King St Charleston SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.7 mi from Dock Street Theater

$189 nightly

$215 total

Nov 30 - Dec 1

Total with taxes and fees

A full-service spa, a gym, and a restaurant are all featured at this historic hotel. Traveling on business? Take advantage of the business center, free WiFi in public areas, and valet parking. There's a bar/lounge on site, and laundry facilities and concierge services are also provided.

Spa

Free WiFi

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Dock Street Theater hotels essential information

Accommodation	5,443 hotels
Lowest Price	$201
Highest Price	$589
Popular hotels	Emeline, The Francis Marion Hotel, The Vendue, Planters Inn, The Charleston Place, Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton, Andrew Pinckney Inn, HarbourView Inn, The Palmetto Hotel, The Ryder Hotel, The Ansonborough, The Loutrel

Recent Dock Street Theater hotel reviews by fellow wanderers

The Loutrel

5 out of 5

Posted 23 hours ago

Travelocity Verified Review

"Fantastic staff and beautiful rooms."

A verified traveler stayed at The Loutrel

Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton

5 out of 5

Posted 2 days ago

Travelocity Verified Review

"Staff and room were great! Restaurant was weird about sitting outside. One night we could only sit at the large corner tables because the others were reserved for dinner service, but no one was there or sitting outside. Another evening it had rained earlier and the staff let us sit outside, but wouldn’t wipe off the table because they weren’t serving outside."

A verified traveler stayed at Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton