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: Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District
Price range: $181 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

$223 nightly

$254 total

Aug 10 - Aug 11

Total includes 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 Vendue

19 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.2 mi from Dock Street Theater

$194 nightly

$222 total

Aug 26 - Aug 27

Total includes 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

Aug 10 - Aug 11

Total includes taxes and fees

A restaurant and a bar/lounge are featured at this hotel. Guests will appreciate free perks like English 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

$233 nightly

$266 total

Aug 25 - Aug 26

Total includes 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 terrace, a garden, and a lobby fireplace are also on offer.

Free WiFi

Restaurant

Emeline

181 Church St, Charleston, SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.24 mi from Dock Street Theater

$217 nightly

$246 total

Aug 17 - Aug 18

Total includes 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

The Charleston Place

205 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.25 mi from Dock Street Theater

$352 nightly

$401 total

Aug 5 - Aug 6

Total includes 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

Andrew Pinckney Inn

40 Pinckney St, Charleston, SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.3 mi from Dock Street Theater

$184 nightly

$210 total

Aug 3 - Aug 4

Total includes 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

$237 nightly

$270 total

Aug 7 - Aug 8

Total includes 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 Restoration

75 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC

0.4 mi from Dock Street Theater

$297 nightly

$338 total

Aug 3 - Aug 4

Total includes taxes and fees

This hotel features a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a bar/lounge. Enjoy the a rooftop terrace and free perks like continental breakfast and WiFi in public areas. Valet parking, a coffee shop, and a terrace are also offered.

Pool

Breakfast included

The Francis Marion Hotel

387 King St, Charleston, SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.7 mi from Dock Street Theater

$199 nightly

$227 total

Aug 3 - Aug 4

Total includes 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

Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District

337 Meeting St, Charleston, SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.76 mi from Dock Street Theater

$157 nightly

$181 total

Aug 5 - Aug 6

Total includes taxes and fees

This hotel features a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a bar/lounge. Traveling on business? Take advantage of the business center, free WiFi in public areas, and valet parking. Enjoy the 24-hour gym and free buffet breakfast each morning.

Pool

Breakfast included

Harborside at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina

20 Patriots Point Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

1.67 mi from Dock Street Theater

$201 nightly

$227 total

Aug 24 - Aug 25

Total includes taxes and fees

A marina, 2 restaurants, and an outdoor pool are all featured at this smoke-free resort. Enjoy the 24-hour gym and perks like free self parking and free WiFi. Enjoy the hot tub and unwind at the bar/lounge and poolside bar.

Pool

Hot Tub

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Dock Street Theater hotels essential information

Accommodation	5,516 hotels
Lowest Price	$181
Highest Price	$401
Popular hotels	Emeline, The Francis Marion Hotel, The Ryder Hotel, The Charleston Place, Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District, The Restoration, Planters Inn, Andrew Pinckney Inn, The Vendue, The Palmetto Hotel, Harborside at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina