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.

Book a hotel near Dock Street Theater, Charleston Historic District

Name: Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District
Price range: $282 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

0.12 mi from Dock Street Theater

$331 nightly

$378 total

Apr 5 - Apr 6

Total with taxes and fees

This hotel features a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a bar/lounge. Traveling on business? Take advantage of the free WiFi in public areas, conference space, and valet parking. 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 Vendue

19 Vendue Range Charleston SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.17 mi from Dock Street Theater

$330 nightly

$376 total

Apr 5 - Apr 6

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-out, and dry cleaning 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

$371 nightly

$423 total

Mar 16 - Mar 17

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

$356 nightly

$406 total

Mar 17 - Mar 18

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

$439 nightly

$500 total

Apr 5 - Apr 6

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

Emeline

181 Church St Charleston SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.24 mi from Dock Street Theater

$331 nightly

$377 total

Mar 22 - Mar 23

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

The Charleston Place

130 Market St Charleston SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.24 mi from Dock Street Theater

$471 nightly

$537 total

Mar 29 - Mar 30

Total with taxes and fees

This hotel features an indoor pool, a gym, and a restaurant. Families will appreciate the onsite laundry facilities, kid-friendly dining, and in-room childcare. Enjoy the hot tub and perks like free WiFi.

Pool

Hot Tub

Andrew Pinckney Inn

40 Pinckney St Charleston SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.29 mi from Dock Street Theater

$321 nightly

$366 total

Mar 22 - Mar 23

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

0.35 mi from Dock Street Theater

$286 nightly

$325 total

Mar 22 - Mar 23

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. Valet parking, a coffee shop, and a communal living room are also offered.

Pool

Pet friendly

The Restoration

75 Wentworth Street Charleston SC

0.4 mi from Dock Street Theater

$420 nightly

$478 total

Mar 18 - Mar 19

Total with 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

0.68 mi from Dock Street Theater

$289 nightly

$329 total

Mar 25 - Mar 26

Total with taxes and fees

A full-service spa, a gym, and a restaurant are all featured at this luxury 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

$245 nightly

$282 total

Mar 22 - Mar 23

Total with 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

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Dock Street Theater hotels essential information

Accommodation	5,278 hotels
Lowest Price	$282
Highest Price	$537
Popular hotels	Emeline, The Ryder Hotel, The Vendue, Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton, The Francis Marion Hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District, The Palmetto Hotel, Planters Inn, Andrew Pinckney Inn, HarbourView Inn, The Charleston Place, The Restoration

Recent Dock Street Theater hotel reviews by fellow wanderers

The Francis Marion Hotel

5 out of 5

Posted 4 hours ago

Travelocity Verified Review

"Had the best stay! We had a shower problem with our originally booked 3rd story room. They immediately upgraded us to an 11th story room with an incredible view of Charleston and Marion Square. They also comped our delicious breakfast that morning. We had eaten at their own restaurant, the Swampfox, the night before and had a great meal. The live piano music was perfect. Highly recommend eating there. Staff at both the hotel and restaurant were very professional and accommodating! Can’t wait to get back to Charleston. Thank you!!!"

A verified traveler stayed at The Francis Marion Hotel