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: $266 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

$270 nightly

$308 total

Sep 28 - Sep 29

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 Meeting Street Inn

173 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC

0.19 mi from Dock Street Theater

$209 nightly

$238 total

Sep 30 - Oct 1

Total with taxes and fees

A hot tub, valet parking, and concierge services are featured at this hotel. Guests will appreciate free perks like continental breakfast and WiFi in public areas. A garden and luggage storage are also provided.

Hot Tub

Breakfast included

The Vendue

19 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.2 mi from Dock Street Theater

$205 nightly

$233 total

Sep 28 - Sep 29

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

$271 nightly

$309 total

Sep 28 - Sep 29

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

$305 nightly

$348 total

Sep 30 - Oct 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 terrace, a garden, and a lobby fireplace 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

$369 nightly

$421 total

Sep 28 - Sep 29

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

205 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.24 mi from Dock Street Theater

$477 nightly

$544 total

Sep 28 - Sep 29

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

$311 nightly

$353 total

Oct 13 - Oct 14

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

$216 nightly

$246 total

Sep 30 - Oct 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 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

$280 nightly

$319 total

Oct 6 - Oct 7

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 Restoration

75 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC

0.4 mi from Dock Street Theater

$371 nightly

$422 total

Sep 28 - Sep 29

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

0.7 mi from Dock Street Theater

$233 nightly

$266 total

Oct 26 - Oct 27

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	5,490 hotels
Lowest Price	$233
Highest Price	$544
Popular hotels	Emeline, The Charleston Place, Planters Inn, The Ryder Hotel, The Vendue, The Francis Marion Hotel, The Palmetto Hotel, Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton, HarbourView Inn, The Meeting Street Inn, Andrew Pinckney Inn, The Restoration