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: The Francis Marion Hotel
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

0.12 mi from Dock Street Theater

$235 nightly

$268 total

Feb 8 - Feb 9

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 Vendue

19 Vendue Range Charleston SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.17 mi from Dock Street Theater

$179 nightly

$205 total

Jan 26 - Jan 27

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

$221 nightly

$252 total

Jan 25 - Jan 26

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

The Meeting Street Inn

173 Meeting Street Charleston SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.2 mi from Dock Street Theater

$157 nightly

$179 total

Jan 25 - Jan 26

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

Planters Inn

112 N Market St Charleston SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.23 mi from Dock Street Theater

$229 nightly

$261 total

Jan 25 - Jan 26

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

Emeline

181 Church St Charleston SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.24 mi from Dock Street Theater

$247 nightly

$281 total

Jan 28 - Jan 29

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

$447 nightly

$510 total

Jan 25 - Jan 26

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

Andrew Pinckney Inn

40 Pinckney St Charleston SC

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

0.29 mi from Dock Street Theater

$166 nightly

$189 total

Jan 28 - Jan 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 and free internet in public areas. Valet parking, a terrace, and a computer station are also offered.

Indigo Inn

1 Maiden lane Charleston SC

Free Cancellation

0.3 mi from Dock Street Theater

$151 nightly

$173 total

Jan 25 - Jan 26

Total with taxes and fees

This hotel features free WiFi in public areas, concierge services, and self parking. Enjoy the free self-serve breakfast each morning. A terrace, a garden, and luggage storage are also on offer.

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

$203 nightly

$232 total

Jan 28 - Jan 29

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

0.41 mi from Dock Street Theater

$187 nightly

$213 total

Jan 25 - Jan 26

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

0.68 mi from Dock Street Theater

$159 nightly

$181 total

Jan 25 - Jan 26

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	5,400 hotels
Lowest Price	$173
Highest Price	$510
Popular hotels	The Francis Marion Hotel, The Ryder Hotel, Emeline, The Charleston Place, The Vendue, Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton, Andrew Pinckney Inn, Planters Inn, The Meeting Street Inn, The Ansonborough, Indigo Inn, The Palmetto Hotel

Recent Dock Street Theater hotel reviews by fellow wanderers

Emeline

5 out of 5

Posted 18 hours ago

Travelocity Verified Review

"Excellent overall "

A verified traveler from Woodbridge stayed at Emeline

The Meeting Street Inn

5 out of 5

Posted 4 days ago

Travelocity Verified Review

"Very homey little inn. Friendly staff and nice & cozy lobby to have a conversation with other guests. I would definitely stay again. Great variety for breakfast with healthy options of Greek yogurt and whole fruit. Really nice staff. Evening wine & cheese reception ant 5 pm and warm cookies at 8 pm nightly. Such a nice touch. Ideal central location for walking to sites. "

A verified traveler stayed at The Meeting Street Inn