Name: Francis Marion Hotel
Address: 387 King Street, King Street, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America, Charleston, Charleston County, US
Price range: US$171–US$935 per night
Rating: 8.73

What guests think

At Francis Marion Hotel, travelers praise the central King Street location and friendly service, while reviews note historic charm alongside dated elements, very small bathrooms, and occasional maintenance or noise issues, resulting in a mixed yet generally positive stay.

Cleanliness is often strong but occasionally inconsistent, with reports ranging from spotless rooms to missed housekeeping and wet carpets. Guests appreciate the on-site Swamp Fox restaurant, Starbucks, and charming lobby touches like cookies, piano, and champagne hour, though parking is costly and can be inconvenient. Overall, it suits travelers who value character and convenience over modern room layouts.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

On-site Swamp Fox restaurant and bar and an in-house Starbucks earn frequent praise; lobby extras like cookies, piano, and a champagne hour are appreciated. Valet and nearby garage parking are available but often described as expensive or inconvenient.

Related guest reviews

10

Donna

16 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

If there is a rating above "excellent" the Francis Marion definitely deserves it. The room was amazing. The staff are amazing, including the check-in desk, hotel services, the restaurant (which is in another category of awesome), and even the maintenance staff. The hotel restaurant and bar, The Swamp Fox, is staffed with folks who make every effort, and then some, to make your cocktails and dinner a pleasure. The breakfast buffet is enormous and a terrific value. If you want history, comfort, southern charm and hospitality, The Francis Marion is where you want to stay.

10

Lisa

21 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Hotel is in a great location. Starbucks, bar and food on site. However, walking distance to more within one minute. Walgreens across the street. Older historic hotel. Room was spotless. The bathroom is small ,but it wasn’t an issue. Decent size room with walk in closet. No issues. I’d stay again.

10

Amanda

6 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

This hotel is perfect…location, their restaurant & lounge, Starbucks, room service, and the lobby is gorgeous with a fantastic happy hour every evening! We really enjoyed our stay and can’t wait to plan the next one here!

10

Pamela

19 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Clean, beautiful lobby, great restaurant Use valet parking-parking garage charges every time you go in or out!

10

Brian

15 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The Francis Marion in Charleston is a great hotel. It is located on King Street which is in the heart of so much that the city has to offer. We had dinner one night in the Swamp Fox, which was very good. We had a very spacious room that included a sitting area. The bathroom was a little on the small side. When we returned one evening, we were pleasantly surprised to see a turndown service with chocolates. A parking garage is located right next to the hotel and the College of Charleston was right there as well.

10

Mark

26 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We really enjoyed the property. Lovely old hotel with great charm. It was well located, and walkable to shopping and sights. First time in a LONG time that the hotel gave turn-down service for the night! The restaurant and bar was good. Staff was great. Absolutely zero complaints! Oh, and the bedding was extremely comfortable. Price was very reasonable. Don't fail to consider this property!

10

Alex

6 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Wonderful staff, clean and quiet hotel. A complimentary champagne hour with charcuterie and a lovely pianist. Perfect location with a charming aesthetic. Would stay here again!!

10

Pamela

29 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location! Service and amenities were excellent! The restaurant on site was great

10

Zachary L.

2 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great hotel for the money. Parking a bit inconvenient and expensive in the garage nearby, but the hotel was roomy, beautiful lobby, and perfectly located in the city.

10

Sydney & Kevin

5 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful lobby. Offers complimentary cheese and champagne for a select time of day. Loved the history of the building and the location. Concierge was very knowledgeable and helpful. Would highly recommend for anyone visiting Charleston. Best part was valeting and leaving the car for your trip since you can pretty much walk anywhere from this location.

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Cleanliness

Many guests report very clean or spotless rooms, but others cite dirty or stained linens, hair in showers, wet carpets, and occasional odors.

Related guest reviews

6

Julie

14 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room was a nice, older room. Bed was comfortable and room service was great. Did have to call to have sheets changed upon arrival due to stains and sand/dirt on them. When taking them off, a used band aid was found. Also lost a personal blanket to housekeeping that was left on bed first night of stay.

10

Robert

14 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room is very clean and the staff are wonderful

10

Melvin

7 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great place, check-in was quick with great friendly staff, looks to be well kept, bed was incredibly comfortable. Would highly recommend this place.

6

Patricia

11 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel is beautiful but the rooms are a little dated. The carpet in our room was wet throughout a good portion of the room. We only were staying for one night and didn’t notice until after we had settled in so we just made sure to wear shoes at all times. I did notify the front desk on the way out so they could address it. The location is perfect for strolling throughout the Charleston shopping district.

10

Sadia

1 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I really enjoyed staying at the Francis Marion during my first trip to Charleston. The staff was very welcoming, and the hotel was nice and clean. The room had everything I needed for my stay, including complementary bottles of water. My room also had a wonderful view of the harbor! The hotel is very conveniently located downtown near a lot of shops and restaurants. It's also fairly close (within walking distance or a short Uber ride) to a number of museums and tourist attractions. I would definitely stay here again next time I'm in Charleston!

10

Rebecca

6 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

We had a wonderful stay at the Francis Marion. The service was incredible! The beds were comfortable and the rooms very clean. The bathrooms are small since this hotel was built around 1930 but to us that was part of the charm. Will stay there again next time we are in Charleston.

4

XIN

11 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room felt old and poorly maintained, look not clean with strange smell, and I had to leave the window open just to air it out. Definitely not what you'd expect from a four-star hotel. At least the location was great.

6

Insaf

5 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room wasn’t clean it was a whole nail wrapped in my sheet. We were on the 9th floor and I could hear all the car noises, windows are definitely thin. I wasn’t reminded or talked about the breakfast so I didn’t take advance of that either.

6

Elizabeth

13 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Carpet was wet. Fitted sheet was not on completely and hair all in the shower.

10

Jessica

29 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Super clean, comfy bed, great view! Staff was lovely.

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Rooms

Rooms show their age: many note extremely small bathrooms and dated decor, with some street or hallway noise and occasional noisy AC. Beds are often comfortable, and some rooms offer good views or spacious layouts, but updates are desired.

Related guest reviews

8

Jeffrey

22 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Nice, classic southern hotel. Great location. Park across street and tons of dining and shopping in all directions around. Rooms were nice, clean. Comfortable bed. Bathroom was small and had an older feel, but served it's purpose. Perfect for a solo traveler.

8

Nancy

11 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Breakfast was great! Room was clean. Only thing we were not happy with was the bathroom was Extremely small

10

Teo

11 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

A little outdated but it was clean and lovely to stay.

8

Janice Brown

8 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Friendly staff, great location. However, could hear the people talking in the room next to me.

10

Sadia

1 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I really enjoyed staying at the Francis Marion during my first trip to Charleston. The staff was very welcoming, and the hotel was nice and clean. The room had everything I needed for my stay, including complementary bottles of water. My room also had a wonderful view of the harbor! The hotel is very conveniently located downtown near a lot of shops and restaurants. It's also fairly close (within walking distance or a short Uber ride) to a number of museums and tourist attractions. I would definitely stay here again next time I'm in Charleston!

8

Gilberto

29 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Old hotel ac sounds like a turbocharged airplane. But location is good.

4

XIN

11 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room felt old and poorly maintained, look not clean with strange smell, and I had to leave the window open just to air it out. Definitely not what you'd expect from a four-star hotel. At least the location was great.

10

Fred

17 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Perfect except for miniature bathroom.

10

Catherine

24 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful lobby, great views and historic feel. Bathroom is a bit small, but that’s normal for an older hotel. Loved feeling like we were experiencing part of Charleston’s history. Beds were comfy and we slept well.

8

Lila

7 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean rooms,. Older hotel needs a little renovations rooms have tiny bathrooms. Rooms are cramped AC next to the bed.

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Service

Staff are frequently described as friendly, welcoming, and responsive, with helpful concierge and quick maintenance. Some guests report inconsistencies, including slow or rude valet, early housekeeping knocks, room-readiness delays, and occasional billing or communication issues.

Related guest reviews

10

Bridget

2 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great service & staff. Comfortable and clean room.

10

Jamie

30 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

This is the third time we have stayed. My husband came this trip and we are always impressed with the service and the hotel overall. Valets are quick and helpful, front desk is ready to answer questions, the staff at the Swamp Fox is great. In room dining is a blessing. The housekeepers are quick and always make the rooms so clean and tidy. They checked 2x a day so even if we stopped in and laid on the bed between outings it was remade. We considered staying somewhere else this trip to change it up, but for the value and quality of service no other hotel in the area could convince me. Francis Marion makes our trips to Charleston extra special because they continue to deliver quality service. It is an older hotel but that's the point!

8

Jon

25 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We had a fine stay at the Francis Marion, but I am not sure we will be back. Trying to valet park at check-in time was impossible. No spots available. We ended up self-parking, which wasn't the end of the world. Our room was not ready at 4:30, so they offered us free drinks at the Swamp Fox. We got a text it was ready at 5, but it actually was not. Apparently, there was a housekeeping issue. They then discounted the room $100. We went out to dinner and it was ready when we returned around 8. They were very kind and helpful, but it was still a frustrating experience. The room had a wonderful corner view and seemed very clean. Things were outdated, however, the rugs were pulled up in places, the shelves in the tiny bathroom were installed crooked, and the toilet would not flush properly. We had to flush it five times every time to get it to work. So, it was a nice hotel and the service was very good, but I doubt we will be back to stay again.

6

Kimberly

14 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Property was nice and restaurant very good, but the service was so bad that I probably won’t stay again! Cleaning service missed us the first day and forgot to give us enough towels or any soap when they did come…and left a dirty washcloth with cleaning solution on it. Also, there wasn’t enough bellhop or valet staff, and we often waited over 15 mins to get our car—and upon check in and out the bell hop never showed, so we just brought down our own bags. What a bummer.

8

Paul

3 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The staff (check-in and conceirge) were friendly and very helpful.

2

Spencer

14 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Our experience at the Francis Marion Hotel was nothing short of disappointing. We arrived understanding that our room might not be ready—no big deal—but what followed was an absolute mess. The front desk instructed us to have the valet hold our bags while we waited. What should’ve been a simple, courteous exchange turned into an awkward and uncomfortable interaction. The valet was rude, clearly annoyed to be doing his job, and actually complained that he was in a bad mood because he didn’t study for a math exam. When I asked him to press the unlock button on the car, he literally threw the keys at me. Completely unprofessional. We hoped things would improve once we got into our room. They did not. The room was a disaster. Rust and mold were visible in several areas, the mini fridge was leaking, and the carpet was wet—soaking wet. I have asthma, and staying in a room with mold and damp carpeting made it incredibly difficult for me to breathe comfortably. It felt more like a health hazard than a hotel room. Calling the valet was a 30+ minute ordeal every single time, and they remained consistently rude and unhelpful throughout our stay. This place is touted as a “Charleston classic,” but that seems to just be a poor excuse to neglect basic upkeep and customer service. Save your money & stay anywhere else!

8

Tiffany

26 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The location was perfect! The staff was attentive and surprised us with a special Anniversary delivery. I would definitely stay at the Francis Marion Hotel again.

10

Matthew

25 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location and amazing staff.

4

Nataliya

2 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Poor communication between staff

4

DAVID

27 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very nice place. Was on the 10th Floor, pretty loud from the at night. 8:30 this we wake up to pounding on the and it was the Housekeep asking if we were checking out, told her not now, she reached into the room and grabbed the service now sign and hung it on the door. Rude & unprofessional.

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Location

Consistently praised central spot on King Street across from Marion Square—walkable to shopping, restaurants, College of Charleston, and sights. Some guests note nightlife or street noise due to the lively area.

Related guest reviews

10

Philippe

30 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Gréât location, very comfortable

10

Andie

8 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

It is in the perfect location in Charleston.

10

chris

14 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great hotel in a great location in Charleston next to College of Charleston and 1+ miles of new shops on King street!

10

Denise

7 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very conveniently located

10

Shamini

8 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Service and spacious. Excellent location.

10

Pamela

29 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location! Service and amenities were excellent! The restaurant on site was great

10

Zachary L.

2 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great hotel for the money. Parking a bit inconvenient and expensive in the garage nearby, but the hotel was roomy, beautiful lobby, and perfectly located in the city.

10

Shannon

11 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great hotel! Very convenient location!

10

loren

4 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Great place to be, on the heart of King Street.

10

Scott

7 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Excellent location

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Dining

The Swamp Fox restaurant and bar draw strong reviews for tasty food, a popular breakfast buffet, and reliable room service. A few note occasional closures or average dinners, but overall on-site dining is a highlight.

Related guest reviews

10

Donna

16 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

If there is a rating above "excellent" the Francis Marion definitely deserves it. The room was amazing. The staff are amazing, including the check-in desk, hotel services, the restaurant (which is in another category of awesome), and even the maintenance staff. The hotel restaurant and bar, The Swamp Fox, is staffed with folks who make every effort, and then some, to make your cocktails and dinner a pleasure. The breakfast buffet is enormous and a terrific value. If you want history, comfort, southern charm and hospitality, The Francis Marion is where you want to stay.

10

Bertamaria (Gigi)

3 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Property has great architectural features and common spaces. Very centrally located with a farmers market in front of the hotel across the street at the park. Walkable to everywhere and very friendly staff. Restaurant on bottom floor had good food and very good service.

10

Jamie

30 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

This is the third time we have stayed. My husband came this trip and we are always impressed with the service and the hotel overall. Valets are quick and helpful, front desk is ready to answer questions, the staff at the Swamp Fox is great. In room dining is a blessing. The housekeepers are quick and always make the rooms so clean and tidy. They checked 2x a day so even if we stopped in and laid on the bed between outings it was remade. We considered staying somewhere else this trip to change it up, but for the value and quality of service no other hotel in the area could convince me. Francis Marion makes our trips to Charleston extra special because they continue to deliver quality service. It is an older hotel but that's the point!

8

Susannah Hills

4 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel was constructed in the early 20th century and has vibes from that time, which are fun. The lobby is huge but unfortunately has no bar there, even though there is jazz on weekends. I wasn't wild about dinner at their restaurant (not bad, but not very imaginative either, with a so-so wine list) but I enjoyed the breakfast very much. It is easy to pick up the free bus across the street and staff were very helpful when I needed advice. Key historic areas are walkable but it takes about 20 minutes to get to most areas of tourist interest.

10

Ryan

1 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Bullseye location for walking the main drag. Clean, hot water, comfy beds. Swamp Fox restaurant downstairs was great.

10

Diane

4 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Good value. Nice property. Had delicious she crab soup and salad in the hotel restaurant

10

Sandra

31 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Amazing beautiful hotel and the Fox Swamp restaurant was so delicious! I will definitely choose this hotel again - close to everything and the service was top notch!

10

Gerda

24 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Fantastic breakfast buffet...beds are very comfortable...

10

suzanne

24 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Extremely convenient. We really loved having breakfast with Sylvie our server at the Swamp Fox she was Tre Magnific!

10

Cassandra

31 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Our room was beautiful and very clean. The bathrooms are a bit small. Highly recommend the restaurant “Swamp Fox”. Our waitress, Syvie, was an absolute gem. We went twice for breakfast!

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	US$130
February	US$264
March	US$371
April	US$406
May	US$323
June	US$239
July	US$190
August	US$178
September	US$217
October	US$271
November	US$241
December	US$172

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14 $227	15 $264	16 $176	17	18 $330	19
20 $204	21 $209	22 $217	23 $197	24 $237	25 $935	26 $935
27 $176	28 $171	29 $197	30 $190

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $237	2 $927	3 $789
4 $204	5 $204	6 $204	7 $209	8 $253	9 $927	10 $927
11 $176	12 $190	13 $195	14 $191	15 $239	16 $364	17 $384
18 $217	19 $224	20 $224	21 $233	22 $374	23 $927	24 $427
25 $204	26 $772	27 $209	28 $714	29 $274	30 $299	31 $306

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Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Traditional Room, 2 Double Beds, Harbor View

Suite (Francis Marion)

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed

Traditional Room, 1 Queen Bed, Harbor View

Standard Room (Run of House)

Deluxe Room, 2 Double Beds, Harbor View

Deluxe Room, 2 Double Beds

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Harbor View

Traditional Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa Bed, Accessible

Guest reviews

Fabulous

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Francis Marion Hotel

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Prices for upcoming dates