If you’re an 18-year-old traveler and dreaming of a trip to Charleston, I have something to offer you! While many hotels have a 21+ room policy, I found and checked modern, welcoming Charleston (South Carolina) hotels with 18+ check-in.
Just show your ID and pay for your room, and you’re ready to immerse yourself in the city that never sleeps. So, buckle up for a guide that bypasses age restrictions and reveals hot spots where you’ll get a hassle-free check-in. Ready for the adventure of a lifetime in Charleston? Let’s dive in!
In This Article
14 Charleston (South Carolina) Hotels With 18+ Check-In
Charleston welcomes a lot of teenagers and young adults yearly. Finding hotel accommodations for travelers aged 18 and under can be challenging with minimum check-in hotel age requirements.
Fortunately, Charleston has no shortage of 18+ friendly lodging options spanning all boroughs and budgets. Turning our attention to the top hotels for under 18+ check-in, here are 14 highly-rated Charleston hotels to consider.
1. Comfort Suites at Isle of Palms Connector
Price: Mid | Stars: 3 | Location: 7.3 miles from the city center, View on map
Comfort Suites pampers you with upscale amenities near Isle of Palms beaches and golf courses. The spacious suites feature home comforts like mini-fridges, microwaves, and seating areas. Additionally, here you can fuel up on a complimentary breakfast before exploring Fort Sumter and the historic plantation. This makes it one of the best hotels in Charleston SC.
FACILITIES | DETAILS |
Nearest airports: | Charleston International Airport – 16.4 miles (23-minute drive) |
Public transportation: | Skip the car rental and take the train into the city during your stay. The main station is a quick 11 mile ride, providing easy access downtown and beyond via scenic rails. |
Amenities: |
|
2. Francis Marion Hotel
Price: Mid | Stars: 3 | Location: 0.25 miles from the city center, View on map
Francis Marion Hotel is Charleston’s historic district landmark. Its location allows you to walk to popular attractions like the local market and Battery Park. After a long day of walking indulge in regional cuisine at the onsite Restaurant. Retreat to a spacious room with a custom marble bathroom.
FACILITIES | DETAILS |
Nearest airports: | Charleston International Airport – 11.5 miles (21-minute drive) |
Public transportation: | The vintage depot waits just 6.8 miles out, linking you to downtown sites and hidden neighborhood gems. Stroll the platforms before boarding the climate-controlled cars, offering panoramic views of Charleston’s natural beauty gliding by. |
Amenities: |
|
3. Days Inn by Wyndham Goose Creek
Price: Mid | Stars: 2 | Location: 13.2 miles from the city center, View on map
Days Inn by Wyndham Goose Creek is located just minutes from Charleston’s naval weapons station and airport. Additionally, it’s only 7 miles to Charleston Southern University and area golf courses. The hotel provides wallet-friendly rates along with handy amenities like free grab-and-go breakfast.
FACILITIES | DETAILS |
Nearest airports: | Charleston International Airport – 10.1 miles (22 minute drive) |
Public transportation: | Ride the classic rails only 6.8 miles from the door to museums, markets and more. Leave traffic and parking behind while train takes you straight to the heart of the Holy City. |
Amenities: |
|
4. The Vendue and The Enclave at The Vendue
Price: Mid | Stars: 4 | Location: 1 mile from the city center, View on map
These art-inspired sister hotels put guests in Charleston’s bustling French Quarter, combining Southern hospitality with rotating gallery exhibits. Savor Lowcountry cuisine at the onsite eatery or handcrafted cocktails on the rooftop terrace. Retreat to rooms with free Wi-Fi, luxury bedding, marble baths, and nightly turndown treats.
FACILITIES | DETAILS |
Nearest airports: | Charleston International Airport – 11.2 miles (23-minute drive) |
Public transportation: | Journey back in time aboard the train only 8 miles from the Charleston hotels. Step into the antique depot and hop a ride to see cobblestone streets and civil war-era mansions up close. |
Amenities: |
|
5. Hilton Club Liberty Place Charleston
Price: Mid | Stars: 3 | Location: 0.56 miles from city center, View on map
Positioned downtown near popular attractions, Hilton Club Liberty Place indulges guests with amenities like an outdoor pool, fitness center, and excellent onsite dining options. Spread out in spacious suites with separate living areas, handy kitchens, desks, and Wi-Fi to feel right at home while traveling. Nearby, explore attractions like the South Carolina Aquarium and Charleston Museum.
FACILITIES | DETAILS |
Nearest airports: | Charleston International Airport – 10.5 miles (19-minute drive) |
Public transportation: | The city’s main train station sits just 11 miles from your hotel entrance, providing relaxed rail access to downtown sites and neighborhood gems. |
Amenities: |
|
6. SpringHill Suites By Marriott Charleston Airport & Convention Center
Price: Mid | Stars: 2 | Location: 7.1 miles from the city center, View on map
Just minutes from the airport and convention center, SpringHill Suites offers all-suite stays and amenities like complimentary breakfast, an outdoor pool, gym, lounge, and airport shuttle service. Area attractions like The Citadel, Hampton Park, and historic plantations are within 8-13 miles.
FACILITIES | DETAILS |
Nearest airports: | Charleston International Airport – 1.9 miles (7-minute drive) |
Public transportation: | Experience Charleston’s southern hospitality riding the rails 1.6 miles from the entrance. Skip the rental car and see the city’s secrets from plush train cars headed downtown. |
Amenities: |
|
7. Indigo Inn
Price: Mid| Stars: 3 | Location: 0.62 miles from the city center, View on map
Nestled in Charleston’s popular French Quarter, Indigo Inn places guests near lively shops, restaurants, and galleries just 300 meters away. Enjoy free breakfast and evening appetizers onsite or wine on the garden terrace. Experience true Southern hospitality and charm.
FACILITIES | DETAILS |
Nearest airports: | Charleston International Airport – 10.8 miles (21-minute drive) |
Public transportation: | Leave driving to the locomotive just 7.5 miles off. Link up with taxis at our lobby for quick connections to adventure-ready trains headed around the region and beyond. |
Amenities: |
|
8. The Charleston Place
Price: Mid | Stars: 4 | Location: 0.6 miles from the city center, View on map
This iconic downtown hotel combines historic details with indulgent amenities like a spa and rooftop lounge. Savor award-winning cuisine or stroll to attractions from an unbeatable central address.
FACILITIES | DETAILS |
Nearest airports: | Charleston International Airport – 10.8 miles (21-minute drive) |
Public transportation: | All aboard history only 7.5miles down the line. Make tracks for urban adventures departing from the station via taxi from the lobby. |
Amenities: |
|
9. Holiday Inn Express Charleston US Highway 17 & I-526, an IHG Hotel
Price: Mid | Stars: 2 | Location: 5.1 miles from the city center, View on map
Without the steep rates, Holiday Inn Express Hotel Charleston offers a prime downtown location, placing leading attractions within easy reach. Spacious rooms feature handy kitchenettes. Fuel up on the free breakfast buffet and unwind at the outdoor pool or fully-equipped gym outside your hotel room.
FACILITIES | DETAILS |
Nearest airports: | Charleston International Airport – 7.4 miles (11-minute drive) |
Public transportation: | Walk just 0.9 mile and hop the train to unknown countryside and flavor-filled cities near and far. Enjoy panoramic views of Charleston gliding by from plush climate-controlled cars. |
Amenities: |
|
10. Comfort Inn & Suites Airport Convention Center
Price: Mid | Stars: 2 | Location: 2.3 miles from the city center, View on map
Next to the airport and convention center, this convenient hotel offers relaxation paired with spacious rooms equipped with kitchenettes. Maintain your workout routine at the fully-equipped gym or take a refreshing dip in the indoor pool after fueling up on the complimentary breakfast.
FACILITIES | DETAILS |
Nearest airports: | Charleston International Airport – 2.4 mile (8-minute drive) |
Public transportation: | This hotel’s doorstep delivers you to the vintage depot just a swift 0.9 mile walk away. Stroll the brick platforms before boarding climate-controlled cars, where panoramic windows showcase the city’s towering skyline giving way to rolling hillsides. |
Amenities: |
|
11. Residence Inn by Marriott Charleston North/Ashley Phosphate
Price: Mid | Stars: 3 | Location: 12.1 miles from the city center, View on map
Residence Inn by Marriott puts popular attractions within easy reach while providing spacious quarters equipped with handy kitchens. Affordable rates meet premium amenities for apartment-style stays in Charleston.
FACILITIES | DETAILS |
Nearest airports: | Charleston International Airport – 7.6 miles (16-minute drive) |
Public transportation: | Plot your escape via rail merely 5.6 miles away. Customize an itinerary for foodies, outdoor junkies and history buffs with help booking tickets and planning excursions. |
Amenities: |
|
12. La Quinta by Wyndham Charleston Riverview
Price: High | Stars: 3 | Location: 1.5 miles from the city center, View on map
This affordable hotel puts younger guests minutes from top spots like The Citadel campus. While providing freebies like Wi-Fi, parking, and breakfast. Guest quarters come equipped with flat-screen TVs and coffee makers for relaxation after busy days out. You can also maintain your workout routine in the fully equipped gym or lounge poolside with views of the city skyline.
FACILITIES | DETAILS |
Nearest airports: | Charleston International Airport – 11.1 miles (19-minute drive) |
Public transportation: | The nearest train station is 6.8 miles from the hotel entrance. Stroll the weathered wood platforms before settling into your plush climate-controlled coach. |
Amenities: |
|
13. Tru By Hilton Charleston Ashley Phosphate, Sc
Price: Mid | Stars: 2 | Location: 11.8 miles from the city center, View on map
The Hilton puts you minutes from the North Charleston Airport. Without the high price tag, it offers complimentary perks like Wi-Fi, parking, and breakfast. Guest rooms come equipped with handy fridges and flat-screen TVs for relaxation during your Charleston getaway.
FACILITIES | DETAILS |
Nearest airports: | Charleston International Airport – 6.6 miles (13-minute drive) |
Public transportation: | Stroll through charming neighborhoods approximately 5 miles to the station. Enjoy a pleasant walk before leaving the driving to the train and soaking up views into the city center. |
Amenities: |
|
14. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Mount Pleasant – Charleston, an IHG Hotel
Price: Mid | Stars: 3 | Location: 3 miles from the city center, View on map
Experience the convenience at this hotel’s neighboring top attractions. Spread out in spacious quarters equipped with handy kitchenettes after busy days out. Wake up and try a delicious free breakfast that spreads to fuel morning adventures. Then relax by the scenic outdoor pool and sun deck.
FACILITIES | DETAILS |
Nearest airports: | Charleston International Airport – 16.7 miles (24-minute drive) |
Public transportation: | Catch the train 8 miles out by bus or taxi from the lobby. Sit back and watch Charleston roll by from the depot straight into the heart of the Holy City. |
Amenities: |
|
More Hotels in Charleston South Carolina with 18+ Check-In
Here are some additional Charleston hotels that allow 18+ check-in:
- Extended Stay America Suites – Charleston – Mt Pleasant
- Best Western Airport Inn & Suites
- Cambria Hotel Charleston Riverview
- Market Pavilion Hotel
Alternatives to Hotels for 18-Year-Olds
In addition to the 18+ hotels, Charleston offers several alternative convenient accommodation options. Some of them include:
Hostels
Hostels can be a great option for 18-year-old travelers on a budget looking for accommodations in Charleston without strict age policies. Here are some hostel suggestions that accept 18+ guests:
Apartments
Apartment rentals can provide more space and amenities than hotel rooms at competitive rates for 18+ travelers. As a young traveler, you’ll get a smooth check-in process. Here are some Charleston apartment options that may work for younger guests:
- Luxurious Private Suites in Downtown Charleston
- The Azalea Suite at 124 Spring
- Charming Guest Suite Near Downtown Charleston
- Ricehope Place
Airbnb
Airbnb can be a great option for 18-year-old leisure travelers on a budget looking for accommodations in Charleston without strict age policies. Hosts occasionally update their minimum age requirements, so it’s a good idea to verify the policy before booking. However, allowing 18-year-olds is the norm for most hosts.
Youth Hostels
Youth hostels offer affordable social accommodations for young tourists on a budget. Many Charleston hostels welcome 18-year-old guests. While quite affordable, these accommodations may lack some comfort and privacy compared to other options.
FAQ
How Old Do You Have to Be to Stay In a Hotel in Charleston?
Most hotels require guests to be at least 18 to check in alone. Younger guests may be asked to present an ID upon check-in to verify their age matches hotel policies.
How to Get Around 21 Check-in Age?
To get around 21 check-in age, you can use third-party booking sites that may not enforce age minimums. You can also call the hotel directly and politely ask about making exceptions for guests aged 18, especially with parental consent.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Stay in a Hotel With Your Boyfriend?
Not all hotels, but most of them require guests to be 18, so an 18-year-old can generally share a room with their boyfriend. However, some hotels only allow this with parental/guardian consent provided at check-in.
Are There Any Extra Fees or Deposits Required for 18+ Check-in at These Hotels?
Yes, hotels that allow 18+ check-in often require an extra cash deposit, usually around $100, in case of incidentals or damages during the stay.
Are There Any Restrictions on the Number of People Allowed in a Room for 18+ Check-in?
Yes, hotels often restrict 18+ check-ins to only allowing a maximum of 2 people per room. More than 2 guests usually require a guardian/parent to check in or stay.
What Forms of Identification Are Accepted for 18+ Check-in?
For 18-years-old guest identification hotels accept a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport. You will also need to present an additional form of official identification like a major credit card in your name.
What Are the Alternatives to Hotels for 18-Year-Olds?
Hostels, short-term rentals like Airbnb, camping, Couchsurfing, and staying with family/friends are some alternatives 18-year-olds can consider for accommodation in Charleston.
