Sports Bar in Downtown Charleston, SC

CHARLESTON , S.C. (WCIV) — After days of uncertainty over whether they would have running water or electricity, residents at SkyGardens Apartments in downtown Charleston say they are fed up and some are preparing to move out.

SkyGardens is a popular residence for students at the College of Charleston. Residents said they have dealt with ongoing problems for months, but a pipe burst and flooding last week escalated the situation, followed by extended outages and what they described as limited communication from management.

Emails from the apartment messaging system said water pressure was reduced on Wednesday, March 11th, to conduct repairs. Residents said that turned into all water being turned off for more than 24 hours starting Thursday morning.

Thursday night, students woke up to fire alarms as a pipe burst began flooding parts of the building, and one of the building’s two elevators was shut down.

Addie Johnson, a resident, said her unit flooded as the result of the pipe burst on Thursday night, “We had about two inches of sitting water just throughout the building and on our carpets.” Johnson said residents struggled to get help. “We couldn't get a hold of anybody in management or anybody in maintenance to help clean up the issue,” she said.

Eleanor O’Leary, another resident, said the conditions in her unit have become unlivable. “And now our room is just full of moisture, and all of our carpets are soaked. We can’t live there. We can’t live in it anymore,” O’Leary said. She added, “We're paying $2,000 a month, and we can't even live in our apartment.”

The building then lost power on Friday, and it did not come back on until late Saturday night, residents said. They said they hoped the situation had stabilized, but water and power were temporarily shut off again Tuesday.

With conditions in the building uncertain, residents said many have spent the past couple of days in hotel rooms at their own expense.

“We've had to stay somewhere else,” Johnson said, adding that while she has family nearby, others do not. She said the apartment’s proposed hotel option created additional challenges. “They offered a hotel for $109 per night, but it's 20 minutes away, and a lot of people don't have cars here, so it's been kind of affecting our personal lives,” Johnson said. “Like, not being able to focus in class, 'cause we're worried about coming back to no power, where we're gonna sleep next.”

Mia Konstantinakos said residents were frustrated by what they viewed as limited support. “They're not even providing the hotel, no vouchers, no ride vouchers.”

Grace Porcaro said residents have also struggled to contact management, “If we call them, no one answers, just like an AI agent,” Porcaro said. “And if we go to the leasing office, no one talks to us because no one's there.”

Residents said the problems did not start with last week’s flooding. Sophia Fiuza said, “Since the first day we got here, we were already facing problems with plumbing.”

Johnson said, “We haven't had hot water for about four months now.”

Porcaro said, “We had plastic bags over our vents for about three months in the middle of the school year,” and added, “Our dishwasher's been broken for the past two months.”

The apartment sent a message to students Tuesday afternoon saying water and electricity had been restored, and that units will be assessed starting Wednesday to determine whether residents will receive compensation and how much.

Some residents said they are skeptical. “I mean, they say things a lot and it just doesn't happen,” said Brantlee Saxon. “They don't actually follow through.” Saxon said, “I'm definitely moving out, but the option I have is not any cheaper at all. It's way more expensive than this.”

Porcaro added, “I thought this was a very good deal, but I'm not getting my money's worth, that's for sure.”

SkyGardens management was contacted for comment, but no response was received.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (Palmetto Life) — A new fitness studio called The Drop In has opened in downtown Charleston, offering a hybrid movement and experience concept built around community, music-driven workouts, and what its founders describe as a mind-body connection.

The Drop In was co-founded by Chandler Frisbie and Gillian Zettler who met at a movement studio in Charleston in 2017. The two took a trip together shortly after meeting, discovered shared core values, and began developing the concept in late summer 2023.

“We settled on the mission statement pretty early on, which was the idea of cultivating resilience and building joy,” Zettler said “And so we found that coming into a space and moving as a group, especially under the guise of fitness, can be really intimidating. But if you create experiences that get people out of their comfort zone a little bit and you build trust in a gathering, then all of a sudden at the end of that gathering, it feels a little less intimidating.”

The Drop In offers a variety of class types, including indoor cycling located upstairs and sculpt classes that use props such as wrist weights and hand weights. The studio also offers an OG mat class based on the principles of somatic movement, which one founder described as “being of the body” — focused on breath awareness and physical sensation.

All classes are described as beginner-friendly and use low-to-no choreography. Workouts are beat-based and music-driven, with an emphasis on lyrics and rhythm as motivational tools. Classes can also be completed using bodyweight only.

“We are like a low to no choreography studio and ultimately it’s just about showing up together, hearing great music, meeting somebody new, and hopefully leaving a little bit lighter than the way that she walked in.”

They encourage members to gather before and after class to socialize beyond the workout itself. They said the goal is for people of all ability levels to feel welcome.

“We want people of all ability levels to feel like they can walk through the door.”

New members often become more connected to fellow participants than to the instructors themselves. “When new people come into the space, I think they’re less enamored with us and more enamored with the people that they’ve been able to get to know and move next to,” she said.

The Drop In is open now in downtown Charleston.

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Rising above the treetops of Marion Square, the historic Francis Marion Hotel has welcomed travelers to downtown Charleston for more than a century. When it opened in 1924, it was the tallest hotel in the state. It quickly became a centerpiece of Charleston's social life, hosting visitors drawn to the city's architecture, coastal scenery, and Southern hospitality. Today, the Francis Marion still carries that sense of grandeur, according to the many visitors who have stayed there.

The Francis Marion's Beaux-Arts–inspired architecture and interior details — including high ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, and ornate accents — reflect the elegance of early 20th-century hotels while still providing all the creature comforts of modern travel. As one reviewer described, it "gives a Doris Day, [Rock] Hudson type vibe." Many guest rooms face Marion Square, offering views of the park's green lawns, seasonal festivals, and the steeples and rooftops that define Charleston's historic skyline.

Location is one of the hotel's biggest advantages. Sitting within the heart of Charleston's historic district, the Francis Marion puts guests within easy walking distance of some of the city's top attractions. From here, visitors can stroll along King Street's shopping and dining corridor and explore nearby museums. It's also easy to spot the blocks of pastel row houses and hidden courtyards that have earned Charleston the reputation of being one of the most beautiful and photogenic cities in the American South. If you're flying in, Charleston International Airport is about a 20-minute drive northwest of downtown, making the Francis Marion an easy trip by rental car, taxi, or rideshare. Travelers driving from the state capital of Columbia can reach Charleston in roughly two hours via I-26.

Francis Marion is a short walk from great dining and shopping

A perk to staying in the Francis Marion is its proximity to Charleston's most vibrant neighborhoods. As one previous guest wrote, "From all the hotels that I've stayed at, the Francis Marion has both history, class, charm, and an ideal location." Just steps from the hotel, King Street is widely considered the city's main hub for dining, shopping, and nightlife. The street is lined with everything from independent boutiques to antique stores and art galleries. Just one street over, Meeting Street, aka the "Museum Mile," is home to sites like St. Michael's Church, the Charleston City Market, and several historic landmarks.

For foodies, the surrounding blocks are packed with restaurants serving everything from Lowcountry seafood to modern Southern cuisine. Visitors can easily spend an evening moving from rooftop bars to oyster houses to candlelit bistros — all without needing a car. Charleston's reputation as one of the country's top food destinations is on full display in this area. Some top-rated restaurants within a few blocks of the Francis Marion include Halls Chophouse and Hyman's Seafood. The hotel is also within a 20-minute walk of Revival, a restaurant recently named one of the best in the world, according to a Tripadvisor Traveler's Choice round-up. Just around the corner from Revival is Magnolias, another Charleston favorite with 4.7 stars on Google.

Across the street, Marion Square hosts regular community events. On Saturdays from spring through fall, the square fills with vendors for the popular Charleston Farmers Market. Seasonal festivals and outdoor performances also take place here throughout the year, giving guests a front-row seat to the city's cultural life.

Francis Marion Hotel offers classic elegance with modern comforts

While the Francis Marion's history is part of its appeal, the hotel has been updated over the years to keep up with modern times — in fact, it became the city's first fully air-conditioned hotel in 1952. Today, its guest rooms feature contemporary amenities like flat-screen TVs, plush bedding, and marble and granite bathrooms, while still embracing its historic character. Some rooms offer sweeping views across Marion Square or Charleston Harbor in the distance. Depending on the room, rates typically run between $200 and $500 per night.

Dining is available on-site at the hotel's well-known Swamp Fox Restaurant & Bar, which serves traditional Lowcountry dishes — the must-try regional cuisine of South Carolina. Guests can try some of Charleston's must-eat dishes without leaving the hotel, such as she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, and deviled crab. Named after Revolutionary War General Francis Marion, the restaurant fits naturally with the building's historic surroundings. One reviewer described it as having "kind of classic elegance without intimidation."

The hotel has three grand ballrooms with elegant finishes such as antique crystal chandeliers and ornate decor, which explains why many weddings and other important ceremonies are held there. For a luxurious treat-yourself experience, guests can also visit the on-site Spa of Charleston, which offers everything from facials and massages to body treatments and even personal fitness training. For travelers who want to stay in a place that reflects Charleston's long history while keeping them close to the city's restaurants, shops, and top attractions, the Francis Marion is a well-situated choice. It combines the charm of a classic grand hotel with one of the most convenient locations in downtown Charleston — making it ideal for visitors hoping to experience the city on foot.

Charleston, South Carolina has been voted one of the top cities in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure readers in the World's Best Awards for more than a decade. Its walkability, culinary landscape, cultural offerings, and beauty, both natural and human-made, come together to create a destination that appeals to all kinds of travelers. Its unique identity even extends to the city's incredibly diverse and dynamic roster of hotels, where historic mansions and luxury properties operate next to smaller, boutique accommodations. As both a travel writer and a former Charleston resident, I can attest to the fact that Charleston's hotels are a big part of the local community. These are the 15 best hotels in Charleston, South Carolina.

Top Places to Stay

Zero George

If you've been dreaming of the ultimate Charleston getaway, Zero George will check every box. Guests enter through the wrought-iron gates, which lead to the expertly manicured grounds, dreamy courtyard, and the three restored historic residences and two brick carriage houses that house the property's 16 guest rooms and suites. Every second of your experience—from check-in to checkout—will be filled with delightful, decidedly Charleston moments.

John Rutledge House Inn

For a thoughtful, intimate bed-and-breakfast experience, look no further than the John Rutledge House Inn. The building itself is highly recognizable from the outside, with its balconies, double-entry staircase, and photogenic black-and-white checkerboard sidewalk greeting guests and passersby. The inside, however, is just as welcoming, with rooms and suites outfitted with period antiques, elegant canopy beds, and Italian marble gas fireplaces.

Emeline is one of the "it" places to stay in the Holy City. All 212 guest rooms —128 of which are suites —come with a king-sized bed, bespoke embroidered Matouk linens and towels, custom ceramic vanity accessories by a local artist, and custom Wildsam Field Guides to Charleston. Like many other Charleston hotels, food and beverage are a top priority for this property.

The Ryder Hotel

The Ryder Hotel, inspired by Jack Kerouac's semi-fictional character from "The Dharma Bums," stands on its own two feet in the downtown area with its 91 rooms decked out in pale woods, custom-woven rugs, and plush linens. The star of the show, however, just might be the pool and its indoor-outdoor bar and restaurant, Little Palm. The cocktails at Little Palm are some of the best—and most creative—in Charleston, and the bar is perfectly Instagrammable.

The Palmetto Hotel

Each of The Palmetto Hotel's 45 king-bed rooms were designed to bring guests an "elevated experience without missing the comforts of home." Before heading out for the evening, stop by the Lobby Bar for signature cocktails and light bites; you'll even find local favorite Callie's Pimento Cheese on the menu.

The Loutrel

Comfortable, spacious, and convenient are just three ways you could describe The Loutrel, which sits on State Street in downtown Charleston, a couple of blocks from the water. The 50-room property is stylish and fresh, balancing elegance with tasteful touches of personality, and its garden-inspired lounge is reminiscent of the greenery and blooms that adorn the stunning architecture in the surrounding neighborhood.

The Spectator Hotel

For an extra-large helping of Southern hospitality, consider The Spectator Hotel for your next trip to the Holy City. The Spectator stands out with its plush rooms and personal butler service for every guest. You can expect this level of service from morning, enjoy the complimentary breakfast delivered right to your room, to night, when it's time for a celebratory drink.

The Vendue

The Vendue is housed in a row of historic warehouses dating back to 1780, but its interiors—including its 84 guest rooms—are bright, bold, and modern. Billed as "Charleston's art hotel," there's a sense of whimsy everywhere you look, from the French bulldog door knockers to its continually rotating collection of over 200 pieces of original art.

Wentworth Mansion

Wentworth Mansion is tucked away in Harleston Village, just a few blocks from bustling King Street, ensuring even more peace and privacy in this home away from home. The rooms and suites are all thoughtfully decorated and appointed with fireplaces, making it extra cozy in winter, and guests are encouraged to dine at Circa 1886, the restaurant located in the mansion's original carriage house.

Hotel Bennett

“Hotel Bennett is truly Charleston’s best full-service luxury hotel, in my opinion,” says Elizabeth Rhodes, senior editor at T+L and native South Carolinian. “In a city full of smaller boutique properties, it stands out with its rooftop pool, spa, massive suites, and four fantastic dining venues.” Part of the Salamander Collection of properties, the 179-room hotel juxtaposes European elegance with Southern glamour, which you'll experience as soon as you walk through the first-floor rotunda and into the Grand Court Lobby. While you'll never run out of places to eat in Charleston, keep the on-property restaurants La Pâtisserie, Gabrielle, Fiat Lux, and Camellias in mind as you plan your trip.

The Pinch is a 25-room property - inclusive of three furnished residences—that also features a spa, daily breakfast, and several restaurants, including The Quinte and Lowland Tavern. While you're certainly welcome to book a room for a night or two, accommodations are also available on a weekly or monthly basis, if desired. The interior decor highlights the history and simultaneously brings a bit of levity and freshness to the property.

The Restoration

For fantastic access to King Street's shops, restaurants, and bars, book a suite or one of the spacious residences at The Restoration. The hotel has more of an urban aesthetic than other Charleston properties, with modern photo installations and a variety of textures in the common spaces. Whether you're staying for a while or just for a long weekend, make sure you spend some time by the rooftop pool or grab coffee at The Rise downstairs.

Planters Inn

Planters Inn has roots dating back to the 1800s, and it claims the title of the only Relais & Châteaux hotel in South Carolina. Its rank also stems from the property's hospitable interiors and unforgettable dining experiences. The guest rooms strike that perfect balance between traditional and contemporary, with four-poster mahogany beds and working fireplaces living alongside a Nespresso machine and other must-have amenities.

The Dewberry

The Dewberry is a stalwart character in Charleston, not only housing 154 guest rooms and suites, but also a spa, rooftop cocktail lounge, swanky ground-floor bar, and a gift shop. Each aspect of the eight-story hotel feels like a manifestation of the "quiet luxury" aesthetic. The rooms are designed to answer every need you may have, and the decor in the common spaces nods to the city's charm and history without feeling too heavy or antiquated.

Post House

The only hotel on this list not located in downtown Charleston, the Post House is a destination in and of itself. The inn and its connected restaurant sit on one of the most picturesque corners in the Old Village Historic District in Mount Pleasant. It's become a favored spot for locals searching for a relaxing staycation, or just a great burger and a strong cocktail.

Know Before You Go

CHARLESTON — It could top out at 14 stories as it seeks to fit into a tight footprint on the downtown campus of the Medical University of South Carolina.

The new Comprehensive Cancer Hospital could also top $1 billion to construct, in line with many of the country’s new centers of its scope and size.

The MUSC Board of Trustees is backing the push by the Hollings Cancer Center at MUSC to move up to top-tier National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center status when its next review comes around in 2028. The new cancer hospital is a key component of that.

Hollings was established in 1993 and achieved the NCI’s Cancer Center status in 2009, one of nine in the U.S. to hold that clinical cancer care status and the only one in South Carolina. But there are 57 Comprehensive Cancer Centers, the top designation, and Hollings has yet to reach that level in 17 years.

That’s about twice as long as it takes the average cancer center to get there, said Dr. Don Johnson, the board member who is chairing its Cancer Center Committee.

“That's one of the reasons that, as a board, we decided we're finally going to get over that hill and get to Comprehensive status,” he said.

The new cancer hospital will provide a “one-stop shop” for all cancer care under one roof, Johnson said. It will also serve the whole state with unparalleled care, said MUSC President David J. Cole, who is a surgical oncologist.

Once it is built, “there should be zero reason a South Carolinian goes elsewhere for cancer care — zero,” he said. “We’re not compromising. We will be best in class.”

But it will come at a cost. After much study and work with engineers and architects, the preliminary cost estimate is $1.15 billion, said Adam Bacik, chief officer of the cancer hospital. That would be $885 million for construction and $230 million for equipment. It would be 14 stories tall as it needs to fit into a spot on MUSC’s downtown Charlston campus bordered by Calhoun Street and Ashley Avenue.

“We don’t have the space to spread out,” said Dr. Raymond DuBois, director of Hollings. It will likely include a parking deck upgrade from around 800 spaces in the nearby structure to more than 1,200, Bacik said.

The cost is about double what was expected when the planning for the hospital began. DuBois said, but is in line with the rising cost of construction now, particularly the soaring price of steel.

Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston is planning a new 14-story cancer hospital in a similar tight urban setting with 250 parking spots. It was approved in June by the Boston Planning and Development Agency with a cited cost of $1.6 billion, but other estimates have pushed that to $1.7 billion.

The Hollings’ preliminary figure is also trying to look ahead to when the building hopes to be completed in April 2030, “which is a very fast timeline,” DuBois said.

Part of that is the cost of cancer technology, which is among the most expensive medical equipment, said Dr. Jason Newman, chief of the cancer service line at MUSC.

“We were anticipating what the infrastructure is going to need to be to support the cancer care of the future,” he said.

MUSC had a budget request for $350 million for the cancer hospital and Gov. Henry McMaster included $115 million in his executive budget for the coming fiscal year. A $250 million capital campaign by MUSC and Hollings will be part of the effort, as well, Bacik said.