Francis Marion

Charleston, South Carolina

Virgin rating

The hotel

Named after General Francis Marion, the ‘Swamp Fox’ of the American Revolution, this hotel is one of the oldest and grandest in the Carolinas. Built in 1924 and sympathetically refurbished in 1996 to award-winning standards, it is packed to the rafters with Old World charm and modern comforts. The only high-rise hotel in the historic district, the views are spectacular from the top floors and the rooms are extremely well-equipped with a great range of home-from-home amenities. To keep you trim, there’s a fitness centre or head to Spa Adagio* for a well deserved spot of pampering. Classic Southern cuisine is on offer at the Swamp Fox Restaurant where the resident chef expertly showcases Charleston’s locally supplied produce. The menu changes monthly but regular favourites include Shrimp and Grits, Fried Green Tomatoes and Steamed Clams. Afterwards, relax in the cosy adjoining bar and if its the weekend you can enjoy some atmospheric live jazz music.

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Laundry Service
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Spa
  • Valet parking

Where is it

On Marion Square in the Upper King Street Design District of Charleston, South Carolina. Within steps of historic landmarks including Marion Park, a 6-acre park notable for its Revolutionary War and Citadel beginnings. Boutiques and restaurants are also close by.

Hotel information

234 rooms include a marble and granite bathroom, a dedicated work area with a desk, a vanity, complimentary WiFi, a flat-panel TV with HD cable, and a coffee maker. Rooms on higher floors provide breathtaking views of the historic Charleston harbour. 

Traditional rooms have either one queen or two double beds, sleeping a maximum 4 people.

Fitness centre. The Spa of Charleston*. Entertainment includes live jazz music in the bar on weekends. Complimentary WiFi. Limited room service*. Laundry/dry-cleaning service*. Concierge service. Gift shop. 

Self-parking is available at the City of Charleston garage next to the hotel for $24.00 per night. Parking is subject to garage availability, please note that oversized vehicles and rooftop carriers may have limited parking options. Valet parking is $40 + tax per night. ( both subject to change and paid locally).

The Swamp Fox Restaurant & Bar (open for breakfast, lunch and dinner) A cosy spot for casual dining, this bar and grill features a relaxed atmosphere and a great selection of beverages, including cocktails and local beers.

*Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (2376)
  • Very good (1326)
  • Average (495)
  • Poor (216)
  • Terrible (152)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating You will be treated to Southern Hospitality at the beautiful Francis Marion hotel.

Jan 28, 2025 Leslie S

The Francis Marion hotel has amazing views since it's the tallest building in Charleston. The staff are so helpful to guide you where you should go sightseeing or recommending restaurants . We especially appreciated Karin Saner the concierge who gave us so many helpful recommendations. The servers Sylvie and Christine gave us wonderful Southern… Read more
The Francis Marion hotel has amazing views since it's the tallest building in Charleston. The staff are so helpful to guide you where you should go sightseeing or recommending restaurants . We especially appreciated Karin Saner the concierge who gave us so many helpful recommendations. The servers Sylvie and Christine gave us wonderful Southern hospitality treatment at the Swamp Fox restaurant at the hotel. Breakfast was so yummy!!! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Good safe location

Jan 27, 2025 Cherie H

Very good location. Breakfast at the Swamp Fox was very good and reasonable priced. Front desk staff did not give us much information about the area such as the free shuttle and did not seem very knowledgeable about restaurants within walking distance.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Charming and lovely historic hotel

Jan 26, 2025 Jeremy J Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Great location in downtown charleston near the park and right at the top of King Street......It is however an older hotel so bathrooms are small, but wonderful staff and location. Does NOT have any EV chargers, so be aware. Charging an EV is a pain in downtown.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Girls weekend!

Jan 19, 2025 Katelyn L

Everything was wonderful! We had the opportunity to stay in the presidential suite and it was phenomenal! Views, beds, towels, toiletries, everything was top of the line and so pretty to look at. The staff were so helpful and prompt and we felt so pampered and taken care of. It was so nice to stay in such a historic hotel and it was so convenient… Read more
Everything was wonderful! We had the opportunity to stay in the presidential suite and it was phenomenal! Views, beds, towels, toiletries, everything was top of the line and so pretty to look at. The staff were so helpful and prompt and we felt so pampered and taken care of. It was so nice to stay in such a historic hotel and it was so convenient to anywhere we wanted to go! Will absolutely be coming back again! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great for large conference

Jan 17, 2025 Mike S

The staff are courteous, friendly and knowledgeable. The modern features of this vintage hotel make it a go-to for your stay. I was there for a conference of 200+ people, and the accommodations were comfortable and transparent. We will be back!