Charleston is the oldest and the second-largest city in the USA’s state of South Carolina. It’s busy and fast-paced, and an extremely popular tourist destination. Fun fact: it’s also home to America’s first museum, the Charleston Museum, which was established in 1773! The city is bursting with rich history, its old architectural structures very well-preserved, boasting a brilliant local cuisine. In fact, many tourists who come by to visit attribute their love of the city to the friendly locals - who never fail to extend a healthy dose of Southern hospitality to anyone they meet.
If you’re planning on spending some vacation time visiting Charleston, South Carolina, read on to find out about some of the best HomeAway and Vrbo vacation rentals you can rent:
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status. recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on July 18, 2022.
1. In the heart of downtown Charleston (from 220 USD)
A carriage home is a space that was once used to store a single horse carriage, so you must assume that this accommodation wouldn’t be too large. But that assumption would be far from the truth. This area is small but mighty and has been converted into a lovely accommodation with all modern fixings. This carriage home is located in the heart of downtown Charleston, making it very easy for guests to navigate and explore Charleston safely. The exterior of the home hasn’t been changed massively from the 1770s and is thus quite an authentic and rustic home. You’ll have access to the private backyard, and doesn’t it look magnificent? It looks like something from a fairytale! So, set free your inner prince or princess and have a nice frolic or stroll around the grounds! Feel that warm grass on your bare feet and surround yourself by the lush greenery. The bedroom is very rustic and elegant, the mattress is thick, and the bed looks comfortable. It looks as though you’ll just sink into its embrace and have the best sleep of your life. The hosts made sure, whilst trying to preserve the olden aspects of the home, that you won’t miss the conveniences of modernity. The traditional armchair and antique-looking cabinet appears to be in stark contrast to the television, which even has access to cable channels. It’s rather comical, but, at the same time, the two time periods clashing really works well. Also, quite contrary to the more rustic feel of the other rooms, the kitchen is rather sleek and modern. Decked out with shiny metal and state-of-the-art kitchen appliances, it looks somewhat out of place. But the simplicity of the white theme evokes a clean and homey feel. It’s just the perfect kitchen in the home.
Private Historic 1770 Carriage House Located South Of Broad
Address: South of Broad, Charleston, South Carolina (see map)
Price: from 220 USD
Number of Guests: 2
2. Just a stroll from the harbor (from 295 USD)
This cottage is located within the South of Broad District and is conveniently located two blocks away from Charleston Harbor and White Point Gardens. It’s also possible to walk to downtown Charleston from this cottage, which means exploring Charleston would be a breeze. You’ll be close enough to all the action happening within the bustling city of Charleston, but this cottage gives you enough privacy so you won’t be constantly subjected to a barrage of loud noises. The cottage may look small on the outside, but you would be surprised upon entering indoors. The bedroom is spacious and has high ceilings, adding more to the feeling of space. The exposed beams also help to create an olden vibe, which is further enhanced by the antique decor. The hosts boast that they’ve just recently renovated their bathroom and you can definitely tell! The bathroom looks clean and modern, but still has hints of classiness. The marble-topped sink, the wooden tissue box, and the floor tiles really add to an old-time ambience of the bathroom. The downside of a smaller home is that there might not be sufficient space for all amenities; this cottage doesn’t have a kitchen. However, it isn’t necessary because you are surrounded by many tantalising local eateries. There is, though, a small refreshment nook if you need a cup of coffee just as you wake up! There’s also a small patio in the back gardens, so feel free to enjoy a cup of morning coffee there as you watch the sun rise. Or just take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, and watch as the clouds float through the sky. Nobody could fault you if you fell asleep in such a serene garden!
Charming Studio Cottage Nestled In Prime Historic District South of Broad
Address: South of Broad, Charleston, South Carolina (see map)
Price: from 295 USD
Number of Guests: 2
3. Steps away from the market (from USD 257)
This studio is located within a roughly 200-year-old building in the heart of downtown Charleston. The hosts lovingly preserved this building and made it feel like you’re living in the past, but with modern amenities. Even better, this studio is located near to the historic Charleston City Market, the Charleston Museum, and St Phillip’s Church, a U.S. Historic Landmark, so you’ll be surrounded by culture and history. The space will definitely keep you comfortable while you’re vacationing in the city of Charleston. When you first enter the home, you’ll be greeted by a handpicked bottle of wine from the hosts! Have a nice glass of wine in your home away from home before you head out to explore Charleston. The bedroom is spacious and extremely comfortable. It is well-decorated, and the room is decked out with several different textures. From the roughness of the exposed brick walls and the mats, to the plush and soft textures of the bed and seats, it really adds some visual weight to the room, and made it seem more homey. From the room, you’ll also have a great view of iconic attractions in Charleston, such as St Phillip’s Church and the Charleston City Market. The bathroom is ornately decorated and looks very charming, especially with all the wooden decor, warm tones, and metalwork. It looks old, but it comes with modern technology, such as a hairdryer. Why are we even mentioning such a basic appliance? Because it’s useful and you’ll be thankful that you won’t have to pack it to take on vacation! You’ll also be provided with some basic toiletries, like shampoo and soap. The rest of the home is beautifully and creatively decorated. The entrance to the second floor suite resembles a classic Charleston house front and it serves as a reminder to the locals of their history. And, it helps educate guests, like yourself, about the architecture and historic values of the house fronts.
238 meters (0.2 ft) from Palmetto Carriage WorksAccommodates: 2
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
cons: thermostat is hard to work and a better exhaust fan is needed for bathroombeautiful room; incredibly tastefully decoratedHost:
hosts we're fabulous and quick to respondRead more reviewsLocation:
absolutely beautiful place an located in within walking distance of everythingwonderful little place in a great locationnice property in close proximity to lots of downtown activitieswe really loved this place great locationpros: location it is near everything the property is super clean and super cute
4. Modern apartment inside an old home (from USD 406)
This apartment is located within a newly renovated early 1900s home, and is extremely clean, bright, and modern. This apartment is comfortable to live in and is extremely welcoming to anyone. It’s also conveniently located one block away from Upper King Street, just one of the three sections of King Street. King Street is like the city centre, where many Charleston locals congregate, and it’s a bustling shopping and dining paradise. Walk through King Street to get a feel of Charleston and stop by one of the many local businesses. The living room is so bright and the pops of colour from the cushions and the mat really stand out in the bright sunlight, making the room feel as though it almost shines. Like the living room, the bedrooms are painted in bright shades. The hosts really put a lot of care into decorating the rooms consistently, making the rooms’ cheery personalities shine through. The bedrooms are comfortable, perfect places to rest for the night. In the kitchen, there’s an eclectic mix of colours and styles. There are shiny surfaces, wooden ceiling beams, and colourful wall decorations, all meshing into a beautiful room. Cook up a storm in the well-equipped kitchen, then enjoy your culinary creations whilst sitting on one of the gleaming copper-coloured chairs.
Other facilities of the apartment include Wi-Ti, TVs, and onsite parking.
1.79 km (1.2 mi) from Palmetto Carriage WorksAccommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
and an option to use shades at night the beds were extra comfortable with lofty duvetseach room had a beautiful flat screen tv with no electrical cords revealedCleanliness:
it is clean new and beautifulit was clean and we had everything we neededeverything was updated and very clean (i’m picky )the place looks just like the pictures - very clean and spaciousvery clean and centrally locatedHost:
owner was very responsive to any requestthe property manager was very helpful upon checkin and we had a wonderful weekend celebratingthe owner chris was the best to work withchris was extremely responsive and went over and above to accommodate usRead more reviewsLocation:
loved the location of this homethe apartment was in a great location and walking distance to many restaurants and shopswe stayed 4 nights and loved the location condition and ease of staying therewell priced easy to find safe area and easy to walk or catch trolley
5. Historically iconic carriage home (from USD 625)
Unlike many of the other listed accommodations that are located near to historical landmarks or neighbourhoods, this carriage home is historically rich in itself. Located on the premises of an iconic Gibbons House, it was constructed in 1856. This accommodation was originally used as a stable by a very prominent merchant in Charleston. However, when it was bought out in 1919, it was converted into the founding office for the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, which still exists to this day. This old home was then lovingly restored and you can stay within its history-laden space. Can you believe that this beautiful structure was used originally as a stable? The structure is reminiscent of an old European home, and the large French-style doors welcome you into the folds of the home. The timeless charms of an old home remain, enhanced by the exposed brick walls, but the kitchen combines plenty of modernity too. The browns and warm colours help to make the room feel very inviting. The kitchen is well-appointed with state-of-the-art technology and quality cookware. You’ll be sleeping in the attic of the home. It’s very rustic and the large bed is so comfortable; you’ll definitely have had a well-rested night when you wake up in that bed. There’s also a large window that allows for much natural lighting and warmth, as well as cooling breezes if desired. Despite the living room being deeper in the home, with mainly solid brick walls, sunlight still penetrates easily, lighting up the room. With the exposed brick walls and the exposed wooden beams, the living room has plenty of rustic charm and definitely feels like a blast into the past. It also has modern features, like a TV and Wi-Fi. Sit comfortably and watch some television if you’re too lazy to head out into town. Alternatively, you can relax on the patio.
Off-road parking is available.
1.35 km (0.9 mi) from Palmetto Carriage WorksAccommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 3
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
fresh greens in vases white linens great coffee provided in the kitchenthe carriage house was not only cozy and rustic but also very comfortable and chicthis cottage was cozy and everything you could ask for and more to make your stay comfortableCleanliness:
the beds were clean and very comfortableclean spacious and located right by my daughters apartment for schoolit was clean comfortable stylish and perfectly situatedHost:
his response was quick & friendlyshe is friendly welcoming and beautifullovely gardens- hope you don't mind the owner's dog visitinggracious owners and especially loved their doggreat communication from the host and very easy check in and out processRead more reviewsLocation:
gibbon house was a perfect location from which to explore charlestonmany things were within an easy 15 minute walk in either directionfabulous location and such a quaint place stayed with girlfriends and would definitely stay againlovely location but the home is a bit too rustic for usperfect location great owner to work with beautiful home
Charleston: not just a pretty face
Charleston is a city that’s filled to the brim with history and stories, and the best way to explore that is by staying near or within a historic building. You’ll come to learn to love the way that Charleston has managed to merge both the old and new. The beauty and splendor of the old historic Charleston are not forgotten because of its careful preservation efforts by the locals. It’s an extremely beautiful place to visit if you’re interested in American history or if you think that our HomeAway and Vrbo recommendations are gorgeous and would love to experience them for yourself.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to bookmark our articles, like local expert tips, receive great stories in your inbox, and follow writers and topics that you love.
Log in with Google ×