We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Francis Marion Hotel: Traveler Reviews

3.5 of 5
387 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Hotel website
Hotel amenities
Offers & Announcements
30% off room rate
Francis Marion Hotel
Ranked #27 of 54 hotels in Charleston
Enter dates & see best prices*
Enter dates 1 night 2 nights
Show Prices
* We search the top travel sites for the best price
Hotels.com Booking.com Travelocity
and 11 more sites!
Traveler Reviews
Room Prices
Write a Review

906 reviews from our community

Traveler rating
    376
    282
    123
    67
    58
See reviews for
Families
142
 
Couples
292
 
Solo
40
 
Business
201
 
Rating summary
  • Location
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Sleep Quality
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Rooms
    4 of 5 stars
  • Service
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Value
    4 of 5 stars
  • Cleanliness
    4 of 5 stars
Date Rating
Seaford, Delaware
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Great Location”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 7, 2013

My Cousin & I vacationed in Charleston and stayed at the Francis Marion. Staff was very nice, friendly, and helpful. The beds were very comfortable. However, the rooms are small and the bathroom is EXTREMELY tiny - especially for two women! The walls were also "thin" in that you could hear everything and we were on the 9th floor and could hear people in the park across the street. But, we were glad we stayed where we did as it is in a great location to in relationship to historic downtown Charleston.

  • Stayed January 2013, traveled with family
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Laura P for Charleston
Ask Laura P about Francis Marion Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
FMH_Manager, Manager at Francis Marion Hotel, responded to this review
January 11, 2013
We are in a great location! Thank you for reviewing our hotel on Trip Advisor, and we are glad too that you chose to stay with us!
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
4 hotel reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
“Excellent location, friendly staff ...”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 6, 2013

We really enjoyed our stay here for New Years, despite some problems with the "Cocoa and Carriages" package -- wasn't really worth it. Jesse, the manager, did go all out to make up for those problems and that's a huge plus.

The location right on the square is perfect, with King Street and all the best of downtown Charleston right outside the front doors. We wanted a quiet room for NYE and got one on the back, so the view probably wasn't what most visitors want, but it was perfect for us. Room itself was very nice: comfortable bed, spacious, nicely decorated. Valet and doormen were great.

A few drawbacks: The furniture and walls had visible wear-and-tear, our door had seriously chipped wood around the lock that we couldn't figure out (trying to break out?), and the very tiny bathroom had an odd shower configuration. The elevators are really slow and one had a light out, and the restrooms below the main floor aren't so pretty. I know those sound like minor, nitpicky items, but things like this factor into the overall experience and perceived value, and are the difference between 5/5 and 4/5.

In short, we'd probably stay there again, but we'd also look into a few other options we saw while walking the historic area.

Tip: Visit Virginia's on King just a couple blocks north for excellent breakfast/brunch, and don't miss the nearby Closed For Business if you love craft beers and gastropub fare.

  • Stayed December 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by hbxfactor for Charleston
Ask hbxfactor about Francis Marion Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
FMH_Manager, Manager at Francis Marion Hotel, responded to this review
January 7, 2013
Happy New Year! Thank you for taking the time to review our hotel on Trip Advisor. We appreciate the feedback. We are in the process of painting the doors of the rooms, and we have a large elevator project that just started this week, which should make the elevators more efficient. I am sorry to hear that you had a problem with our package, but I am glad to hear that Jesse was able to make up for it. We are doing some retraining on that package. I hope you do choose to stay with us again next time you are in Charleston.
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Naperville, Illinois
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
4 hotel reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Very quaint hotel experience!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 5, 2013

My boyfriend surprised me with a weekend stay in SC. I'm pretty simple when it comes to hotels. I don't need the most expensive or luxurious. I must say, when we arrived at this hotel, I was in awe. For starters, the hotel staff are very professional, courteous and helpful. The hotel is located in walking distance to nearly everything is near downtown Charleston.

The hotel, itself, is absolutely beautiful with an old fashioned charm. Actually, I was drawn in at the lobby. It is filled with beautiful chandeliers and piano (visitors are asked not to play the piano as it is reserved for the hired musician). The room we had was equally beautiful and spacious. Would definitely stay here again.

  • Stayed January 2013, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask RGM2 about Francis Marion Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
FMH_Manager, Manager at Francis Marion Hotel, responded to this review
January 7, 2013
I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed our hotel, and I appreciate you sharing on Trip Advisor. I will pass on your great comments to our staff. We look forward to your future stays with us.
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Peachtree City, Georgia
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
13 hotel reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
“Lots of Character”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 3, 2013

Thoroughly enjoyed a two night stay at this hotel. The lobby is beautiful, especially at Christmas, with lots of comfortable seating. Our corner room was lovely and spacious with a desk, dresser and vanity. The bed was very comfortable. The bathroom was compact but I really liked the open shower-roomy with plenty of hot water. The concierge gave us great suggestions for things to do and places to eat. Located close to shopping and restaurants we walked from the hotel. We did not use the spa but it is nice that it is there. There is a free shuttle you can use that picks up across from the hotel. I would highly recommend the Francis Marion Hotel and I look forward to returning!!

Room Tip: We were on the 9th floor in a corner room and we had a great view of the city.
See more room tips
  • Stayed December 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Rachelld66 for Charleston
Ask Rachelld66 about Francis Marion Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
FMH_Manager, Manager at Francis Marion Hotel, responded to this review
January 7, 2013
Thank you for recommending our hotel on Trip Advisor, and we look forward to your return stays with us!
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bradenton, Florida
1 review
“Wedding Trip ( Grandaughter's}”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 3, 2013

Wonderful hotel. Staff professional, courteous,and knowlegeable.
Lobby and music delightful ... a real treat! Bellmen were genuinely interested and interesting.
The concierge ( can't remember her ame ...my fault , not hers) was amazing and so hospitble ,made you feel like one of the family ( hers, not ours).Restaurent staff were equally as professional and FRIENDLY! Totally enjoyable 3-4 days/

  • Stayed December 2012, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask Sandy D about Francis Marion Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
FMH_Manager, Manager at Francis Marion Hotel, responded to this review
January 7, 2013
Thank you for sharing your great experience on Trip Advisor. I will pass on your nice comments to our concierge.
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
 
 
Francis Marion Hotel
Enter dates 1 night 2 nights
 
Town & Country Inn and Suites
Great value on a similar hotel
Charleston, Coastal South Carolina
4.5 of 5 stars 184 Reviews
Show Prices
Still looking for a hotel?
Highly rated hotels in Charleston
Family-friendly
BEST WESTERN King Charles Inn
BEST WESTERN King Charles Inn 4.5 of 5 stars 998 reviews
Romantic
Wentworth Mansion
Wentworth Mansion 5.0 of 5 stars 390 reviews
Luxury
Charleston Place by Orient-Express
Charleston Place by Orient-Expre... 4.5 of 5 stars 974 reviews
Good for business
Hampton Inn Charleston - Historic District
Hampton Inn Charleston - Histori... 4.0 of 5 stars 449 reviews
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d74254?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d111475?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d217827?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d224295?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_Style_Xsell
Travelers also viewed these Charleston hotels
Vendue Inn 4.5 of 5 stars 857 reviews Courtyard by Marriott Charleston... 4.5 of 5 stars 570 reviews French Quarter Inn 5.0 of 5 stars 1,164 reviews Harbourview Inn 4.5 of 5 stars 975 reviews
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d111473?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d223554?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d225044?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d103512?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
View all 54 hotels in Charleston, ranked by popularity

Been to Francis Marion Hotel? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Additional Information about Francis Marion Hotel

Also Known As:
Francis Marion Charleston
Hotel Francis Marion
Address: 387 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Phone Number:
Region: United States > South Carolina > Coastal South Carolina > Charleston
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Business Center Fitness Center Free High-Speed Internet Restaurant Room Service Suites Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
#18 Business Hotels in Charleston
#19 Family Hotels in Charleston
#19 Romantic Hotels in Charleston
Price Range: $$
Hotel Class:3.5 star (3.5*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
Located in the heart of historic downtown Charleston on Marion Square, the Francis Marion Hotel has offered gracious service and elegant accommodations since 1924. Meticulously restored, the Francis Marion combines 1920's style and grace with modern comfort and conveniences for today’s sophisticated traveler all within steps of some of the cities best boutiques, historic landmarks and great eateries. Amenities include doorman and bell service, concierge, valet parking, room service, complimentary wireless Internet services, business center, newsstand, gift shop, Starbucks™ and a well-equipped fitness center. Guests can enjoy classic Southern cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner in The Swamp Fox Restaurant & Bar, a Charleston restaurant, known for its artfully prepared dishes using local farm fresh ingredients. Or simply relax with cocktails and jazz piano music in The Swamp Fox Bar. The hotel also offers complete spa services at the on-site Spa Adagio.Enjoy a wonderful night's sleep surrounded by heavenly, European-style bedding with overstuffed duvets and down pillows. As the only high-rise hotel in the historic district, the hotel offers spectacular views of Charleston's church steeples, antebellum mansions and famous harbor. ... more   less 
Reservation Options:
TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Hotels.com, Booking.com, Travelocity, Expedia, Priceline, Cheap Tickets, Amex, Olotels, Otel, Hotwire, Agoda, Venere, Tingo and HotelsClick so you can book your Francis Marion Hotel reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Francis Marion Hotel, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

  • Manage your listing
Francis Marion Hotel
Enter dates & see best prices*
Enter dates 1 night 2 nights
Show Prices