We just returned from a 5 night stay at the Residence Inn Downtown in Charleston. We were in town for a family wedding. Overall, a very nice property.

The staff was extremely friendly - hello's, good morning's, etc. From the housekeeping staff to the front desk staff, to the hotel management, everyone was very pleasant. We had an issue that needed to be addressed by management, and it was without attitude or delay.

The property is very nice. You have to remember you're choosing what's marketed as a longer term stay hotel, not a full service hotel. I would say the only down side was the size of our room. We had a one bedroom suite - 2 adults and 2 children (9 & 12). When the pullout was pulled out there was literally no room to walk past it to the bedroom. We had to climb over the corner of the bed. Only a problem if you're up in the night, but there were a few stubbed toes in our party. When the the bed is folded back into the sofa the room is manageable.

Everything was very clean. We were not in the room much, so it really suited us just fine.

As others have mentioned, and contrary to some negative posts, the breakfast here really is one of the best hotel Continental breakfasts I've ever experienced, and we are very well travelled having stayed at 5 star full service hotels to Comfort Inns. Yes, the homemade waffles were a big hit and delicious. The fruit was very fresh. The eggs and bacon went so fast that it was hot and fresh as well. Plenty of other fruit, cereals, muffin choices etc. Being from NY, the bagels wouldn't meet my standards, but plenty of folks were enjoying them.

There is even an afternoon spread that we never took advantage of. Wine, beer, one or two light dining options, and huge crudite spread and more fruit. All fresh. It's not 5 star fare, but edible and a nice touch.

It was a little out of the way to downtown Charleston, but an inexpensive cab ride away. And very quiet too!

The rate was discounted for us as we were with a wedding party, and I feel that what we paid was worth what we received.

Overall, I would recommend this property. And if you're travelling with kids, having the full kitchen and the free breakfast could save you a bundle!

I was looking forward to a nice weekend in Charleston, and thought the Courtyard would be nice, especially since it was one the water. We paid extra for the water view and requested balcony, which we had to wait for. We were disappointed to find out the balcony was only as deep as the charir and we could barley move around! Plus is was on the side of the hotel, so when we looked out we saw the highway, and only saw the river when we stepped out and turn. The room was just okay, and the bath area a little musty.

We visted this hotel on Mother's Day weekend for our Anniversary and i thought it was great. It is now the Charleston Marriott and no longer the Riverview and the changes are lovely. The hotel is tastefully decorated and the service was outstanding. The location is also wonderful and much more reasonable in price than the historic district. It is about 5 minutes from the historic district. We are Definitely going to stay here again. Oh, I forgot to mention it is across the street from the Charleston Marina. Wonderful View!

I booked this hotel on the basis of the tripadvisor reviews and was not disappointed. 'Littlefield' 26 Feb 2007 gives an excellent and detailed description which leaves little to add. The location is within easy driving distance of historic downtown Charleston but is dominated by the I19 and other roads. There is a small marina within walking distance with a popular California Dreaming restaurant