A Review of Kings Courtyard Inn in Charleston, SC

Exterior of Kings Courtyard Inn on King Street

A room overlooks a courtyard at Kings Courtyard Inn

Welcome to Checking In, a series of posts dedicated to the places we stay when we travel. Today we're checking in to Kings Courtyard Inn, a charming inn in Charleston, South Carolina.

Don’t think I haven’t noticed you in my website search box, searching for “Charleston hotels” or “Where to stay in Charleston.” I get it—Charleston is a must-visit destination, and up until now, I’ve barely uttered a word about it. For that, you have my deepest apologies.

But gestures dramatically to the photos above—can you imagine a lovelier way to answer all your queries?

Michael and I recently spent a summer weekend in Charleston, South Carolina, a city that’s practically everyone’s favorite (or soon will be, for those who haven’t visited yet). Despite living within a five-hour drive of the city for my entire adult life, this was only my second stay.

Looking for more South Carolina guides? Find all of my coverage of the Palmetto State in one place.

Visitors to the Holy City are spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodations. According to one local publication, there are over 5,100 rooms available on the peninsula alone, with even more options in the surrounding areas. But for a first visit (or the first in a long while), staying in the heart of it all is hard to beat.

Boutique hotels are always my top pick when staying more than a night in a city, and one particular inn kept popping up during my search that ticked every box for an ideal stay—location, comfort, personality, amenities, and value: Kings Courtyard Inn.

Note: This stay was generously hosted by Kings Courtyard Inn, but as always, all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

With its spacious rooms, delightful amenities, and a perfect King Street location (plus the bonus of a dedicated parking lot and a trio of serene courtyards), Kings Courtyard Inn seemed like the perfect choice in theory. But did it live up to my expectations?

No—it surpassed them. So today, I’m sharing my full review of this charming Charleston hotel and all its laidback splendor. From cozy rooms to thoughtful amenities, I’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your own unforgettable stay at Kings Courtyard Inn. Let’s dive in!

ABOUT KINGS COURTYARD INN

Entrance to King's Courtyard Inn from the parking lot

A placard stating that Kings Courtyard Inn c. 1853 is protected by a conservation easement

Q: What do enterprises like Singer Sewing Machine, Salvation Army lodging, a dry cleaner, and a skating rink have in common?

A: They’ve all operated out of one of Charleston’s oldest buildings, the Blum Building, which today is home to the Kings Courtyard Inn.

The history of this Greek Revival-style building is fascinating, and it’s fully documented in the inn’s registry as a charter member of Historic Hotels of America. But let’s be honest—I’m more interested in what it’s like to stay there today.

Located in the heart of downtown Charleston on the iconic King Street, Kings Courtyard Inn blends the best of a bed and breakfast with a boutique hotel experience. The inn offers forty-one guest rooms and suites, each thoughtfully furnished with locally inspired and period decor. But perhaps its most charming feature is the network of interior courtyards, offering a peaceful escape from the Lowcountry sun, just steps from your door.

ROOM OPTIONS AT KINGS COURTYARD INN

Alyssa walks along the balcony at Kings Courtyard Inn

View of a Standard King Room at Kings Courtyard Inn

Each room at the Kings Courtyard Inn is unique, offering more than just a choice in size or bed type. The furnishings, architectural details, and character of each space also vary, giving every guest a one-of-a-kind experience.

Yet whether you opt for a Standard Room, Deluxe King, Courtyard King, Two-Bedroom Suite, or Parlour Suite, all rooms share these standout features: soaring twelve-foot ceilings, modern, well-appointed bathrooms, and lovingly restored original hardwood floors that add a touch of timeless charm. No matter which room you choose, you’ll find a blend of historic elegance and contemporary comfort.

AMENITIES AND EXTRAS

Alyssa holds a glass of wine and a cheese plate

The coffee station at Kings Courtyard Inn

The Kings Courtyard Inn offers an extensive list of amenities, including essentials like a hairdryer and Wi-Fi. But here are a few of my favorite standout features that made the stay extra special:

In-room Refrigerator – A mini-fridge is a handy thing to have for storing leftovers in this food-centric city
Coffee Station – A fresh-brewed cup of coffee is ready throughout the morning and afternoon
Continental Breakfast – Such a simple, relaxing way to ease into the day
Water Filling Station – Located next to the ice machine, this eco-friendly option lets you skip single-use plastics
White Noise Machine – While we couldn’t hear our neighbors through the walls, this thoughtful addition is a welcome touch for a peaceful night’s rest on lively King Street
Afternoon Wine and Hors D’oeuvres – A glass of wine and a light bite in the afternoon is the perfect prelude to an evening out
Evening Sherry – Wind down from a day of exploration with an atmospheric tipple in the lobby

MY EXPERIENCE AT KINGS COURTYARD INN

I confess I was not my best self when I finally pulled into the parking lot at Kings Courtyard Inn. Flooding from the previous day’s storm transformed our three-ish hour drive to Charleston into a five-hour one, and my frustration and anxieties about the drive had plenty of time to bubble up to the surface.

But walking through the door to the calm, cool lobby changed all of that. Check-in was a breeze, and soon we were in the elevator and turning the key in the lock of our second-floor Standard King Room.

Inside, we found a bright, airy space full of sunshine and Lowcountry charm. A cozy four-poster bed held court in the center of the room, surrounded by efficient storage and surfaces, locally inspired art and decor, and fun pattern play in the textiles. A pair of luggage racks made unpacking a breeze, as did the wardrobe tucked in the corner, standing at attention to store all of our linen clothing for an August visit.

Eager to make up for lost time, we tumbled out the front door and into the Charleston night, making good use of our prime King Street location to indulge in the city’s best food and drink. After a delightful evening of excess, we returned just in time for a nightcap from the decanters of sweet and dry sherry in the lobby. Toasting at how our luck had changed for the better, it was finally time to head upstairs to the plush bed and call it a night.

Sign indication breakfast hours at Kings Courtyard Inn

Alyssa looks over the menu at Kings Courtyard Inn

Charleston is a sleepy town first thing in the morning, so we gladly followed suit. Breakfast is served until 11 a.m. on the weekends, perfect for a slow start to the day. Rather than ordering it to be delivered to our room, we ambled down to the breakfast room to enjoy a menu of light bites. The fresh seasonal fruit was a welcome addition to a somewhat hedonist weekend diet, though the pastries stole the show. One order was more than enough to share between two people (but I maintain that I could have eaten the cinnamon roll all by myself!).

We popped back upstairs to change and get ready for the day (and admittedly got a little lost on the way back to the room—the layout is a little maze-like!), and I appreciated all the natural light pouring in at the vanity while putting on makeup. This was the first time we needed our car since arriving, and after validating parking at the front desk, it was only a moment before we were cruising the picturesque city streets and exploring for the day.

Exterior courtyard at Kings Courtyard Inn

Alyssa with a glass of wine and plate of cheese at Kings Courtyard Inn

I may have been born and raised in Florida, but the heat and humidity of the Sunshine State pale in comparison to Charleston summers. At the hottest part of the day, we decided to return to the inn to rest and reset. Lucky for us, that coincided with the wine and cheese service.

We enjoyed our afternoon snack—complete with okra, which was such a fun regional touch!—in one of the interior courtyards, which run a lot cooler than the air outside the hotel, before heading back up to our room to take in the people parading by in their colorful maxi dresses and seersucker jackets on King Street below.

Alyssa walks out the front door at Kings Courtyard Inn

A road closure for 2nd Sunday on King Street

Our weekend at this charming inn ended all too soon the following day, although check out at the Kings Courtyard Inn is a generous noon instead of 11 a.m. But it was the sweetest surprise to discover that our visit coincided with 2nd Sunday on King Street, placing us right in the heart of the pedestrian-only event featuring local artisans and shops.

It would have been easy to spend a weekend in Charleston staying in a multinational hotel, shopping at big-name stores, and dining at chain restaurants, but it certainly wouldn’t have been as rewarding. I couldn’t help but feel that wrapping up our visit with this event, just steps from the inn’s front door, was the perfect way to end a weekend in the Holy City.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where is Kings Courtyard Inn located?

Kings Courtyard Inn is located at 198 King St, Charleston, SC 29401.

What time can I check in? And when do I have to check out?

Check-in begins at 4 p.m., and checkout is at noon.

Does the hotel offer parking?

Parking in downtown Charleston is notoriously challenging, but the lot just behind the hotel (at 135 Market Street) is available at a rate of $17 per evening per car. Pull a ticket when you enter, and just ask the desk staff to validate it on your way in or out. We always found plenty of parking, but if the sign indicates the lot is full, you can tell the attendant that you’re a guest of Kings Courtyard Inn and they’ll direct you to a spot.

What is there to see and do near the inn?

The entirety of downtown Charleston is at your feet, whether you’re into art, shopping, or excellent food and drink. Prefer to park yourself in the sand? Folly Beach (above) is just twenty-five minutes away.

Is breakfast included?

That’s a valid question in this day and age, where hotel breakfast has fallen by the wayside. But thankfully, the answer here is yes and it’s a good one! Expect a menu of light breakfast bites to ease you into the day, all served on real plates in the courtyard, breakfast room, or your own room.

What types of rooms are available?

Kings Courtyard Inn has a total of 41 guest rooms and suites.

They’re all booked up—what do I do?

While I haven’t personally had the chance to stay at one of Kings Courtyard Inn’s sister properties, I imagine the experience is just as wonderful. For more rooms in the heart of Charleston, consider a stay at John Rutledge House Inn, Wentworth Mansion, or Fulton Lane Inn.

Can I bring my pet?

Yes! The hotel has select rooms that are designated as dog-friendly (sorry Meow!) for an additional fee of $40 per day.

Can I host an event at the hotel?

The inn offers a variety of packages for weddings, meetings, and more—head here for current offerings.

Are there any specials or discounts?

Look at you, a value traveler after my own heart *swoon*. The inn frequently offers discounts and packages to enhance your stay in the Holy City.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON STAYING AT KINGS COURTYARD INN

Alyssa on a balcony at Kings Courtyard Inn

If I had to find fault with something from our stay at Kings Courtyard Inn, I’d really have to dig deep. The only minor things that come to mind are the slightly quirky door to our room (which, given the building’s 150-year history, is understandable!) and the lighting in the bathroom, which could have been a bit brighter. Honestly, these are such small details that I wouldn’t even mention them if I weren’t writing a review.

Beyond that, everything about our stay at Kings Courtyard Inn—from check-in to our final departure—was remarkably pleasant. The hotel staff were incredibly gracious hosts, the rooms were clean and comfortable with all the essentials, and the common areas were peaceful and inviting. The decor is uniquely Charleston, and there are countless thoughtful touches that set this charming inn apart for a relaxed weekend in the Lowcountry. If you’re looking for casual refinement with a refreshingly unstuffy vibe, I’d say you’ve found it here.

Thank you to the teams at Charming Inns and Kings Courtyard Inn for generously hosting our stay in Charleston—we look forward to returning one day!

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Questions for you

Quick: sweet or dry sherry?

What is the most thoughtful amenity you’ve ever encountered at a hotel?

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Checking In: A Review of Kings Courtyard Inn in Charleston, South Carolina