Planters Inn is a luxury boutique hotel at 112 N Market Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29401, in the French Quarter beside Charleston City Market. Occupying an 1844 mercantile building, it opened as an inn in 1994 and belongs to Relais & Châteaux. Travelers choose it for traditionally furnished rooms, a sheltered courtyard, and Peninsula Grill, whose Ultimate Coconut Cake has become a Charleston signature. Its central location makes a car unnecessary for much of a historic-district stay.
What to Expect at Planters Inn
The inn’s 64 guestrooms and suites favor residential comfort over contemporary minimalism: four-poster beds, substantial wood furniture, fine linens, and marble bathrooms establish the tone. Accommodations occupy the historic building and a courtyard addition, so outlook and layout matter when choosing. Compare king and double-bed configurations with larger suites, and ask specifically about courtyard-facing accommodation or rooms opening onto a piazza. Couples gain the most from the quieter garden setting; families should prioritize bed configuration and usable floor space rather than assuming every suite has a separate sleeping room.
Peninsula Grill, which opened in 1997, gives the property its culinary identity. The dining room pairs velvet-covered walls and Lowcountry landscape paintings with polished service and an upscale American menu emphasizing seafood and carefully prepared meats. Its celebrated Ultimate Coconut Cake stacks twelve layers of cake and filling beneath coconut frosting. Reserve dinner separately from your room, and discuss vegetarian dishes, gluten restrictions, or allergies directly with the restaurant. The courtyard and its fountain offer a gentler counterpoint to the market outside; this is an intimate city inn rather than a pool-and-spa resort.
- 1844 mercantile building: Historic commercial architecture anchors the hotel at the Market and Meeting Street intersection.
- Courtyard garden: Enclosed planting, brick paving, and a fountain create a restful outdoor setting.
- Traditional guestrooms: Four-poster beds and marble bathrooms carry the inn’s classic residential style.
- Peninsula Grill: A destination restaurant provides a polished dinner without leaving the property.
- Ultimate Coconut Cake: The restaurant’s twelve-layer dessert is worth considering even after a substantial dinner.
Planters Inn at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 112 N Market Street, Charleston, SC 29401, United States |
| Neighborhood / Area | French Quarter / Charleston Historic District, beside City Market |
| Operating Hours | Hotel operates daily with 24-hour reception; standard check-in 4 p.m., checkout noon. Restaurant hours are separate. |
| Admission / Price Range | $$$$ luxury accommodation; nightly rates vary by room and date. Dining and valet parking cost extra. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2 to 3 nights |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | CARTA DASH 211 on the Meeting Street corridor; paid valet parking. Public parking at the nearby Cumberland Street garage. |
| Official Website & Phone | Planters Inn official website; +1 843-722-2345 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Book well ahead for spring weekends, the Charleston Wine + Food festival, and Spoleto Festival USA. Reserve Peninsula Grill when you book the room rather than waiting until arrival; smart evening clothing suits its formal atmosphere. Check the rate’s cancellation terms, breakfast arrangements, taxes, and valet charges before paying, and have a credit card ready for incidentals. Drivers should use the hotel’s arrival instructions because the streets around City Market carry heavy pedestrian traffic. The free DASH network can supplement walking; consult CARTA for current routes and stops.
Charleston City Market is immediately opposite, while the Gibbes Museum of Art is roughly a seven-minute walk south and Joe Riley Waterfront Park about twelve minutes southeast. Visit the market early, then return for a break before walking toward the harbor. The hotel has elevator access and accessible accommodations; request the bathroom configuration and entrance route you need before booking. Historic thresholds, brick courtyard paving, and uneven surrounding sidewalks deserve attention for wheelchair users and travelers with strollers. Ask the concierge to identify the smoothest route rather than following the shortest map direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I check in, and when is the best time to stay?
Standard check-in is 4 p.m. and checkout is noon, with reception staffed around the clock. Spring and fall offer comfortable sightseeing weather; winter weekdays generally bring a calmer historic district.
How expensive is Planters Inn, and are reservations necessary?
This is a $$$$ luxury hotel with date-dependent rates, not a fixed-price attraction. Reserve accommodation in advance and make a separate Peninsula Grill reservation, especially for weekend dinners.
How many nights should I budget?
Two to three nights allow time for the market, historic houses, waterfront walks, and an unhurried restaurant evening. Add another night for a beach excursion or an outlying historic site.
Is the inn suitable for families and guests with limited mobility?
Families can stay, but room configuration matters more here than resort-style children’s facilities. Guests needing accessible accommodation should reserve it explicitly and discuss elevator access, bathroom equipment, and courtyard surfaces with the hotel.
When planning your Charleston travel guide or comparing verified hotels and inn in Charleston, pair this stop with standout local spots including Powder Magazine, The Loutrel, White Point Garden, and Peninsula Grill (nearby).
