Charleston, South Carolina is a popular destination when it comes to attractions like the historic homes, Rainbow Row, and Fort Sumter.
There are hotels in most areas, some catering to business and conference crowds while others appeal to leisure travelers. Airbnb and other rental services have gained popularity, especially for girlfriend getaways.
But they’re also a way to stay socially distanced as you don’t need to enter a lobby or pass other guests in the elevator. Instead, you can rent out an entire house and clean it yourself. Charleston has plenty of Airbnb properties to choose from and we’re featuring a few of our favorites.
If it’s your first time staying with Airbnb, you can use this link to receive a $40 discount.
How to Choose a Neighborhood
If you’re staying at an Airbnb in Charleston, first you should decide which part of town you want to be in. You’ll find more inventory in some neighborhoods over others.
For example, there aren’t as many options downtown because of restrictions on rentals. The ones you do find will be much more expensive than similar homes in neighboring West Ashley and Mount Pleasant.
But staying downtown means that you can walk just about anywhere, leaving your car behind. Rentals outside of “the peninsula” might require additional parking fees and taxi costs.
Decide which attractions you want to see and what activities you want to do and choose a part of town that is convenient. You don’t want to spend your entire trip on the highway!
Best Practices for Airbnb Rentals in Charleston
Before you book your Airbnb in Charleston, confirm a few details with your host. First, find out what the parking situation is. If it’s free parking on the street, find out if that’s on the street the property is on or nearby. Ask about street cleaning and ticketing.
Inquire if self-check-in is possible to avoid arranging a time to pick up a key. And, most importantly, make sure the rental and its surrounding area are safe.
All photos are property of Airbnb unless otherwise stated.
Charleston’s Best Airbnb Rentals
Group-Friendly Boho Rosa in Cannonborough
Expect to pay a premium for this gorgeous rental in the heart of downtown. It has five bedrooms with seven beds, perfect for bachelorette weekends or large groups.
What to Expect
This sprawling home has wide porches that guests love along with plenty of space for guests. Spread across two floors, most bedrooms are ensuite with smart televisions. Parking is off-street and the rental also has a washer and dryer, kitchen, and smart lock.
What’s Nearby
The restaurants and shops of King Street are only two blocks away. Enjoy access to restaurants like Five Loaves Cafe, Xiao Bao Biscuit, and Chez Nous. The free shuttle leaves from only a few blocks further near the visitor’s center.
Click here to learn more about Boho Rosa.
Historic Mansion on Wadmalaw Island
Step back in time at this sprawling 1800s plantation on Wadmalaw Island, one of the barrier islands outside of Charleston, on the Bohicket River.
What to Expect
The home is owned by a family that operates a seafood company and they’ve called it home for generations. It has a wide porch and four bedrooms with six beds.
There are basic cable and WiFi along with a full kitchen and parking. The grounds have a historic church that hosts weddings and river views. Long term stays can also be arranged.
What’s Nearby
Located in the town of Rockville, this home is just down the road from the Charleston Tea Plantation. There are more restaurants in neighboring Johns Island and Freshfields Village at Kiawah Island.
Click here to learn more about the Wadmalaw Island plantation.
Little Oak Island Retreat on Folly Beach
Set at Charleston’s beaches, this stylish condo has views of the marsh. It’s a short drive from downtown Charleston but offers peace and quiet.
What to Expect
The two-bedroom rental has queen beds, flatscreen televisions, and bathrooms. There’s high-speed Internet, a full kitchen, a record player, a patio, and air conditioning.
Guests also have access to the condominium’s parking lot, tennis courts, swimming pool. Bike rentals are also available for $10 per day.
What’s Nearby
Little Oak Island is a private community between James Island and Folly Beach proper. The beach is a short bike ride away across the bridge. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood at Bowen’s Island Restaurant or surfing and paddleboarding at the beach.
Click here to learn more about Little Oak Island Retreat.
Midcentury Studio in Trendy Park Circle
North Charleston’s Park Circle neighborhood is an up-and-coming area in a historic park. This Airbnb Plus rental is a design lover’s dream with many stylish details.
What to Expect
The hip bungalow has decor like rattan furnishings, plants, and artwork. The bedroom has a memory foam queen mattress along with smart television and an ensuite bathroom with a clawfoot tub.
The living room has a day bed, books, games, and a kitchenette with a mini-fridge, coffee maker, and dishes. Parking is free and self-check-in is available.
What’s Nearby
Park Circle is home to North Charleston’s best restaurants, including Madra Rua Irish Pub, EVO Pizzeria, and Sesame Burgers & Beer. The namesake park is the perfect place for an afternoon walk.
Click here to learn more about the Park Circle bungalow.
Nautical-Themed Eastside Houseboat
Charleston is surrounded by water on three sides, so don’t rule out sleeping on a boat! Featured on Tiny House Hunters, the host has multiple boats to choose from.
What to Expect
Despite its small size, this houseboat has everything you need. There’s a queen bedroom and a twin sofa in the living room to accommodate three guests.
There are also flatscreen televisions, a kitchen, and a full bathroom. Guests also have access to free parking, heating and air conditioning, self-check-in, and bikes to use during your stay.
What’s Nearby
The marina the boat is docked in is on the Cooper River in Charleston’s Eastside neighborhood. It offers views of the Ravenel Bridge, which you can walk over. The Cigar Factory, the Philip Simmons House, Eastside Bagel, and Taco Boy are all nearby.
Click here to learn more about the downtown houseboat.
Southern Shangri-La in Elliotborough
This sought-after Airbnb Plus property is made up of multiple apartment rentals, all furnished in the colorful bohemian style and conveniently located.
What to Expect
This rental has two bedrooms, a full kitchen, living room, and a patio. Guests have access to self check-in, free WiFi, free parking, a washer and dryer, a television, and a coffee maker.
What’s Nearby
Like with the Boho Casa, this rental is close to King Street and restaurants, including Elliotborough Mini Bar and D’Allessandro’s Pizza.
Click here to learn more about Southern Shangri-La.
Tropical Tiny House on Johns Island
Disconnect with the chaos of downtown at this Costa Rican-inspired retreat on Johns Island, another barrier island. They also have a second rental in a converted school bus.
What to Expect
The tiny house doesn’t feel so tiny with a living room, kitchen, porch, lofted bed, and full bathroom. There is a flat screen television and seating area.
The property surrounded by tropical plant life including banana trees. Parking is onsite and entry is accessible by self-check-in. Long term stays can also be arranged.
What’s Nearby
The tiny house is located just down the street from Angel Oak, an over 300-year-old oak tree. There are also restaurants a short drive away, including The Fat Hen and Tattooed Moose. The island even has two craft breweries.
Click here to learn more about the Tropical Johns Island Tiny House.
Book a stay at one of Charleston’s best Airbnb rentals.
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