The Dock Street Theatre is Charleston's last surviving hotel from the antebellum period. The silhouette of its wrought iron balcony against the spire of St. Philip's church may be the single most photographed spot in the city. The main portion of the building was constructed around 1809 as Planter's Hotel. The hotel was built by Alexander Calder and his wife, who did so by renovating several pre-existing buildings at the site. The main entrance may not have been built until 1855 by J.W. Gamble.

The hotel was used extensively by planters from the midlands of South Carolina, who traveled to Charleston during horse-racing season. It was noted for its wonderful food and drinks during this era, and the South's famous Planter's Punch may have originated here. Guests to the hotel passed through the recessed porch with brownstone columns, into the lobby, and up a grand staircase that ascended to a drawing room. While much of the interior has been altered, these elements of the antebellum hotel remain and were adapted in subsequent uses of the building. A series of additions to the hotel throughout the 19th and 20th centuries can be easily identified by differences in brick coloration.

This theater is said to have been the first building built specifically for theatrical performances in America. Planter's Hotel occasionally housed one of the city's theatrical troupes, which performed at the nearby New Theatre during the mid-19th century. The most notable actor of this troupe was Junius Brutus Booth. Booth was the patriarch of an outstanding family of actors, which included John Wilkes Booth, President Lincoln's assassin. Junius Booth, who stayed at the Planter's Hotel, allegedly tried to kill his manager here in 1838. Today the Dock Street Theatre is home to the Charleston Stage Company, South Carolina's largest professional theater production company, and houses the city's Cultural Affairs office as well as The City Gallery, an exhibition space for local artists.

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"Clean rooms, friendly staff, great breakfast, beautiful property."

₩457,655 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 2 - Sep 3

"A great hotel in an ideal location but it was the exceptional service that made our stay so memorable. "

₩501,267 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 2 - Sep 3

"Excellent hotel!"

₩386,750 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 2 - Sep 3

"Excellent location, beautiful hotel and get staff! "

₩472,302 total

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Sep 2 - Sep 3

"Great hotel, excellent staff, comfortable bed "

₩419,663 total

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Sep 2 - Sep 3

"Close to everything! Great friendly staff. "

₩457,656 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 2 - Sep 3

"Abby gave us a wonderful tour of the history! Beautiful & comfortable. We loved our stay!"

₩486,870 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 2 - Sep 3

Anson Suite | Frette Italian sheets, premium bedding, Tempur-Pedic beds, free minibar

"Lovely small hotel in pretty garden setting, with luxe, very comfortable rooms. Convenient location, easy parking, and very accommodating staff. "

₩503,987 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 2 - Sep 3

Microwave, coffee/tea maker, highchair, blender

"Great place would stay again."

₩416,140 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 21 - Sep 22

"Great hotel!!"

₩316,432 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 2 - Sep 3

Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, pillowtop beds, minibar

"Great staff and perfect location. "

₩459,268 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 2 - Sep 3

"Great stay"

₩609,195 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 2 - Sep 3

2 Charles | Living area | 42-inch Smart TV with digital channels, TV, Netflix

"Very clean, bright. Very comfortable bed, nice shower and amenities. Also convenient to our venue - within walking distance to our activities."

₩790,565 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 8 - Sep 9

Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe

"The staff was excellent, always greeted with smiles, i love the small touches, the candy and cookie around the hotel, a fridge with cold water.its near every everything "

₩267,748 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 2 - Sep 3

"Love live loved my stay there!"

₩458,489 total

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Sep 2 - Sep 3

"Fantastic place to stay while in Charleston "

₩568,953 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 2 - Sep 3

"Perfect location to shopping, dining and sightseeing. "

₩416,341 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 7 - Sep 8

"I loved that this hotel was very quaint, beautifully decorated and in the best location!"

₩415,264 total

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Sep 4 - Sep 5

"Wonderful staff-great amenities-excellent location "

₩287,376 total

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Sep 2 - Sep 3

"One of my favorite places to stay in Charleston! "

₩472,303 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 2 - Sep 3

Top Dock Street Theater Hotel Reviews

The Francis Marion Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Great stay"

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Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around Dock Street Theater?

Dock Street Theater is located in a historic area of Charleston known for its bar scene and array of dining options. If you're looking for a convenient place to stay, check out the 353 hotels and other accommodations you'll find within a mile.

Where is the best place to stay close to Dock Street Theater?

Adjacent to Dock Street Theater, Emeline is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveler data, and this hotel offers a restaurant and a fitness center. Other good choices close by include The Francis Marion Hotel and The Ryder Hotel.

How many hotels can I expect to find close to Dock Street Theater?

Expedia has 353 hotels and other accommodations within a mile from Dock Street Theater.

If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Dock Street Theater, will I receive a refund?

Yes, you'll find most hotel room reservations are fully refundable if cancelled prior to the hotel's cancellation deadline, which is often 24 or 48 hours before your arrival date. If your reservation is non-refundable, you may still be able to cancel and get a refund within 24 hours of your booking. Add your dates and click on "Search", then you can filter by "fully refundable" to get top deals close to Dock Street Theater.

Where can I learn more about changing or cancelling my trip in the area near Dock Street Theater?

To find more details about rescheduling or cancelling your stay near Dock Street Theater, click here.

What can I see and do near Dock Street Theater?

Gibbes Museum of Art, International African American Museum, and Charleston Museum feature captivating exhibits. Pink House Gallery, Charleston City Market, and Rainbow Row are some of the notable landmarks to see in the area. You can catch a show at Charleston Gaillard Center, Charleston Music Hall, and Music Farm.

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Top Dock Street Theater Hotel Reviews

The Francis Marion Hotel

Emeline

The Ryder Hotel

Planters Inn

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