Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Experience Historic Elegance at Francis Marion Hotel in Charleston
Since 1924, Francis Marion Hotel has stood as a historic landmark in Charleston's vibrant Historic District. Our 12-story architectural masterpiece offers 235 modern guestrooms and suites that harmoniously blend 1920s grandeur with contemporary comforts. As the only hotel located directly on Marion Square, we provide unparalleled access to Charleston's iconic attractions while offering immersive Southern hospitality through our award-winning Swamp Fox Restaurant, full-service spa, and 18,000 square feet of event space. Our dedicated team maintains the hotel's legacy through continuous restoration efforts that earned us the National Trust Award in 1996.We demonstrate expertise through our specialized event planning services for weddings and conferences, featuring two elegant ballrooms with 24-foot ceilings and antique chandeliers. Our authority in Charleston hospitality is reinforced by our membership in Historic Hotels of America since 1999 and our commitment to sustainability through the South Carolina Green Hospitality Alliance. We ensure trustworthiness through transparent operations, including our smoke-free facility, locally sourced dining options, and community partnerships that have made us a Charleston institution for nearly a century.
Services
Accommodations
Dining Services
Event Planning
Spa Treatments
Meeting Spaces
Wedding Services
Room Service
Valet Parking
Concierge Services
Gift Cards
Details
- Year established: 1924
Highlights and features
- We offer 98 years of Charleston hospitality expertise in a National Trust Award-winning building
- Our central location on Marion Square provides direct access to Charleston's top attractions
- We feature Charleston's only hotel-based spa and award-winning Southern cuisine restaurant
- Our 18,000 sq ft of event space includes two grand ballrooms with 24-foot ceilings
- We maintain sustainability leadership through our SC Green Hospitality Alliance membership
Associations and certifications
- Historic Hotels of America
What people say
Elegant historic setting
Excellent downtown location
Helpful staff
Beautiful ballrooms
Delicious dining
Services
Accommodations
Our 235 guestrooms and suites combine 1920s architectural grandeur with modern comforts. Each room features historic details like marble bathrooms and crown molding alongside contemporary amenities including high-speed internet and flat-screen TVs. The Penthouse Suites offer panoramic views of Charleston's historic skyline and harbor, providing an exclusive retreat for discerning travelers seeking authentic Southern luxury.
Swamp Fox Restaurant
This award-winning restaurant serves classic Lowcountry cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it features farm-fresh dishes and fresh-caught seafood prepared with Southern culinary traditions. The restaurant's historic ambiance includes live jazz music performances and a bar named for Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion, the hotel's namesake.
Event Planning
With 18,000 square feet of flexible space, we offer venues for weddings, conferences, and social events. Our two grand ballrooms feature 24-foot ceilings, antique chandeliers, and marble fireplaces. The dedicated event team provides comprehensive planning services including customized catering menus, audio-visual support, and coordination of 50+ room blocks for large groups.
The Spa of Charleston
Our full-service day spa offers rejuvenating treatments in a tranquil setting. Services include deep-tissue massages, facial treatments, and body wraps performed by experienced technicians. The spa packages combine luxury amenities like welcome wine and truffle amenities with personalized treatment plans, creating perfect escapes for both hotel guests and local residents.
Wedding Services
We specialize in creating memorable wedding experiences with customizable packages. Our venues include historic ballrooms with crystal chandeliers and outdoor spaces overlooking Marion Square. The dedicated wedding team coordinates every detail from catering to dcor, offering special amenities like complimentary honeymoon suites and discounted group rates for wedding guests.
People
Stephen Parker
Hotel Manager
With decades of hospitality experience, Stephen Parker leads our team in delivering exceptional service. He ensures every guest experiences Charleston's legendary warmth while maintaining the hotel's historic legacy. Stephen's leadership focuses on personalized guest experiences and operational excellence.
Lori Beth Holt
Director of Sales & Marketing
Lori Beth Holt brings extensive Charleston hospitality expertise to our sales leadership. She develops strategic partnerships and marketing initiatives that highlight our historic property's unique offerings. Her team secures both leisure and corporate business through targeted outreach and relationship-building.
Heyward Davis
Executive Chef
Chef Heyward Davis leads our culinary operations with a focus on Lowcountry cuisine. He creates menus featuring local ingredients at Swamp Fox Restaurant while maintaining the hotel's culinary traditions. His expertise ensures exceptional dining experiences for both guests and Charleston residents.
Bailey Mikolay
Wedding Catering Sales Manager
Bailey Mikolay specializes in creating unforgettable wedding experiences. She coordinates with couples to design personalized menus and event layouts that showcase our historic venues. Her attention to detail ensures seamless execution of every wedding celebration at the hotel.
Daniel James
Executive Sous Chef
Daniel James supports our culinary vision with expertise in Southern cuisine. He oversees kitchen operations and menu development, ensuring consistent quality across all dining venues. His leadership maintains the hotel's reputation for exceptional food service and culinary innovation.
Questions
What historic significance does Francis Marion Hotel have in Charleston?
Opened in 1924 as the Carolinas' largest hotel, we're a National Trust Award-winning landmark that has hosted generations of Charlestonians for social and civic events.
What dining options are available at the hotel?
Swamp Fox Restaurant offers three meals daily with Lowcountry cuisine, while Starbucks provides coffee and quick bites. Room service is available during restaurant hours.
Are there special packages for Charleston visitors?
We offer themed packages including the Dog Package with pet amenities, Wicked Good Fun with ghost tours, and The Notebook Package featuring movie location tours.
What event spaces are available for weddings and conferences?
We have two grand ballrooms with 24-foot ceilings, 19,000 sq ft total space, and the Carolina Ballroom. Our sales team specializes in events from intimate gatherings to 200+ person celebrations.
What sustainability initiatives does the hotel implement?
As a SC Green Hospitality member, we use energy-efficient systems, offer linen reuse programs, compost kitchen waste, and partner with Clean the World for soap recycling.
What nearby attractions are accessible from the hotel?
We're directly on Marion Square with walking access to the Charleston Visitor's Center, South Carolina Aquarium, historic homes, antique shops, and Upper King Street restaurants.
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