Francis Marion

Charleston, South Carolina

Star rating

The hotel

Named after General Francis Marion, the ‘Swamp Fox’ of the American Revolution, this hotel is one of the oldest and grandest in the Carolinas. Built in 1924 and sympathetically refurbished in 1996 to award-winning standards, it is packed to the rafters with Old World charm and modern comforts. The only high-rise hotel in the historic district, the views are spectacular from the top floors and the rooms are extremely well-equipped with a great range of home-from-home amenities. To keep you trim, there’s a fitness centre or head to Spa Adagio* for a well deserved spot of pampering. Classic Southern cuisine is on offer at the Swamp Fox Restaurant where the resident chef expertly showcases Charleston’s locally supplied produce. The menu changes monthly but regular favourites include Shrimp and Grits, Fried Green Tomatoes and Steamed Clams. Afterwards, relax in the cosy adjoining bar and if its the weekend you can enjoy some atmospheric live jazz music.

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Laundry Service
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Spa
  • Valet parking

Where is it

On Marion Square in the Upper King Street Design District of Charleston, South Carolina. Within steps of historic landmarks including Marion Park, a 6-acre park notable for its Revolutionary War and Citadel beginnings. Boutiques and restaurants are also close by.

Hotel information

234 rooms include a marble and granite bathroom, a dedicated work area with a desk, a vanity, complimentary WiFi, a flat-panel TV with HD cable, and a coffee maker. Rooms on higher floors provide breathtaking views of the historic Charleston harbour. 

Traditional rooms have either one queen or two double beds, sleeping a maximum 4 people.

Fitness centre. The Spa of Charleston*. Entertainment includes live jazz music in the bar on weekends. Complimentary WiFi. Limited room service*. Laundry/dry-cleaning service*. Concierge service. Gift shop. 

Self-parking is available at the City of Charleston garage next to the hotel for $24٫00 per night. Parking is subject to garage availability, please note that oversized vehicles and rooftop carriers may have limited parking options. Valet parking is $40 + tax per night. ( both subject to change and paid locally).

The Swamp Fox Restaurant & Bar (open for breakfast, lunch and dinner) A cosy spot for casual dining, this bar and grill features a relaxed atmosphere and a great selection of beverages, including cocktails and local beers.

*Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (2413)
  • Very good (1337)
  • Average (507)
  • Poor (228)
  • Terrible (157)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Lovers of Swamp Fox restaurant, Charleston, SC!!!

Jun 6, 2025 Christa Shoot G

The staff at Swamp Fox is Bar None, the most Exceptional staff of anyone, anywhere! Kick it off with manager, Ricardo, aka, The Muffin Man, supplying us, along with his crew of Evening Elves, with as many chocolate muffins as a human being can hope to consume. Then The Morning Crew, including the Outrageously Fabulous Talents of Dorothy, Eric, and… Read more
The staff at Swamp Fox is Bar None, the most Exceptional staff of anyone, anywhere! Kick it off with manager, Ricardo, aka, The Muffin Man, supplying us, along with his crew of Evening Elves, with as many chocolate muffins as a human being can hope to consume. Then The Morning Crew, including the Outrageously Fabulous Talents of Dorothy, Eric, and Sylvie, acts as the Doctors of Food. Tummy hurts? Have some homemade bitters whipped up in the kitchen. Need a side of this or that? Already done. Changed your mind and ordered something else? Handled. I would forward my mail and take up residence if my boss would let me. When you come to Charleston, SC, stay at Francis Marion Hotel (the lotion in the room is to die for) and take all your meals in house at Swamp Fox! Tell'em the Traveling Twits from Indiana sent you!! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Good location for walking the city, but uncomfortable sleeping arrangements

Jun 3, 2025 Cindy D

Lovely downtown location and gracious lobby. But rooms assigned didn't match rooms booked, leaving us with pull-out couches for women over 60. We had requested 2 rooms with 2 double beds, got 2 rooms each with one bed and a pull out couch, and no price adjustment.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Pull out couch does not equal a bed, especially at 62 years old

Jun 3, 2025 Teresa D Menlo Park, CA, United States

Good location, but room types we were assigned didn't match what we booked. Booked over 4 months in advance, requesting 2 rooms with 2 beds each. Got 2 rooms with one bed each and a pull-out couch and no adjustment in the billing. Clouded our enjoyment of the whole weekend.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating First time stay. Would stay again.

Jun 2, 2025 Lavell T

Comfortable bed, great historic location, and friendly, helpful front desk. I had a minor problem with slow sink drain but was fixed promptly. The environment was clean and inviting. I did not use the spa or restaurant. The concierge gave helpful info with things to do.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fluffiest pillows in lovely hotel. Great location!

Jun 1, 2025 521janiss

Lovely room, great location. Love this hotel! PERFECT. Amazing people working there! I was at a conference and the kitchen staff were just over the top! I love being across from the park and close to shopping. Charming and retains the history of the area.