GoHotelly
4-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 11:00

Emeline

Enjoy a hip boutique stay at Emeline in Charleston, SC. Features include free Wi-Fi, restaurant, fitness center, pet-friendly rooms, near historic Market Street.

181 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States View on map
8.2/10
Very Good Based on 757 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Paid breakfast Paid parking Accessible Air-conditioned
What recent guests emphasize

Experience warm hospitality in a stylish Charleston setting

Recent visitors highlight the hotel's exceptional service, thoughtful amenities, and prime downtown location, making it a favored choice for exploring Charleston’s historic charm and vibrant dining scene.

Guests often praise

  • Friendly, attentive staff delivering personalized and genuine Southern hospitality.
  • Clean, well-designed rooms with comfortable beds and thoughtful touches like multiple bathrooms and pet accommodations.
  • Convenient central location within walking distance to key attractions, restaurants, and Charleston’s historic district.
  • Onsite dining options including a highly rated restaurant and a popular coffee shop in the lobby.
  • Comfortable outdoor spaces with amenities such as gas fireplaces and refreshment stations on guest floors.

Worth knowing

  • Breakfast and parking are available for an additional fee rather than included.
  • No pool or airport shuttle service is offered, which may affect guest convenience depending on preferences.
  • Valet parking is available and noted for helpfulness, including assistance beyond expectations.
  • The hotel actively supports fitness through a well-equipped fitness center and wellness program partnerships nearby.
  • Some guests note excellent room layouts maximizing space, but specific room features may vary, such as suite upgrades.

Best for

  • Travelers seeking a boutique hotel experience with stylish decor and historic character.
  • Visitors who value exceptional, personalized service and thoughtful hospitality details.
  • Guests wanting easy access to downtown Charleston’s cultural sites, shopping, and dining.
  • Pet owners looking for pet-friendly accommodations with suitable amenities.
  • Those desiring a central base to explore Charleston’s vibrant Market Street area and nearby landmarks.
Compare booking partners

Open this hotel on the platform you trust.

GoHotelly doesn't process bookings — we open this property on each partner so you can compare live rates, cancellation rules and loyalty perks side by side.

Some links are affiliate — if you book, GoHotelly may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure.

About this property

Welcome to Emeline

Situated in a historic 19th-century building at 181 Church St, Charleston, SC, Emeline offers a hip boutique hotel experience blending classic architecture with modern amenities. Its central location places guests within easy walking distance of vibrant downtown attractions, including Market Street's diverse restaurants and cultural sites like the Gaillard Center. Nearby landmarks such as Charleston City Market and Rainbow Row provide ample opportunities to explore local history and crafts.

Facilities at Emeline include air-conditioned rooms thoughtfully designed for comfort and convenience, a restaurant serving onsite dining needs, a coffee shop known as Clerks Coffee Company, and a fitness center. Guest feedback highlights the attentive service and well-appointed rooms, with some noting additional touches like refreshments on each floor and outdoor communal spaces. A business center and pet-friendly policies add to the practical offerings, though the hotel does not provide a pool or airport shuttle.

The property's event and wedding venue capabilities make it suitable for special occasions in an urban setting, while its smoke-free environment and accessibility features cater to a broad range of visitors. Guest reviews generally praise the welcoming atmosphere and helpful staff, though the overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 indicates occasional variance in experiences. Check-in begins at 3 PM, with checkout at 11 AM, supporting flexible travel schedules.

For travelers arriving by air, Charleston International Airport is approximately a 30-minute drive away, while Hilton Head Island Airport is farther by car. Several well-regarded hotels are located within a short distance, offering additional lodging options for visitors exploring the Charleston area.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Paid breakfast
Paid parking
Accessible
Air-conditioned
Business center
Pet-friendly
Room service
Restaurant
Fitness center
Bar
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pool
Airport shuttle
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

CF
Colleen Finkl Mar 29, 2026
10

From the moment my friends and I arrived at the Emeline, we felt genuinely welcomed. The welcome cocktail after a long day of travel was the perfect touch! The rooms are thoughtfully laid out to maximize space, beautifully designed, and are very well appointed - complete with a dog bed for my pup! The outdoor spaces were perfect for relaxing and catching up with a great cocktail from Franny & the Fox in hand. The Nespresso and sparkling water machines on each floor were convenient and much appreciated. Every employee we interacted with was great but Ramona and Ashley at the front desk really stood out. They went above and beyond to make our girls' weekend special, offering spot-on recommendations for tours, restaurants, and shopping and were a joy to chat with. I am looking forward to a return trip!

SM
Stephanie Malone Mar 22, 2026
10

I’ve had my eyes on this hotel as potential place to stay in Charleston for so long. I finally made the trip back in October and was able to stay here. First of all, the location was so perfect - reasonable walking distance to almost everything downtown. We had dinner at their onsite restaurant Frannie & The Fox which also lived up to all the hype. Our room was so clean and filled with everything we needed (my friend and I even joked about how many things we forgot, but thankfully they had for us). The front desk was so welcoming as we checked in and checked out. The hotel manager (Rachael) treated us to a complimentary welcome drink and even checked in with us later to make sure we had everything we needed to enjoy our stay! Oh, there’s also a coffee shop downstairs in the lobby area that was so good and convenient. Clearly very happy with our stay and would 10000% recommend this place to literally everyone.

MW
Monica Whittaker Mar 11, 2026
10

This hotel was amazing! We came during Christmas time and it was decorated beautifully. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. We got the valet to get our car and they discovered we had a flat tire and they changed it for us without us even asking. The rooms were perfect. Beds are comfy, and we had 2 bathrooms! Location was also perfect. Will definitely be back!

ML
Michele Lersch Feb 11, 2026
10

2 An Unforgettable Stay at Emeline Review of Emeline Pending review Reviewed ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ From the moment we arrived, our experience at Emeline was nothing short of exceptional. This was my first time staying here, and I casually mentioned that to Rachel, the hotel manager — and what she did next truly embodied true Southern hospitality. Rachel went above and beyond by upgrading our stay to the Collector's premiere one bedroom suite featuring Craig Conover's Christmas pillows. The room was incredible, we even had a Christmas tree! Rachel's thoughtfulness made our visit feel incredibly special and personal. It wasn’t just an upgrade — it was a genuine act of kindness that made us feel welcomed, valued, and truly taken care of. Emeline itself is stunning: stylish, warm, and perfectly curated with that effortless Charleston charm. Every detail feels intentional, from the inviting atmosphere to the impeccable service. But it’s the people — especially Rachel — who truly set this hotel apart. Because of this experience, Emeline will be the only hotel I stay at in Charleston going forward. Exceptional service like this leaves a lasting impression, and Rachel turned our stay into a memory I’ll always cherish. Thank you for setting the bar so high — we’ll be back again and again.

JL
jon lockwood Feb 03, 2026
10

While visiting Charleston for the first time my wife and I stayed at the Emeline and had an excellent experience! Super friendly staff, updated and clean room, and a great location downtown. Highly recommend.

GP
G P Jan 06, 2026
10

Courteous staff welcome you and respond to queries. Our room included to separate bedrooms for a quiet and private stay, even with our daughter along. The location is perfect to walk to parks, galleries, restaurants and historical sites in the city. Getting your car from valet parking is also easy. We had room service for breakfast and one meal at the hotel. Both nice but there are soooo many great restaurants nearby. Besides coffee in the room, there's a refreshment station near the elevator on each guest floor. Get coffee, tea, fresh fruit and water. There's a wonderful outdoor gas fireplace and courtyard on the other side of the restaurant area. If you're there in a cool season please enjoy this spot.

MS
Max Spitalnick Jan 02, 2026
10

We had a wonderful stay at the Emeline Hotel. The staff was super accommodating with our catering requests, and the hotel’s central location made exploring downtown Charleston easy and fun. The coffee café was amazing, and we loved the tea stations at night, such thoughtful touches that made our stay really enjoyable.

NE
Nicole Ebeling Dec 27, 2025
10

We recently stayed at The Emeline and enjoyed every second of it. The location is perfect for anyone looking to explore Charleston—everything is easily walkable and right outside the door. From the moment we checked in, the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, which immediately set the tone for our stay. We loved starting our mornings with breakfast and coffee at Clerks Coffee Company—such a great spot. The Wellness Passport was an amazing perk. We booked fitness classes at F45 and Peach Lab, and both experiences were fantastic. It really elevated our stay and made it feel extra special. Overall, we truly enjoyed our time at The Emeline and absolutely plan to return in the future.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Emeline

Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Charming area with stately mid-1800s homes, buzzy Market Street restaurants & the Gaillard Center.

  • Washington St / Laurens St 11 min Walk
  • Meeting St / S Market St 4 min Walk
  • Concord St / Market St 6 min Walk
  • Charleston International Airport 30 min Car · 1 hr 20 Transit
  • Hilton Head Island Airport 2 hr 14 Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in South Carolina. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Charleston City Market 27,883 reviews

Charleston City Market

188 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States

4.5 · Market
Rainbow Row 1 reviews

Rainbow Row

79-107 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States

4.6 · Historical Landmark
South Carolina Aquarium 8,058 reviews

South Carolina Aquarium

100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC 29401, United States

4.5 · Aquarium
People also viewed

Similar Hotels in South Carolina

Hand-picked alternatives with a comparable feel, size and price band.

27 W, 300 Warrenville Rd, Warrenville, IL 60555, United States

Sonesta Simply Suites Chicago Naperville

Relax in allsuite rooms with free WiFi, parking, fitness center, and BBQ area. Near DuPage Children's Museum, Cantigny Park, and...

4.1 (402) View
2935 Executive Dr, Venice, FL 34292, United States

Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Venice

Relax at Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Venice with free WiFi, hot breakfast, outdoor pool, and easy access to Venice Beach an...

4.3 (608) View
845 US-89, Mt Pleasant, UT 84647, United States

Track89

Experience the highly rated Track89 hotel located at 845 US89, Mt Pleasant, UT. Enjoy top guest reviews and a convenient Utah des...

4.8 (37) View
24348 US-212, Eagle Butte, SD 57625, United States

Cheyenne River Motel

Cheyenne River Motel offers lodge accommodations in Eagle Butte, SD. Rated 3.6 with 52 reviews, ideal for visitors focused on sigh...

3.6 (52) View
2408 Rudkin Rd, Yakima, WA 98903, United States

Best Western Plus Ahtanum Inn

Enjoy free breakfast, WiFi, parking, and an outdoor pool at Best Western Plus Ahtanum Inn, located near Yakima Area Arboretum and...

4.3 (941) View
2034 La Porte Rd, Waterloo, IA 50702, United States

Hampton Inn Waterloo Cedar Valley

Enjoy free breakfast, WiFi, indoor pool, and fitness center at Hampton Inn Waterloo Cedar Valley, located near Lost Island Waterp...

4.2 (628) View
1260 Ski View Dr, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, United States

Gatlinburg Summit

Enjoy cozy studios and apartments at Gatlinburg Summit, a 4.4rated resort hotel with indoor and outdoor pools in Gatlinburg, Tenn...

4.4 (1,137) View
Share your stay

Stayed at Emeline? Help the next traveler decide.

Short, honest notes are more useful than long ones. A few sentences about what worked, what surprised you, and who the hotel is best for will go a long way.

Your email is only used to verify the review — it won't be shown publicly.