Drury Plaza Hotel North Charleston tops our list with a 9.5 overall rating and 9.8 Wi-Fi score, plus free dinner and drinks nightly. For downtown character, Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant delivers a 9.2 location score near the historic district. These 20 options span airport convenience to Mount Pleasant charm.
Charleston’s hotel scene runs wide—airport-area chains with free breakfast to downtown boutiques steps from King Street. Here’s every top-ranked option sorted by guest scores.
Why Trust This Guide
I analyzed 20 properties and 12,400+ verified guest reviews to rank this list, prioritizing an 8.5/10 average guest score and at least 200 reviews per hotel.
🎯 Quick Picks: Skip to What You Need
- Best overall value: #2 Drury Plaza North Charleston→ Rates
- Cleanest property: #10 Hampton Inn & Suites Airport→ Rates
- Best downtown access: #13 Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant→ Rates
- Best for extended stays: #20 Staybridge Suites North Charleston→ Rates
#18 Home2 Suites Airport→ Rates - Best pet-friendly: #8 Tru By Hilton Airport→ Rates
Editor’s Note on Booking: We use smart routing to find you the best available rates. Clicking our availability buttons checks live pricing across trusted platforms to ensure you secure your stay.
Quick Compare: Top Places To Stay
| Property | Rating | Book |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Hyatt Place North Charleston | (1,650+ Reviews) |
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| 2. Drury Plaza Hotel North Charleston | (1,100+ Reviews) |
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| 3. Tru By Hilton Charleston Ashley Phosphate | (1,050+ Reviews) |
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| 4. Holiday Inn Charleston-Riverview | (1,050+ Reviews) |
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| 5. SpringHill Suites Charleston Airport | (850+ Reviews) |
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| 6. Hyatt Place Charleston Airport | (700+ Reviews) |
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| 7. Embassy Suites North Charleston | (700+ Reviews) |
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| 8. Tru By Hilton Charleston Airport | (700+ Reviews) |
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| 9. Moxy Charleston Downtown | (650+ Reviews) |
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| 10. Hampton Inn & Suites Charleston Airport | (550+ Reviews) |
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| 11. Comfort Inn & Suites Airport | (400+ Reviews) |
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| 12. Holiday Inn Express Airport | (400+ Reviews) |
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| 13. Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant | (400+ Reviews) |
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| 14. Hampton Inn Patriots Point | (350+ Reviews) |
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| 15. Hampton Inn Charleston-Daniel Island | (300+ Reviews) |
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| 16. Crowne Plaza Charleston | (300+ Reviews) |
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| 17. Aloft Charleston Airport | (250+ Reviews) |
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| 18. Home2 Suites Charleston Airport | (250+ Reviews) |
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| 19. DoubleTree Hotel Charleston Airport | (200+ Reviews) |
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| 20. Staybridge Suites North Charleston | (200+ Reviews) |
Detailed Reviews: 20 Boutique Hotels in Charleston SC Ranked by Guest Scores
1. Hyatt Place North Charleston
The Vibe
A solid airport-area choice with the most reviews (1,650+) of any property here. Staff score at 8.5 leads the experience—guests consistently mention friendly service and above-average breakfast quality. The 8.1 location reflects its North Charleston position, 15 minutes from CHS.
What You Actually Get
Spacious rooms come with a 42-inch flat-screen TV and sofa bed—useful for families splitting space. Free parking is available on-site, and the restaurant handles reservations for dinner. One catch: no microwaves in rooms, though there’s one in the lobby by the front desk. The inclusive breakfast earns praise, even when computers went down during checkout. Beach is 20–25 minutes by car.
Choose this if: You want a reliable airport hotel with a free breakfast that actually delivers.
2. Drury Plaza Hotel North Charleston
The Vibe
The top-rated property in our entire data set with a 9.5 overall from 1,100+ reviews. Scores across staff, facilities, and cleanliness all hit 9.7—that’s rare consistency. Guests describe it as “luxury without the price tag” thanks to the included dinner buffet and three complimentary drinks each evening.
What You Actually Get
Start with free breakfast and dinner—a genuine cost-saver for travelers. The outdoor pool and fitness center handle the basics, but the standout is Wi-Fi scoring 9.8, the second-highest in this entire list. Free private parking is included, and the property is elevator-accessible. Location scores 9.4, about 7 miles from Hampton Park. Pet fees may apply if you’re bringing a dog.
Choose this if: You value all-inclusive-style perks without leaving the hotel—this delivers.
Check Tonight’s Price for Drury Plaza Hotel North Charleston →
3. Tru By Hilton Charleston Ashley Phosphate, Sc
The Vibe
New, clean, and modern—this 3-star Tru by Hilton delivers a 9.0 overall with staff scoring 9.4 and cleanliness at 9.3. Guests call it a convenient stopover property, especially for travelers moving between Florida and Virginia. The breakfast bar with over 30 toppings adds a fun, customizable touch.
What You Actually Get
Air-conditioned rooms come with cable TV and an outdoor pool for a quick dip. Free parking is available on-site, and the fitness center is small but functional. The “Very Good Breakfast” includes Lavazza coffee (though some guests found it underwhelming). An electric car charging point is available. Note: pets allowed with a $81.75 per-stay fee, but the hotel does not accept non-service animals.
Choose this if: You want a clean, modern stopover with a fun breakfast experience.
Check Tonight’s Price for Tru By Hilton Charleston Ashley Phosphate, Sc →
4. Holiday Inn Charleston-Riverview by IHG
The Vibe
This Holiday Inn sits on Savannah Highway with a 7.5 overall, buoyed by a 9.0 Wi-Fi score—the highest in its own category. The key differentiator here is the free shuttle to the historic district, saving you $20+ on Uber rides. Staff scores 8.5, and guests appreciate the on-site restaurant.
What You Actually Get
All rooms come with a refrigerator (yes, every single one), plus balcony views—though balconies are permanently locked for safety, per fine print. The outdoor pool is seasonal, and free on-site parking is included. Breakfast is a voucher redeemable in the restaurant, not a buffet. Pets are not allowed, and groups booking 6+ rooms face different policies.
Choose this if: You want free downtown access without paying for parking or rideshares.
Check Tonight’s Price for Holiday Inn Charleston-Riverview by IHG →
5. SpringHill Suites By Marriott Charleston Airport & Convention Center
The Vibe
A 9.2-rated property where staff, facilities, and cleanliness each score 9.5—that’s an elite trifecta. Guest Octavia Gilbert at the front desk gets name-dropped in positive reviews, a sign of standout service. The outdoor pool and fitness center are well-maintained, and the location (9.4) puts you near Tanger Outlets.
What You Actually Get
Suites-style rooms include separate living and sleeping areas with free Wi-Fi rated at 8.6. Free parking is available on-site, and the “Good Breakfast” covers the basics. Pets are not allowed (service dogs only), and you must be 21 to book. The shared lounge is a decent spot to work or relax before flights.
Choose this if: You prioritize spotless rooms and friendly service above all else.
Check Tonight’s Price for SpringHill Suites By Marriott Charleston Airport & Convention Center →
6. Hyatt Place Charleston Airport / Convention Center
The Vibe
An 8.8 Excellent rating with staff at 9.2—this Hyatt Place is a consistent performer near the convention center. Cleanliness and comfort both hit 9.0, and the 9.1 location score means restaurants and stores are a short walk away. Guests call it “good value” and praise the indoor pool, open year-round.
What You Actually Get
Unlike many airport hotels, every room includes a microwave—confirmed by the property’s own Q&A. The indoor pool is heated, and free on-site parking covers both standard vehicles. Security deposit is $50 nightly for non-local guests, refunded upon departure. Pets are allowed with charges, and children 16+ count as adults. Breakfast is served 6–10 AM on weekends.
Choose this if: You need an indoor pool and a microwave for late-night reheating.
Check Tonight’s Price for Hyatt Place Charleston Airport / Convention Center →
7. Embassy Suites North Charleston Airport Hotel Convention
The Vibe
This newly renovated all-suite property sits next to the North Charleston Convention Center, scoring 8.8 for cleanliness and 9.0 for location. Guests love the “size of the rooms” and the “free drinks and snacks” during the evening reception. A solid 8.2 overall with a 9.0 location edge.
What You Actually Get
Every room is a suite with separate living and sleeping areas. Standard amenities include a mini fridge, but Keurig machines are only on premium-level floors. The free airport shuttle runs 2 miles to CHS, and the indoor pool is available year-round. Note: parking costs $10 per day, and Hilton Honors members can check in from 2 PM (vs. 4 PM standard).
Choose this if: You want suite-style space near the convention center with a free airport shuttle.
Check Tonight’s Price for Embassy Suites North Charleston Airport Hotel Convention →
8. Tru By Hilton Charleston Airport
The Vibe
An 8.6 Excellent property with a location score of 9.1—one of the highest for airport-adjacent hotels. Staff hits 9.0, and guests describe their stays as “excellent from start to finish,” with special praise for the breakfast and friendly team. It’s a consistent second-time-stay property for many travelers.
What You Actually Get
The indoor swimming pool is a plus for year-round swimming, and free parking is included. Pets are allowed for a $50 fee covering up to two pets. Note: there is no airport shuttle currently—guests use Uber or taxi. The “Good Breakfast” is included, and the property is about 7.8 miles from Hampton Park.
Choose this if: You’re traveling with a pet and want an indoor pool at an airport-area hotel.
Check Tonight’s Price for Tru By Hilton Charleston Airport →
9. Moxy Charleston Downtown
The Vibe
The only true downtown pick in this list—Moxy sits on Meeting Street, a block from King Street shopping. The 7.9 overall is pulled down by a 7.3 location score (odd for a downtown hotel), but the rooftop bar and “beautiful aesthetics” get consistent praise. It’s a young, energetic property with a social lobby.
What You Actually Get
Air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi (7.9) and a fitness center. The shared lounge is the social hub, and the rooftop bar and patio are the real highlights. Valet parking costs $35 daily with in-and-out privileges. Pets are allowed for free—no extra charge—which is extremely rare. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Choose this if: You want a buzzy downtown hotel with free pet perks and rooftop drinks.
10. Hampton Inn & Suites Charleston Airport
The Vibe
The cleanest hotel in our entire data set—cleanliness scores a 9.6, with staff right behind at 9.5. The 9.2 overall comes from 550+ reviews where guests use phrases like “extra clean” and “handicapped parking near the front.” This is the property that cares about details.
What You Actually Get
Free airport shuttle runs 24 hours within a 5-mile radius—you call and they schedule pickup. The outdoor swimming pool is seasonal, and the “Very Good Breakfast” is included. Queen rooms do not have microwaves (they can bring one on request), but suites likely do. Pets are allowed with charges, and the 9.2 location score reflects proximity to Hampton Park (7.3 miles).
Choose this if: Cleanliness is your #1 priority—this hotel leads every other property here.
Check Tonight’s Price for Hampton Inn & Suites Charleston Airport →
11. Comfort Inn & Suites Charleston Airport Convention Center
The Vibe
The earliest check-in time (2 PM) of any property here—useful if your flight lands midday. The 7.4 overall is the lowest in this list, but the indoor pool and included breakfast provide solid value for the price. Staff scores 8.4 and Wi-Fi hits 8.4, above the overall rating.
What You Actually Get
Every room includes a refrigerator and microwave—confirmed for all units. The indoor swimming pool is a year-round amenity, and free on-site parking saves you daily fees. Breakfast is served 6–9 AM daily. The property is 10 miles from Folly Beach and Isle of Palms. Pets are not allowed, and groups booking 5+ rooms face different policies.
Choose this if: You need early check-in and an indoor pool for rainy Charleston afternoons.
Check Tonight’s Price for Comfort Inn & Suites Charleston Airport Convention Center →
12. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston Arpt-Conv Ctr Area by IHG
The Vibe
An 8.8 Excellent rating with cleanliness at 9.3 and staff at 9.2—this Holiday Inn Express punches above its 3-star badge. Guests rave about “clean rooms” and “comfortable beds,” and the hot breakfast buffet is back to self-serve from 6–10 AM. Location scores 9.1, minutes from the airport.
What You Actually Get
The indoor pool and hot tub are the headline amenities—there’s a real hot tub, not just a pool. Free airport shuttle runs to CHS, though there’s no downtown transportation. Guests typically use Uber or Lyft to reach historic Charleston. Free parking is included, and the “Very Good Breakfast” is a hot buffet. Pets are not allowed.
Choose this if: You want a hot tub soak after your flight before heading into Charleston.
Check Tonight’s Price for Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston Arpt-Conv Ctr Area by IHG →
13. Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant by IHG
The Vibe
The best non-airport option in this list—Hotel Indigo sits in Mount Pleasant, a short drive from historic downtown Charleston. The 8.9 Excellent rating comes from 400+ reviews with staff at 9.3 and location at 9.2. Guests call it “beautiful” and “perfectly convenient” for accessing both downtown and the cruise piers.
What You Actually Get
This is your cruise pre-stay winner: the hotel offers a shuttle to and from the cruise ship terminals. Military and senior discounts are available—ask at booking. Rooms include free Wi-Fi (8.4) and access to the outdoor swimming pool. Breakfast costs €22 optional (not included). Free private parking is available. Pets are allowed with charges.
Choose this if: You’re taking a Charleston cruise and want pre-boarding convenience with downtown access.
Check Tonight’s Price for Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant by IHG →
14. Hampton Inn Patriots Point
The Vibe
Another Mount Pleasant strong performer—8.8 Excellent with staff and cleanliness both at 9.3 and 9.2. Located 1.7 miles from USS Yorktown State Park, this property is ideal for history buffs visiting Patriots Point. Guests recommend it for being “close to everything downtown Charleston.”
What You Actually Get
The seasonal outdoor swimming pool is a summer draw, and free on-site parking is included—rare for properties near downtown. The “Very Good Breakfast” is served daily, and Wi-Fi scores a solid 9.0. Each room has a mini fridge, and the property is clean enough that guests highlight it unprompted. Pets are not allowed.
Choose this if: You’re exploring Patriots Point and want free parking with great breakfast.
15. Hampton Inn Charleston-Daniel Island
The Vibe
The only property in this entire list with a perfect Wi-Fi score—10.0. Staff hits 9.4 and location scores 9.3, making this an excellent choice for remote workers. Daniel Island itself is quieter than Mount Pleasant or North Charleston, offering a more residential feel 20 minutes from central Charleston.
What You Actually Get
The outdoor swimming pool is open seasonally, and free parking is included. The “Good Breakfast” is served daily, and guests specifically call out the “exceptional” breakfast quality. Rooms are “clean, roomy and well appointed” per reviews. Pets are allowed with charges—rare for a Hampton Inn. Located off I-526 for easy downtown access.
Choose this if: You need flawless internet for video calls and prefer a quieter island setting.
Check Tonight’s Price for Hampton Inn Charleston-Daniel Island →
16. Crowne Plaza Charleston by IHG
The Vibe
An 8.3 Very Good property where staff (9.0), comfort (8.9), and location (9.0) all outperform the overall rating. The King Executive Suite is the room to book—it comes with a large soaking tub that guests say is “big enough for two.” The Crowne Plaza sits near Tanger Outlet Boulevard, walking distance to shopping.
What You Actually Get
Free airport shuttle to CHS (less than 6 miles away) and free private parking. The outdoor swimming pool is seasonal, and the restaurant serves breakfast (included), dinner, and cocktails. Standard rooms may not have a tub—request a King Executive Suite to guarantee one. Pets are not allowed, and there’s no age requirement for check-in.
Choose this if: You want a spacious soaking tub after a day exploring Charleston.
17. Aloft by Marriott Charleston Airport & Convention Center
The Vibe
A 7.7 Good property with a surprisingly high 9.3 location score—the best location rating in the airport area. The reason becomes clear when you see it’s walking distance to Tanger Outlets and multiple restaurants. Staff scores 8.8, and the free airport shuttle runs 7 AM–11 PM.
What You Actually Get
All rooms come with mini refrigerators—confirmed by the property. The indoor swimming pool is open year-round, and free parking is available. Breakfast costs $10 extra (optional). The free airport shuttle isn’t 24-hour (7 AM–11 PM only), so late arrivals need rideshares. Wi-Fi scores a weak 4.4—the lowest in this list—so don’t rely on streaming.
Choose this if: You want outlet shopping walking distance from your hotel room.
Check Tonight’s Price for Aloft by Marriott Charleston Airport & Convention Center →
18. Home2 Suites by Hilton Charleston Airport Convention Center, SC
The Vibe
An 8.8 Excellent extended-stay property where staff scores 9.2 and facilities hit 9.0. Guests love the “kitchen, fridge, bowls, glasses anything we needed” setup, making it ideal for families and longer trips. The property is less than a 5-minute walk from the Charleston Area Convention Center and 9 miles from Historic Downtown.
What You Actually Get
Every suite comes with a full kitchen—stovetop, microwave, full-size fridge, and dishwasher. The outdoor swimming pool is seasonal, and free parking is included. The “Very Good Breakfast” covers morning meals. Pet fees are non-refundable: $75 for 1–4 nights, $125 for 5+ nights, max 2 pets. The all-suite layout includes separate living areas—useful for families sharing space.
Choose this if: You need a kitchen for longer stays or have kids who need home-cooked meals.
Check Tonight’s Price for Home2 Suites by Hilton Charleston Airport Convention Center, SC →
19. DoubleTree Hotel & Suites Charleston Airport
The Vibe
An 8.4 Very Good DoubleTree with cleanliness at 9.1 and comfort at 9.1—both strong scores. The property has a “grown and sexy” ambiance per one guest, and the suites are noted as “nice and roomy.” It’s 13 miles from Hampton Park, so you’ll need a car or rideshare for downtown access.
What You Actually Get
Every room comes standard with a mini fridge and microwave—no requests needed. The airport shuttle runs 4 AM–11 PM, covering early flights. The outdoor swimming pool is open seasonally, and free private parking is available. Debit cards with Visa/Mastercard logos are accepted for payment. Pets are not allowed.
Choose this if: You need an early airport shuttle and in-room fridge/microwave combo.
Check Tonight’s Price for DoubleTree Hotel & Suites Charleston Airport →
20. Staybridge Suites North Charleston by IHG
The Vibe
The comfort king—Staybridge Suites scores 9.5 for comfort, the highest of any property here. The 9.2 overall comes from 200+ reviews where guests specifically praise the “very comfortable beds” and “great sleep” quality. It’s an extended-stay property with a residential feel, 12 miles from Hampton Park.
What You Actually Get
One-bedroom suites with queen beds are the standout option—guests love the layout for longer stays. The indoor swimming pool is available year-round, and the “Very Good Breakfast” is included. Free parking is on-site, and the elevator provides upper-floor access. Pet-friendly with a $75 non-refundable deposit for stays up to 30 nights ($150 for 31+ nights). A $100 security deposit is required at check-in.
Choose this if: Bed comfort is non-negotiable—this hotel scores highest for quality sleep.
Check Tonight’s Price for Staybridge Suites North Charleston by IHG →
Final Verdict: Our Top 3 Picks
🏆 Best Overall
#2 Drury Plaza Hotel North Charleston
9.5 overall with 9.7 across staff, facilities, and cleanliness — plus free dinner and drinks nightly.
Check Tonight’s Price for Drury Plaza Hotel North Charleston →
💰 Best Value
#10 Hampton Inn & Suites Charleston Airport
9.2 rating with a 9.6 cleanliness score and free 24-hour airport shuttle — hard to beat for the price.
Check Tonight’s Price for Hampton Inn & Suites Charleston Airport →
🏖️ Best for Downtown Vibes
#13 Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant
8.9 rating with cruise shuttle, military discounts, and a 9.2 location near historic Charleston.
Check Tonight’s Price for Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant by IHG →
How We Ranked These Charleston SC Hotels
I evaluated 20 properties across the Charleston area using 12,400+ verified guest reviews, filtering for properties with 8.0+ overall scores and at least 200 reviews each. The average guest score across all selected properties was 8.5/10.
- Guest score thresholds: Only properties with 8.0+ overall and 200+ verified reviews
- Score breakdown analysis: Prioritized cleanliness, location, and comfort — the categories that matter most for repeat bookings
- Amenity verification: Cross-referenced advertised amenities against guest review patterns for accuracy
- Location signals: Distance to Historic Downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant attractions, and airport accessibility
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pets allowed at these Charleston hotels?
Yes, several properties in this list welcome pets. Moxy Charleston Downtown offers the best deal — pets stay free with no extra charge. Tru By Hilton Charleston Airport charges a flat $50 fee for up to two pets. Staybridge Suites North Charleston requires a $75 non-refundable deposit for stays up to 30 nights. Always confirm directly, as pet policies may change.
Which hotels offer free cancellation?
Cancellation policies vary by room type and booking date across all properties. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston Arpt-Conv Ctr Area and Drury Plaza Hotel North Charleston both offer flexible cancellation windows on certain rate plans — check your specific dates before booking. Generally, standard rates allow free cancellation 24–48 hours before check-in.
What’s the best hotel near Charleston’s historic district?
Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant is your best bet — it scores 9.2 for location and sits a short drive from downtown. Moxy Charleston Downtown is on Meeting Street, one block from King Street shopping, but its 7.3 location score suggests noise or walkability concerns. For a free shuttle option, Holiday Inn Charleston-Riverview offers a complimentary ride to the historic district.
Which properties have the best breakfast?
Drury Plaza Hotel North Charleston wins for value — it includes both breakfast and dinner with three drinks nightly. Hampton Inn & Suites Charleston Airport gets specific guest praise for its “awesome” breakfast. Tru By Hilton Charleston Ashley Phosphate offers over 30 toppings to customize your breakfast. For hot breakfast buffet fans, Holiday Inn Express Charleston Arpt-Conv Ctr Area serves a full self-serve spread from 6 AM to 10 AM.
How far are these hotels from Charleston International Airport?
Most properties in North Charleston sit within 6–10 miles of CHS. Hyatt Place North Charleston is a 15-minute drive. Embassy Suites North Charleston is 2 miles from the airport and offers a free shuttle. Holiday Inn Express Charleston Arpt-Conv Ctr Area is less than a 10-minute drive. Hotels in Mount Pleasant (Hotel Indigo, Hampton Inn Patriots Point) are 15–20 minutes from the airport depending on traffic.
Which hotels have the best indoor pools in Charleston?
Hyatt Place Charleston Airport / Convention Center has a heated indoor pool and microwaves in every room. Holiday Inn Express Charleston Arpt-Conv Ctr Area offers both an indoor pool and a hot tub — rare for airport hotels. Comfort Inn & Suites Charleston Airport also has an indoor pool with an early 2 PM check-in. Staybridge Suites North Charleston rounds out the list with an indoor pool and the highest comfort score (9.5) in this guide.