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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Top Dock Street Theater Hotel Reviews

Indigo Inn

10/10 Excellent

"I recently stayed at the Indigo Inn with my family. We got the double queen room and it had plenty of room for 4 people. The room was clean and bathroom was a good size to move around. The staff was also great and very helpful. Location is the top reason we stayed there and everyrhing we did was walking distance. Higly recommemd. "

The Vendue

10/10 Excellent

"From the moment we arrived (and even before) the Vendue seemed very special. They reached out to connect on details, had champagne, cookies and milk at 4, croissants and muffins delivered to our door in the am. The artistic decor was so beautifully done and unique. Everything felt so thoughtfully designed and welcoming. We loved all the frenchies everywhere and the art tour! Incredible! We also enjoyed the rooftop bar. Would highly recommend! "

Hotels near other Dock Street Theater attractions

Pink House Gallery

You can browse the exhibits at Pink House Gallery, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Charleston. Add the area's shops or stunning cathedral to your travel plans.

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Old Slave Mart Museum

You can browse the exhibits at Old Slave Mart Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Charleston. Discover the area's stunning cathedral, or seek out its local tours.

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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 288 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 Planters Inn.

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

Expedia has 288 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. Charleston City Market, Rainbow Row, and Calhoun Mansion 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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Our top choices for Dock Street Theater hotels

HarbourView Inn

French Quarter Inn

The Spectator Hotel

Andrew Pinckney Inn

20 South Battery

Hilton Club Liberty Place Charleston

The Pinch Hotel

Zero George Street

The Charleston Place

The Restoration

Beautiful Renovated Apartment Near King Street

Indigo Inn

John Rutledge House Inn Charleston

The Vendue

The Nickel Hotel

Fulton Lane Inn

The Palmetto Hotel

Emeline

Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Iris Charleston

Top Dock Street Theater Hotel Reviews

Indigo Inn

Hotels near other Dock Street Theater attractions

Pink House Gallery

Old Slave Mart Museum

Frequently asked questions

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