Parking, accessibility and hotel policies you’ll want to know
The Francis Marion Hotel charges for parking (valet or nearby city garage) and is a family-friendly, historic downtown hotel with accessible rooms and public areas. Key policies to know: check-in is 4:00 PM, check-out is 12:00 PM, there is no on-site pool, and some rooms are pet-friendly with nightly fees.
In this guide
Parking and arriving at the hotel
The hotel offers valet parking for guests and also points to an adjacent City of Charleston-owned parking garage for self-parking. Valet and garage availability can vary by event dates and city traffic.
If you have an oversized vehicle or rooftop carrier, note restrictions: valet has a 7-foot vehicle height limit and oversized vehicles may be directed to an alternate garage.
- Valet parking: nightly surcharge with unlimited in-and-out privileges; 7-foot height limit applies.
- Self-parking: adjacent city-owned garage — pricing listed per 20 minutes with a daily maximum (garage availability applies).
- If vehicle exceeds valet height limit, use Visitor's Center Parking Garage at 63 Mary St or another designated garage.
| Option | Typical detail |
|---|---|
| Valet | Nightly surcharge; unlimited in/out; 7-ft height limit |
| Self-park (city garage) | $1 per 20 minutes with a daily maximum (garage availability varies) |
| Oversized vehicle | Use alternate city garage (visitor center/63 Mary St) — not accepted by valet |
Accessible features and mobility information
The Francis Marion Hotel offers wheelchair-accessible rooms and public spaces, an accessible path of travel, and accessible parking per the hotel's accessibility statements.
The property also provides features such as braille/raised signage and assistive listening devices where available; if you have specific mobility or service-animal needs, contact the hotel in advance so staff can confirm the right room and services.
- Wheelchair-accessible guest rooms and bathrooms are available.
- Accessible parking and an accessible route from the street into public areas are provided.
- For accessible meeting setups or assistive devices, request details from the front desk or concierge before arrival.
| What to confirm before arrival | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Accessible room type availability | Ensures roll-in/accessible features meet needs |
| Accessible parking/valet procedures | Avoids delays on arrival |
| Assistive listening / signage needs | Staff can prepare or direct to available equipment |
Check-in, check-out and general front-desk policies
Standard check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out is 12:00 PM (noon). Early check-in and late check-out may be requested but are subject to availability and possible fees.
A valid photo ID and credit card are required at check-in; the hotel operates a 24-hour front desk and offers complimentary luggage storage if you arrive before your room is ready.
- Check-in: 4:00 PM (early check-in on request, not guaranteed).
- Check-out: 12:00 PM (late check-out on request, subject to availability and potential charge).
- ID & payment: valid photo ID and credit card required at arrival.
| Policy | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Minimum check-in age | Third-party sources list a minimum of 18 for the lead guest |
| Front desk | Open 24 hours; luggage storage available pre-check-in |
| Smoking | Property-wide smoke-free policy |
Pet policy and floor restrictions
The hotel updated its policy and now accepts pets in designated pet-friendly rooms on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Guests with same-day arrivals should call ahead to confirm pet-room availability.
Pet fees and limits are applied; reported nightly fees (from guest reviews and local listings) are based on dog weight and room limits, though OTA listings may still show conflicting policies — always verify with the hotel before you travel.
- Pet-friendly rooms: located on 2nd and 3rd floors — call ahead to confirm availability.
- Reported fees (subject to confirmation): $50/night for dogs under 30 lbs; $100/night for dogs 30 lbs and over.
- One pet per room is commonly reported; check for current limits and any vaccination or paperwork requirements.
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Which floors allow pets | 2nd and 3rd floors (designated pet rooms) |
| Fees reported | $50/night (<30 lbs), $100/night (≥30 lbs) — confirm with hotel |
| OTA conflict | Some booking sites still list property as no-pets; verify directly |
Rooms, what to expect and special-room names
Room types at the hotel include Traditional Room, Harbor View; Deluxe Room, Harbor View; Deluxe Room; Traditional Room, with Sofa bed; Standard Room (Run of House); and Suite (Francis Marion). Room amenities include complimentary Wi‑Fi and standard hotel comforts; specific bed types vary by room name.
If you need a specific view or layout (for example, a Harbor View room), request it when booking or at check-in. The hotel can confirm room configuration and accessibility features when you call ahead.
- Room names to request exactly as listed: Traditional Room, Harbor View; Deluxe Room, Harbor View; Deluxe Room; Traditional Room, with Sofa bed; Standard Room (Run of House); Suite (Francis Marion).
- Complimentary Wi‑Fi is available in all guest rooms and public areas.
- No on-site pool — plan beach or off-site pool time separately.
| Room name | Typical bed options (per listing) |
|---|---|
| Traditional Room, Harbor View | 1 Queen Bed or 2 Double Beds |
| Deluxe Room, Harbor View | 1 King Bed or 2 Double Beds |
| Suite (Francis Marion) | 1 King Bed or 1 Double Sofa Bed |
Fitness, spa and dining policies affecting stays
The hotel has a 24-hour fitness center with two Peloton bikes, treadmills, ellipticals and dumbbells. The fitness center is available to registered guests; confirm any age or guest-access rules with the front desk.
The Spa of Charleston is on-site and open daily. Spa treatments require reservations; no explicit minimum age for treatments was found in public sources, so check with the spa if booking for minors.
- Fitness center: open 24/7; equipment includes Peloton bikes, treadmills, ellipticals and dumbbells up to 50 lbs.
- Spa: The Spa of Charleston requires reservations; sample service offerings include massages, facials, and signature Lowcountry treatments.
- Dining: The Swamp Fox Restaurant & Bar serves breakfast, lunch and dinner (hours vary by meal); Starbucks is on-site for coffee and quick bites.
| Facility | Guest note |
|---|---|
| Fitness center | Open 24/7; available to registered guests |
| Spa of Charleston | Open daily; reservations required for treatments |
| Swamp Fox Restaurant & Bar | Serves Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner; reservations recommended for dinner |
