
The Francis Marion Hotel
Best for wedding parties, meetings, and travelers who want a large historic hotel overlooking Marion Square.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
The Francis Marion Hotel is a larger, historic 4-star landmark on King Street best for travelers who want classic Charleston charm, event space, and a central Marion Square address. The Loutrel is a polished 4-star boutique hotel in the historic district for travelers who prefer a smaller, design-forward downtown stay with a strong guest rating.
Updated · about 0.6 km apart

Best for wedding parties, meetings, and travelers who want a large historic hotel overlooking Marion Square.

Best for couples or small groups seeking a modern boutique stay in the heart of the historic district.
When The Francis Marion Hotel wins: choose The Francis Marion if you need ballroom or meeting capacity, want traditional Lowcountry dining on-site (Swamp Fox Restaurant), or prefer the scale and services of a landmark downtown hotel.
When The Loutrel wins: pick The Loutrel for a smaller, design-focused boutique experience with highly rated guest feedback and a very central walkable location near the City Market.
Bottom line: both put you in Charleston’s historic core; pick Francis Marion for size, event space, and classic hotel services, and pick The Loutrel for a quieter, boutique-style downtown stay.
| Category | The Francis Marion Hotel | The Loutrel |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Classic 1924 landmark hotel with formal ballrooms and historic details | Polished boutique hotel with an intimate upscale presentation |
| Location (historic downtown) | At King & Calhoun across Marion Square; steps to shopping and museums | Central on 61 State St, steps from Charleston City Market and Waterfront Park |
| Size | About 235 rooms across 12 stories, significant meeting/event space | 50 guestrooms |
| Ages / audience | All ages; family-friendly | All ages (adults-only: no) |
| Pools | No on-site swimming pool or hot tub | |
| Restaurants & bars | Swamp Fox Restaurant & Bar (Southern/Lowcountry) + on-site Starbucks | Number of bars/lounges: 1; complimentary English breakfast included; specific signature restaurant: Not published |
| Spa & wellness | The Spa of Charleston (boutique spa; 2 treatment rooms) and 24-hour fitness center | Spa: Not published |
| Known for | Historic ballrooms, events and wedding capacity, classic downtown presence | Polished boutique feel and very strong guest ratings |
| Accessibility & practical | Wheelchair-accessible rooms and public areas; valet and nearby garage parking (paid) | Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations); covered parking and valet (surcharge); free Wi‑Fi |
| Breakfast | Breakfast available at the Swamp Fox for a surcharge (not included) | Complimentary English breakfast included daily |
The Francis Marion sits at King & Calhoun, directly across Marion Square, placing guests amid downtown shopping, museums, and event venues.
Best if you want a landmark hotel in the thick of downtown activity and easy access to major Charleston sites.
The Loutrel is centrally located at 61 State St, a few blocks from Charleston City Market and Waterfront Park.
Best if you want a compact, walkable base for sightseeing around the City Market and waterfront.
The Francis Marion offers a range of historic-style rooms and suites across many floors, including harbor-view and suite options.
Choose Francis Marion for room variety, larger suites, and the availability that comes with a bigger hotel.
The Loutrel has 50 guestrooms with a boutique set of room types and several suite options.
Choose The Loutrel for a smaller, design-focused inventory and a compact guest experience.
The Francis Marion has a named on-site restaurant and a Starbucks for quick coffee.
The Francis Marion provides a full-service restaurant and familiar coffee option without leaving the hotel.
The Loutrel offers a single bar/lounge and daily complimentary English breakfast.
The Loutrel is best for small-scale in-house dining and a hotel bar; for more restaurant variety you’ll walk a few blocks.
The Francis Marion does not have an on-site pool; it directs guests to nearby municipal or private options.
If a pool is a must, this hotel is not the right choice.
The Loutrel’s supplier listing does not publish an on-site pool.
No published pool — expect a downtown boutique hotel experience without pool facilities.
The Francis Marion pairs a boutique spa with a 24-hour fitness center and an on-site lounge with music.
Good choice if you want an on-site spa plus fitness options and traditional evening lounge activity.
The Loutrel provides a 24-hour front desk, 24-hour fitness facilities, and a single bar/lounge for evening drinks.
The Loutrel covers basic wellness needs and offers a quiet bar scene; spa services aren’t listed.

Historic ballrooms and up to ~18,000 sq ft of event space, plus multiple ballroom choices.

Smaller, design-oriented hotel with polished rooms and a very high guest rating.

Swamp Fox Restaurant & Bar serves Southern/Lowcountry cuisine throughout the day.

A central State St address puts you steps from the City Market and waterfront attractions.
The Francis Marion — it has large historic ballrooms, substantial event space, and wedding packages; The Loutrel is better for smaller private gatherings.
No — The Francis Marion has no on-site pool and the Loutrel’s supplier listing does not publish a pool.
The Loutrel includes a complimentary English breakfast; The Francis Marion offers breakfast at the Swamp Fox for a surcharge (not included).
The Francis Marion is explicitly family-friendly with larger rooms and event facilities; The Loutrel accepts guests of all ages but is a smaller boutique property.
Explore how The Francis Marion Hotel stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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