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

Harborside at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina

10/10 Excellent

"Always enjoy staying here. The rooms are amazing. The amenities are great and it’s nice to just stay in the resort and be able to eat and do what you wanna do without having to travel far."

French Quarter Inn

10/10 Excellent

"Worth Every Penny----First I would like to thank, Kimberly -Front Desk Concierge. She was able to give suggestions on activities we could experience during our stay. Once our decision was made, she worked with us to book the activity. No Worries-from start to finish. This is what you hope would happen when you are on your vacation. We had such a wonderful time, we plan on visiting again. There was not one staff person who did not greet us and ask if we needed anything. The location is great. The hotel is around the corner from the City Market, and there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance from the hotel. It is also a short walk to the riverfront. My suggestion-bring comfortable shoes."

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 347 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 Charleston Place and The Ryder Hotel.

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

Expedia has 347 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. Pink House Gallery, Charleston City Market, and Rainbow Row 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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Compare 5,490 hotels close to Dock Street Theater with room rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

The Loutrel

The Loutrel

The Spectator Hotel

The Spectator Hotel

The Nickel Hotel

The Nickel Hotel

Hilton Club Liberty Place Charleston

Hilton Club Liberty Place Charleston

The Pinch Hotel

The Pinch Hotel

Hotel Richemont

Hotel Richemont

The Nicholas

The Nicholas

Andrew Pinckney Inn

Andrew Pinckney Inn

20 South Battery

20 South Battery

Beautiful Renovated Apartment Near King Street

Beautiful Renovated Apartment Near King Street

Planters Inn

Planters Inn

The Restoration

The Restoration

Emeline

Emeline

The Vendue

The Vendue

Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton

Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton

Indigo Inn

Indigo Inn

The Palmetto Hotel

The Palmetto Hotel

The Iris Charleston

The Iris Charleston

The Ansonborough

The Ansonborough

The Dewberry Charleston

The Dewberry Charleston

Top Dock Street Theater Hotel Reviews

Harborside at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina

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