In October 2024, my mom and I spent a girls’ weekend in Charleston, South Carolina. We had one night in the downtown region before moving to another part of the area and I wanted to find the perfect hotel for my mom and me. I considered factors such as location, cost, room options, food services, and pool amenities.
Ultimately, I chose the Courtyard Charleston Waterfront where I used a 50,000-point Marriott Bonvoy free-night certificate to book the room, and then used a suite-night award to upgrade.
Continue reading to learn the details of this property, including my thoughts on the property, what the rooms are like, amenities offered, and whether this hotel is for you.
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Why the Courtyard Charleston Waterfront?
I easily narrowed my hotel search to Marriott Bonvoy properties since I planned to use my free night award certificate (and I typically stay in Marriott properties because I have status). I further narrowed my search by properties that were around 50,000 points for the night so I’d get maximum value for my certificate without having to spend much more. Marriott does allow you to combine your free night award with up to 15,000 points, if needed.
If I book a rental car, I always take into consideration the cost to park at the hotel. I did book a rental for Charleston and was pleased with the $12 nightly parking rate. However, I never actually picked up the rental because all rental car companies were completely out when I got to the airport.
Thankfully, the lack of rental car ended up working out. The Courtyard Charleston Waterfront is an easy 20-minute Uber or Lyft ride from the Charleston International Airport. And the hotel offers a free shuttle from the hotel to the best things to do in Downtown Charleston every 30 minutes.
Additionally, I wanted to be in a pretty location, although I didn’t need to be downtown since I planned on having a car and the hotel offers the shuttle. The property is situated along the Ashley River and overlooks a marina. And finally, I needed a pool because October in the south can be HOT.
Rooms at the Courtyard Charleston Waterfront
I booked a regular standard room with two queens with my free night certificate, and then used a suite-night award to upgrade to a one-bedroom suite. My mom and I stayed in a King One-Bedroom Corner Suite and I would 100% book this room again.
The suite had a large dining and living room with a separate private bedroom. The living room couch pulled-out into a bed for additional space. Both the living room and bedroom provided access to a huge porch.
The porch had two rocking chairs, a small table, and two cushioned lounge chairs. It was very spacious and offered beautiful views of the Charleston Harbor. I only wished I had more time to spend in the room so I could enjoy reading my kindle on the porch.
The rooms show a bit of wear from the ocean breeze and are probably due soon for a renovation, but they are still really nice and so comfortable.
Honestly, even if you don’t get a room with a view or large room, the public spaces offer just what you need to enjoy the location of the property.
Courtyard Charleston Waterfront Amenities
Outdoor Courtyard
Just before you enter the main lobby of the hotel, you’ll pass the outdoor courtyard/terrace that overlooks the pool and marina.
In my opinion, the terrace is a highlight of the property and is the best spot for hanging out, whether you are grabbing breakfast, catching up on work, or enjoying a drink.
You’ll find tables, rocking chairs, lounge spots, umbrellas for shade, and beautiful flower plantings.
Pool & Hot Tub
A hotel pool was a non-negotiable for me, and this one checked almost all the boxes. The location of this pool facing the marina and Ashley River is perfect. While the pool and pool deck itself could use a facelift, it’s all in good working order and is very comfortable. There is also a hot tub.
One of the first things I check at a hotel pool is the number of lounge chairs. I’ve been to far too many hotels that don’t have nearly enough chairs around the pool, making for a stressful situation. Thankfully, the pool area had 20+ lounge chairs which I thought was perfect for the size of the pool and deck.
In addition to the lounge chairs, the pool area also had four sets of tables of chairs and a seating area with a fire pit. There was even a game of cornhole available which I felt was a nice touch.
There were a few upgrades I’d make to the pool situations. First are the towels. You have to get them from the front desk, and they are TINY. I recommend bringing your own or asking for 3-4. There are also no umbrellas in the pool area, nor are there any bathrooms. Not necessities, but it definitely diminishes the comfort a little bit.
Shuttle Service
A huge highlight of this hotel is the free shuttle service to and from downtown Charleston (tips accepted). The shuttle picks up at the hotel every 30 minutes from 7am until 10:30pm and drops off at Waterfront Park in downtown. You call the shuttle number when you are ready to be picked up and meet the driver at the drop-off spot.
The shuttle was very popular during my one-night stay and I found it to be incredibly timely and reliable.
Since I did not have a rental car, this was a huge money-saver and it was a great amenity to have access to since driving and parking in downtown Charleston can be a huge headache.
Food Options
The Courtyard Charleston Waterfront offers the typical Courtyard food services: the Courtyard Bistro. The Bistro opened daily for breakfast and dinner, and had a varying schedule for lunch. I enjoyed breakfast at the hotel, but I’d recommend grabbing food in Downtown Charleston since the shuttle is available all day.
Final Thoughts:
In my opinion, the Courtyard Charleston Waterfront felt like a higher-end version of a typical Courtyard hotel – it had all the expected amenities of a Courtyard, with the added bonus of beautiful outdoor spaces and stunning views. It’s certainly not a luxury hotel, nor is it a bare-bones hotel.
I really enjoyed my night here and would definitely book another stay at this property. If you want more amenities in your hotel, such as restaurants, pool-side service, and valet-parking, then you should look for a different hotel. However, if you typically stay at Courtyards (or similar hotels), I think you will be more than pleased with this property.
