Named for Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion (the "Swamp Fox"), the Francis Marion Hotel became an instant Charleston landmark when it opened in 1924. Rising 12 stories above the Historic District, the hotel offers spectacular views of Charleston's church steeples, historic mansions, and famous harbor, providing easy access to the wealth of Charleston's attractions.
An award-winning restoration in 1996 refurbished all of the 234 guestrooms and suites, which now feature plush furnishings and marble baths. Located downtown on Marion Square, the hotel is within walking distance of the magnificent gardens, house museums, antique shops, local boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife that has made Charleston one of the south's premier cities.
An award-winning restoration in 1996 refurbished all of the 234 guestrooms and suites, which now feature plush furnishings and marble baths. Located downtown on Marion Square, the hotel is within walking distance of the magnificent gardens, house museums, antique shops, local boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife that has made Charleston one of the south's premier cities.
Services
Francis Marion Hotel in Charleston has been at the heart of the city's social, business, and community life since opening in 1924. Generations of Charlestonians have marked the important milestones in their lives in our historic ballrooms.
Whether you are planning a wedding reception, fundraiser, awards banquet, or a gala ball, the Francis Marion Hotel ballrooms, with their 24-foot ceilings and antique crystal chandeliers, will create an elegant backdrop for your next event.In addition to our two grand ballrooms, the Francis Marion offers a 4,500-square foot conference center, the Carolina Ballroom, and eight smaller meeting rooms.
Whether you are planning a wedding reception, fundraiser, awards banquet, or a gala ball, the Francis Marion Hotel ballrooms, with their 24-foot ceilings and antique crystal chandeliers, will create an elegant backdrop for your next event.In addition to our two grand ballrooms, the Francis Marion offers a 4,500-square foot conference center, the Carolina Ballroom, and eight smaller meeting rooms.
Reviews (26)
Dirk Waldrop
Jan 06, 2022
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Dean Andryeyev
Jan 06, 2022
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The hotel location was great, being on King Street it was in close proximity to shopping which was ample and great variety. Less than a mile walk to the City Market which is a must during your visit. Lots of cool little shops and restaurants. The hotel itself is a little dated but they do a decent job keeping up with the aging of the building. Overall a great stay and visit.
Jodi Wallace
Jan 05, 2022
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Such a lovely place to stay. Great location, convenient to lots of places to eat and things to do. Our room was nice, yes the bathroom was small but it was built in the 1920s and thankfully we had a 2nd bathroom that helped out a lot!! Our beds were more full size than queens..otherwise everything was great!
Whitney S.
Jan 04, 2022
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Went to this restaurant for my mother's 50th birthday with a reservation. No one acknowledged her birthday in any way shape or form. Drinks were watered down and gross. Shrimp was gummy, the burger was charred at the bottom, and pork was completely dry. No one could eat their food, atmosphere was loud and service was poor. Worst experience at a restaurant, will never comeback or recommend.
J. B.
Dec 28, 2021
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Great location. Short walk from major attractions, shops, cafes and food.
I knew hotel was old after looking at the photos. I think they try to clean and keep it presentable but you could tell that the last renovation was long long time ago. Carpets are dirty, paint in bathrooms is peeling off the walls. The caulk in bathrooms looks moldy. Overall hotel quality is not that great. It is over due for a major renovation not just a fresh paint of coat.
I knew hotel was old after looking at the photos. I think they try to clean and keep it presentable but you could tell that the last renovation was long long time ago. Carpets are dirty, paint in bathrooms is peeling off the walls. The caulk in bathrooms looks moldy. Overall hotel quality is not that great. It is over due for a major renovation not just a fresh paint of coat.
Mary Shannon
Dec 26, 2021
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Given its history, we expected better. The heat in our room didn't work (by the time we realized the room wasn't getting warmer, it was late and we just wanted to sleep). The bathrooms are awful - SO small, and poorly arranged - we finally had to move the toilet paper because we kept banging our elbow on the roll (yeah, think about that for a minute - NOT a great set up) and every trip required multiple flushes. We had to ask for everything - soap, shampoo, all the stuff you expect to find in the room when you get there. I wanted to be thrilled by our stay - it's such a historic spot - but I can
Ross K.
Dec 18, 2021
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My wife and I stopped in for breakfast after staying the night at the Francis Marion. What a great meal! We had a fantastic server - Sylvie who brightened our day. The French toast and the breakfast sandwich were good sized portions and delicious and the coffee was strong and bold, just like it should be. Overall, a 5 start experience and worth a revisit!
Kira Carey
Dec 04, 2021
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This was the perfect place to spend out Charleston vacation. The beautiful architecture made us feel like we were in the history of the city. The staff was wonderful with suggestions and helping us with anything we needed. We didn’t have housekeeping come in because of Covid Times, but the front desk was always willing to supply us with clean towels and waters to refill the fridge. The room was small but very comfortable and I loved that we had an actual thermostat to keep us comfortable in August. The bathroom is tiny, but I expect that in a historic building. I was so happy we found this place
Morgan R.
Dec 04, 2021
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Wow, where to begin. Just an overall horrible experience from the moment we walked in.
My friends and I were visiting Charleston from Columbia and when trying to make dinner reservations found that everywhere but here was book (red flag #1). Because we were hungry we decided to go ahead and make the reservation because the overall review score for this place wasn't bad (how it's not lower is beyond me)
Problem #1) we walk in and we are greeted by an older man at the front. And when I say greeted I mean grunted at and asked if we have reservations (the place was basically empty...)
My friends and I were visiting Charleston from Columbia and when trying to make dinner reservations found that everywhere but here was book (red flag #1). Because we were hungry we decided to go ahead and make the reservation because the overall review score for this place wasn't bad (how it's not lower is beyond me)
Problem #1) we walk in and we are greeted by an older man at the front. And when I say greeted I mean grunted at and asked if we have reservations (the place was basically empty...)
Adri Guzman
Dec 03, 2021
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I’m giving this five stars because our stay was great! The staff was friendly and helpful. The hotel restaurant made the best gluten free breakfast sandwich. We stayed in the River View Suite as a free upgrade. Thank you, Jordyn! The bathroom in this suite was large. Everyone complaining about the small bathrooms should be reminded that this is a historic hotel and should have opted for a newer, modern hotel. Can’t beat the location!
Btcantr Btcantr
Nov 28, 2021
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Everything was great until I checked out. I had given my credit card for incidentals and I was charged $20.00 for parking even though:
1. I told the person at check-in that I did NOT need garage parking because I had secured street parking.
2. I was told checking out that there was a $20.00 charge for parking on my bill. I reminded the attendant there that I did NOT park a car and to remove this charge.
3. I emailed the hotel to fix the charge several days after checking out. There was no response.
4. I called two weeks later to follow up and was transferred to the accounting voicemail. Twenty
1. I told the person at check-in that I did NOT need garage parking because I had secured street parking.
2. I was told checking out that there was a $20.00 charge for parking on my bill. I reminded the attendant there that I did NOT park a car and to remove this charge.
3. I emailed the hotel to fix the charge several days after checking out. There was no response.
4. I called two weeks later to follow up and was transferred to the accounting voicemail. Twenty
David Z.
Nov 27, 2021
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Chrissy Mobley
Nov 22, 2021
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Beautiful, historic hotel. Stayed in room 1012, the view over the Marion Park out the window was great... the noisy street, drunk kids mostly, was still loud, but didn't bother me... reminded me of a younger time... shopping, Starbucks, food, Walgreens, all right outside your door... we added the dinner package. Worth every penny!!! At at Swamp Fox 1st night, my food was awesome, my husband got a chicken salad 🥗, it was bland, boring & not good! So we ordered room service breakfast the next two days... was able to to use the $150 in vouchers over 3 days & 4 meals!
We did have a couple paranormal
We did have a couple paranormal
Graham D.
Nov 21, 2021
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We absolutely loved this stop for lunch. Convenient to just about everything and we enjoyed the view of the park outside. The server, Sylvie was delightfully friendly. I've never had a touch of honey in my mashed potatoes or fried okra, but let me tell you.... It was a hit. A definite must have when in the area.
Jill H.
Oct 10, 2021
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Remember the Seinfeld episode about the car reservation? You take the reservation, you keep the reservation?? This place is a joke. I understand that Covid has impeded many establishments, and I always have kindness in my heart. But this place, and the restaurant manager, who was just downright rude are on a different level. Don't even bother in my opinion.
Victoria L.
Sep 25, 2021
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Les H.
Sep 21, 2021
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We have had fine breakfasts and lunch at the Swamp Fox. The breakfast Avocado Toast topped with eggs (I had mine scrambled) and my husband's French Toast with warm syrup and a copious portion of bacon were outstanding. The Eggs Benedict and granola/fruit/yogurt were also delicious. The she crab soup is to die for.
The service was outstanding. Sylvie, who was our server twice in one day, was a pleasure. She was outstanding: pleasant, friendly and prompt. She made sure that we were enjoying our meals, and she kept our water glasses full. The young woman who seated us (I think her name started
The service was outstanding. Sylvie, who was our server twice in one day, was a pleasure. She was outstanding: pleasant, friendly and prompt. She made sure that we were enjoying our meals, and she kept our water glasses full. The young woman who seated us (I think her name started
Kylie C.
Sep 02, 2021
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SHRIMP & GRITS.... do not miss this restaurant. Usually hotel restaurants have a stale menu, but Swamp Fox takes Charleston classics and brings them to life.
We had shrimp & grits, shrimp tacos, tomato salad, French toast, She Crab soup and ankle breakers. All so delicious! And the staff is incredible friendly. Great service for breakfast and chill lounge-y vibe at night. Don't miss this spot.
We had shrimp & grits, shrimp tacos, tomato salad, French toast, She Crab soup and ankle breakers. All so delicious! And the staff is incredible friendly. Great service for breakfast and chill lounge-y vibe at night. Don't miss this spot.
Miriam C.
Jul 09, 2021
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This is a refreshingly wonderful restaurant tucked next to a big hotel. There is a lot of history in the hotel and the restaurant, and our bartender did a wonderful job of sharing the history and how it connected to the drink names, food etc...
The she crab soup was the best I has in Charleston!! It was so so good! I wish I could go back!
Being from Florida, I've had better shrimp n grits, but they were still good.
Drinks were fine.
Only reason I'm taking a star is sometimes the staff would go back in the kitchen for Long periods of time, but I get it, it was slow.
The she crab soup was the best I has in Charleston!! It was so so good! I wish I could go back!
Being from Florida, I've had better shrimp n grits, but they were still good.
Drinks were fine.
Only reason I'm taking a star is sometimes the staff would go back in the kitchen for Long periods of time, but I get it, it was slow.
S. J.
Jul 06, 2021
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We ate here on 4th of July. The pickled okra was so good! We ordered drinks from the bar and ended up eating in the bar/lounge. The bartender was super friendly and made a huge effort to provide great service despite the fact he was super busy and on his own behind the bar. We had two truffle burgers. They were huge and very very good. We could have easily split one. They have several items on the menu that we will be back to try on our next trip to Charleston.
Elle C.
Jul 06, 2021
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Maggie H.
Jun 30, 2021
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Stopped here, our hotel's restaurant, for our last meal of our trip. The fried green tomatoes were so good! I tried a bite of my friend's baked mac and cheese and it was pretty good too. Mt cheddar jalapeno grits were the best grits experience I had in Charleston (#3... But I am a vegetarian who didn't partake in the shrimp and grits thing).
Our waters were refilled often.
Best thing is that big band music plays in the hotel and restaurant!
Our waters were refilled often.
Best thing is that big band music plays in the hotel and restaurant!
Madison C.
Mar 13, 2021
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My boyfriend and I dined here for his birthday, and we had a wonderful time! The staff is so friendly and professional. Our waiter was so helpful in informing us about the menu. Their Crab Cakes were hands-down the best I've ever had! They had so much flavor, and they were done perfectly! My boyfriend got the Filet Mignon and said it was incredible. It was the perfect quiet, romantic date-night restaurant to celebrate his birthday. We look forward to returning!
Jennifer B.
Mar 07, 2021
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Swamp Fox in the Francis Marion
Totally underrated restaurant. In our 5 days of staying in Charleston, we had A lOT of food. Some great some mediocre.
We started our tasting with a cup of She Crab soup. This is honestly the first time tasting Sh Crab Soup, so I may seem biased, but this was a definite winner with a hint of sweetness from the Sherry. Very outstanding.
My husband and I shared the crab cakes with the Brussels and squash. The crab cakes are not better but meatier than those in New Orleans. Not a lot more to the ingredients other than crabmeat and seasoning and a light sear.
We
Totally underrated restaurant. In our 5 days of staying in Charleston, we had A lOT of food. Some great some mediocre.
We started our tasting with a cup of She Crab soup. This is honestly the first time tasting Sh Crab Soup, so I may seem biased, but this was a definite winner with a hint of sweetness from the Sherry. Very outstanding.
My husband and I shared the crab cakes with the Brussels and squash. The crab cakes are not better but meatier than those in New Orleans. Not a lot more to the ingredients other than crabmeat and seasoning and a light sear.
We
Emily B.
Sep 05, 2020
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Ceciel R.
Jul 05, 2020
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I was staying at the Francis Marion Hotel for a business trip. I went downstairs to the hotel restaurant which happens to be this one.
I was expecting the restaurant to be very empty as most hotel restaurants are. But it was actually very full. They are right missing all appropriate COVID-19 precautions. I ordered the shrimp and grits appetizer portion, which was actually a pretty nice size. Enough to fill me up.
The service was good. The food was good. The only disappointing thing is that they were out of Diet Coke. They served me a regular coke instead. When I let them know, they said they
I was expecting the restaurant to be very empty as most hotel restaurants are. But it was actually very full. They are right missing all appropriate COVID-19 precautions. I ordered the shrimp and grits appetizer portion, which was actually a pretty nice size. Enough to fill me up.
The service was good. The food was good. The only disappointing thing is that they were out of Diet Coke. They served me a regular coke instead. When I let them know, they said they
