The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel North Charleston isn’t downtown, but I chose to stay there for some good reasons. The hotel is easy to get to from the airport. Plus, it’s in a part of town that is up and coming. It’s close to unusual attractions, such as Cypress Park, isn’t swarmed by tourists, and has some great restaurants.
I was attending a conference downtown and switched to a different hotel later. But in the meantime, I was excited to see this lesser-traveled part of the city.
When I sidled up to the reception desk upon arrival, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel North Charleston stayed true to its welcoming brand. The clerk sized up my somewhat bedraggled appearance and smiled.
“Would you like a warm chocolate chip cookie?”
I nodded and almost hugged her. It was just what the doctor ordered after a day of flying surrounded by colicky babies.
Rooms at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel North Charleston
My room had a Queen bed, a nice big window, and a comfy chair to relax in.
Plus, there was free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, and a work desk and chair. Along with the coffee/tea maker, I was happy to see a mini-fridge. I usually buy a little milk to put in my coffee in the morning, and I like to keep it fresh.
The hotel has 146 rooms, many with two Queen beds. In addition, there are accessibility rooms that cater to hearing-impaired guests and those with mobility issues.
Dining, Drinking, and Refreshments
In the morning, I headed to the breakfast room off the lobby. The set fee included a full breakfast with eggs, bacon, toast, fruit, and coffee. It was a good spot to fuel up for a day of sightseeing.
Later, I noticed the hotel’s main gathering spot was Indigo Lounge.
Serving beer, wine, and cocktails, it had a lively bar, sports screens, and a snack menu. Lunch and dinner were also available there.
I enjoyed a cocktail there one night and was pleased to chat with a few folks who had come in for a relative’s wedding.
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Since I was out and about most of the time, I didn’t get a chance to try the food.
Fitness at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel North Charleston
I always like to suss out a hotel’s gym, and the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel North Charleston had one that was open 24/7.
It was small, but early in the morning, I had it to myself.
Fitted with treadmills, stationary bikes, an elliptical machine, free weights, and a Peloton bike, it did the trick for my workout.
Plus, there was no one there.
Pool Time Outdoors for Peace and Quiet
At the back of the hotel was a delightful outdoor pool.
I guess my timing was right, because I had it all to myself when I decided to go for a dip. Surrounded by lush greenery, it was a great place to relax, read, and listen to the birds.
Weddings, Meetings, and Events
The hotel offers three meeting rooms that hold around 35 people. For larger events and weddings, there’s the Wilson Ballroom with a capacity of 120. I was told that AV equipment and catering are available. You can get cost estimates online or by phone.
Culinary Treats Near DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel North Charleston
North Charleston is home to entrepreneurs, restaurateurs, and artisans who find the vibe easy and the lifestyle affordable. I enjoyed going to Park Circle, one of the first planned garden communities in the U.S. It’s the home of local pride events and boasts a mix of local shops, restaurants, and the upbeat Commonhouse Aleworks.
Another great place I discovered for a frostie was Holy City Brewing, which had an oyster bar and an outer dock area where people go crabbing. For stiffer drinks, there is Firefly Distillery, famous for its Sweet Tea Vodka, whiskey tastings, and outdoor concerts.
Fun restaurants in the area are King BBQ, with a Top Chef contestant at the helm. Jack Rabbit Filly is the place to go for creative Asian-American dishes, and Barnyard Chicken for casual comfort food.
Enjoy Nature and Cookware Shopping
I love a swamp tour, and Cypress Gardens offers guided boat tours through black water to see gators, herons, and turtles. I was thrilled to find out it was the setting for the movie The Notebook. You can walk the park’s trails, and they even offer special night tours.
On John’s Island, a 25-minute drive south of Charleston, I was thrilled to find the Angel Oak.
Angel Oak is between 400 and 500 years old, though some lore places it closer to 1,500. It is one of the oldest living structures east of the Mississippi River, soaring 65 feet tall with a trunk circumference of 28 feet. Its massive, sprawling branches—with the longest reaching 187 feet—create a majestic canopy that shades 17,200 square feet of ground.
Who doesn’t like a little retail shopping while they are away? Well, my husband. But I love it. An unusual shop stop was Smithey Ironware Company, located in the old naval dockyard. Founded in 2015, the blacksmithing company is known for its high-end, handcrafted, and polished cast-iron cookware. These pieces will last you a lifetime. I was told they make great wedding gifts.
North Charleston Area’s History and Industry
North Charleston is part of a historic region founded in 1670. The whole region boomed until the Civil War. Then it went into decline. Recently, though, it has come back with tourism and industry.
Close to the hotel, I noticed the Boeing plant, an aerospace manufacturing hub. Surveying the yard, I noticed several internationally branded planes and even a massive cargo aircraft called a Dreamlifter.
North Charleston is where the locals live. It’s creative, diverse, and community-driven. Staying there for a couple of days, I could see that food, craft culture, nature, and industry are woven together. Visitors are very welcome, and there’s plenty to do and see.
Rates at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel North Charleston
Starting at $200 per night
Check rates for DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel North Charleston online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
Hotel featured by Toronto-based travel writer Maureen Littlejohn. Photos © Maureen Littlejohn. Explore Charleston hosted her stay as she researched a larger piece. As always, her thoughts and opinions remain her own.
