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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Hotels close to Dock Street Theater with a pool

Pool

P13,432 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 17 - Nov 18

Pool

P8,879 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 25 - Nov 26

Pool

P10,010 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 1 - Dec 2

Pool

P10,933 total

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Nov 23 - Nov 24

Pool

P10,329 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 24 - Nov 25

Pool

Pool

P15,480 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 23 - Nov 24

Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, sun loungers

Pool

P8,639 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 30 - Dec 1

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Top guest rated hotels close to Dock Street Theater

Microwave, coffee/tea maker, highchair, blender

P14,179 total

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Dec 2 - Dec 3

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Top Dock Street Theater Hotel Reviews

The Loutrel

10/10 Excellent

"Breakfast and amenities were amazing! "

Andrew Pinckney Inn

10/10 Excellent

"We loved our room - spacious and very cozy and comfortable king bed. Towels were plush and they replaced towels/made our bed daily - lovely touch. Breakfast was delicious- hot options different every day and the dining area was pretty. Front desk staff excellent and valet Michael was kind and helpful. Excellent experience "

Hotels near other Dock Street Theater attractions

Pink House Gallery

You can browse the exhibits at Pink House Gallery, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Charleston. Add the area's shops or churches to your travel plans.

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Old Slave Mart Museum

You can browse the exhibits at Old Slave Mart Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Charleston. Discover the area's stunning cathedral, or seek out its local tours.

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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 307 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, Planters Inn is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveler data, and this hotel offers a restaurant and a bar. Other good choices close by include Emeline and The Vendue.

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

Expedia has 307 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.

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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French Quarter Inn

The Loutrel

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Luxurious Private Suites in Downtown Charleston

The Vendue

Emeline

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Hotels close to Dock Street Theater with a pool

The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina

Top guest rated hotels close to Dock Street Theater

French Quarter Inn

Top Dock Street Theater Hotel Reviews

The Loutrel

Hotels near other Dock Street Theater attractions

Pink House Gallery

Old Slave Mart Museum

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