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Named for General Francis Marion, the “Swamp Fox” of the American Revolution, the hotel opened in 1924 as the largest and grandest in the Carolinas. It was originally built by local investors at a cost of $1.5 million from plans by noted New York architect W.L. Stoddard, who also built the gracious Poinsett Hotel in Greenville, SC. Throughout the years, many notable historic and famous clientele enjoyed the hotel’s full service and convenient location. In 1996, an extensive restoration earned the hotel the esteemed National Trust Award and once again the Francis Marion opened its doors as Charleston’s Grand Hotel. More recent refurbishments have added to the comforts of today and enhanced the hotel’s historic ambiance with sleek room décor reminiscent of the 1920’s grandeur.
Today, our traditional services continue to provide doorman and bell service, concierge, valet parking, room service, wireless Internet services, business center, newsstand, gift shop, Starbucks™ and a well-equipped fitness center. Guests can enjoy classic Southern cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner in The Swamp Fox Restaurant & Bar, a Charleston restaurant, known for its artfully prepared dishes using local farm fresh ingredients. Or simply relax with cocktails and jazz piano music in The Swamp Fox Bar. The hotel also offers complete spa services at the on-site Spa Adagio.
Few hotels in the Historic District offer visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in Charleston’s past and present with such convenience. Our exceptional location provides guests with an easy walk to an array of shops, restaurants, antiques and attractions, including the South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston Harbor Tours, College of Charleston and the Charleston Visitor Center.
A simple stroll across the street to Marion Square, a six-acre park notable for its Revolutionary War and Citadel beginnings, will immerse you in today’s exciting outdoor festivals and premiere events. Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, BB+T Charleston Wine + Food Festival, Fashion Week and Spoleto Festival USA are a few of the many prominent events with national and world-wide attendance.
Restaurants abound in the King Street area with choices from world-class restaurants to trendy bistros, bars and nightlife such as Fish, Virginia’s, Basil and Hall’s Chophouse. Upper King Street is also known for its Design District Shopping, a perfect location for home décor and accessories. Head the opposite direction on King Street for excellent shopping on mid and lower King Street, including Croghan’s Jewel Box, Bob Ellis shoes and M. Dumas & Sons and dozens more.
The Francis Marion Hotel has been at the center of Charleston’s social, business and community life for over 85 years. A full array of business services is available for conferences and meetings. Host an elegant wedding in Charleston, S.C., in one of our ballrooms or a business meeting in one of our conference rooms. A beautiful Charleston Hotel, the Francis Marion provides a sophisticated and flexible meeting and conference facility with up-to-date audio visual equipment, lighting and high speed wired and wireless Internet access in elegant historic function rooms with 24-foot decorative ceilings and crystal chandeliers. Most importantly, you can rely on our professional staff in the conference services department to arrange every detail required to ensure the success of your event.
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