Best Western Charleston Inn

I used to love staying at Best Western Charleston Inn. For eight years, my girlfriend and I had great visits, always in a first-floor poolside room. The grounds were meticulously kept, and the people working there bent over backwards for guests. It felt like a home away from home, especially thanks to the extended family who ran it. After ownership changed a year or so ago, I hoped things would stay as good as before. Calling to book got me transferred to the 800 reservations number, so I hung up. In the past, I’d been told to call the hotel directly after corporate had messed up one of my reservations. I came in instead and asked for a first-floor room with a pool view. I was told none were available and offered a room at the far back, facing a halfway house and woods, where I’ve never felt safe at night. I turned it down, then booked the exact room I wanted on the Best Western website. When I went back and said I had a reservation, I was again told they couldn’t help me. The website showed many rooms available. I pointed that out, and suddenly the exact room I’d booked appeared. I’m grateful I got the room, but I’m afraid to risk another stay. It’s sad to think I may not go back.

This is our usual hotel when we come to Charleston, with an awesome location and an easy drive to the historic downtown. Sammy on the night desk was especially kind and friendly, and knew the area well. He was so helpful. Breakfast was absolutely perfect, too. The young woman attending the kitchen kept everything fresh, clean, and tidy, with a great layout. Thanks to the Best Western staff. We can’t wait to come back, and you won’t be disappointed staying here!

My daughter-in-law was in MUSC after her brain shunt broke, and my son and I were there with her. The first night, we didn’t leave the hospital until 3 a.m. and ended up at a terrible hotel. I told my son we weren’t staying there again. I booked Best Western the next morning. We checked out twice, thinking we were going home, but ended up staying longer, and both times we booked with Best Western again. I love Best Western, and now my son does too.

Our room had a number of broken things. It smelled, too, and was hard to air out because the balconies had been closed off and the sliding door replaced with glass. Those wall air conditioners don’t bring in outside air unless they’re a special, expensive type. I appreciated that they hadn’t covered the smell with lots of perfumed deodorizer, since I’m allergic to that. There was also a dead bird on the balcony platform when we arrived. It may have hit the window after the maid had finished, so who knows, but you’d think someone would report it otherwise. The motel-style rooms had been redone and looked good, at least. At check-in, the front desk woman seemed in a bad mood and didn’t want to make small talk, just get through her script and move me along. The woman at checkout two days later was pleasant, kind, and courteous. We won’t return.