Celebrating 100 Years of Historic Charm and Modern Luxury
On February 7, 2024, the Francis Marion Hotel, a beacon of Charleston’s rich history and Southern charm, celebrated a monumental milestone: its 100th anniversary. Named after the Revolutionary War hero General Francis Marion, the hotel has stood as a proud landmark in downtown Charleston since its grand opening in 1924, embodying the spirit of the Roaring Twenties and the Charleston Renaissance.
Constructed from the visionary plans of New York architect William Lee Stoddard, the Francis Marion was the largest and most grandiose hotel in the Carolinas at the time, rising majestically above the city’s historic church steeples. Its opening coincided with a vibrant period of artistic and cultural revival in Charleston, making it the center of the city’s social and cultural events for nearly a century.
The hotel’s significance extends beyond its architectural grandeur and historical importance. In 1996, it underwent an extensive multi-million dollar restoration that was honored with the esteemed National Trust for Historic Preservation award. This meticulous renovation not only revived the hotel’s 1920s elegance and grace but also infused it with modern comforts and conveniences, ensuring guests experience both the charm of yesteryears and the luxury of today.
With 235 guestrooms, 19,000 square feet of meeting space, and stunning ballrooms, the Francis Marion has hosted countless weddings, conferences, and galas, continuing its legacy as a prime location for Charleston’s most prestigious events. Its strategic location at the corner of King and Calhoun streets places guests within walking distance of the city’s finest restaurants, shops, gardens, and antebellum homes.
The hotel’s in-house restaurant, The Swamp Fox, pays homage to General Marion’s nickname, offering classic Lowcountry cuisine and seafood-inspired dishes, including their award-winning shrimp & grits. Additional amenities such as The Spa of Charleston, a Starbucks, and a fitness center, contribute to the hotel’s appeal as a destination that marries historical elegance with contemporary luxury.
As the Francis Marion Hotel steps into its next century, it remains a testament to Charleston’s enduring allure, its capacity to preserve its history while evolving to meet the modern traveler’s needs. Celebrating this 100-year milestone, the hotel honors the exceptional hospitality of its staff and the loyalty of guests from around the world, grateful for the opportunity to continue being part of Charleston’s vibrant history.
