The Holy City earned yet another top spot in Travel + Leisure’s annual World’s Best awards. This year, however, was a little different.
For the first time in 13 years, Charleston dropped out of the travel magazine’s No. 1 spot, falling not one, but two spaces to third. Travel + Leisure readers voted Santa Fe as the top city in the U.S. this year, with New Orleans coming in second. Kiawah Island (#7 Best U.S. Island) and multiple resorts and hotels in the Lowcountry gained recognition in various categories. too.
“We are honored that the readers of such a highly respected publication continue to recognize the Charleston area’s uniqueness, character and charm,” said Explore Charleston President and CEO Helen Hill. “Our iconic destination is renowned for delivering meaningful experiences and genuine hospitality thanks to the tens of thousands of extraordinary hospitality industry employees.”
Travel + Leisure has long lauded Charleston’s historic downtown streets, waterfront views and live oaks draped in Spanish moss.
“After 12 straight years at the top of the list, this coastal escape has moved into the third spot,” this year’s award listing reads. “Still, there’s much to adore about the Holy City, which is brimming with history and Southern hospitality.”
Other accolades earned, retained
In addition to Charleston being voted a top three U.S. city, several Lowcountry destinations were also voted into top spots in various categories.
The Wentwork Mansion, John Rutledge House Inn, Market Pavilion Hotel, The Loutrel and The Spectator Hotel all garnered five of the top 15 spots in Best City Hotels in the U.S.
The Dunlin, a resort along the Kiawah River, debuted on the top 15 Resorts in the continental U.S., and Kiawah Island remains a favorite destination, retaining a spot on the top 15 Best Islands in the Continental U.S.
Travel + Leisure readers voted the following properties as the 15 Best Hotels in Charleston for 2025 (listed alphabetically):
- The Charleston Place
- The Dewberry
- Emeline
- French Quarter Inn
- Grand Bohemian Charleston
- HarbourView Inn
- Hotel Bennett
- John Rutledge House Inn
- The Loutrel
- Market Pavilion Hotel
- Mills House Hotel Charleston
- Planters Inn
- The Spectator Hotel
- The Vendue
- Wentworth Mansion
Complete results of the 2025 World’s Best Awards Survey are featured online at travelandleisure.com and in the August issue of the magazine.
Help keep the City Paper free.
No paywalls.
No subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.