Advice for Senior Citizens

Pardon this long post, we are planning to travel via Amtrak to Charleston and Savannah and have some questions.

1. Suggestions on where to stay in Historic District for under $200 per night?

2. What is the weather like the latter part of March? When do the Azaleas bloom?

3. Is a car rental ncecessary to see the must see attractions and sites in Charleston?

4. What mode of transportation is available from the Amtrak station to downtown?

5. Is 5 days to much/too little time to see the sites of Charleston?

Thanks for your help

Advice for Senior Citizens

Late March is one of the best times to visit Charleston as the summer heat has not yet arrived! Here%26#39;s some quick answers to your questions...

1. Suggestions on where to stay in Historic District for under $200 per night?

If you’re looking for hotel chains, The Mills House (www.millshouse.com) is a Holiday Inn property but you’d never know it…the daily fee for parking is $12. The King Charles Inn (www.kingcharlesinn.com) is a Best Western hotel. Both are in the heart of the historic district.

For B%26amp;B’s and Inns, I’d recommend the following:

Elliott House Inn - www.elliotthouseinn.com

Andrew Pinckney Inn - www.andrewpinckneyinn.com

Market Street Inn - www.marketinn.com

2. What is the weather like the latter part of March? When do the Azaleas bloom?

Typically late March is very nice...mid 60%26#39;s though we could have rain. The azaleas and other flowers should be in bloom by late March.

3. Is a car rental necessary to see the must see attractions and sites in Charleston?

If you just stay in the historic district, a car is not necessary. However, if you want to go out to the plantations (Magnolia Plantation has the beautiful bridge surrounded by flowers), you will need a car. However, most hotels can arrange for tours via the tour companies to the plantations. I personally would rent a car (if possible) so you can tour the plantations on your own schedule.

4. What mode of transportation is available from the Amtrak station to downtown?

The Amtrak station is actually in North Charleston so you will need to take a taxi to downtown as I personally do not recommend the city bus service. You could also take a taxi over to the Thrifty car rental on W. Montague Street if you decide to rent a car.

5. Is 5 days to much/too little time to see the sites of Charleston?

5 days is a good amount of time to get a taste of Charleston…just enough to make you want to come back for more. Here’s the link to my trip report on 5 days in Charleston when some friends visited for the first time: tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g54171-i105-k34364…

Enjoy your visit!!

Advice for Senior Citizens

Excellent advice, TravelGirl, as always.

I%26#39;d like to make one comment. 885, when you arrive at the Amtrak station in North Charleston, please do not be alarmed. It is safe, but not in a good neighborhood. Just get a taxi and head to your hotel, or to the Thrifty place as TG suggested. Overall, Charleston is a safe area so don%26#39;t be worried. Just be smart.

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