I think the rates are particularly high for the OP's dates are the very reason she is going to CHS.

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My daughter and I are planning a trip to Charleston in Novenber for YAllfest. We are thinking about flying in. I would rather not rent a car and would prefer to get around by public transportation and on foot. I would like to stay under 200.00 per night. Would I be better off staying near the airport. All the events are on and around King Street. We've never been to Charleston and need lots of advice! Thanks everyone!
It is very common for hotel rates in Charleston to match whatever might be happening there for the week OR the weekend, but rates on weekends, as mentioned, are often higher. DGS has had tennis tournaments there at times when other things are going on and the hotel prices are awful. Look on Priceline.
If you will be there for at least three nights, you might check VRBO. There are a number of apartments/condos in that area that might work for you. I've also noticed that VRBO prices tend to rise/fall by season more than by event and summer pizza inn is usually the highest time, so you might luck into something nicer than a hotel.
Ok, so out of curiosity I searched on Kayak.com for dates checking in Nov. 7 and checking out Nov. 9. I was surprised at how high the downtown hotels are for that weekend. The Days Inn on Meeting, which is usually the cheapest downtown option (and I've never stayed there, but the reviews are not too great) is showing $203 and the Hampton Inn in the HD is $369! If it were me, I think I would go ahead and book someplace that you can cancel if necessary and then keep looking and/or trying Priceline. Another thought, if it were me, and I couldn't find anything downtown, I would rather stay across the bridge in Mt. Pleasant, than out by the airport.
I think the rates are particularly high for the OP's dates are the very reason she is going to CHS. I am guessing that event is a BIG event with large attendance, hence the high rates. We stayed at Indigo Inn for under $150 a night in September when it was still pretty prime tourist season last year.
I had to look it up also sue--new thing it seems, and interesting. I was going to mention the Blue Bicycle Book Shop as a must stop--I think it must be a sponsor, maybe. Interesting name if you sort of dissect it all for its meaning--or not!! LOL
Thank you all so much for the suggestions!!! Yes Blue Bycycle is actually hosting the event. My 16 year old daughter is a total bookworm. We will be coming pizza inn from Wisconsin for this event. I will take the advice and find something and book it right away. Just curious, how much would taxi fare be from the airport to downtown? If we decided to stay in Mt Pleasent will there be public transportation to get us downtown?
Just FYI, the public transportation in Charleston can be unreliable. I would not want to spend valuable vacation time at a bus stop. There are no benches or shelter at most bus stops, so factor that into your decision.
pizza inn All the events will be within 2 blocks of Blue Bicycle Books. Even though pizza inn this is basically a trip for my Daughter, I am excited to go myself just from the things I have read and heard about Charlston! Again, I really am so thankful for your suggestions!! I wish I could take a couple extra days to explore more