Kings Courtyard Inn is a historic boutique inn at 198 King Street, set in an 1853 Greek Revival building and a pair of neighbouring structures arranged around a lush courtyard. The inn is smaller and quieter than the big hotels nearby, with period details such as high ceilings, wooden floors and tall windows, and rooms furnished in an antique style with canopy beds in many categories. The courtyard is the heart of the property, planted with palms and flowers and lit by gas lamps in the evening, and it makes a peaceful place for breakfast or a drink. The inn offers a complimentary breakfast and an afternoon wine reception, along with attentive service. The location is hard to fault for sightseeing: King Street's antique shops and restaurants are at the door, the City Market and the Old Exchange are a pleasant walk to the south, and Marion Square is a few blocks north. It suits couples and travellers who like authentic historic character.
The experience is traditional in the best sense. Guests are greeted warmly, the rooms are individually decorated, and the atmosphere is of a private house rather than a hotel. The courtyard, shaded by a mix of plants, offers a retreat from the busy street and a place to relax between outings. Some rooms open onto the courtyard, while others overlook King Street or have balconies, so choose according to whether you prefer quiet or the street's atmosphere.
The inn is old, which brings charm and a few quirks. Rooms differ in size, layouts can be quirky, and some bathrooms are compact, so read the descriptions carefully and ask about accessibility, since stairs are common. Soundproofing varies, and rooms facing King Street may hear traffic and evening activity. The inn does not have a pool or a spa, and the focus is on atmosphere, service and location rather than amenities.
Practical notes
The inn is within walking distance of most of the central sights, including the Gibbes Museum, the Old Exchange and the harbor. Parking is limited and usually involves a fee, so check arrangements before you arrive. Spring and autumn are the busiest times, and the inn's size means that rooms sell out early, so book well ahead.
The inn is a good option for visitors who want a historic stay at a moderate price, a calmer base than the larger hotels, and the experience of waking up in a restored nineteenth-century building in the middle of the old city.
Why stay here
- ✓1853 historic building
- ✓Gas-lit courtyard
- ✓Complimentary breakfast
- ✓Afternoon wine reception
- ✓Canopy beds in many rooms
- ✓Walk to the City Market
- ✓Antique shops on King Street
- ✓Concierge service
Good questions
When was Kings Courtyard Inn built?+
The main building dates from 1853 and is a Greek Revival structure on King Street.
Is breakfast included?+
The inn is known for offering a complimentary breakfast; confirm the current inclusions when you reserve.
Is it quiet?+
The courtyard rooms are quietest, while rooms facing King Street can hear traffic and evening activity.
