The real draw of our bed and breakfast inns is that they allow you to temporarily assume native status with a prime Charleston address. For a fixed price, you enjoy elegant lodging, breakfast and a string of extras ranging from cocktails to turndown service, which usually means that your host folds back your bed linens and leaves delicious chocolates and a nightcap at your bedside.

There is some confusion over what constitutes a bed and breakfast in the strictest sense, and much of the discussion centers on the size of the operation and the amount of contact with the host family. It's even possible to find a small bed and breakfast establishment where personal contact with the owner never happens at all. Some operate as entities in houses that are not private homes, and some are rental arrangements in the primary residences of homeowners. The former operate as freestanding business establishments, while the latter are businesses operating in the midst of family routine. Each type appeals to certain travelers and not to others. We offer separate listings here for the larger properties that offer similar amenities (following the bed and breakfast inns listings). We call them atmospheric inns.

Both small bed and breakfast establishments and larger atmospheric inns are becoming more popular with business travelers. The requirements for doing business on the road are relatively simple; a private phone line for fax and computer e-mail, a little desk space plus some peace and quiet usually fill the bill. If business entertaining is involved, you may want to clear that with your host to avoid any embarrassment.

Decide which type of accommodations you prefer, and call ahead for detailed information. While you have a contact person on the phone, ask a few questions to narrow your search. Make certain you understand what the host or hostess is offering. Ask if the guest quarters are in the owners' home and if there will be interaction with the family. Ask if the accommodation has a private entrance. Does it have kitchen facilities? What about a private telephone line, local calls and long-distance charges? What about parking; is it on-site and convenient or offered at a discount from a nearby garage? Is security for valuables provided? Ask what constitutes breakfast, and clear any special dietary needs. Find out about the inn's proximity to sightseeing and public transportation. Is concierge service part of the package? Be sure to ask if there are any curfews and if guests are issued keys.

If handling luggage is an issue, mention it to your potential host. Most bed and breakfast inns don't have staff available for handling your baggage unless special arrangements are made. Discuss wheelchair accessibility and whether children or pets are welcome and find out what time you check in and check out. These details may seem picky, but they can color the experience and make a real difference to your stay. It's always best to know these things ahead of time to avoid unpleasant surprises.

If you would rather have someone else screen the possibilities, consider calling Historic Charleston Bed & Breakfast, (843) 722-6606 or (800) 743-3583, a local business that has been matching guests with in-home accommodations since 1981. The reservation service books more than 50 different private homes and carriage houses within the Historic District. With few exceptions, these accommodations date from 1860 or earlier. Agents for Historic Charleston Bed & Breakfast know each property intimately: They know which ones are appropriate for children and which are not; they know which ones are accessible to the handicapped and elderly and which are not, and they can arrange for late arrivals and special transportation. Historic Charleston B&B also sends out excellent pre-arrival materials including maps and shopping and dining recommendations.

Accommodations booked through Historic Charleston Bed & Breakfast can range from $105 to $195 for two adults in a one-bedroom setting; an average of $350 for a two-bedroom accommodation, and as high as $500 to $600 for luxury three-bedroom offerings during high season. Rates can be slightly higher for special events and peak weekends, such as Cooper River Bridge Run, Spoleto Festival USA and New Year's.

Sometimes finding the right guesthouse or bed and breakfast inn to suit your needs and desires can be the start of a long-term relationship. Many proprietors and hosts entertain the same guests year after year, and properties are sometimes booked months in advance.

When choosing a bed and breakfast or an atmospheric inn, realize prices vary based on season, location, amenities and various other factors. Properties in the Historic District obviously are the pricey option, but the payoff may be greater than you think. Being able to walk to major sites, stroll along The Battery and sleep in an antique canopy bed makes for a wonderfully traditional Charlestonian experience. It may warrant the price tag for many visitors.

Because bed and breakfasts and atmospheric inns are frequently in historic homes with architectural barriers, accessibility for the handicapped is rare. If that's a matter of concern, ask in advance. As for smoking, most of these properties are thumbs down, but there's usually a veranda, piazza or nearby courtyard where you can light up.

When contacting these establishments, be sure to ask which forms of payment are accepted. Credit card policies vary, and some inns will take personal checks. We note in our listings those accommodations that do not accept credit cards, but if you want to rest more easily, it's worth a call to the property. When traveling with children, be sure to ask about roll-away beds and children's rates. Also, if there's a pet in your party, you will want to ask the inn personnel if pets are allowed.

Also note that an additional 4 percent accommodations tax is added to your bill for lodgings in smaller accommodations. At larger bed and breakfasts and guest houses (with six rooms or more), your total tax (including state sales tax) will be 12 percent.

Many inns in Charleston offer some of the same personalized touches that make the bed and breakfasts special, but on a larger scale. Most, but not all, operate in modernized facilities either renovated or built specifically for lodging. You can usually expect a great deal of charm along with complimentary continental breakfast, afternoon wine or sherry, and evening turndown service. What distinguishes one from another is location, authenticity of decor, trendy amenities and management style. Prices per night vary with the seasons, and our price guides reflect the same coding ranges and caveats used for the bed and breakfasts. Again, all addresses are in Charleston.

Atmospheric Inns

Many inns in Charleston offer some of the same personalized touches that make the bed and breakfasts special, but on a larger scale. Most, but not all, operate in modernized facilities either renovated or built specifically for lodging. You can usually expect a great deal of charm along with complimentary continental breakfast, afternoon wine or sherry, and evening turndown service. What distinguishes one from another is location, authenticity of decor, trendy amenities and management style. Prices per night vary with the seasons, and our price guides reflect the same coding ranges and caveats used for the bed and breakfasts. Again, all addresses are in Charleston.

Off-season rates are, of course, lower. March through July and October through December are usually considered peak season.