Institute Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Popular places to visit
Mardi Gras Casino
Why not roll the dice with a visit to Mardi Gras Casino during your travels in Cross Lanes? Wander the area's riverfront or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
West Virginia State Capitol Building
Take a guided tour around West Virginia’s seat of government and marvel at its dazzling dome, which is covered in 23.5-karat gold.
University of Charleston
Take a campus tour or just explore the area of University of Charleston during your travels in Charleston. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its casinos.
Charleston Town Center
You can do some window-shopping at Charleston Town Center during your trip to Charleston. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its casinos.
Haddad Riverfront Park
Haddad Riverfront Park is just one of the places to see in Charleston, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in this walkable area, find time to visit its casinos.
West Virginia State Museum
Familiarize yourself with the story of West Virginia at this nicely laid-out museum, which covers such diverse topics as coal and the Civil War.
Activities
Astonishing Scavenger Hunt: West Virginia’s Cultural Crown!
Our pick of the best Institute Hotel Deals
Embassy Suites Charleston
The room was clean, the flooring and trim was worn and dated. The elevators were not all working and there was a MONSOON of children and their parents that were completely out of control and too loud and disturbing to other guests. The staff was great and apologetic. After 1 am things finally quieted ...
Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026
Holiday Inn Express Charleston-Civic Center by IHG
on 2/19/26 at 5:30 ish I showed a picture of the closet door and told the front desk man that the closet door was broken and there was no hairdryer. He wrote itdown on a pink post it note.
Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026
Charleston Marriott Town Center
This wasn't my favorite hotel. The room was EXTREMELY HOT. Even after setting the temperature to cool and putting it all the way down, it was still 74° the entire time. We even had an employee tell us it would be better to turn it off all together and leave the balcony door cracked. It did cool down ...
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Mardi Gras Casino & Resort
The hotel and casino were very clean.
Reviewed on 26 Feb 2026
Hampton Inn Charleston-Southridge
Well when I first got there parking lot was full there a wrestling tournament going on in town that weekend the lady stated that she would put me on a floor with less kids withkidskidsdidn’alltnighslamming
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Wyndham Garden Cross Lanes Charleston
Room was clean, and staff was nice.
Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Institute
Jefferson
While there might not be top attractions in Jefferson, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mardi Gras Casino and Dunbar Village Shopping Center.
Tyler Mountain
When in Tyler Mountain, you can plan a visit to North Charleston Recreation Center and Patrick Street Plaza Shopping Center, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Ruthdale
Shopping and restaurants are notable features of Ruthdale. You might consider stopping by Southridge Center while you're exploring the neighbourhood.
West Side
If you're spending some time in West Side, Patrick Street Plaza Shopping Center and Ruffner Memorial Park are top sights worth seeing.
South Hills
While visiting South Hills, you might make a stop by sights like Wallace Hartman Nature Preserve and Cox-Morton House.
Grosscup Road Historic District
If you're spending time in Grosscup Road Historic District, you might enjoy its casinos and river views. If you've got time to venture a little farther, you can make a stop by Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences or Charleston Town Center.
