An All-Access Bookstore Vacation in Charleston, West Virginia | Apartment in South Charleston

Ever thought of having your own bookstore? Here's your chance to live that dream! Plot Twist Books is a charming independent bookshop just minutes from West Virginia's capital city. With our attached studio apartment, you can explore the bookshop 24/7 while learning a bit about the bookselling business. This rental is designed for people who want to go “behind the shelves” at a true independent bookstore. Guests receive a used book credit, a discount on new books, and an "Honorary Staff Pick" choice -- we'll add your chosen book to our staff pick display with a blurb from you about why it's your favorite.
West Virginia’s first-ever residential bookshop experience, The Bookshop Bungalow at Plot Twist Books offers visitors a private space attached to the store. You’ll have your own studio apartment, with a private entrance connected to the bookstore. The space features a queen-size bed, and amenities such as a coffee maker, mini-fridge, seating area, writing desk, personally controlled heating/air conditioning, ceiling fan and TV (basic cable plus a Roku so you can log into your streaming platforms). There’s also private, off-street parking, as well as plenty of street parking right in front of the shop, and a washer/dryer in the basement if needed.
Important Things to Note:
- Steps are required to enter the bungalow and the bookstore.
- While there is a full, private, newly remodeled bathroom that is exclusive to rental guests, it is accessed through the sales floor of the shop, not within the apartment space itself. We encourage guests to use the shower/tub outside of operating hours if possible. (See below. We aren't early birds or night owls with our hours!) There is a half-bath as well that does not require going through the store for access.
- While the neighborhood is generally quiet after hours, be aware that you are part of an operating business, so there will be some light noise during business hours. Our overflow inventory storage area, for instance, is next to the apartment. It has its own separate entrance, though, so no employees will be accessing the apartment at any time during your stay. You just might hear them gathering or sorting books during business hours.
Plot Twist Books opened in the spring of 2023 in what was formerly a two-bedroom/one and a half-bath house. The Bookshop Bungalow is a connected add-on to the original home (the space to the right in the exterior photo). We’ve converted the original living room, dining room and bedrooms into the bookstore, using the kitchen as our staff breakroom and designating the full bath for Bungalow guests. We’re a small shop, carrying a blend of new books, used books and bookish gifts. Our stock usually runs between 3,000 and 4,000 titles. A general interest shop, our new inventory features the latest best-sellers, local authors and other favorites, while our used inventory includes fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, sci-fi/fantasy, poetry, regional works and more. We host book signings and the occasional event, like book club meetings.
Hours of Operation:
The store is open daily: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Holiday hours might vary. We occasionally host evening book club meetings and other special events. Guests can explore the shop at any time during their stay, even after hours. Any purchases made must be handled during business hours by a bookstore staff member.
As for your time experiencing the store, think of it as hanging out with booksellers behind the scenes. If you're interested, we'll tell you about running the business, ordering inventory, ringing up customers, stocking shelves, sorting donations and any of the other bookselling tasks you want to learn about. You can also check out our overstock area to see all the books we've yet to shelve. Ultimately, though, how you spend your time with us is up to you. You are not required to spend your time in the shop during your stay, but this rental is designed specifically for people looking for elements of an immersive experience. (If you’re looking for more traditional lodging, check out the other rentals and hotels in the neighborhood.) You’ll simply be around at your own times of interest to interact with our booksellers in any way you’d like. You’ll also enjoy a 20% discount during your stay, plus a credit on used book purchases -- $25 for a one-night stay, $50 for multiple night stays.
When requesting to book your stay, please reach out to us with the details of your trip and a little about yourself. Since this experience gives you behind-the-scenes access to our business, we prefer to learn a little about you and your goals for your time with us. How immersive are you wanting your bookstore experience to be? What are you hoping to learn? And if you book with enough advance notice, we would love to stock your favorite book as an honorary Staff Pick, so let us know what it is! (Staff Picks are subject to approval and availability.)
When booking, you will be provided an entry code prior to your arrival. If arriving during business hours, you are welcome to check in with an employee for a tour of the shop and the space. Street parking is available in front of the shop, while off-street parking is located behind the building.
Bookshop employees are available for any questions or needs during store hours. Owners are a text or phone call away after hours.

An All-Access Bookstore Vacation in Charleston, West Virginia is located in South Charleston. An All-Access Bookstore Vacation in Charleston, West Virginia provides accommodation, featuring Security/Safety, Bedding/Linens, Wellness Facilities, among other amenities. This Apartment features Security/Safety, Bedding/Linens, Wellness Facilities, to make your stay a comfortable one.

An All-Access Bookstore Vacation in Charleston, West Virginia has 1 Bedroom , 2 Bathrooms, and max occupancy of 1 person. The minimum rental for this property is 1 nights, but this can change depending on the season you plan on staying. Previous guests have given good rated it, and VRBO labeled it a top-rated Apartment because of the excellent services rendered by the owner or manager of this Apartment, and has consistently provided great experiences for their guests. Most families or guests that use it recommend it to their friends and some of them are repeat guests. Apartment has a friendly neighborhood, and the South Charleston has interesting places to visit. If you want to learn more about the Apartment in South Charleston, such as places to visit and things to do nearby, you can check below to learn more.