Hotel Bennett: Magnificent Southern Charm in the Heart of Charleston

Image: Hotel Bennett, Charleston, South Carolina. (Courtesy of Hotel Bennett) (Courtesy Preferred Hotels & Resorts)
Image: Hotel Bennett, Charleston, South Carolina. (Courtesy of Hotel Bennett) (Courtesy Preferred Hotels & Resorts)
Lauren Bowman
by Lauren Bowman
Last updated: 8:00 PM ET, Thu March 14, 2019

Hotel Bennett exudes Southern grandeur-tastefully decorated at every turn without ever feeling crowded.

As soon as you step through the main doors, away from the hustle and bustle of King Street, a sense of serenity overtakes you as you make your way to the main lobby. A murmur of friendly banter can be heard over the grand piano by those having a good time at one of the hotel's lounges. Finally, the tenseness of travel begins to ease. You have arrived.

Southern charm draped in luxury is the best way to describe this place. At every turn you'll find beautiful chandeliers, sophisticated details and ample amenities to make your stay the best it can possibly be. Even the elevators are artfully designed.

Located next to Marion Square, Hotel Bennett offers a premier location for anyone wanting to stay in the Holy City. The square itself hosts an array of festivals and events like the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in June, Charleston Food + Wine Festival, which just recently took place, and the seasonal Charleston's Farmer's Market.

Plus, the hotel is just a short walk to everything the city has to offer including College of Charleston, shopping, restaurants, the historic Charleston City Market and Rainbow Row. But with so many of its own amenities, you may find yourself wanting to linger at the hotel.

Recently opened, just this past January, the hotel boasts 179 rooms and suites, a rooftop pool with cabanas, a rooftop bar with indoor/outdoor seating, the Pink Room-named Camellia's Bar-on the main floor, French patisserie, third-floor terrace, a Grand Ballroom and over 12,000 square feet of meeting and event spaces. It's easy to see this being the 'it' venue for weddings and retreats in Charleston. And with its first-class cuisine, it's no wonder people are already flocking to the site.

Gabrielle, the hotel's signature restaurant, delivers its own twist on southern coastal cuisine.

Executive Chef Michael Sichel does a beautiful job with his variety of oysters as well as the duck and andouille gumbo. But after building his resume in New Orleans, this should come as no surprise. The signature duck a l'orange is a popular dish-and for good reason. The steaks are cooked to perfection and the presentations are artfully prepared. With each dish being utterly scrumptious, don't be surprised if your dinner companions don't want to share.

If you're wanting to stay on the lighter side, try Fiat Lux. Located on the rooftop, the lounge provides sweeping views of the city and a Mediterranean-inspired menu. Need a refreshing beverage after soaking in the rays by the rooftop pool? Fiat Lux is the ideal reprieve with its extensive list of curated cocktails and celebrated Spiked Snowballs, perfect for those hot, summer afternoons.

Try Hotel Bennett's La Patisserie if you need to satisfy a sweet tooth or caffeine addiction. It's easy to get your fill here as their assortment of delicious pastries will make deciding difficult. But, they all pair well with a nice cup of cappuccino. And, the ambiance of the quaint café may just have you making mental notes for your next home remodel.

Most popular may just be the champagne bar-Camellias. Also known as the Pink Bar due to its motif in varying shades of pink. Elements of design for the room came from the intricacies of Fabergé jewel boxes. The salon hosts an afternoon tea with all the traditional crudités, an assortment of caviar, Southern-inspired cocktails and an extensive list of champagnes. This trendy hotspot is a must for anyone in the area.

With a selection of delectable venues like these, guests may just find themselves spending each meal at the hotel. But if you do find yourself venturing out into the heart of Charleston and need help deciding on where to eat, check out these community dining options recommended by Hotel Bennett.

The sky's the limit when it comes to lavishness. Guests even have the option of booking an 'exclusive experience' by selecting rooms with Club Lounge access. This experience allows guests the VIP treatment during their stay with "customized itineraries, a dedicated concierge, Club Lounge access with stunning terrace views of King Street and the Chef de cuisine's food and beverage presentations throughout the day and evening," according to Hotel Bennett's website.

The hotel spa is the perfect retreat for all traditional offerings and treatments including manicures, massages and skin care treatments. There's also a fitness center for anyone wanting to work off some of the delicious food.

After walking through the main lobby, it should come as no surprise that the guest rooms are just as luxurious, embolizing Southern hospitality and charm.

The bathroom alone, with its herringbone tile floors, separate showers and pedestal tub of course, paired with its own chandelier, welcomes travelers to their own wellness sanctuary. The mini bar is even equipped with local favorites like saltwater taffy and pralines-just in case you forget souvenirs on your way out.

Dogs are even welcome at Hotel Bennett. Just be sure to check out their Pet Policy when booking.

Hotel Bennett makes a strong case as being the place to stay in Charleston and lives up to the hype after its long-awaited and highly anticipated opening. But don't take my word for it, stay here yourself and live in the lap of luxury on your next Charleston getaway.

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