Hotel Bennett is located in the heart of Downtown Charleston, and if you want to explore the city properly and take in all it has to offer, it’s your best bet for a centrally located hotel. My family lives in South Carolina, so I’ve been to this incredible destination more times than I can count (in fact, you should check out my packing list for Charleston if you have a trip planned soon). Charleston feels like a second home to me, but even so, my experience was upgraded when the Explore Charleston team hooked me up with a full stay and spa experience at Hotel Bennett right before Thanksgiving.
The holiday joy extended from the lit-up streets to the festively decorated lobby, which is just steps away from the best dining, nightlife, and shopping you’ll find here. Hotel Bennett’s own offerings are just as exciting, however.
Inside, you can book afternoon tea at Camellias, a champagne lounge that’s been dubbed Charleston’s “most Instagrammable restaurant,” where the mirrored ceiling, crystal chandelier, and rose pink decor makes for quite the backdrop. Guests can also enjoy specialty cocktails and panoramic views at Fiat Lux, grab a seasonal-flavored latte and pastry by French chef Rémy Fünfrock from the famous La Pâtisserie bakery, book a private cabana at the rooftop pool that’s heated year-round, or melt into one of the spa’s signature treatments. (More on that later.)
Here’s everything travelers should know about the esteemed Hotel Bennett.
About Hotel Bennett
- Opened in 2019, Hotel Bennett is located on the corner of Charleston’s historic Marion Square on King Street.
- The hotel is roughly a 20-minute drive from Charleston International Airport.
- It spans 12,000 square feet and has 179 rooms, with eight ADA accessible guest rooms.
- The average nightly rate depends on the type of room and time of year, but can fall anywhere from $407 for a Superior Room to $691 for a Premier Room.
- The spa, open to visitors beyond hotel guests, offers a signature treatment menu including facials, massages, wraps, manicures, and pedicures.
- There’s a heated rooftop pool, four restaurants, and in-room dining offered until 10:00 p.m.
- It houses a total of 386 bookcases — some situated alongside the beds in guest rooms — which is a nod to the former city library that once occupied the site.
What I Like About Hotel Bennett
I had several moments relaxation during my stay at Hotel Bennett, the first of which happened upon entering my guest room. I found myself in awe of the room’s 215-pound soaking tub that sits like a sculptural work of art upon the marble bathroom floor, in addition to thoughtful touches like the decadent dark chocolate squares left on the pillows by the housekeeping team during turndown service.
The Explore Charleston team also left by my bedside a slice of La Pâtisserie’s Camellias’ Cake, a cheesecake mousse with strawberry and lemon marmalade. The dessert is meant to have the feminine flourishes of Camellias champagne bar, which is located in the lobby to the left of the reception desk. It might’ve been past midnight when I finally arrived after traveling, but rest assured I enjoyed every last bite before using the remote control panel above the nightstand to trigger the blackout curtains and drift off to sleep.
Another highlight? The service is unparalleled at Hotel Bennett. Whether I had a question about room service, laundry and dry cleaning (which I took advantage of at $10 per garment), or housekeeping, the staff was equipped with answers just a quick phone call away.
The level of service extended to the restaurants (I enjoyed the signature Bryan Cranston cocktail, baby romaine caesar calad with grilled chicken, and truffle deviled eggs the next day at Gabrielle), as well as the spa.
If you enjoy massages and your priority is relaxation, I highly recommend the Calming Antara Treatment, which involves a dry brushing exfoliation followed by a CBD “cocoon” wrap and culminates in a full body massage for either 90 or 120 minutes. The therapists are credentialed professionals who explain every wellness benefit in great detail, and the receptionists walk you through the state of the art private changing suites as if they’re presenting an exhibit at a museum. No detail is spared.
Being that I’m an athlete who prefers to keep up with my fitness regimen and work out while on vacation, I was delighted to discover such a clean gym with two treadmills, strength equipment, Peloton bikes, free weights, and even a mini refrigerator with cold towels and water bottles at the entrance. There’s also a large dispenser with an infusion chamber that houses lemons and limes for guests who prefer flavored water. The fitness room is conveniently located right next to the spa on the second floor, so I was able to sneak in a quick run before my Antara Treatment on Saturday morning.
What to Consider Before Booking Hotel Bennett
The most significant factor to consider before booking at Hotel Bennett is the price. You’re paying for luxury (and you’ll certainly get what you paid for!), but nightly charges do vary depending on the time of year you’re visiting, so keep that in mind when settling on your itinerary.
Because there are several renowned restaurants located in Hotel Bennett, you will find that the lobby is often bustling with folks who may not be staying overnight, but have reservations or spa appointments.
The hotel is also equipped with a ballroom for weddings and an onsite meeting venue, so know that there may be events scheduled during your time there. For example, I stayed over the course of a weekend, and Camellias was briefly closed on Friday afternoon for a private bridal party group. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, or boutique-like accommodations that are perhaps more removed from the action, take this into consideration.
What Hotel Bennett Is Best For
Hotel Bennett is best for travelers who crave a luxury atmosphere and prefer to have onsite access to a variety of dining experiences, along with amenities that promote wellness and relaxation like a spa, rooftop pool, and fitness center.
While it’s great for guests traveling solo, Hotel Bennett is also family friendly, with holiday decorations and even an activity or two set up in the lobby or ballroom during festive seasons.
Is Hotel Bennett Worth the Trip?
If you’re willing to pay the price, Hotel Bennett is absolutely worth the trip — especially if you’re celebrating a special event, anniversary, or just planning to visit some of the popular tourist spots near King Street.
Rating
★★★★★
Sarah Wasilak (she/her) is the associate director of Shopping at PS. With plenty of experience in the commerce market, a keen interest in SEO, and 10 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing across the lifestyle and health-and-fitness categories. She has bylines at PS, InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit and aims to amplify minority voices in all her work.