What was an open pit and construction site for much of my time in Charleston finally opened on January 27, 2019. The Hotel Bennett claims it was a project 20 years in the making. The project first broke ground on March 2015.
This luxurious retreat is nestled in the heart of Charleston’s historic old town. Here, Southern elegance meets Southern hospitality. And modern amenities, impeccable service, and great location combine to create the perfect getaway. Read on to explore everything this extraordinary hotel has to offer. From its elegant accommodations to its world-class dining experiences, you’re sure to be impressed.
Table of Contents
Quick hits:
- Overnight guests enjoy amenities including: Club Lounge access, dog-friendly features, event spaces.
- Enjoy European cuisine and incredible rooftop views in a culinary paradise.
- Take advantage of exclusive offers & packages for an unforgettable stay close to attractions!
Discover Hotel Bennett Charleston
In the Charleston historic district, Hotel Bennett offers a delightful blend of luxury and charm. Combining elegant accommodations with:
- Exclusive Club Lounge access
- Dog-friendly amenities
- Around-the-clock room service
- And custom-designed event space for business or family occasions
Step outside the hotel to find downtown Charleston’s most popular attractions. Top spots within walking distance include:
- Charleston City Market
- Upper King Design District
- Marion Square
- And TD Arena
Prime Location
Hotel Bennett Charleston provides guests easy access to some of the city’s most beloved attractions. Just a stone’s throw away, you’ll find Charleston Music Hall, Marion Square, and the College of Charleston. Charleston City Market is only an 18-minute stroll away.
The Charleston International Airport is just 11 miles or 18 kilometers away, so your your arrival and departure will be a breeze. With valet parking available for USD 42 per night, you can easily navigate the city and surrounding areas by car.
Elegant Accommodations
Hotel Bennett Charleston boasts elegant accommodations, including double queen and king guestrooms. You’ll also find refined living spaces and terraces in the suites. The tastefully designed rooms and suites offer a comfortable haven for guests to unwind after a day of exploring the charming city.
Attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the hotel’s accommodations. Thoughtfully selected amenities include the high-quality linens. You’ll find everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable visit.
Exceptional Guest Room Amenities
At Hotel Bennett Charleston, guests enjoy a wide array of exceptional amenities designed to enhance their stay.
As befits a modern luxury hotel, you’ll find the standard guest room amenities:
- Free wifi
- Flat screen TV
- Air conditioning
- Adjoining rooms that can connect
- A desk
- An iron and ironing board
- A laptop workspace
- LED lighting
- A phone
- A safe
- Housekeeping service
- Free toiletries
Some of the higher-end features you’ll discover in some guest rooms include:
- Separate sitting areas
- Free daily newspapers
Aside from dog-friendly offerings such as:
- In-room dog beds
- Food mats
- And water bowls
The hotel provides around-the-clock room service and custom-designed event space.
With so many thoughtful amenities at your fingertips, you’ll feel right at home during your stay at Hotel Bennett Charleston.
Background of Hotel Bennett
Following 47 months of construction Marion Square, this luxury hotel aims to combine old and new.
Although a modern built, architects designed the hotel to appear as an 18th century build. They drew design inspiration from many of Charleston’s historic homes.
The Hotel Bennett occupies the former site of the city library. To honor that past, the hotel:
- Has 386 bookcases in their rooms
- 13,805 books, with a different book collection in each room
Portions of the former library’s exterior are still on the property. The gray-pink marble bar and tabletops in Camellias have a certain patina, for the above reason.
Culinary Delights at Hotel Bennett Charleston
Hotel Bennett Charleston is a gastronomic delight. Three onsite restaurants each offer European cuisine. Two of the highlights are a patisserie and rooftop dining with stunning city views.
Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic dinner or a lively night out with friends, you’ll find the perfect culinary experience at:
- Gabrielle
- La Pâtisserie
- Or Fiat Lux
Gabrielle
Indulge in a fusion of Southern and European cuisine in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere at Gabrielle. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends, Gabrielle is sure to impress with its innovative menu and exceptional service.
The hotel’s signature restaurant offers a variety of dishes. The menu ranges from classic Southern favorites to modern European creations. The menu is constantly evolving, with the chef adding new dishes regularly, using only fresh ingredients.
Especially popular is the she crab soup, but your amazing server is sure to have great restaurant recommendations.
La Pâtisserie
Got a sweet tooth?
La Pâtisserie offers a mouthwatering selection of pastries and desserts.
Be on the lookout for: Lemon Meringue Tart, Chocolate Duchess, Royal, Ruby, Opera, Coconut Lime Cake, and Mixed Berry Tart.
Treat yourself to a delicious delight in this charming patisserie, where every bite is a celebration of flavor.
Fiat Lux
Fiat Lux, the hotel’s rooftop bar, offers a modern and stylish atmosphere with an outdoor patio for al fresco dining. The menu features an expansive spirit selection for its a range of:
- Specialty cocktails
- Infused vodkas
- Gins
And has plenty of locally-brewed beers on its list.
Unwind with a drink in hand while taking in the breathtaking city views from the rooftop bar. Or start your Saturday night in the Holy City here.
Relax and Rejuvenate at The Spa at Hotel Bennett
The Spa at Hotel Bennett offers guests a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. Spa services on offer include body scrubs, sports massages, and aromatherapy treatments. After a soothing spa session, you can further unwind with:
- A coffee at La Pâtisserie
- A relaxed stroll through Marion Square
- Or a visit to the nearby South Carolina Aquarium
A meet and greet with sea life is as relaxing as a fish tank, just much larger.
Even more property amenities at Hotel Bennett Charleston
As befits any luxury hotel, even one in city center, Hotel Bennett has way more on offer than just a bed, a bar, and a restaurant.
Rooftop Pool
The rooftop pool at this hotel is the most luxurious in Charleston. If you want to relax in the sun or cool off, imagine yourself with a chilled bottle of crisp rosé and some freshly prepared bites. It’s no surprise that xotel Bennett’s rooftop pool is the envy of the neighborhood. Private cabanas with daybeds and TVs are available for rent. And because it is a heated pool, it is a great place to visit all year.
The six private cabanas are only available to hotel guests and must be reserved in advance.
Fitness Center
Your wellness journey does not have to come to a halt while staying at Hotel Bennett. The fitness center is open 24/7 on the second floor. It has the most up-to-date equipment, including treadmills, two Peloton bikes, an elliptical, and free weights for lifting. If you prefer outdoor cardio, ask the front desk staff for running maps (2.5 mi and 4.26 mi routes) to help navigate the streets of Charleston.
Yoga mats are available for use in-room to help you stay centered while traveling. Simply request a mat for your room before check in or during your stay by contacting the front desk.
The concierge desk is also happy to recommend and connect you to local studios for group fitness classes.
King’s Club
The hotel’s King’s Club is a private retreat with top-notch personalized service.
This exclusive oasis enhances your stay at the Hotel Bennett. Reserve King’s Club level access to be treated as royalty throughout your stay. Take advantage of:
- A private terrace with stunning views of King Street
- All-day access to expertly prepared food and beverages
- And a dedicated concierge to create itineraries for Charleston’s most unique experiences
And when you book a massage or facial at the Hotel Bennet’s spa, you will receive a complimentary upgrade.
Exclusive Amenities
Open Daily, 7 am – 9 pm, the Club Room costs:
- $175 per room, per night for two guests over weekdays (Sunday – Thursday)
- $225 per room, per night for two guests on weekends (Friday and Saturday)
Upon arrival at the hotel, guests enjoying the King’s Club amenities receive:
- A personal escort to the 80-seat lounge
- Champagne waiting (or a non-alcoholic beverage, if you prefer)
- An amenity welcoming you to Charleston
During your stay, you’ll also enjoy:
- A personalized itinerary for your stay
- Private lounge with a veranda overlooking King Street
- Open bar with a fine selection of wine, liqueur, beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages, served by a dedicated staff
- Continuous culinary offerings throughout the day, including a breakfast menu, lunch, cocktails, and more
- Private concierge
Exclusive Offers and Packages
Hotel Bennett Charleston commits itself to providing guests a truly memorable experience. They offer exclusive offers and packages to enhance your stay.
One of the more unique hotel packages is the Firefly package. It includes a day at the Firefly Distillery and other unique perks.
And keep an eye on the Hotel Bennett Facebook page for giveaways.
Accessibility Features
Hotel Bennett Charleston offers a range of accessibility features for all guests. Wheelchair-accessible parking is available for guests with mobility challenges.
Hypoallergenic and premium bedding options cater to guests with allergies or sensitivities. The hotel also provides a variety of bathroom amenities for added convenience.
Guest Reviews and Ratings
Since its opening, Hotel Bennett Charleston has received resounding praise from its guests. Guests have been particularly impressed with the hotel’s:
- Cleanliness
- Staff and service
- Amenities
- And property conditions and facilities
Awards and affiliations from prestigious organizations include:
- The 2020 Condé Nast Traveler Hot List
- And membership in Preferred Hotels & Resorts
With such glowing reviews and accolades, it’s no wonder Hotel Bennett Charleston is one of the top luxury hotels in Charleston.
Charleston Activities Close to Hotel Bennett
Hotel Bennett Charleston is as an ideal base for exploring the many charms of the city.
The list of attractions nearby is lengthy. Anything close to Marion Square is within easy reach for Hotel Bennett guests. Schedule a walking tour to get everything in faster.
Shopping on King Street
Nearby shopping options include boutique stores, art galleries, and more on King Street. You can also walk down to the city’s biggest tourist trap: the Historic Charleston City Market.
And don’t forget about the weekly farmers market that happens each Sunday in Marion Square. Don’t miss the largest farmers market in North America during your weekend visit.
Charleston Parks
The hotel is also near several parks, such as:
- White Point Garden
- Waterfront Park
- Marion Square, the city’s former parade ground
Museums in Charleston, SC
Hotel Bennett is walking distance from the Museum Mile on Meeting Street. The Charleston Museum is a great place to start your tour of Charleston museums.
Things to do at night in Charleston
If you’re not too tired at the end of a day touring Charleston, there’s plenty to with your evenings. And all within an easy walk, so need to worry about getting a cab.
For entertainment, check out local theaters, performing arts centers, and even comedy clubs.
And if you just want a nightcap elsewhere in town, all the best bars in Charleston line King Street.
Further away from Hotel Bennett Charleston
To further explore the South Carolina Lowcountry, consider excursions to:
- Fort Sumter, site of the first Civil War battle and a relaxing boat ride away
- Mount Pleasant
- A trip to the nearby Charleston beaches
- Johns Island, a personal favorite
- Catch sight of the Morris Island Lighthouse from Folly Beach
No matter how you choose to spend your time, Hotel Bennett Charleston serves as the perfect base for relaxation and adventure.
More Charleston Historic District Hotels to Choose From
While the Hotel Bennett is the latest addition, there are plenty more Charleston historic district hotels. And they’re all vying to host you.
Some more luxury hotel rooms to check out before making your initial reservation include:
- The Dewberry Charleston, also facing Marion Square
- Wentworth Mansion, for a historic spa getaway
- The Spectator, with butler service as a standard amenity
- The Planters Inn, one of the oldest hotels in Charleston
Each of these hotels provides luxurious accommodations, modern amenities, and convenient locations. So wherever you go, you’ll have a delightful stay in our charming city.
Be sure to read our full guide to the best areas and places to stay in Charleston, SC.
