Review: Hotel Bennett, Charleston, South Carolina
The Hotel Bennet stands tall and mighty over Marion Square. Its large footprint, soaring arched entryways, and white exterior are striking, giving the property the appearance of a majestic European palace.
Grand. Classic. Regal. Elegant. These are the adjectives that came to mind upon entering Hotel Bennet’s marble hall. Every few steps, a helpful staff member would bow slightly and offer assistance and guidance for checking in and carrying baggage. I felt transported to Buckingham Palace visiting the Queen and the palace’s attendants were specifically there to cater to my needs.
I also felt small as I stepped from the circular foyer into the expansive lobby. A sign on one of the marble pillars asked gentlemen to please remove their hats before entering. Artwork interpreting local scenery and history graced the walls and a player piano nearby set the mood for arriving guests. Bright, ornate lighting fixtures contrasted with dark wood ceilings, and together with the sparkling floors and marble pillars continued the classictone. Plush leather armchairs invited guests to fetch a drink at the lobby bar and relax.
When I arrived at the front desk, I was greeted warmly by the reception staff. Check-in formalities were brief and soon I was on an elevator to my fifth floor room.
THE ROOM
My Superior King room had bright walls and brighter lighting and, like the lobby, called on a variety of materials – marble, leather, glass, dark wood – to create an environment exuding magnificence and splendor. The tiled entryway connected to the bathroom, and ahead a carpeted area sectioned off the bedroom. One of the walls of the bathroom was replaced with sliding mirrored doors that opened onto the bedroom.
In the bedroom, the king bed was flanked by two large nightstands, each with several drawers and a reading light. Across the room from the bed, a chest of drawers provided additional storage and a Keurig hot beverage appliance. Beneath the window, a loveseat and kitty-cornered chair provided a pleasant retreat to relax and read, perhaps from one of the local literary works available on the built-in bookshelf.