Camellias at Hotel Bennett
404 King Street • Charleston, SC 29403
843-990-5460 • hotelbennett.com
Named as the “most Instagrammable restaurant in South Carolina” by the Food Network, it is safe to say that Camellias at Hotel Bennett is extraordinarily pretty. One step into the jewelry box–esque space transports guests to visions of a bubblegum-pink wonderland where tea and Champagne are endlessly flowing. The picture-perfect atmosphere is inspired by the renowned Fabergé jewelry from France—depicting the glistening stones with its etched-mirror ceiling, breathtaking crystal chandelier, and plethora of pink and marble accents. It’s a brilliantly curated environment to take in with a teacup in hand.
After 20 years in the making and 47 months to build, Hotel Bennett (and Camellias) opened in January 2019. The high-end hotel, wonderfully placed in the center of Charleston, anchors well-known King Street. It boasts mostly yellow sunny walls and beautiful green shutters, and its recognizable name is gilded to perfection. The building pays homage to the former city library, which once occupied this site. The hotel houses 386 bookcases in the rooms, holding a staggering 13,805 volumes, with different sets of books in each well-appointed room. Camellias also pays tribute to the history of the property, borrowing some of the marble from the previous library.
A visit to Camellias is bound to create memories to last a lifetime. Once seated in the plush pastel chairs that are gathered around petite marble tables, as a nod to the old drawing rooms of yore where teatime found its way, guests may find themselves yearning to quench their thirst. Whether choosing to imbibe in a celebratory glass of bubbly from an extensive and intriguing list, or diving straight into a cup of Camellia sinensis, or perhaps preferring to indulge in both, it’s hard to go wrong with the selections available at this esteemed establishment. The teas are procured from Tea Leaves, an eco-friendly company based in Vancouver, Canada. The “Pink Tea,” of course, is the most popular among the offerings, for it is a berry-forward infusion that happens to be caffeine-free. Another favorite is the house blend, which boasts fragrant floral notes paired with tropical fruits.
After selecting your beverage(s), it is officially time for afternoon tea to commence. For $65 for adults, $42 for children under 12, and $78 for The Crown Tea, which includes a glass of sparkling rosé, guests are afforded a superb opportunity to pause the hustle and bustle of life and be rewarded with a much-needed escape from the woes of a busy day in the city. The tea service comprises a choice of a pot of tea, assorted chilled canapés, inventive tea sandwiches, tender scones served with clotted cream and jam, and various pastries from La Pâtisserie. The items on the menu rotate seasonally based on availability, keeping customers coming back time and time again throughout the year. To elevate your teatime to the next level beyond the three requisite courses, consider ordering local oysters, truffle fries, and an oh-so indulgent caviar service.
Whether you’re a tea afficionado looking for a stunning place in which to take tea in Charleston, yearning for an ultra-feminine relaxing day with your favorite gal pals, or searching for the ideal spot to treat someone for a birthday or anniversary, there is absolutely no need to look any further than the exquisite offerings at Camellias at Hotel Bennett. It will exceed your expectations and then some.
Camellias’ afternoon-tea service is open Fridays and Saturdays for two-hour seatings at 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. On Sundays, the service additionally includes a seating at 4:30 p.m. Reservations are required.
Really enjoyed learning about the Charleston Tea Garden’s unique place in American tea history. The blend of tradition, innovation, and Southern charm makes it a must-visit!