Two South Carolina Hotel Bars Named America’s Best

Sometimes hotel bars can get a bad name. And yeah the sketchy bar at the chain hotel in the middle of nowhere, might deserve less than stellar praise. But there are some fantastic hotel bars out there as well. And two of the best, are in the Palmetto State. According to a recent USA Today 10 Best list two South Carolina hotel bars are the best of the best. You probably won't be shocked to learn that both of these hotel bars are located in the southern historic paradise of Charleston, SC.

Coming in at number 10 on the list is Camellias at Hotel Bennett on King Street. Camellias is a champagne bar (yes please!), inspired by the famed Fabergé jewels. The interior is full of pink and the drink menu features a wide selection of bubbles. A food menu includes items such as caviar, charcuterie, local seafood, and homemade desserts by La Pâtisserie. You can also take part in afternoon tea.

And number 7 is The Bar at The Spectator Hotel. The Bar is a 1920's themed speakeasy described as "Jazz Age meets warm Southern charm". You'll often find live music to enjoy while sipping craft cocktails and snacking on delicious bar bites. You may also enjoy fine wines and local craft brews. View the menu here.

I often say that while I have been to Charleston numerous times, I've never had the chance to do Charleston the way I want to as an adult. And both of these Charleston South Carolina hotel bars certainly would fit in my dream Charleston itinerary.

USA Today's 10 rankings are voted on in a variety of categories monthly. Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. From there 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Then USA Today readers can vote once per category, per day. And the top 10 become the "10 best". View the full list here.

We know there is a lot to love in South Carolina. The state is full of some fantastic places to live and visit whether you are looking for small-town living or city-dreaming. We report a lot about the fantastic small towns our state is home to. But now it's time for some of our best cities to shine. And shine is just what they are doing. Southern Living Magazine recently released its 2023 The South's Best Cities list and two South Carolina cities were featured. The list is voted on by the publication's readers, and I have to say they did a good job selecting. The number one and two best southern cities are two of my all-time favorites (one is in SC) that epitomize southern hospitality.

When it comes to North Carolina, Asheville ranked the highest, and even higher than some big-time cities! Not bad for a North Carolina mountain town.  Keep reading to see which of the North and South Carolina cities were named as some of the best southern cities. You'll also find the top 10. Read more about them and how this list was curated on Southern Living's website. We know how wonderful the Palmetto State is, but hearing it confirmed by experts never gets old!

Greenville has had quite a revival of late and has positioned itself as a destination city in South Carolina. From festivals to the bustling downtown, parks, trails, and more after a visit you'll be saying what the locals say "Yeah, that Greenville". 

I'd be shocked if Charleston didn't top this list. The city received (deservedly so) accolade after accolade and is a popular vacation destination for people all over the country. The gorgeous scenery, historic downtown, world-class restaurants, bars, and more make it what it is.  And in my, completely biased opinion, is there a better example of a quintessential southern city? I think not.

Coming in at number 12 on the list is Raleigh. Our state's capital city is home to a number of wonderful restaurants, museums, festivals, and of course, the North Carolina State Fair which happens every October. It's also home to the Carolina Hurricanes hockey team, and several universities.

Back to back are Charlotte and Raleigh the two largest cities in the state. And while I don't buy into the "rivalry" between the two cities this time Charlotte one-upped Raleigh. An ever-growing city Charlotte is home to breweries, renowned restaurants and shopping, Carowinds, and the US National White Water Center. And for the sports lovers, there is the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Football Club, Charlotte Knights, and NASCAR is a short drive north in Concord.

All the way at number 3 is the mountain paradise of Asheville, NC. It eclipses destinations such as New Orleans, Nashville, and Austin Texas. Which are heavy hitters. But Asheville's beauty and culture can't go unrecognized. Whether it's the incredible culinary scene, attractions like Biltmore and the Grove Park Inn, hiking, or the arts culture there is something for everyone to love in Asheville. Visit in October during leaf season? You're in for an even bigger treat!