The Palmetto Hotel
By Emma Waugh, CBPR Account Executive
No matter how many years we’ve lived in Charleston, we never get tired of playing tourists in our own city. Our recent meetup at The Palmetto Hotel, which just opened on East Bay Street in March, made us feel like we were on a mini-staycation.
The lobby immediately grabbed our attention with its stunning gold and crystal chandelier, custom made in the shape of a palmetto tree. The whole space was so fun to explore, as every nook and cranny had some sort of whimsical detail or unique piece of art to look at. And how fun is this: there are table games like backgammon and playing cards placed throughout the lobby for guests to enjoy.
When we arrived, we were each greeted with a welcome cocktail called Mind The Gap, The Palmetto’s version of a Pimm’s Cup, which hotel guests all receive upon check-in. We also tasted several of the Lobby Bar’s cocktail offerings; favorites included The Reveler (espresso, amaro, cacao and shaved chocolate), Lowcountry Sunrise (rum, passionfruit liqueur and falernum) and Wisteria Fizz (Nippitaty Aurora Gin, maraschino and cava).
Mind the Gap, @girleatseverything
Lowcountry Sunrise, @girleatseverything
Wisteria Fizz, @nicole.rosania
The Reveler, @theallisonedition
To pair with our drinks, we also sampled the hotel’s Provisions menu, including charcuterie boards, spiced pecans and pimento cheese spreads that were perfect for sharing.
The highlight of the evening was getting to tour The Palmetto’s gorgeous guest rooms, including the luxurious Penthouse Suite and terrace. Watching the sun set over the Charleston skyline while toasting our delicious cocktails was definitely a bucket list experience for our crew!
During the meetup we heard from our Q2 nonprofit partner We Are Family, and learned more about the incredible work they do to support LGBTQI+ and ally youth in Charleston through providing affirming spaces, leadership development and community engagement. The Palmetto is donating $1 from each margarita-inspired cocktail “The Bay,” sold through May 20 to We Are Family.
194 East Bay Street
