La Pâtisserie — Local services in Charleston

La Pâtisserie is an outlet of the Hotel Bennet, at least judging from the Hotel Bennet name on my coffee cup, a 5 star hotel in downtown Charleston. In my opinion, La Pâtisserie is an embarrassing example of just how far 'southern hospitality' has strayed.

To be clear, my desert was delicious and coffee adequate. My transaction was satisfied with perfectly average expectations. I gave them money, they gave me product and I consumed said product.

Where the experience fell short is where my expectations of service was walking in to Charleston's only five star hotel.

There was no line by the desert case. As a matter of fact, for almost all of my selection time I was the only customer in the order line. I was never greeted or asked if I had any questions. I was never educated as to what makes their deserts unique or shown house specialities. And once I had made my selection and moved to the register, I was forced to politely wait while I watched the group behind the counter finish their conversation. Only after they had finished their gossip session was I coldly asked what I wanted.

Again, to be clear, the product was perfectly acceptable. And had this been a Starbucks the experience would have been as forgettable as any other economic exchange. But this property is supposed to be five stars.

This trip to Charleston I was staying at the hostile style Moxy by Marriott downtown the street where I received personalized service from the front desk, bar, and even housekeeping that exceeded this coffee shop of a five star property.

For the vain among us who parade their logo clad bags, the allure of the ambiance will be enough to satisfy their ignorant ambitions. However, for world travelers who value quality and pride, La Pâtisserie falls woefully short.

The good news is, I hear a Four Seasons may be in...

La Patisserie was a beautiful respite on a weekday off! We walked by the airy, open display on the street and returned to try some sweets shortly afterwards - literally backtracking to go in.

AMBIANCE: La Patisserie is on the ground floor of Hotel Bennett but is open to the public. The place is beautiful and feels like a breezy upscale place, white marble counters, glass cases of pastries, lovely lighting and wood/wicker chairs.

SERVICE: Everyone was friendly, helpful, and made us feel super welcome.

FOOD/DRINK: We chose a lemon meringue tart and a berry tart to go with our coffees (oat milk and other alternative milks available which is great for the lactose intolerant!) and sat ourselves down. The drinks came in to-go cups which is convenient, and the desserts with their own dishes and heavy forks which we could leave at the table once done.

The desserts were beautiful. Each tart beautifully tender and the presentation is lovely; the meringue is lightly browned and the berry tart's raspberries were each turned upwards, their little indents filled with red jam. Enticing and gorgeous. There were tiny cake slices and macarons and croissants and other treats galore we could choose from as well.

There was a corner where you could pour from pastel pitchers of milks (alternatives as well) and get napkins / other utensils if you wished.

Bathrooms were roomy and elegant.

A wonderful place to enjoy a coffee and sweet treats...

I’m absolutely furious with this place. Went in two days before my wife’s birthday to get a Camellias cake. They said they were out for the day but would have more the next. I asked what I needed to do to secure one, give them my name or pay for it upfront?. A young lady a young man working there said well they don’t do that, it is first come first serve. The next day I called several times to ask if they had one, got an answering machine each time. I drove there from Mount Pleasant and again they didn’t have any. But this time the lady behind the counter asked the Chef if any were available. Minute later came back and said that I needed to place an order for one. Which the day before I was was told that wasn’t an option. I explained this was for my wife’s birthday and very important and my second time coming in to get it. My wife and I have eaten there several times and inconsiderate one our favorite stops downtown. This has infuriated me so much to which this is the first time I’ve ever left a review and it’s a negative one. Extremely disappointed. I should have just gotten a cake from...