Skyscrapers, museums, rooftop cocktail bars – Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina, has all the sparkle of New York but with plenty of walkable neighborhoods, brewery districts and nature reserves in the mix as well. Choose one of these hotels in Charlotte for a city break with serious style – bookable on Culture Trip.
One thing to remember when you’re visiting Charlotte – most big-name shops, hotels and upmarket restaurants are in high-rise downtown, but this is confusingly known as uptown. Once you’ve got that sussed, you’ll find your way round easily. Here’s our guide to the best hotels in Charlotte to make the most of uptown, the financial district and wherever else you want to explore.
The Ivey's Hotel
Boutique Hotel, Independent Hotel
This five-star boutique hotel, opposite the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, goes the extra mile to make guests feel at home. All 47 stylish rooms have a chic Parisian flair with Frette linens, 400-year-old French oak floors, Bose soundbars, iHome docking stations, Nespresso machines and Dean & DeLuca gourmet snacks. A lavish full breakfast is included every morning, while guests can retire to the library each evening to indulge in cheese, charcuterie and hand-picked wines and champagne.
Grand Bohemian Hotel, Autograph Collection
Chain Hotel, Boutique Hotel
If you’re looking for a bland, predictable place to stay, avert your eyes now. This glamorous boutique hotel in Charlotte’s Financial District has bags of style and bold designer flourishes. Think ostentatious modern art, sculptural furniture that looks straight from Alice in Wonderland and a dimly lit cocktail bar with live music. Argentinian-inspired hotel rooms have splashes of fuchsia and turquoise, in-room Starbucks, portable steamers, Bluetooth speakers and a whole lot of glamor.
The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel
Resort, Spa Hotel, Golf Hotel
Indulgence is king at this glossy, luxury hotel in Charlotte. Beyond the spectacular two-story lobby, there’s a championship golf course, an indoor and outdoor pool, walking and jogging trails, bike rental, an expansive spa and even a shuttle service to areas within one mile of the hotel. Foodies will be thrilled, too – stylish Southern classics are served at the Gallery Restaurant, afternoon tea is laid on each day and the hotel has one of the Carolinas’ largest whiskey collections.
Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel
Hotel
A city-centre hotel in Charlotte with added sass, this hotel is handy for the Financial District but is far from stuffy. Instead, rooms have tufted headboards, a moody gray and indigo palette, a deep soaking tub or oversized marble shower and wallpaper inspired by North Carolina’s history. Elsewhere, there’s complimentary coffee each morning, a huge fitness center with a yoga deck, free bike rental and a nightly social hour where guests can mingle over a glass of wine.
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Wingate by Wyndham
Business Hotel
Wingate by Wyndham is very handy for watching Carolina Panthers, exploring the city and catching a concert. the Bank of America Stadium is 15 minutes away from this Charlotte hotel, and visitors can watch a concert at the Spectrum Center near the stadium. In addition to being near tourist attractions, Wingate by Wyndham offers many amenities to guests. Visitors can take advantage of the business center, the fitness center and other services such as same-day dry cleaning, free shuttle to local attractions and an airport shuttle. Wingate by Wyndham believes travelers should have a world-class travel experience.
Residence Inn
Suite Hotel, Inn
Residence Inn provides a good level of comfort for all visitors. The spacious suites allow for extended stays, with separate sleeping and living areas. The access to wireless internet is great for business trips and travelers who wish to maintain contact with loved ones, and there are also fully equipped kitchens for extended vacations. Residence Inn is near some of Charlotte’s most popular spots, with Charlotte Motor Speedway and PNC Music Pavilion situated around 6mi (10km) from the hotel.
Renaissance Hotel
Boutique Hotel
Renaissance Hotel delivers distinctive amenities, lavish accommodations and world-class hospitality. Guests can take a dip in the indoor swimming pool, work out in the fitness center and relax in the sauna. Each guest room at this boutique hotel in Charlotte is fabulously designed and features pillow-top mattresses, well-lit workspaces, high-speed internet and elegant marble bathrooms. Renaissance Hotel is located near two great malls – SouthPark Mall and Piedmont Row – so travelers who love to shop can take a trip to these locations.
Westin Hotel and Resort
Resort, Business Hotel, Hotel
Westin Hotel and Resort is an upscale hotel with Southern charm and modern luxury. There are 700 guest rooms, with great views of the city. Guests can take advantage of the fitness center, pool and massage area, and for travelers who are on a business trip, the hotel provides 24 meeting rooms and one 16,267sqft (1,511sqm) Grand Ballroom. Westin Hotel and Resort is the perfect place for weddings, meetings and special events. The elegant event space, personalized menus and professional staff set the tone for memorable occasions.
Omni Hotel and Resort
Resort, Hotel
Omni Hotel and Resort stands in the center of the Financial District, which makes it very popular for those on business trips with meetings nearby. This top hotel in Charlotte is also convenient for guests on leisure vacations, with good access to diverse tourist attractions such as Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Discovery Place, Charlotte Convention Center and the Epicentre Entertainment District. The hotel offers a breakfast buffet, a pool, deluxe guest rooms and access to Charlotte Athletic Club, which is connected to the hotel.
The Dunhill Hotel
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
The Dunhill Hotel has stood in Charlotte since 1929, and the high standard of service and amenities set it apart from other hotels. The neoclassical design of the Dunhill Hotel adds character and shape to the skyline, while guests are able to enjoy the combination of European elegance and American comfort. The Penthouse Suite has a marble floor and showcases sweeping views of Charlotte. The hotel is a historical landmark, encapsulating the past of this incredible city.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
Business Hotel, Hotel, Guesthouse
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel does everything it can to create a rewarding experience for guests. When visitors arrive, they receive a complimentary chocolate-chip cookie as a gesture of the hotel’s care philosophy. This hotel is an ideal place to stay for business trips, family vacations and personal leisure trips. The friendly staff provide friendly service throughout the day, and there is a fitness center for guests wanting to work out.
Country Inn and Suites
Suite Hotel, Inn
For travelers looking for Charlotte hotels with suites, Country Inn and Suites ensures just that. Customer satisfaction is front and center here: a hot breakfast is served each morning, and while staying here, visitors can stick to their regular workout regime in the fitness center. Country Inn and Suites is also very convenient for Charlotte’s major businesses and universities. Travelers can tour the Charlotte Motor Speedway, the PNC Music Pavilion, the Bank of America Stadium and Concord Mills. The hotel’s clean guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs, plush bedding and free wireless internet access.
Marriott Hotel and Resort
Resort, Business Hotel, Hotel
Marriott Hotel and Resort strives to meet the requirements of each individual customer. Guests are welcome to hold business events in the meeting areas, or just to soak up the ambience as they lounge in the lobby. The meeting space is 20,000sqft (1,858sqm) – ideal for wedding receptions and corporate occasions. Marriott Hotel and Resort offers flatscreen TVs, plush bedding and wireless internet connections in each guest room.
The Ritz-Carlton
Bed and Breakfast, Spa Hotel, Hotel
The Ritz-Carlton is a 146-room, 18-story, environmentally friendly hotel. This Charlotte luxury hotel was the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified building in Charlotte. Guests have access to 12,000sqft (1,115sqm) of meeting space, as well as the hotel’s bi-level penthouse spa and wellness center, the wine and Scotch bar, dessert dining and a steak restaurant. The Ritz-Carlton is ideal for travelers looking for a relaxing vacation. The 400 thread count linen on the king and queen beds provide a good night’s rest, and guests can relax watching TV in their rooms in both the living area and bathroom.
Siobhan Grogan contributed additional reporting to this article.