Hotels to Book for a Trip to Charlotte

Editor’s Pick: The Ballantyne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte

Why We Chose It

Offering all of the amenities you want from a full-blown resort, the Ballantyne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is ideal for leisure and family travel.

Key Specs

• Free Wi-Fi: Yes
• Resort Fee: No
• Room Rate: $$

Notable Amenities

Indoor and outdoor pools, complimentary Ballantyne-area shuttle, Molton Brown toiletries

Hotel Description

Set in South Charlotte’s posh community of Ballantyne, this Marriott property is ideal for those looking for a resort-like atmosphere. The hotel offers both indoor and outdoor pools that are perfect for children, a full-service spa that’s beloved by locals, a 24-hour fitness center, an all-day restaurant serving contemporary American fare, and afternoon tea service on the weekends. 

In 2018, the property completed a multi-million dollar renovation that resulted in a revamp of all of its 208 accommodations and public spaces. Rooms are polished and minimalist, featuring a largely gray palette with colorful accents, and boast high ceilings and marble bathrooms, many of which are furnished with standalone tubs. If you’re looking for something a little more private, there’s also the exclusive-use, four-bedroom cottage that comes with a full kitchen, stone patio, separate dining room, and a living room with a fireplace.

Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte, Autograph Collection

Why We Chose It

A stylish boutique hotel located in Uptown Charlotte, the Grand Bohemian features Argentinian-inspired dining, décor, and design.

Key Specs

• Free Wi-Fi: Yes
• Resort Fee: No
• Room Rate: $$

Notable Amenities

Rooftop bar, live entertainment on weekends, 24/7 fitness center

Hotel Description

The Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte made its mark on Uptown Charlotte when it opened in August 2020. Owned by the Kessler Collection, this boutique property gains its inspiration from Argentina, as seen in the artwork throughout the property, including in the elevator banks, where you’ll find photography depicting two tango dancers floating underwater. Vibrant accommodations are decorated in rich hues of emerald, teal, and magenta, and are outfitted with sumptuous touches such as leather headboards and granite sinks. 

If you’re in town for business, the on-site Starbucks will be a welcome sight, and the South American-influenced Mico Restaurant is a great spot for a power lunch. Don’t miss out on Búho Bar, a swanky rooftop lounge with a theatrical vibe, courtesy of velvet banquettes, gilded archways, and barrel ceilings.

JW Marriott Charlotte

Why We Chose It

The newest kid on the block, JW Marriott Charlotte boasts spacious rooms in a convenient Uptown location.

Key Specs

• Free Wi-Fi: Yes
• Resort Fee: No
• Room Rate: $$

Notable Amenities

Rooftop pool, Aromatherapy Associates toiletries, 24/7 fitness center

Hotel Description

Opened in August 2021, the JW Marriott Charlotte is the brand’s first property in the Carolinas. The 381-room hotel offers a sense of luxury without the exorbitant price tag and is just a short walk away from the Charlotte Convention Center, Bank of America Stadium, and Mint Museum Uptown. The spacious accommodations start at 378 square feet and feature a soothing neutral palette with blush accents, floor-to-ceiling windows for plenty of natural light, sumptuous marble bathrooms, and plush beds. 

You’ll also find plenty of amenities here, including a full-service spa, the all-day Dean’s Italian Steakhouse, and seafood-forward Caroline’s Oyster Bar that’s open nightly. There’s also a rooftop pool with four private cabanas and an adjacent bar with plenty of seating for an alfresco tipple. If you’re in town for business, there’s more than 22,000 square feet of event space between 14 dedicated rooms that are available for meetings and functions.

The Ivey's Hotel

Why We Chose It

This chic and intimate hotel combines Parisian flair with modern luxury.

Key Specs

• Free Wi-Fi: Yes
• Resort Fee: No
• Room Rate: $$

Notable Amenities

Frette linens, complimentary wine hour, 24/7 fitness center

Hotel Description

Unlike any other boutique property in the city, the Ivey’s Hotel feels like a friend’s chic French apartment. The 47 accommodations feature reclaimed 400-year-old French oak floors, exposed brick walls, bespoke furnishings, luxury Italian bedding, and large bathrooms with Mistral toiletries. 

While there’s no on-site restaurant, their Library Lounge offers complimentary wine and cheese in the evenings, and there are several dining options in the immediate area: the Capital Grille, the new Saku Yakitori & Sushi Bar, and Sophia’s Lounge, an upscale cocktail bar with a vintage panache.

Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel

Why We Chose It

A fashionable hotel with one of Upton’s hottest rooftop lounges, Kimpton Tryon Park blends big city vibes with Southern hospitality.

Key Specs

• Free Wi-Fi: Yes
• Resort Fee: No
• Room Rate: $$

Notable Amenities

Complimentary coffee and tea service every morning, outdoor yoga deck, bike rentals

Hotel Description

Kimpton hotels are known for their fashionable design and hip dining options, and their Charlotte location lives up to the reputation. Guests are welcomed with a sweet tea bar and a three-story crystal light sculpture when they walk in. The 217 rooms are characterized by patterned carpets, floor-to-ceiling windows, and Carrara marble bathrooms stocked with Atelier Bloem toiletries. 

Guests are invited for a social hour with wine and craft beers every evening, as well as complimentary yoga at their dedicated deck every third Thursday of the month. When hunger strikes, make your way to Angeline’s, an all-day restaurant with an Italian-American menu featuring homemade pastas and wood-fired pizza. Once the sun sets, rooftop bar Merchant & Trade comes alive with well-heeled locals enjoying a romantic night on the terrace or partying away with bottle service inside.

The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte

Why We Chose It

Living up to the brand’s luxurious reputation, the Ritz-Carlton’s Charlotte location is arguably one of Uptown’s finest hotels.

Key Specs

• Free Wi-Fi: Yes
• Resort Fee: No
• Room Rate: $$$

Notable Amenities

Indoor pool, Asprey toiletries, complimentary transportation within I-277 loop

Hotel Description

It’s not uncommon to spot a fleet of Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, and Lamborghinis when you pull into the driveway of the Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte. The luxurious hotel is a favored haunt for affluent locals who frequent the on-site BLT Steak restaurant and the two cocktail outlets, K Lounge lobby bar and the speakeasy-esque Punch Room (known for its creative mixologists). 

Upon check-in, you’ll be whisked away to spacious rooms that start at 506 square feet. The accommodations here lean towards the traditional with polished wood accents and taupe gray marble bathrooms, but offer modern amenities like smart TVs, Nespresso coffee machines, and Tivoli radio alarm clocks. 

In addition to the aforementioned food and beverage options, there’s also Bar Cocoa, a dessert bar with house-made pastries and gelato, and Hidden Wine, a curated wine shop and tasting room. You’ll also find a 13,000-square-foot, bi-level spa at the property, complete with a 24-hour fitness center, indoor pool, and pink Himalayan salt room.

Hyatt Centric Charlotte SouthPark

Why We Chose It

This creatively-designed, recently-opened hotel sits in one of Charlotte’s most prized neighborhoods.

Key Specs

• Free Wi-Fi: Yes
• Resort Fee: No
• Room Rate: $$

Notable Amenities

Complimentary self-parking, Drybar Buttercup hair dryer

Hotel Description

When it opened in June 2021 in a new development right across from the high-end SouthPark Mall, Hyatt Centric Charlotte SouthPark proved to be a much-needed addition to this upscale neighborhood. The lobby features a living moss wall behind the reception desk and a show-stopping curved staircase that’s ideal for photo ops before a night out. 

The 175 modern accommodations are decorated in rich, earthy tones and are equipped with the latest technology, including USB outlets, flat-screen HDTVs, and individually-controlled heating and air conditioning. When it’s time for a bite, you can enjoy casual breakfast and lunch at Iro, while the Japanese-inspired Mizu is open nightly for dinner.

The Duke Mansion

Why We Chose It

This bed and breakfast is nestled on 4.5 acres of manicured gardens in one of Charlotte’s most desirable locations.

Key Specs

• Free Wi-Fi: Yes
• Resort Fee: No
• Room Rate: $$

Notable Amenities

Complimentary self-parking,

Hotel Description

Occupying 4.5 acres in the residential neighborhood of Meyers Park, the Duke Mansion is just a stone’s throw away from SouthPark, Uptown, and South End. The property dates back to 1915, and was originally owned by James Buchanan Duke (cofounder of Duke Energy). Now, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Each of the 20 rooms is individually decorated and fully embody Southern elegance, from the valances down to the shared porches. A full breakfast is included in the rate, and should you want to have a picnic in the gardens, a basket can be arranged with advance notice.