Charlotte hotels

The Ballantyne welcomes guests with unmatched Southern hospitality. This refined retreat near the state border feels like a hidden gem, especially when standing on the generously sized pool deck. The tranquil space, surrounded by trees, makes it feel like you’re staying at a plush resort.

The pool alone makes a case for The Ballantyne being one of the best hotels in Charlotte, and the spa doubles down on that claim. This oasis of calm has a dedicated salon, relaxation lounges and a dreamy sauna.

In terms of rooms, signature accommodation options like the Presidential Suite overlooking Stream Park and the separate, private Cottage offer an overnight stay unmatched in the rest of the city.

When it comes to luxury hotels in Charlotte, JW Marriott’s name is always near the top of the list. It’s tough to beat this property’s location – the Convention Center, Levine Center for the Arts and Knight Theater are all within a five-minute walk. This is a great spot for culture lovers and those who appreciate an upscale stay.

From the rooftop swimming pool and executive lounge to the delicious cuts at Dean’s Italian Steakhouse and the fresh seafood at Caroline’s Oyster Bar, this JW Marriott sets and meets high expectations for its overnighters. The Concierge Level Suites are the cherry on top, offering skyline views in a spacious king room.

I always love a stay at a Grand Bohemian Hotel. My visit usually starts at the bar – not so much for a drink, but because I’ve come to know Grand Bohemian’s lobby bars as some of the most artfully decorated spots in the hotel.

The gold décor of the Búho Bar here doesn’t disappoint. Its 16th-floor location has indoor and outdoor dining, as well as amazing Uptown views. Meanwhile, on-site Mico Restaurant delivers a big selection of tasty South American dishes with Mediterranean-inspired flavours. As an added convenience, the lobby Starbucks makes getting a cup of coffee a breeze.

Charlotte is a Southern city, but Grand Bohemian looks further south for its décor inspiration. Argentinian style fills the lavish suites, with prime city views just beyond the colourful curtained windows.

From the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel’s rooftop bar, I can see why Charlotte is called the City of Trees. The 19th-floor Merchant & Trade is a lively place full of shared snacks and chatty locals. Just visiting for a cocktail will convince anyone to book a room here.

Those who do will enjoy complimentary coffee every morning and social hours each evening. Free bicycle hire is also available, making it easy to explore beyond Uptown.

There’s plenty to uncover in the hotel too. Over 200 rooms split the property, half offering city views and the other half looking down on Truist Field or Romare Bearden Park. Soaking tubs, Carrera marble bathrooms, luxurious bath amenities and walk-in showers fill the specialty suites and guestrooms. A stay at Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel is as lavish as it gets in Uptown Charlotte.

The Ivey’s Hotel is so glamorous that I wish it were a luxury apartment available to rent for years at a time. This boutique haven in the city centre is one of the best hotels in Charlotte for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life.

The artwork, lighting fixtures and furnishings are nearly all custom-made. The French oak flooring is reclaimed and these 400-year-old additions lend exquisite refinement to every suite. Meanwhile, the bedding is from Italy and the snacks are locally produced right here in North Carolina.

Fewer than 50 rooms create an intimate setting, despite being right in Charlotte’s centre. Sophia’s Lounge, the meeting spot for breakfast and dinner, is an easy-going space, though I prefer to spend my time unwinding in the cosy Library Lounge. There’s nothing better than settling into one of the leather couches with a good book or setting up my laptop to work around the bookcases.

Basketball fans will think this AC by Marriott is a slam dunk. Located next to the Spectrum Center, it’s one of the best hotels in Charlotte to stay in for live events. Even when the Charlotte Hornets aren’t playing a home game, AC’s location is hard to beat.

My favourite part of this hotel is the library. It’s full of design and art titles, which are fantastic reads for appreciating the unique architecture that surrounds the hotel. AC by Marriott loves the city so much that it skips the standard artwork on the lobby walls to instead let windows showcase the Charlotte skyline.

A made-to-order breakfast starts every morning in the AC Kitchen, while cocktails in the AC Lounge put a cap on each night. Every guestroom here is beautifully managed with a minimalist design: think clean lines and smooth layouts.

Renaissance in SouthPark feels a little out of the way, and that’s precisely the point. This pet-friendly option provides a refreshing break from the bustling streets of “Buzz City" (as the locals sometimes call it). Surrounded by shopping, dining and local parks, this residential area lets guests get a glimpse of what it’s really like to live in Charlotte.

Spoiler alert: it’s lovely. I think Renaissance has made some seriously smart choices to help guests feel right at home. An exercise bike streaming fitness classes in the on-site fitness centre, the Starbucks coffee at the café and an open-air atrium at the bar make the hotel feel like a luxury apartment building.

The guestrooms are just as easy to settle into. Light and airy, each room comes with chic modern furnishings, luxurious bedding and views of SouthPark.

The Hilton in Uptown is adjacent to a light rail station, which I think is one of the top perks of staying at this property. You can see the light rail and rail trail from the windows of most of the city-view suites here, making this one of the best hotels in Charlotte for transport lovers.

This comfortable Hilton has King or Double Queen Rooms, many of which have dedicated workspaces, living areas and cosy seating areas right beside the large windows.

While many of the best hotels in Charlotte have on-site fitness centres, this Hilton ups the ante by offering guests complimentary access to the YMCA attached to the hotel. Combine that with being able to walk to Charlotte’s top sights, including the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and it’s clear to see why this Hilton is such a popular spot in the heart of the city.

Aloft’s location at the edge of the North Carolina state border makes it one of the best hotels in Charlotte for those who’d rather not be in the heart of the city. This laid-back hotel is great for road trippers like me looking for a convenient stay near Interstate 485.

Although it’s located in a corporate park, green spaces like Ballantyne’s Backyard, Big Rock Nature Preserve and the McMullen Creek Greenway are just moments away.

An indoor pool and fitness centre offer ways to squeeze in a workout no matter the weather. As far as working up an appetite is concerned, Re:fuel has breakfast covered, while the W XYZ Bar takes care of any evening peckishness. Meanwhile, high-floor suites with dedicated workspaces are perfect for remote working with a view.

A city centre address that’s still calm enough to find your zen: that’s exactly what this Residence Inn by Marriott offers. Its outdoor space is the perfect place for guests to practise their yoga poses. The suites are certainly spacious, but having a dedicated outside space for yoga alongside a fitness centre makes this one of the best hotels in Charlotte for staying active when away from home.

The Residence Inn has plenty of other home-like comforts and conveniences. The studios and one- and two-bedroom units are all full suites, which means kitchens, workspaces, furnished living rooms and spacious bathrooms come as standard.

And on nights where there’s an urge to dine out, it’s just a matter of taking the lift to the hotel’s Mediterranean restaurant, the AC Lounge.