Next time you’re heading south or have North Carolina on your travel agenda, here are some hotel choices for you to consider.
North Carolina, as a Southern state, carries with it a legacy of famous Southern hospitality. Charlotte, the state’s largest city, is no exception. This hospitality is well reflected in some of the fine lodging offered in Charlotte’s downtown district.
The following five hotels are excellent examples of the graciousness and charm that travelers find when they visit Charlotte, the jewel of the South.
Photo courtesy of the The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte
The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte
If what you have come to expect from a Ritz-Carlton is first class, top-notch service, then you won’t be disappointed by the Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte. The spacious rooms and abundant amenities make it feel like a home away from home. The pool on the 18th floor offers a spectacular view of the city, while the state of the art spa and wellness center provides relaxation and refreshment to weary travelers. The hotel boasts the acclaimed Bar Cocoa, a dessert boutique that caters to lovers of chocolate and everything sweet.
Residence Inn Charlotte Uptown
Located in the heart of downtown near sports stadiums, restaurants, and shopping, the Residence Inn Charlotte Uptown lives up to its name. Guests can sit on the lovely outdoor patio and sip their morning coffee as the city wakes up, or enjoy a soft breeze and an evening cocktail at the end of the day. A view of Charlotte’s Bearden Park completes the urban charm of this North Carolina hotel. Make sure to take a quick walk to the Cathedral of St. Patrick to tank in the beautiful architecture and stained glass.
Photo courtesy of the Hilton Charlotte Center City Exterior
Hilton Charlotte Center City
For business visitors, this stately and stylish hotel at the heart of downtown Charlotte is an excellent choice. The Hilton offers a variety of business friendly amenities, including over 30,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, a dedicated business center and a complimentary printing service. It sits directly across from the Charlotte Convention Center and is just 15 minutes from the Charlotte/Douglas International Airport. For added convenience, this hotel hosts an in-house hair salon, car rental service, and complimentary pass to the attached YMCA Health Club.
Embassy Suites Hotel Charlotte
The lush decor, complete with waterfalls and beautiful foliage, and abundant service of the Embassy Suites Hotel in Charlotte reflects the gracious and attentive attitude of its staff. In the spirit of this philosophy, each guest receives a delicious, complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast every morning of their stay. Just a few minutes from downtown Charlotte via light rail, this hotel offers a fully equipped exercise facility, spacious rooms, and a warm atmosphere.
Charlotte Marriott City Center
Charlotte Marriott City Center
The Charlotte Marriott City Center is truly at the heart of the city. Within walking distance of Charlotte’s most popular attractions, this is the place to stay for visitors who want to see the sights, shop, eat, and attend sporting events. The luxurious rooms are spacious, with comfy, plush bedding that invites weary travelers to sink down and relax. Rooms include the latest technology, including an iPod docking station and excellent WiFi access. A beautiful outdoor lounge on the fifth floor also offers relaxation with a view of the city, while the popular Savannah Lounge serves bold food to tempt adventurous palates. The staff goes the extra mile for guests, and at the Charlotte Marriott you will be treated like family.
Contributed by Rebecca Callahan.
Jessica Festa is the editor of the travel sites Jessie on a Journey (http://jessieonajourney.com) and Epicure & Culture (http://epicureandculture.com). Along with blogging at We Blog The World, her byline has appeared in publications like Huffington Post, Gadling, Fodor’s, Travel + Escape, Matador, Viator, The Culture-Ist and many others. After getting her BA/MA in Communication from the State University of New York at Albany, she realized she wasn’t really to stop backpacking and made travel her full time job. Some of her most memorable experiences include studying abroad in Sydney, teaching English in Thailand, doing orphanage work in Ghana, hiking her way through South America and traveling solo through Europe. She has a passion for backpacking, adventure, hiking, wine and getting off the beaten path.
