Planning a vacation in North Carolina's largest city? With a wide range of great areas and neighborhoods to choose from, determining where to stay in Charlotte, NC is key to maximizing your vacation plans.
Charlotte neighborhoods range from hip, hipster blocks to family-friendly fun zones and everything in between. While many of Charlotte's best hotels are located in bustling Uptown, areas like the South End & Dilworth and SouthPark also have plenty of accommodations for all budgets and travel styles, from solo travelers to families.
Are you trying to find the perfect hotel that makes your head spin? Find out everything you need to know about the Queen City's lodging scene with this comprehensive guide to the best places to stay in Charlotte, NC, including top-rated hotels, areas and neighborhoods.
Looking for more ideas for your trip?check out our other oneand oursNorth Carolina Travel Guidefor more tips on when to visit, where to go and what to do on holiday.
Best places to stay in Charlotte, North Carolina
North Carolina's largest city, Charlotte, is packed with exciting areas and neighborhoods spanning more than 300 square miles. Wherever you choose to base yourself in the Queen City, you'll find plenty to fill your itinerary.
If you're into art and culture, spend your nights Uptown. The district in the center of the city is full of manyTop tourist attractions in Charlotte, North Carolina, including art galleries and museums. Many of the city's top luxury hotels also call Uptown home, making it a great place to splurge on vacation.
Youngsters will enjoy the up-and-coming vibe of the South End and Dilworth accommodation scene, with plenty of great boutiques, restaurants and bars to complement their holiday plans. Families, on the other hand, will find excellent mid-range hotels in SouthPark. The posh residential area also offers excellent shopping opportunities if your travel budget is tight.
Budget-conscious travelers will want to check out areas like University Place for low- to mid-range chain hotels. Or head to Plaza Midwood for apartment-style accommodations with kitchens where you can save on food by preparing some of your own meals.
The best areas to stay in Charlotte, NC are:
- Housing
- Plaza Midwood
- South Park
- university place
Housing
✓ The perfect place to stay in Charlotte for art lovers
Charlotte's heart is racingHousing. And if you want to visit all the city's main attractions and hot spots, you can't do better than spending your nights in this downtown district.
Also known as Center City, Uptown is home to several famous art museums, making it the perfect home base for creative minds. While exploring the area, be sure to check out the collection of mid-20th century modern art at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and the diverse collection of global visual art at the Mint Museum Uptown.
Uptown's lodging scene mostly consists of high-end (and high-budget) hotels. While this may not be ideal for all travelers, the Uptown is a great option if you want a Spurge-worthy room in a central location.
Hyatt Place Charlotte Centro
If you need a break from sightseeing, the variety of services and amenities at Hyatt Place Charlotte Downtown will leave you wanting. Although the rooms are spacious and modern, the open-air rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar on the 10th floor and the lobby lounge with superb views of the city will really win you over with this property.
Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Uptown
Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Uptown is blessed with an excellent location and they take your every need seriously. With a 24-hour take-out pantry, ergonomic chairs and large windows overlooking the city skyline, your guest experience is sure to be great. The hotel even has suites with old-fashioned corner hot tubs if you want to inject some retro romance into your vacation.
Hotel Omni Charlotte
Connected by covered walkways to major shopping centers, the Omni Charlotte Hotel keeps you in the center of all the action. Loved for its interior design with leather and gold accents, plus windows in every room, this hotel is as beautiful as it is well-received. The hotel also has a cool hangout area, with a rooftop pool and a bar under a giant TV, so you can watch a game and spend the day floating at the same time.
Want to stay on top of your fitness goals while on vacation? You can visit the neighboring Charlotte Athletic Club, one of the city's leading fitness centers, with a guest pass. Alternatively, you can request an in-room fitness kit, complete with a yoga mat, resistance bands, dumbbells, kettlebells and a medicine ball, if you prefer to work out in complete privacy.
Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte, autograph collection
Beloved for its alluring combination of bold colors and exquisite sculptures, the Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte, Autograph Collection is a true work of art. You'll feel like royalty getting ready for the night in your very own star-studded make-up shop and swooning on your jewel-toned velvet lounger. An exclusive speakeasy for cocktails and tapas and an excellent South American restaurant add to the grandeur. Need to get your Java fix before the day starts? There is a full service Starbucks in the hotel lobby. Punctuation!
JW Marriott Charlotte
If you really want to #enjoy yourself, you can't do better than the JW Marriott Charlotte. Decorated from head to toe in soothing neutral tones, this hotel is an oasis of luxury. The most popular place to relax is the rooftop pool and bar. Settle into a semi-submerged sun lounger filled with waves or enjoy a private cabin that comes with champagne, water, energy drinks, fruit, a fan to cool you off, and even a flat screen TV!
south end and Dilworth
✓ Charlotte's premier foodie destination
south end and DilworthIt is a luxurious and very walkable residential area in the suburbs. With an abundance of boutiques, bookstores and cafes, this neighborhood is perfect for travelers who like to explore at a slower pace.
Do you like experimenting with new cuisines? South End & Dilworth is a foodie's paradise. Don't be surprised if you spend most of your vacation hopping between bakeries and tucking into some of the tastiest restaurants in town for plate after plate of delicious food.
With an endless list of activities in the area, accommodations in the South End and Dilworth offer travelers a little bit of everything. Whether you're looking for something simple and affordable or trendy and social media-worthy, you'll find it in this neighborhood.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Charlotte – South End, hotel IHG
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites South End might be one of the most unique Holiday Inns you'll ever see. Staying here will give you the great value you've come to expect from this affordable chain with a little more flavor. The exceptionally spacious suites shine with bold armchairs and modern decor, but perhaps the most intriguing thing about the hotel is the indoor/outdoor lounge on the terrace. With stunning views of the city, twinkling lights and even flat screen TVs for watching sports, you may find yourself spending most of your night hanging out here.
down Edison's house
If you want to stay somewhere with a lot of character, choose Kasa Edison House. This modern rental apartment is full of photogenic spaces with bold art deco decor and lots of natural light. Your social networks will love the velvet sofas and modern Smeg appliances. After the sun goes down, be sure to spend at least one night relaxing and playing on the terrace, lit by rows of Edison bulbs.
Kasa Dilworth Charlotte
Another Kasa gem, Kasa Dilworth has a completely different feel to the Edison house, but is just as beautiful. You'll love the property's amazing common areas, including an outdoor pool, a beautiful terrace with ivy-covered arches and barbecues, coworking spaces and a rooftop lounge. Bike rentals are available at the front door to get around in an environmentally friendly and economical way. There's also a dog spa where you can pamper your furry friend while you're on vacation!
Plaza Midwood
✓ The best area to stay in Charlotte to experience Southern hospitality
Plaza Midwoodis a hip Charlotte neighborhood with deep roots. With historic houses nestled under the canopies of centuries-old oaks, the landscape of this area is a beautiful blend of old and new.
Along the streets of Plaza Midwood, you'll find a distinctly Southern vibe, with barbecue and craft beer at the heart of it all. Enjoy delicious ribs, roast pork and brisket at the Midwood Smokehouse. Wash it down with a craft beer at Legion Brewing or Resident Culture Brewing Company.
If you prefer to "live like a local" and have a little more space to work with, Plaza Midwood is a wonderful area to consider. Most of the accommodations here are private vacation apartments and boutique hotel-style apartments under reputable management umbrella companies.
RECEPTION Edison Apts Plaza Midwood Charlotte
Traditional hotel not your style? FRONTDESK connects you with short-term rentals in some of the most exclusive and sought-after apartment communities in the city. RECEPTION Edison Apts Plaza Midwood Charlotte is located in a trendy area full of street art and old brick buildings. The unit is just steps away from yoga studios, microbreweries, hipster bars and restaurants. There is also much to enjoy on the property, including beautiful views of the Charlotte skyline, an outdoor picnic area and common living room areas.
RECEPTION Village at Commonwealth Apts Plaza Midwood Charlotte
Another gem within the FRONTDESK network is the FRONTDESK Village at Commonwealth Apts Plaza Midwood Charlotte. Your private unit has a large kitchen, private balcony and sophisticated modern decor. However, the contents of the village are even more impressive. With your reservation, you'll have unlimited access to the outdoor pool with luxury sundeck, game room, beer garden, beach volleyball court and fitness center.
NCCR-101-Plaza25
Charlotte also offers many stellar independent apartments for rent, like this beautiful one-bedroom apartment in a low-rise neighborhood. NCCR-101-Plaza25 has a cozy atmosphere designed for two, making it a great choice for couples looking for a little love nest to host them all week. With amenities like a living room with an island bar, a spacious kitchen, and a laundry room in the bathroom, you'll have everything you need to create a home away from home.
South Park
✓ Recommended neighborhood to stay in Charlotte for shopaholics
South ParkIt is a luxurious residential area that stands out for its luxury shops, from large mega-centers to independent brands.
When you're not shopping in SouthPark, sip happy hour at Foxcroft Wine Co., the neighborhood's premier wine bar, or enjoy a picnic in stunning Symphony Park.
Most hotels in SouthPark fall into the mid-range category. While many of these properties offer next-level amenities and ambiance and are on the higher end of the budget, there aren't many high-end luxury hotels in the neighborhood that will completely break the bank. If that's what you're looking for, recalibrate your search for luxury accommodations in Uptown.
Residence Inn Charlotte SouthPark
As an extended-stay hotel, Residence Inn Charlotte SouthPark is an excellent choice for travelers planning to stay in Charlotte for a while and for families who need a little more living space. The guest apartments have a fully equipped kitchen, large tables, dining tables and space for couches. There are also plenty of common areas to enjoy, including an outdoor basketball court, courtyard lounges with fire pits, and a 24-hour fitness center. It's good for your wallet, too, with free breakfast and parking included.
Hampton Inn & Suites - South Park i Phillips Place
A stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites-South Park at Phillips Place is full of added value, with free parking, a hot breakfast bar and an outdoor pool to cool off on hot summer days. This hotel has a wide variety of rooms for every traveler, from connecting rooms for large groups and pet-friendly rooms to accessible suites with accommodations for various disabilities.
Hyatt Centric Charlotte SouthPark
For ultra-modern Asian-inspired design, check out the Hyatt Centric Charlotte SouthPark. In addition to an à la carte American breakfast in the lobby restaurant/bar, the hotel's rooftop restaurant, Mizu, offers a full Asian breakfast. Otherwise, this seafood-focused spot will impress with its wood-fired grill and stunning views at dinnertime. Pro tip: One of the most beloved features of hotel rooms are floor-to-ceiling windows. If you request a corner room when booking, you can double that great natural light!
Renaissance Hotel SouthPark Charlotte
Looking for a hotel for dogs? The Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel not only welcomes canine guests, but also prepares welcome packages for them, complete with custom bowls, food trays and cookies. Do you need another benefit? The American Girl store is just minutes away at SouthPark Mall. If you're traveling with an AG-obsessed child, here's a surprise you can keep up your sleeve. The American Girl package includes milk and cookies, a doll's bed (and matching bedding for your suite household), and matching robes/slippers.
university place
✓ Charlotte's ideal neighborhood for travelers on a budget
University of North Carolina Headquarters,university placeprovides classic university town vibes. In a young and energetic neighborhood, you are guaranteed to find good restaurants, exciting nightlife and beautiful parks.
Walking around UNC's campus and attending a college sports game might be on your bucket list. But there are plenty of other great attractions to explore in the area.
Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve is a popular choice to reconnect with nature and take a break from the fast pace of urban life, while NASCAR fans will be about 10 minutes away from the iconic Charlotte Motor Speedway. Being outside the city center, University City is also a great place to launch.Popular Charlotte Day Tripslike the Uwharrie National Forest.
As a hot spot for travelers on a budget, hotels in the University Place neighborhood are mostly in the lower to mid-budget range and offer plenty of value-added services like breakfast and free parking.
Drury Inn & Suites Charlotte University Place
One of the biggest vacation budget savers is food, and the Drury Inn & Suites Charlotte University Place knows it. The hotel offers numerous free food services with your reservation, it's almost like you're in an all-inclusive resort!
Start your day with a full hot buffet breakfast, which includes highlights like biscuits and gravy and make-your-own Belgian waffles. When you start to feel like snacking during the day, head down to the lobby for unlimited popcorn and juice. Finally, you can join the 5:30 kick-off where you can enjoy a light dinner/big bite with an ever-changing menu and even a free alcoholic drink or two.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Charlotte NE – University Area, an IHG hotel
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Charlotte NE – University Area hotel experience is all about comfort. The hotel is located just a few steps from the light rail station, so you can quickly get where you need to go. There's also a wellness center in the lobby stocked with healthy snacks and sports drinks to help you through the day and a 24-hour fitness center to help you reach your fitness goals.
Hilton Charlotte University
The Hilton Charlotte University Place is prized for its floor-to-ceiling windows and ocean views. There are also a handful of additional amenities on the property that add to the guest experience, including an outdoor pool and patio fire pits. Word to the wise: Be sure to request an outdoor table at Edgewater Bar and Grille if you're dining on-site. Seafood and meat on the river bank? There is nothing better than that!
Hyatt Place University in Charlotte
If you want something affordable without compromising on atmosphere, the Hyatt Place Charlotte University is a great option. The contemporary design of its rooms takes a minimalist approach to furnishing, giving the hotel a feeling of spaciousness and comfort. You'll also have access to amenities like a seasonal outdoor pool and a spacious, bright fitness center. If you need a quick bite or a hassle-free sip before continuing your day, Lobby Bar is your choice. It's simple but delicious and cuts down on travel time between your meal and your next activity. Keep your travel costs down by taking advantage of the free parking and breakfast buffet included in your bookings.
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