With a nickname like the Queen City, it’s no surprise that Charlotte (named for Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz) is a powerhouse among the Southeast’s cities, on par with Atlanta. It’s the most populous city in North Carolina, and its location at the state line draws day trippers and weekenders from South Carolina, too. A prosperous banking and finance industry drove the city’s modern evolution into this shiny cosmopolitan center, and you’ll find many of the world’s leading hotel brands here.
Settle in at prestigious properties like the J.W. Marriott or Kimpton in Uptown (for the uninitiated, this is what you can think of as “downtown”). Or, if you prefer to explore the neighborhoods, restful stays near high-end shopping (The Renaissance in Southpark, The Ballantyne) set a leisurely tone for your trip. Some travelers want nothing more at the end of the day than to escape the bustle, and hotels in residential neighborhoods invite you to unwind in a sumptuous mansion amid the trees (like The Duke Mansion) or veg out in style (like Kasa Edison House). Ready to book your trip? Read on for the best hotels in Charlotte for every type of traveler.
FAQ:
What part of Charlotte is best to stay in?
Is it better to stay Downtown or Uptown Charlotte?
Here’s the thing: the bustling, action-packed city center of Charlotte is properly known as Uptown, so there’s not really a “downtown.” Those looking to stay in Uptown have their pick of top-tier names, like The Ritz-Carlton, Omni, and the Grand Bohemian Hotel. Those who prefer the funky, looser style typical to many metropolitan “downtowns” should look—ironically—farther north to NoDa (short for North Davidson), the city’s historic arts district.
What is the best month to visit Charlotte?
The Queen City surges with activity in the fall and spring—think September to November and March to May. October is a local favorite with cooling breezes and changing foliage, while temperatures linger in the just-warm-enough range to hang out in the beer garden at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery and mill about the South End Farmers Market.
How we choose the best hotels in Charlotte, NC
Every hotel review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination. When choosing hotels, our editors consider properties across price points that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination, keeping design, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.
Read our complete Charlotte travel guide here.
