The 10 best hotels in Charlotte for 2026

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to stay at the White House, The Ballantyne hotel might come close to it. Its symmetrical and neoclassical exterior, paired with a center-standing water fountain, manicured lawn and flags waving out front exudes everything presidential and grandiose, and it’s not much different inside. The lobby is a contemporary, neutral-toned and high-ceilinged haven with lots of natural light and posh public seating that could make any guest feel like they’re in an episode of Succession.

Guest rooms are simply styled yet effortlessly chic with bold-colored throw pillows and upholstery, dark-wooded desks, flat-screen TVs and mini bar to get the vacation started, but it’s the all-marbled bathrooms that really stand out, equipped with a bathrobe and slippers to unwind in style. Oh, and there’s bangin’ room service, too.

Amenities are just as luxurious with a grand fitness center and spa facilities that offer massages, skincare therapies, indoor pools and saunas and even a salon for hair and makeup. Services designed specifically for men are also available, and there’s even a separate restaurant for ‘spa dining’ featuring healthy salads, wraps and snacks.

For more substantial meals, the hotel’s Gallery Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and serves continental and southern classics with Charlotte-based ingredients. Try the chicken and waffles for breakfast for an indulgent morning or the Joyce chicken roulade for an evening reward. Oh, and don’t leave without sampling the pecan mousse.

Time Out tip: Guests particularly rate the Ballantyne for its location—super central and very near South Park Mall, home to high-end shops, restaurants, and cafes for exploring at your own leisure.

Address: 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28277
Price per night: Rates starting at $260
Closest transport: The Interstate-485 (Outer Loop) and Interstate-77 are near the resort

You already know that you’re in for a treat when you read the words, ‘Ritz-Carlton’, and this hotel in downtown Charlotte lives up to its illustrious reputation. The geometric, glass exterior screams modernity and exclusivity and inside, the lobby’s rich, wooden panels and warm, ambient lighting provides a sophisticated welcome. But be careful not to bump into the all-glass sculpture in the center of the room.

Rooms at the Ritz live up to their reputation, with elegance to their design that you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. And then there’s the suites. They’re fully equipped with a cozy lounge area and TV, a kitchenette with tiled floors and a full-size fridge, and a teal-accented bathroom with enough space to pamper yourself after a day of exploring.

For a full-length spa day, check out the Himalayan salt lounge before heading to one of the relaxation areas, or dive into the Ritz’s indoor, heated whirlpool for a refreshing swim.

Dining at the Ritz is just as lavish. Choose from fine, sustainable dining at The Fifth Fork, or get more cozy at the K Lounge for signature cocktails and shareable plates. There’s also Hidden Wine, a part-boutique, part-tasting room that offers a hand-curated collection of wines, and Bar Cocoa—have you ever stayed at a hotel that had its own confectionery and chocolate shop? Now’s your chance.

Time Out tip: If you want to dine outside the hotel, but still within reach, Cicchetti whips up phenomenal Italian small plates right across the street.

Address: 201 East Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Price: Rooms start at $599
Closest transport: Trade St & College St stop

This super luxe boutique hotel in Uptown Charlotte evokes Italian glamour and brings so much to the proverbial table, you’ll be spoiled for choice. The lobby? Picture columns of exposed yellow brick, giant black-and-white prints of the city that accentuate the height of the ceiling and an endless choice of sumptuous leather seating while you wait for your room key.

Inside the 47 rooms of the Ivey’s Hotel, plush, patterned Italian bedding adorn the custom-made king mattresses. They also feature 55-inch TVs, minibars, in-room safes and iHomes, while private bathrooms are impeccably dressed in white marble (some with even a floating bathtub) with luxe L’Occitane toiletries. Take it up a notch in one of Ivey’s suites where century-old oak flooring, elegant furnishings and fully-stocked wet bars make for a sophisticated stay.

When it comes to breakfast, what are you in the mood for? Sophia’s Lounge cooks up continental offerings from a killer croque madame to a New York-style bagel and lox. Dinner plates are a mix of American, Mediterranean and French, featuring jumbo lump blue crab cakes, pizza flatbreads and a mean steak-frites. Wrap things up with a cookies-and-cream gelato or an affogato for a caffeinated second wind.

Fancy a quick gym sesh? Head to the fitness center, open 24/7. Location-wise, you’re as central as it gets, with the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center just minutes away.

Time Out tip: When it’s time to touch grass, Romare Bearden Park is less than a 10-minute walk away and plays host to outdoor fitness classes, cultural programs and more among its shaded paths, statues and waterfall.

Address: 127 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Price: Rooms starting at $300
Closest transport: The Lynx Light Rail 7th Street Station is .3 miles from the hotel.

Off the buzzing beaten path of Charlotte city, The Duke Mansion is the epitome of an affluent southern home. Located in Charlotte's historic district in the Myers Park neighborhood, this nonprofit inn was built in 1915 and offers 20 guestrooms, each uniquely decorated.

Double-rooms come cozy with a private bath and stand-in-shower, flat-screen television and work desk, while king porch rooms on the second floor are equipped with king-sized beds and a shared sleeping porch overlooking the garden or fountain. It’s an idyllic amenity for early-morning coffee, afternoon sweet tea (rocking chairs included) or evening sunset views. Order room service and ask for wine, beer and cocktails to make it an even livelier affair.

When the weather suits, take a stroll through the mansion’s Mary D.B.T. Semans Gardens. Historic trees, year-round blooms and fuzzy, buzzing pollinators await. It’s a great spot to enjoy a little solo time in a quiet nook with either a book or wine glass—or both—to add to the ambiance. As if the gardens aren’t enough, you’re also just a short walk from Edgehill Park where you’ll find a playground, outdoor workout equipment, tennis courts and tall, shady trees, great for picnic season.

While there are no in-house dining options, the Myers Park neighborhood makes up for it with lots of restaurant options nearby. Head to Ru Ru’s Tacos & Tequila for comforting Tex-Mex or Kid Cashew when you’re craving modern Mediterranean in a fun, social setting.

Time Out tip: Call the inn a week in advance to book a phenomenal picnic experience with its gardens. Duke’s chef packs up a delicious meal for two along with a bottle of local wine or house Champagne.

Address: 400 Hermitage Road, 28208, Charlotte, NC
Price: From $228 per night
Closest transport: The Providence and Ardsley Road bus stop (bus 14) is a four-minute walk away.

The JW Marriott hotel in Charlotte offers everything one would expect from this high-end American hotel chain. Natural light floods the spacious lobby from its floor-to-ceiling windows and a stunning chandelier hangs from the center of its contemporary staircase.

Inside the rooms, neutral tones mesh with subtle pastels and pink throw pillows inspired by Queen Charlotte (the city’s namesake), and TV entertainment comes equipped with premium movie channels, CNN and ESPN. 

A 24-hour fitness center and serene spa make up some of the Marriott’s elevated amenities, but it’s the AURA Rooftop that’s the cherry on top of this city stay. Located on the fifth floor, AURA boasts a crystal-clear outdoor pool surrounded by sunny loungers and private cabanas. Sip on signature botanical cocktails and savor some small plates while you soak up the city views.

For indoor dining, the hotel has everything from casual coffee and snacks at The Counter At Dean’s to celebrations of Carolina seafood at Caroline’s Oyster Bar. If you’re feeling meaty, Dean’s Italian Steakhouse offers surf-and-turf with tender, American wagyu or a bone-in ribeye slathered with bone marrow butter.

When you’re ready to explore Charlotte, start at the Mint Museum and Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, both only a five-minute walk away from this gleaming hotel. 

Time Out tip: Other great points of interest near the hotel include the NASCAR Hall of Fame (just 750 yards away), the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, and the Spectrum Center. Happy exploring!

Address: 600 South College Street, 28202, Charlotte, NC
Price: From $318 per night.
Closest transport: College Street and Brooklyn Village Avenue bus stops (buses 5, 16 and 35) are right across the hotel

Absolutely dripping in luxury and Argentinian flair, the Grand Bohemian combines black-and-white floors and geometric patterns with bright, bold statement decor and Klimt-like floor-to-ceiling paintings, creating a stark and stunning contrast, and its guestrooms are just as playful (and pet-friendly, too). Suites feel like your own bachelor/ette pad with modern amenities, kitchenettes with islands and a bathroom with a walk-in shower and separate bathtub to properly unwind in style.

Make way to Mico Restaurant, where Latin-American fare meets Mediterranean influence in a colorful, modern setting. Wine lovers will rejoice at Mico’s ‘Taste of Malbec’ flights, where you can choose three wines out of the hotel’s 12 deep red Malbecs offered to sample Argentina’s proud and natural grape. For more lighthearted dining, head up to the 12th floor and step into the sultry Búho Bar, where tapas and signature cocktails collide. End the night with a Basque cheesecake topped with juicy, basil-marinated strawberries to truly ascend to Grand Bohemian heaven. 

On-site amenities include a fitness center with free weights, a Peloton bike and cardio machines-a-plenty, and Poseidon luxury spa with a full-service menu of massages and therapies. Treat your significant other to a couples massage or get a solo glow-up with a rejuvenating HydraFacial.

From the glitzy interior design down to the individual pieces of cutlery and the choice of flowers in reception, no detail has been neglected. 

Time Out tip: For even more Latin fusion, ARBOL Eatery is right behind the Grand Bohemian and is home to some hearty Cuban sandwiches and juicy burritos.

Address: 201 West Trade Street, 28202, Charlotte, NC
Price: From $248 per night
Closest transport: The Tryon Street and CityLYNX station and Mint Street station are both about a block away from the hotel

With a facade that reflects the city’s warm sunsets, and an interior of contrasting blues and indigos, the Kimpton delightfully (and maybe psychologically) uses its color schemes to amp up its already cool and collected vibes. There’s even blue patterned carpeting that resembles running water, and a three-story crystal chandelier that flows down to the lobby like a waterfall.

Inside its 217 guestrooms are equally soft and soothing color palettes, fine linens, walls of windows for natural light and marble spa bathroom—all pet-friendly, too. Some come with a view of Romare Bearden Park to wake up and people watch morning joggers with their pups on the go. Choose the presidential suite and views of the ballpark and whole city are under your nose.

Step into the Kimpton’s dining spaces and the cool color schemes are tossed out the window for bright, bold tones and lively yellows. Take Angeline’s, its Italian-inspired restaurant with wooden floors, white-tiled accent walls and orange-gold lighting. Its artwork is colorful and its food, mouthwatering. There’s fig bruschetta, whipped ricotta and a killer gnocchi made with braised duck ragu, black truffle ricotta and lemon. Then, turn up the volume at Merchant & Trade on the 19th floor and have a boogie to the music with a cocktail in hand. When you need a snack break, the full kitchen will whip up some shareable bar snacks for your table. There’s also tableside mixology, traditional bottle service and a twinkling view of Uptown Charlotte.

If that isn’t enough to help you relax, see also the lovely spa, pumping fitness center and rejuvenating outdoor yoga classes held on the rooftop terrace.

Time Out tip: Go full southern on your holiday with a breakfast visit to Famous Toastery right down the block. The southern biscuits are drowning with gravy, just how they should be.

Address: 303 S Church Street, 28202, Charlotte, NC
Price: From $233 per night
Closest transport: The 3rd and Tryon Street bus stop (buses 40x, 41x, 46x, 48x and 52x) is less than a minute’s walk away

If you’re after a boutique stay that’s more local, memorable and with 1920s charm, Dunhill Hotel delivers with just the right amount. Hidden in Uptown, it stands as one of the city’s only true historic hotels. It opened in 1929, originally as the Mayfair Manor, before reinventing itself as the Dunhill. The art deco facade says it all with its iron marquee and big shining lights luring guests to the doors like moths to a flame.

Once inside, it’s surprisingly reminiscent of an English pub and dining room. There’s the cozy, low-key vibe with the patterned carpet, dark wood furnishings, leather armchairs, a small six-seat bar and countertop and a separate, more sophisticated area for dining known as The Ashbury. It serves modern takes on Southern cuisine with farm-to-table influences and a nod to its local produce.

As for the rooms, they’ve been updated with Keurig coffeemakers, iPod docks, and marble-patterned bathrooms. Some are a bit on the smaller side, so if you’re used to rooms with more generous space, it’s worth requesting a higher floor or upgraded room.

And for lovers of ghost stories and all things haunted, it’s worth noting that this hotel comes with a touch of the paranormal dating back to the Great Depression. Ask for a high-floor room for city views and possible ghostly haunts. Enter Room 906 if you dare. comes highly talked-about.

Time Out tip: While there’s no in-house gym or pool, the hotel allows guests complimentary access to the nearby YMCA. Just ask at the lobby.

Address: 237 N Tryon Street, 28202, Charlotte, NC
Price: From $205 per night
Closest transport: The Church & 6th Street bus stop (buses 11, 21, 48x, 53x, 63x, 77x) is less than a five minute walk away

Combine your business trip with holiday pleasure at the Omni Charlotte, located in the busy financial district and only 2.5 blocks away from the Charlotte Convention Center. Its 386 guestrooms include one king or two queen-sized beds with a working desk and cozy lounger right next to its floor-to-ceiling windows. Suites come with ample space, teal and gold accents and wooden furnishings and club lounge access.

All guests have complimentary access to One Athletics, an exclusive fitness center connected to the hotel with state-of-the-art equipment, group exercise classes, and personal training options. For in-room, solo sessions, ask the lobby for a fitness kit and you'll receive a roll-up mat with stretch cords/bands, two 3-lb dumbbells, a 5-lb. kettle ball and a stress ball.

If you visit anytime from March through October, book a pool day pass to the rooftop pool deck and its restaurant-bar, Coin Bar. A double-sided 22’ X 14’ LED television (the largest in the city) is at the ready for watching sporting events poolside, with a Carolina brew in hand.

As for dining, the Omni’s Trade Restaurant and Bar is open all day with comforting, southern pub fare like fried-green tomato grilled cheeses, Carolina BBQ roasted chicken and banana pudding. However, you’d be remiss if you’re in North Carolina and don’t try pimento cheese. Trade’s pimento beer cheese with charred breads and pickled veggies will do the job right. Need privacy for a Zoom business meeting? There’s in-room service here, too.

Time Out tip: The Omni is walking distance from the Spectrum Center, which hosts tons of entertainment and sporting events to enjoy on your Charlotte visit.

Address: 132 E Trade Street, 28202, Charlotte, NC
Price: From $219 per night
Closest transport: The Trade and College Street stop (buses 1, 7, 8, 11, 21, 22, 26, 34) is right next to the hotel.

For another hotel that’s steps away from the Charlotte Convention Center, The Westin brings big city snazz with just the right amount of southern flair. Its glass-paneled exterior stands tall against Uptown’s skyline and inside, the lobby feels just as expansive with high ceilings, chandeliers that look like snowfall, smooth marble floors, and soft-neutral cushioned seating that instantly calms the senses the minute you sit back.

Guestrooms are ample, stylish and feature The Westin’s signature Heavenly Beds, and the name doesn’t lie. There are also large flat-screen TVs, coffee makers with Starbucks pods, and massive windows that overlook the city or the stadium. Bathrooms are kept bright and modern with granite countertops, rainfall showers with that “just right” water pressure and plenty of space to spread out your skincare routine.

And speaking of wellness practices, the fitness studio is top-tier with Pelotons, free weights, and yoga gear. When the weather’s nice, grab one of the hotel’s bikes for hire and cruise around Uptown or along the Rail Trail right outside. There’s also an indoor lap pool for early risers who want a peaceful dip before the city wakes up.

For a pre-dinner cocktail or nightcap, SoCo Bar in the lobby serves up creative twists on classics like the cucumber basil gimlet that hits just right.

Time Out tip: Sports fans hit the jackpot. The Westin is within walking distance of the Bank of America Stadium and Truist Field, so you can catch a Panthers football or Knights baseball match without the expensive Uber surges.

Address: 601 S College Street, 28202, Charlotte, NC
Price: From $219 per night.
Closest transport: The Trade and College Street stop (buses 1, 7, 8, 11, 21, 22, 26, 34) is right next to the hotel.