Uptown Charlotte has no shortage of (mostly chain-affiliated) hotels, but this boutique option stands out for its eclectic design and residential nature. The historic building is home to 47 rooms and suites, but also numerous private residences. This makes it feel less like a hotel, in a good way.
Past the ever-present valet staff is a blend of French and Parisian art and design pieces, which sets this hotel apart from anything else you will find in Charlotte. There is no fancy spa, health club, all-day restaurant or conference center here. Instead, the focus is on offering a personalized, more intimate experience in central Charlotte that is within walking distance to neighboring bars, restaurants, theaters, sports venues and office buildings.
Why stay at The Ivey’s Hotel?
This building was home to the first Ivey’s department store (a regional chain later gobbled up by larger conglomerates), and its brick facade and interior architecture lend plentiful, historic character to this small hotel.
It feels like you are staying in a fancy apartment building—the small entrance area offers sit-down reception, and I appreciated learning about different corners of the hotel. Without that brief orientation, I wouldn’t have known to visit the first-floor balcony facing the interior atrium where all-day coffee from a local roaster is complimentary, or to flash my room key during happy hour for a free glass of wine.
Exploring the hallways reveals interesting European-inspired art, and even the doors to the rooms have intricate designs.The vibe is one of a Parisian boutique stay complete with high-end designer furnishings, and for someone that spends a lot of time in hotels, I kept wanting to turn past every corner to see what else I might find.
What are the rooms like at The Ivey’s?
Each room is different from the next with knick knacks on the shelves, reclaimed French oak floors that date back centuries and custom-made art deco furnishings. What really impresses me is just how the old-meets-new furnishings actually blend so well together. A vintage-looking desk has built-in power and USB ports, and the nightstands on either side of the bed have a curvaceous base with colorful art illuminated by clever lighting. Sections of exposed brick along the walls remind you of the building’s background.
Electronic gadgetry is in full force: Sony 4K flatscreen TVs are mounted on the walls, iPads that control room features or provide local information are by the beds and there are Bose soundbars for top-notch sound quality.
Bathrooms have heated mirrors that don’t fog up after switching on the power showers behind their glass doors, and I enjoyed the verbena-scented L’Occitane toiletries along the vanity and in the shower.
My Executive Suite has a lovely and spacious living room with separate half-bathroom plus a spacious bedroom with more than enough closet space. I noticed that some of the rooms overlook the interior courtyard, which while quiet, don’t have much of an interesting view. The corner rooms have a lot of natural light, and several rooms even have balconies. All of the rooms are on lower floors, which means potential noise could seep in (although I did not hear any noise overnight) and ear plugs are available on the nightstand, a nice touch.
What is the food like at The Ivey’s?
Sophia’s Lounge is the property’s sole restaurant and lounge, and it is immensely popular with locals and visitors to the Uptown area. It starts with a lengthy breakfast menu that can also be delivered via room service—I ordered the decadent omelet lorraine stuffed with ham, caramelized onions and gruyere cheese (although it was a surprise to learn that the kitchen closes for lunch).
Later in the afternoon, a buzzy happy hour offers specials, and on weekends, there is not a free seat in the house, so be sure to make a reservation. The lounge space is a mish mash of high-backed chairs, sofas, flickering faux fireplace and windowside tables, and it’s a creative and clever take on a hotel restaurant that feels more like a neighborhood cafe. The lamb meatballs and “green bliss” flatbread with pesto, artichoke and feta cheese are two of the standout options on the menu, which includes a lot of locally sourced products.
In the center of Sophia’s Lounge is a stairway that rises up to a pair of glass doors, which only open with the swipe of a keycard for hotel guests. At the top of the stairs is the library, a quiet space where guests can work or order a cocktail without the worry of making a reservation.
What is the service like at The Ivey’s?
The staff here is well-schooled on what a small, luxury hotel should offer. Things like staff recognizing repeat customers by name or turndown service replenishing bottled water and boxes of truffles are two of the highlights I noticed.
What are the other facilities like at The Ivey’s?
This is a small hotel with limited amenities, but I was very impressed with the fitness center that has a wide range of cardio and free weight equipment. There is also a place to do your own stretching or yoga. Two fridges stock chilled towels and bottled water, and there are trays of apples and protein bars, yet another small, yet impressive, touch.
Unlike most other hotels in this part of the city, meeting space is limited to gathering in the library, holding social functions in Sophia’s Lounge or booking the 1,000 sq ft Tulip room for events. That’s the beauty of a boutique hotel: everything is there, just on a smaller and more personable scale.
What is the area like around The Ivey’s?
You could not be more central to Uptown than The Ivey’s. Within just a few blocks are all of the towering skyscrapers, including the headquarters for Bank of America and Truist Bank. Wells Fargo has major operations in the city, too. The Mint Museum and Bechtler Museum of Art are just outside the door, and across the street is the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center where Broadway shows take place.
If you can’t get a seat at Sophia’s Lounge, The Capital Grille steakhouse is just across the hotel, and local favorites like Tupelo Honey and Mimosa Grill are on the same street.
Why should you book a stay at The Ivey’s?
This is truly the best boutique option in central Charlotte. The rooms showcase an eclectic and upscale design that other hotels in this neighborhood cannot match, and service is centered around the needs of discerning travelers. In short, this is the kind of hotel that sticks with you long after you check out—you’ll be showing your friends the pictures you snapped of the funky art and custom furnishings at The Ivey’s. I know I did.
DETAILS
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.
Book now: via Booking.com
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