When The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte opened in 2009, it ushered in a new tier of luxury for the city. Charlotte is the second largest-banking city in the U.S., and as such, it deserved a hotel of a high enough stature that guests visiting from the world’s swankiest financial institutions would be impressed with—and that’s exactly what this hotel does.
Built and owned by Bank of America, whose corporate headquarters are attached via a direct skyway, this business hotel really means business. You won’t find a roster of buzzy restaurants with live entertainment or flashy shopping arcades. Instead, The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte specializes in what the brand does best: service.
Door staff swing open the entrance whenever you make the slightest move to approach, and reception engages in conversation dripping in Southern charm as they check in guests—my arrival experience began with the offer of something to drink and recommendations for the best places to dine in town. The small lobby’s vibe is one of relaxed elegance and is unmatched in the city center, and that set the tone for the rest of the stay. Here’s what I thought of the Ritz-Carlton Charlotte.
Why stay at The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte?
What most cities call downtown is known as “Uptown” in Charlotte. This is where the skyline pops up amidst the backdrop of North Carolina’s famous green landscape. If you want to spot the Ritz-Carlton from a distance, simply look for the tallest building in the bunch: Bank of America Corporate Center. This is the highest skyscraper between Philadelphia and Atlanta and is attached to the hotel.
As such, it fuels a lot of the corporate business here, but being a Ritz-Carlton (and part of the enormous Marriott Bonvoy program) fills in the gaps with guests coming for concerts, sport events or to explore the city’s museums and attractions.
The hotel opened as the first LEED Gold-certified Ritz-Carlton in the world, putting sustainability at the forefront of operations.
What are the rooms like at The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte?
Fresh from a full renovation, the rooms and corridors got a makeover to lighten the mood of the entire experience. Botanical art (meant to reflect Charlotte’s lush greenery), hues of cream, white and blue, and olive green leather headboards replace the darker look that was here. It gives the sense of more space with a floor plan that maximizes both the view and utility of the room.
There’s a wide desk, banquette seating up against the wall with a marble-topped table ideal for working or dining, armchair and power outlets at every turn. Floor-to-ceiling windows have been upgraded for extra soundproofing (you might be surprised, but Charlotte has a thumping nightlife scene).
The choice of view is mostly of the skyline with one side of the building labeled as garden view because it looks down onto tree-lined patios of a neighboring office tower. My Deluxe room is characteristic of most rooms in the hotel, but what stands out here is the surprising number of suites (36 in total, three per floor), which were purposefully added to cater to visiting executives and board members.
Parlor Suites come with sofa beds in larger living areas, which are ideal for families. Even more sizable are the One-Bedroom Executive Suites on each floor that come with a separate living room (also offering a sofa bed). The Uptown Suite, with its dining room and enormous living room, is a nice splurge, especially if entertaining guests. Stretching 2,900 sq ft is the creme de la creme The Ritz-Carlton Suite with dining, living and sleeping areas that have hosted the top CEOs and performers when visiting Charlotte.
All rooms have Nespresso machines for a quick caffeine boost and Art Deco-style minibar displays to tempt you into overspending for a bag of chips. In the marble bathrooms, the full-sized pump bottles of Diptyque toiletries add an elegant (and eco-friendly touch). Soaking tubs are great, but the excellent pressure in the glass shower was a highlight at the end of the day.
What is the food like at The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte?
There is only one, all-day dining venue here. At The Fifth Fork, the modern steakhouse vibe does not discriminate against vegetarians, and the roster of burgers, salads and seafood dishes draws in business folk for power lunches. The menu supports numerous local purveyors of meat, cheese and vegetables, too.
Coming soon is the 2026 arrival of Celebrity Chef Michael Mina, a James Beard award winner that has been awarded Michelin stars in previous restaurants. He will open his signature venue Bourbon Steak on the lobby level, replacing The Fifth Fork as the all-day restaurant.
K Lounge pulls in your attention while in the quiet lobby for its illuminated backdrop of liquor and spirit bottles. Open from late afternoon to evening, this cocktail lounge also has a menu of light bites, yet another magnet for the afterwork crowd.
Between 5 and 7am each morning, complimentary coffee sits next to the bountiful, all-day bowls of apples and water. Bar Cocoa is the hotel’s coffee shop, patisserie and what they refer to as a “cooking lab”. It sees a mix of hotel guests and locals on their way to work popping in for macarons, croissants and gelato throughout the day.
Uptown is home to so many good restaurants that it can be hard to decide. Now that the Michelin guide has bestowed its first star in Charlotte, the food scene is getting the kick in the chef’s pants it needs to really elevate itself. Across the street, Cicchetti is a reliable Italian favorite, and if you keep walking a few blocks Coquette’s French menu is a delight. The Capital Grille is the steakhouse of choice for the city’s elite when entertaining visitors or wanting a fine meal, and it is just one block from the hotel.
What is the service like at The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte?
There may not be a flashy lobby or rooftop bar, but the service here is truly on point. The brand refers to its staff as “ladies and gentlemen” for a reason. Every housekeeper, bartender and bell staff member will greet you with a smile or ask about your stay. For some, this is simply Southern hospitality, but for in-the-know Ritz-Carlton regulars, it’s standard practice around the world. The service culture makes this hotel the best in Uptown, hands-down.
This is especially important because of the meeting space and board rooms on the hotel’s first floor. They host some of the city’s top social and corporate functions, which is why discretion and service are so important. But, the small size of the hotel means you won’t see big conventions dominating the property.
What is the pool and gym like at The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte?
An enormous, top-floor gym has panoramic views of the skyline and surrounding scenery as far as the eye can see. It has the latest cardio equipment, free weights and exercise gear. Of course, there are extras like eucalyptus-scented cold towels to refresh after a set, chilled water and apples.
Near the 18th floor gym is a serene, bromine-treated indoor swimming pool with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the skyline. It’s a glamorous spot for a dip both day and night, especially since there is a whirlpool in the corner with three gushing waterfalls adding auditory relaxation.
One level below the pool is an impressive-for-Charlotte, duplex hotel spa focusing on all-organic products and a menu designed with options for both men and women. QR codes by the lounge chairs summon a staff member with drinks and food at a whim, quite the treat when all you want to do is enjoy a post-massage daze.
What’s the area like around The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte?
Office and residential towers fill almost every window pane view here, but the Spectrum Center and Bank of America Stadium fuel Uptown’s energy many nights a week. They host the region’s top music and sporting events, which can quickly fill this 140-room hotel. With corporate bank accounts covering weekday rates and nonstop weekend events keeping demand high, The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte does not shy away from plump prices. But, the service and setting satisfy every penny.
Interesting attractions Uptown include the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Mint Museum Uptown and the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture. There are many reasons to stay in the center of Charlotte, but the light rail (there’s a stop near the hotel) can take you into South End for more dining and shopping options.
Why you should book a stay at The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte
The proximity to concert, sports and theater venues makes it ideal for entertainment-focused visits, and the office towers are no more than a five-minute walk for weekday business travelers. This is the city’s top, in-town hotel and is unmatched when it comes to service standards. Charlotte is known as the Queen City, and this hotel is fit for royalty.
DETAILS
Address: 201 East Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Price: Rooms start at $599
Closest transport: Trade St & College St stop
Book now: via Expedia.
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