Ramsey Quebin

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 Cente

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

A business city like Charlotte has plenty of top-tier hotels, but there is only one true resort that combines urban sophistication with outdoor activities: The Ballantyne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte. In southern Charlotte, around 30-45 minutes from Uptown Charlotte, this resort is part of a mixed-use community that has flourished in recent years. You’ll find towering apartment and business buildings with buzzing restaurants, breweries and kids play areas along grassy lawns. However, The Ballantyne is the real mainstay, built in 2001 and spurring a development boom in the area that has drawn investment and growth. Pulling into the fountain-anchored drive is almost palatial in feeling, but inside, recent renovations have transformed it into a modern hybrid. I loved how the light fixtures, leather furnishings and enormous windows create a subdued sense of grandeur. Why stay at The Ballantyne? Most people are here for a conference or on vacation with friends and family, but listen carefully, and you’ll notice a high percentage of Southern accents, too. That’s because the spa and Gallery restaurant are both magnets for local enjoyment—and rightfully so, as they have both been recognized by top-tier award rankings. There was once a golf course at the edge of the property, but that has been replaced by lots of green space filled with bars, restaurants and fountains. It’s a resort vibe, but with a focus on high-level service that caters to the corporate retreat and discerni