North Carolina’s largest city is most famous for two things: banking and sports.

Here you’ll find the headquarters of major American banks, where Charlotteans spend their working weeks crunching numbers within the shiny skyscrapers of the city centre. Charlotte is also home to the Carolina Panthers football team, the Hornets basketball team, and, in fitting with its status as one of the jewels of the south, the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

There are plenty of reasons to visit this city, but when guests arrive, where should they stay?

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What is the best area to stay in Charlotte?

Some of the best and most popular areas with travelers in Charlotte include:

  • Uptown: A stay in Charlotte’s central business district puts visitors within easy reach of the city’s most famous sites: Bank of America Stadium, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Mint Museum and more. A hotel with all of this within easy walking distance will be very popular indeed.
  • Ballantyne: Opulent, vibrant, beautiful; Ballantyne is where many of Charlotte’s wealthiest residents choose to spend their time amongst lush greenery, country clubs and upscale hotels.
  • SouthPark: SouthPark is a shopper’s delight. A day can easily be whiled away at sprawling SouthPark Mall, and Phillips Place and Morrison offer more boutique shopping experiences.
  • The airport: Charlotte Douglas International Airport forms a busy transport hub, and is surrounded by a selection of accommodation options, from cheap and cheerful to truly luxe. An airport hotel is the best bet for travelers in town for one night.

LITTLE HOTELIER TOP TIP : When creating visual content for your property, do so on a sunny day! Everywhere looks better with a blue sky in the background – a picture really does speak a thousand words.

What are the best luxury hotels?

Any guest looking to treat themselves to a taste of luxury is in luck in Charlotte. The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte is perhaps the most opulent hotel of all, and its central location makes for easy exploration. The Ivey’s Hotel is a more boutique though no less luxurious affair, while those willing to stay beyond the bounds of the city centre will be in for a treat at The Ballantyne, a grand hotel set amongst a gorgeous green acreage.

What are the best hotels on a budget?

Hotels don’t need to cost the earth to attract guests and deliver a great experience. And by staying in a good quality budget option visitors will have more cash to splash on Charlotte fun! Perhaps the best spot for sightseers is Holiday Inn Charlotte – Center City as it places them right in the heart of the action. The Drury Inn & Suites Charlotte Arrowood is incredible value, though it is a 15-minute drive from Uptown. The joys of Ballantyne, meanwhile, are best explored from Comfort Suites Pineville.

What are the best hotels with a view?

There’s no better way to get a sense of a city than by gazing at it from a height. Such a bird’s eye view can be enjoyed from a number of high-rise Charlotte hotels, particularly those found in the city centre. Hyatt Place Charlotte Downtown offers views of Marshall Park from a rooftop pool, while Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel looks out over Romare Bearden Park and beyond to Bank of America Stadium. And if a traveler manages to secure a room at the pointy end of The Westin Charlotte, they’re in for a visual treat.

What are the best hotels for sightseeing?

Most travelers will be in town to see all that Charlotte is famous for. With the sights of the city predominantly found within Uptown, the more central the accommodation, the better. Leading the pack in terms of location are Charlotte Marriott City Center, Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown, and Hilton Charlotte Uptown, all of which pair placement with comfortable, amenity-packed, four-star lodgings.

LITTLE HOTELIER TOP TIP : Turn your guests into advocates – or better yet, ambassadors – by blending good old fashioned hospitality with modern technology. Reply to social media comments, keep track of and acknowledge repeat visits by using a property management platform with a mobile app included (such as Little Hotelier), and be sure to say “thank you!” – even if only over email. A personal touch still goes a long way.

What are the best hotels for families?

‘Family-friendly’ can mean different things to different people – a couple with a newborn will be looking for different things in their accommodation than a family with a tribe of tweens. But no matter what shape a family takes, Charlotte has a hotel to suit. Near the airport there is the Hampton Inn & Suites Charlotte Airport Lake Pointe, an unassuming hotel that boasts some of the happiest guests in Charlotte. Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown is a central hotel that offers a host of child-friendly amenities. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charlotte Uptown, meanwhile, offers the sort of casual atmosphere that parents often crave.

What are the best hotels for couples?

If love is in the air, certain Charlotte hotels offer more romance than others. The Westin Charlotte is an opulent skyscraper hotel that has a well earned reputation for southern dining. The Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte – Autograph Collection is absolutely gorgeous, with artsy touches everywhere. And if a guest wants to feel like a true Southern Beau or Belle, they should look no further than The Duke Mansion, a glorious bed and breakfast located just south of the city centre.

What are the best hotels by the airport?

A wealth of hotels surround Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and are perfect for a brief stay. Guests can access Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Airport, Tru by Hilton Charlotte Airport Lake Pointe and Sheraton Charlotte Airport Hotel for perfectly comfortable three-star stays.

LITTLE HOTELIER TOP TIP : To get more bookings, test out fun promotions during your low season. Try offering significant discounts for a long-term stay, a free room upgrade, or a complimentary dinner on the first night.

What are the best hotels by Bank of America Stadium?

Home to both the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC, many a Charlotte visitor will be here with the express purpose of heading to Bank of America Stadium. The best placed hotels include JW Marriott Charlotte, Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte City Centre and Residence Inn by Marriott Charlotte Uptown, which is located right outside the gates. (Yes, Marriott does have a bit of a stranglehold on this market!)

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By Dean Elphick

Dean is the Senior Content Marketing Specialist of Little Hotelier, the all-in-one software solution purpose-built to make the lives of small accommodation providers easier. Dean has made writing and creating content his passion for the entirety of his professional life, which includes more than six years at Little Hotelier. Through content, Dean aims to provide education, inspiration, assistance, and, ultimately, value for small accommodation businesses looking to improve the way they run their operations (and live their life).