Planning a holiday in North Carolina’s biggest city? With a wide array of cool areas & neighborhoods to choose from, nailing down where to stay in Charlotte, NC, is essential for maximizing your vacation plans.
Charlotte’s neighborhoods range from trendy, hipster-approved blocks to family-friendly amusement zones—and everything in between. While many of the best hotels in Charlotte are found in its bustling Uptown, areas like South End & Dilworth and SouthPark also have plenty of accommodations to suit all travel budgets and styles, from solo travelers to families.
Is trying to find the perfect hotel making your head spin? Learn everything you need to know about the Queen City’s accommodation scene with this complete guide to the best places to stay in Charlotte, NC, including the top-rated hotels, areas, and neighborhoods.
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our other hotel & accommodations guides and our North Carolina Travel Guide for more tips & recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do on your vacation!
Best places to stay in Charlotte, NC
The largest city in North Carolina, Charlotte is jam-packed with interesting areas and neighborhoods spread out over 300 square miles. Wherever you decide to base yourself in the Queen City, you’ll find plenty to fill your itinerary.
If arts & culture is your jam, spend your nights in Uptown. The city’s centralmost neighborhood is packed with many of the top tourist attractions in Charlotte, NC, including art galleries and museums. Many of the city’s top luxury hotels also call Uptown home, making it a great spot if you want to splurge on your vacation.
Young adults will enjoy the up-and-coming feel of the accommodations scene in South End & Dilworth, with plenty of cool boutiques, restaurants, and bar to pad your holiday plans. Families, on the other hand, will find great mid-range hotels in the SouthPark. The upscale residential neighborhood also offers excellent shopping opportunities should that travel budget be burning a hole in your pocket.
More budget-conscious travelers will want to check out areas like University Place for low-to-mid-range chain hotels. Or head over to Plaza Midwood for self-catering apartment-style accommodations where you can save on food by prepping some of your own meals.
The best areas to stay in Charlotte, NC, are:
Uptown
✓ The perfect place to stay in Charlotte for art lovers
The heart of Charlotte beats in Uptown. And if you’re looking to hit up all of the city’s top attractions and hottest venues, you can’t do better than spending your nights in this city center neighborhood.
Also known as Charlotte Center City, Uptown is home to several renowned art museums, making it the perfect home base for creative spirits. While exploring the area, be sure to check out the mid-20th-century modern art collection at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and the diverse global visual arts collections at the Mint Museum Uptown.
The accommodation scene in Uptown is largely comprised of high-end (and high-budget) hotels. While this might not be ideal for every traveler, Uptown is a great choice if you want to treat yourself to a spurge-worthy room in a central location.
Hyatt Place Charlotte Downtown
If you need a break from city sightseeing, the breadth of amenities and facilities at the Hyatt Place Charlotte Downtown won’t leave you wanting. While the rooms are spacious and modern, it’s the outdoor rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar and the 10th-floor lobby lounge with premium city views that’ll really sell you on staying at this property.
Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Uptown
The Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Uptown is blessed with a prime location, and they’ve taken your every need to heart. With a 24-hour pantry shop with takeaway meals, ergonomic desk chairs, and large windows with city skyline views, your guest experience is sure to be superb. The hotel even has suites with old-school corner jacuzzi tubs if you want to inject a little retro romance into your vacation.
Omni Charlotte Hotel
Connected by covered walkways to major shopping centers, the Omni Charlotte Hotel keeps you in the center of all the action. Loved for its interior design with leather and gold accents, plus panoramic windows in every room, this hotel is as pretty as it is well-reviewed. The hotel also showcases a mega-cool hangout space, with a rooftop pool and bar under a giant TV, so you can watch the game and float the day away at the same time.
Want to keep up with your fitness goals while on vacation? You can visit the adjoining Charlotte Athletic Club, one of the city’s premier fitness centers, on a guest pass. Alternatively, you can request an in-room fitness kit—complete with a yoga mat, resistance bands, dumbbells, kettlebells, and medicine ball—if you’d rather work out with total privacy.
Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte, Autograph Collection
Loved for its alluring mix of bold color and avant-garde sculptures, the Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte, Autograph Collection is a true work of art. You’ll feel like royalty getting ready for the evening at your very own starlet-style makeup vanity and swooning on your jewel-toned velvet chaise. Adding to the grandeur is an exclusive speakeasy cocktail and tapas bar and a fine South American restaurant. Need to get your java fix before starting your day? There’s a full-service Starbucks in the hotel lobby—score!
JW Marriott Charlotte
If you really want to #treatyourself, you can’t do better than the JW Marriott Charlotte. Decked from head to toe in relaxing neutral tones, this hotel is a luxury oasis. The most popular place to unwind is the rooftop pool and bar. Post up in a semi-submerged wave lounger sunbed or splurge on a private cabana that comes with champagne, water, energy drinks, fruit, a fan to keep you cool—and even a flatscreen TV!
South End & Dilworth
✓ Charlotte’s top destination for foodies
South End & Dilworth is a sophisticated and highly walkable residential area in the ‘burbs. With boutiques, bookshops, and cafes in abundance, this neighborhood is perfect for travelers who prefer to explore at a slower pace.
Love experiencing new cuisines? South End & Dilworth is a foodie’s paradise. Don’t be surprised if you spend the bulk of your vacation bouncing between bakeries and hunkering down at some of the city’s tastiest restaurants for course after course of delicious food.
With the area’s neverending list of activities, accommodations in South End & Dilworth offer travelers a little bit of everything. Whether you’re looking for something simple and budget-friendly or trendy and social media-worthy, you’ll find it in this neighborhood.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Charlotte – South End, an IHG Hotel
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites South End might just be one of the most upscale Holiday Inns you’ve ever seen. Staying here, you’ll take advantage of the great value you expect from this affordable chain with a little extra spice. The ultra-spacious suites show off with statement armchairs and modern decor, but perhaps most intriguing at the hotel is the indoor/outdoor terrace lounge. With impressive city views, twinkly lights, and even flatscreen TVs for watching sports games, you might just spend the bulk of your evening hanging out here.
Kasa Edison House
If you want to stay somewhere with a ton of personality, choose the Kasa Edison House. This cool apartment rental is full of photogenic spaces with bold art-deco decor and lots of natural light. Your social media feeds will love the velvet couches and trendy Smeg appliances. After the sun sets, be sure to spend at least one evening lounging and playing games on the courtyard patio, lit with strings of Edison bulbs.
Kasa Dilworth Charlotte
Another Kasa gem, the Kasa Dilworth has a completely different vibe from the Edison House but is equally wonderful. You’ll love the property’s incredible communal spaces, including an outdoor pool, a gorgeous terrace with ivy-trellised arches and BBQs, coworking spaces, and a rooftop lounge. Bike rentals are available at the front door for getting around in an eco- and budget-friendly way. There’s also a doggy spa onsite to pamper your furry pal on vacation as well!
Plaza Midwood
✓ The best area to stay in Charlotte to experience Southern hospitality
Plaza Midwood is an up-and-coming trendy Charlotte neighborhood with deep roots. With historic homes lying under a canopy of ancient oak trees, the scenery in this area is a beautiful mix of old and new.
Throughout the streets of Plaza Midwood, you’ll find a decidedly Southern vibe, with BBQ and microbrewing at the heart of it all. Enjoy mouthwatering ribs, pulled pork, and brisket at Midwood Smokehouse. Wash it down with sudsy craft beer at Legion Brewing or Resident Culture Brewing Company.
If you’d rather “live like a local” and have a little extra space to work with, Plaza Midwood is a wonderful area to consider. Most of the accommodations here are private vacation rentals and boutique hotel-style apartments under respected umbrella management companies.
FRONTDESK The Edison Apts Plaza Midwood Charlotte
Is a traditional hotel isn’t your thing? FRONTDESK connects you to short-term rentals at some of the most exclusive and sought-after apartment complexes in the city. The FRONTDESK The Edison Apts Plaza Midwood Charlotte is located in a trendy area full of street art and old brick buildings. The unit is just steps away from yoga studios, microbreweries, hipster bars, and restaurants. There’s plenty to enjoy right on the property, too, like great views of the Charlotte skyline, an outdoor picnic area, and community lounge spaces.
FRONTDESK Village at Commonwealth Apts Plaza Midwood Charlotte
Another gem within the FRONTDESK network is the FRONTDESK Village at Commonwealth Apts Plaza Midwood Charlotte. Your private unit comes with a full-size kitchen, a private balcony, and sophisticated modern decor. Even more impressive, though, are the village’s amenities. With your reservation, you’ll have unlimited access to an outdoor pool with a luxury sundeck, a games room, a beer garden, a sand volleyball court, and a fitness center.
NCCR-101-Plaza25
Charlotte offers plenty of stellar independent apartment rentals, too, like this one-bedroom stunner in a lowrise complex. The NCCR-101-Plaza25 has a cozy atmosphere designed for two, making it a great choice for couples looking for a little love nest to host them for the week. With perks like an island bar seating area, a spacious kitchen, and ensuite laundry, you’ll have everything you need to create a home away from home.
SouthPark
✓ Recommended neighborhood to stay in Charlotte for shopaholics
SouthPark is a luxury residential neighborhood that’s most noteworthy for its high-end shopping, from big megacenters to independent labels.
When you’re not on a shopping spree around SouthPark, enjoy a happy hour sip at Foxcroft Wine Co., the neighborhood’s premier wine bar, or have a picnic at the stunning Symphony Park.
Most hotels in SouthPark fall within the mid-range category. Though many of these properties offer next-level amenities and atmospheres and are at the higher end of the budget bracket, the neighborhood doesn’t feature many high-luxury hotels that’ll totally break the bank. If that’s what you’re looking for, re-calibrate your luxury lodgings search to Uptown.
Residence Inn Charlotte SouthPark
As a designated extended-stay hotel, the Residence Inn Charlotte SouthPark is a great choice for travelers planning to remain in Charlotte for a while and for families who need a little extra living space. Guest suites come with full kitchens, large desks, dining tables, and couch areas. There are also plenty of communal spaces to enjoy, like an outdoor basketball court, patio lounges with firepits, and a 24-hour fitness center. It’s good for your wallet, too, with free breakfast and free parking included.
Hampton Inn & Suites-South Park at Phillips Place
A stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites-South Park at Phillips Place is full of added value, with free parking, a hot breakfast bar, and an outdoor pool to keep you cool on hot summer days. This hotel has a wide range of rooms to suit any traveler, from connecting rooms for large groups and pet-friendly rooms to accessible suites with accommodations made for an array of different disabilities.
Hyatt Centric Charlotte SouthPark
For an ultra-modern, Asian-inspired design, check out the Hyatt Centric Charlotte SouthPark. In addition to their a la carte American breakfast in the lobby restaurant/bar, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, Mizu, offers a full Asian breakfast. Otherwise, this seafood-focused venue will impress with its woodfire grills and amazing views come dinner time. Pro-tip: One of the most loved features of the hotel’s guestrooms is the floor-to-ceiling windows. If you ask for a corner room when booking, you can double up on that brilliant natural light!
Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel
Looking for a hotel that’s dog friendly? The Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel not only welcomes canine guests but also puts together welcome packages for them, complete with custom bowls, food mats, and biscuits. Need another perk? The American Girl Store is just minutes away at the SouthPark Mall. If you’re traveling with an AG-obsessed kiddo, here’s a surprise you can keep up your sleeve. The American Girl Package includes milk and cookies, a doll bed (and matching bedding for housekeeping to set up in your suite), and matching robes/slippers.
University Place
✓ The ideal neighborhood in Charlotte for budget travelers
Home to the University of North Carolina, University Place dishes out classic college-town vibes. In the young and energetic neighborhood, you’re guaranteed to find cheap, good eats, exciting nightlife venues, and pretty parks.
Walking around the UNC campus and taking in a college sports game could make their way onto your University Place bucket list. But there are plenty of other great attractions to explore in the area.
The Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve is a popular choice for reconnecting with nature and taking a break from the quick pace of urban life, while NASCAR lovers will be about 10 minutes from the iconic Charlotte Motor Speedway. Since you’re outside of the core of the city, University City is also a great spot to launch into popular Charlotte day trips like the Uwharrie National Forest.
As it’s a hotspot for budget travelers, the hotels in the University Place neighborhood are mostly in the low-mid range budget bracket and offer a bunch of value-added amenities like breakfast and parking at no additional charge.
Drury Inn & Suites Charlotte University Place
One of the biggest budget-busters on vacation is food, and the Drury Inn & Suites Charlotte University Place knows it. The hotel offers a series of complimentary food services that are free with your reservation—it’s almost like staying at an all-inclusive resort!
Start your day with a full hot breakfast buffet, including highlights like biscuits and gravy and make-your-own Belgian waffles. When you start to feel the munchies throughout the day, head down to the lobby for unlimited popcorn and soda. Finally, you can join the 5:30 kickback, where you can enjoy a light dinner/large snack with an ever-changing menu and even a complimentary alcoholic beverage or two.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Charlotte NE – University Area, an IHG Hotel
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Charlotte NE – University Area experience is centered around convenience. The hotel is located just steps from the light rail station, so you can get where you need to go in the blink of an eye. There’s also a wellness station in the lobby to stock up on healthy snacks and sports drinks to carry you through the day and a 24-hour fitness center to keep up with your fitness goals.
Hilton Charlotte University Place
The Hilton Charlotte University Place is beloved for its floor-to-ceiling windows and waterfront views. There’s also a handful of extra amenities on the property that add to the guest experience, including an outdoor pool and patio firepits. A word to the wise: Be sure to request an outdoor table at the Edgewater Bar and Grille if you’re going to have dinner onsite. Seafood and steaks rights on the riverside? It doesn’t get better than that!
Hyatt Place Charlotte University
If you want something budget-friendly without compromising on the atmosphere, Hyatt Place Charlotte University is a great option. Their contemporary room design takes a minimalist approach to furniture, giving the hotel an airy and comfortable feel. You’ll also have access to amenities like a seasonal outdoor pool and a bright, spacious fitness center. If you need a quick bite or sip without any fuss before carrying on with your day, the lobby bar is your go-to. It’s simple but delicious and cuts down travel time between meals and your next activity. Keep travel costs low by taking advantage of the free parking and buffet breakfast included in reservations.
