6 Top places to stay in Charlotte, NC

Charlotte, otherwise known as the Queen City, is the crown jewel of North Carolina’s Piedmont Plateau. But even queens need a good night’s sleep, and being the largest city in NC, Charlotte has a ton of options to choose from.

Whether you’re a jet-lagged traveler or a weekender in town for the NASCAR delights, there are many places to stay in Charlotte. We prefer to stay in Uptown, which is where most of the hotels and vacation rentals are located. Here, the city hums with high-rise luxury, but also has some affordable offerings thrown in the mix. Below are our top places to stay in Charlotte for every budget and style. 

Best overall place to stay – Omni Charlotte Hotel

The Omni Hotel in Charlotte is a polished four-star hotel in the city’s Uptown district. You will know when you have found the Omni Hotel, since its mirrored glass architecture makes it shine like a high-rise diamond jutting out of the concrete boulevard.

On the inside, Omni Hotel is sleek and contemporary, with mid-century touches and thoughtful homey touches to make you feel at home. Rooms have expansive city views through floor-to-ceiling windows, plush bedding, and modern furnishings.

The best part of the hotel, though, is arguably the seasonal rooftop pool, which is flanked by the Coin Bar and skyline views, and is the ultimate place to chill out after a day of exploring. See prices and availability here.

Best budget place to stay – Hampton Inn Charlotte-Uptown

The Hampton Inn is the cheapest accommodation in the metropolitan area of Charlotte, but don’t be fooled into thinking cheap means low quality.

This 3-star hotel is within walking distance of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte Convention Center, Spectrum Center, and Bank of America Stadium, and has spacious rooms spread over 11 floors that are basic, but comfortable and featuring all the mod cons you’d expect – free wifi, A/C, blackout drapes, free toiletries, etc.

There’s also a heated indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, free buffet breakfast each morning, and vending machines when you need a midnight snack. See prices and availability here.

Best affordable place to stay for families – Homewood Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown First Ward

The refined Homewood Suites by Hilton is another modern hotel in the Uptown district that features suite rooms with their own full-size kitchens, smart TVs, and storage-savvy living space. Choose from either a spacious studio or a one-bedroom layout.

As well as enjoying the comfort of being able to cook your own meals, you don’t have to, as a complimentary hot breakfast buffet is offered every morning and also includes kid-friendly options. A standout feature of the hotel is the rooftop terrace, which has views over First Ward Park and has lounge seating and fire pits. See prices and availability here.

Best mid-range place to stay – DoubleTree by Hilton Charlotte City Center

Located directly across from the Spectrum Center is the DoubleTree by Hilton, which underwent a renovation in November 2023, earning it a AAA Three Diamond rating.

The renovations gave each room a fresh, modern décor with sleek furnishings and kitted it out with top-notch amenities such as laptop safes, mini‑fridges, coffee makers, and oversized desks.When you’re feeling peckish, head to Forchetta, the onsite Italian restaurant, or grab a coffee from The Financial Grind cafe in the lobby, which has grab-and-go snacks and coffee. See prices and availability here.

Best high-end place to stay – The Ivey’s Hotel

The refined and polished upscale hotel, The Ivey’s Hotel, is located in a historic early 1900s–era building, which used to be the iconic Ivey’s Department Store.

This boutique luxury hotel has uniquely styled rooms and suites, decorated in a Parisian-glamour flair. The hotel has been elegantly styled – think reclaimed 400-year-old French oak floors, exposed brick, custom lighting, and bespoke furnishings, as well as curated art from global antique sources.

When it comes to dining, head to Sophia’s Lounge, a glamorous European-inspired cocktail bar that’s accessed via a glass stairwell, or the Library Lounge, which has complimentary cheese and wine evenings and is where you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning. See prices and availability here.

Best vacation rental – Artsy Studio in Uptown

This modern studio in Uptown is the perfect space for a couple or solo traveler looking for a quiet place for a weekend stay. It has lots of natural light and an industrial, artistic vibe, which leads for a comfortable aesthetic. Nestled in the Fourth Ward neighborhood, it’s accessible via the I-77 and I-277 and has a private parking space for guests to use. See prices and availability here.