Best Places to Stay in Charlotte, North Carolina: Top Areas & Accommodation 

Please share if you enjoy this content!

Searching for the best places to stay in Charlotte, North Carolina? This guide is for you! 

Charlotte is a large city, and it keeps growing! There are endless neighborhoods and hotels to choose from. 

I wrote this guide to help you find the best Charlotte neighborhoods. Whether you’re traveling solo, with your partner, or with your kids, there is a special place for you to stay in this wonderful city. 

Charlotte also has some amazing hotels and rental options for those that plan to stay for business or need long-term accommodation. Just make sure whatever place you choose is close to all the best Charlotte attractions!

aeriel view of downtown charlotte, nighttime, city lights, best hotels in charlotte nc

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

Charlotte Accommodation Quick Guide 

Looking for one of the best places to stay in Charlotte quickly? Here are the top choices around the city!

Budget—Courtyard Charlotte: This is one of the best places to stay in Charlotte, NC, for those on a budget. They have basic rooms with family suite options as well. They have a pool on-site and a small restaurant for when you don’t feel like leaving the hotel. 

Mid-range—Hampton Inn Belmont: This hotel is in a quiet suburb of Charlotte for those looking to be out of the city center. The large outdoor pool is huge, so it’s a nice place to stay during the warmer months. The rooms are cozy, and they have free breakfast. 

Luxury—Hilton Charlotte University Place: Every part of this hotel is incredible! They have an amazing restaurant on the terrace that looks out onto a lake. The rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and fireplaces. They also have an upscale bar on site. 

park in downtown charlotte, tall buildings in distance, cloudy skies

Uptown Charlotte 

Uptown Charlotte is the best place for those that are visiting the city for the first time because it’s close to all the main attractions and things to do. While the lodging options are more expensive in this area, you’re within walking distance of many places so you can save on transportation costs. 

There are four wards in Charlotte. Each ward has its own attractions and places to see. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants you can walk to. 

NoDa is the most popular ward because it’s where most bars and cafes are located. There are also several music and art venues in the area. 

BudgetBposhtels Charlotte: This is one of the top-rated hostels in the city center. It’s a great Charlotte Uptown hotel if you’re on a budget. They have clean bunk beds with outlets by each bed. They have free breakfast, including some hot items and baked goods. There’s also a community kitchen where you can cook lunch and dinner for yourself to save money. 

Mid-RangeHoliday Inn Charlotte City Center: Right in the middle of uptown, this hotel has modern and spacious rooms with all the amenities plus upgraded suite options. There is a rooftop fitness center and a restaurant on site. They also have an outdoor pool open in the warmer months. 

LuxuryThe Ivey’s Hotel: This is an amazing elegant hotel that’s pet friendly! Almost every room has a city view and terrace. They also have a rooftop lounge. Enjoy the fitness center and Wi-Fi, as well as a free hot breakfast. 

winter in downtown charlotte, bare trees, office buildings, where to stay in charlotte nc, charlotte uptown hotels

Pineville 

Pineville is known as the best place to stay near Charlotte when you’re traveling with children or family. It’s only 14 miles from uptown, so you can easily reach all the main attractions by renting a car or using Uber. 

Since Pineville is a suburb of Charlotte, it’s much quieter and has lots of parks and green spaces for the kids to play. Since the hotels in this area are more geared toward families, they are also pet friendly. 

BudgetQuality Inn Suites Pineville Charlotte: This is a great basic hotel right in the middle of Pineville. The rooms have Wi-Fi, kitchenettes, and TVs. You can also book a suite if you want extra seating or sleeping space. They also have an indoor swimming pool and a fitness center. 

Mid-RangeStaybridge Suites: This is one of the best places to stay with family or kids because all the rooms have pull-out sofas. It’s also pet friendly! They have a heated indoor pool where you can take the kids swimming and a free hot breakfast!

LuxuryThe Ballantyne: For one of the best luxury hotels in Charlotte, Nc, book a room here! The rooms here are super spacious. Even if you are staying with several other people, you’ll have plenty of room! They also have an elegant bar where you can enjoy a few drinks before heading out to dinner or Uptown. They have free breakfast at the on-site restaurant. 

South End/Dilworth 

South End is an up-and-coming area just a few miles from uptown. The area is very pedestrian friendly, so it’s a perfect place if you don’t want to rent a car. Most people stay here when they want to visit all of Charlotte’s many breweries. 

The area is also where many Charlotte residents come to eat out. South End and Dilworth have some of the best restaurants in the city, including African, Asian, and traditional American choices. 

BudgetHistoric Duplex in Dilworth: If you want to have a budget stay in this area, check out this amazing little townhouse. It’s within walking distance of many bars, restaurants, and attractions. The area also has a local farmers’ market every Saturday where you can buy fresh produce and meet locals!

Mid-RangeThe Dunhill Hotel: This boutique hotel is in a refurbished building from 1929. The rooms are 1920s-themed and have desks, armoires, and marble bathrooms. There is also a penthouse suite if you want something a little fancier with a large balcony. They have free evening snacks and a free shuttle that goes around the area. 

LuxuryThe Westin Charlotte: If you want to stay in a hotel with one of the best views of the city, make sure to book your stay here! Every room has large windows with great views of the city. They also have a fitness center and an indoor pool. After the end of a long day of seeing all the attractions, you can have dinner and drinks at the onsite bar. 

office buildings in downtown charlotte

Top Things to do in Charlotte

Now that you know where to stay in Charlotte, you can check out some of the best activities around the city!

  • Eat at all the best places. Charlotte is well known for having diverse cuisine. Head to Yume or Lang Van for the best Asian eats. Midwood Smokehouse and Sweet Lew’s BBQ are the best places for barbecue. There are also many fancier restaurants in Uptown if you are looking for a romantic night out or a special occasion. 
  • Do some shopping. Charlotte has some of the best shopping outlets and districts. Check out the Sleepy Poet Antique Mall and the Southpark mall for the best shopping. You’ll find everything from clothes to antiques to specialty-made items by local residents. 
  • Get your adrenaline going at Carowinds. If you enjoy rollercoasters or other kinds of thrill rides, you can go to Carowinds. It’s the state’s top amusement park. There are also many kid-friendly rides perfect for younger children. 
  • See the Charlotte Symphony. If you enjoy classical music, you can head to the symphony led by Christopher Warren-Green. Make sure to check the calendar before you go and buy tickets in advance. 
  • Go rafting. Charlotte has a US National Whitewater Center where you can go rafting in class 5 rapids. They also have zip-lining and rock-climbing walls. It’s definitely one of the best places in the south for adventure seekers. 
  • Become one with nature at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens. Immerse yourself in over 380 acres of gardens, fountains, small walking trails, and plants. 
daniel stowe botanical gardens, orchids growing, waterfall, things to do in charlotte

How to Get to Charlotte

The quickest and easiest way to get to Charlotte is to fly into the international airport (CLT). There are hundreds of daily flights from over 160 destinations. Many of the domestic flights are nonstop, making it very convenient to fly into Charlotte. 

If you’re road-tripping, Charlotte is connected to I-77 and I-85. There are also a few Amtrak stations in the area if you are coming by train. 

charlotte exit highway sign, how to get to charlotte

How to Get Around Charlotte

Charlotte has some public transportation systems, but I found them very slow and a little outdated. The most efficient way to travel around Charlotte is by renting a car. 

If you are in Uptown only, you can walk everywhere and take the occasional Uber. Otherwise, renting a car is the best way to see all that Charlotte has to offer. 

When to Visit Charlotte

For amazing weather, try to go to Charlotte in March through May or September through November. This is also the off-season, so you don’t have to worry about overcrowding or high hotel prices. 

Charlotte is also nice during the holidays. Many of the art museums have special exhibits and activities which are worth checking out as long as you don’t mind a little colder weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to stay in uptown or downtown Charlotte? 

Uptown and downtown Charlotte are in the same area. The terms are used interchangeably. Uptown is the city’s central business district and is one of the best places to stay in Charlotte, NC, for visitors. 

The area is very walkable, with many different bars and restaurants. Some of the city’s main attractions, including the Bank of America Stadium, are also located here. 

window.fd(‘form’, { formId: ‘5f654c78bf43d8ae8bbfa457’, containerEl: ‘#fd-form-5f654c78bf43d8ae8bbfa457’ });

What is the safest area in Charlotte, NC? 

Charlotte is a very safe place for visitors as long as you are always aware of your surroundings and avoid walking around alone late at night. Most people feel safe no matter where they choose to stay!

The neighborhoods in Charlotte with the lowest crime rates are Hembstead, Wessex Square, and Dilworth. These areas are more geared towards residents with fewer hotels, but there are still some great places to stay!

Where to stay in Charlotte on a budget?

Coming to Charlotte on a strict budget? No problem! There are many great places to stay around the city that won’t empty your wallet. 

Check out Drury Inn & Suites Charlotte Northlake or Hyatt House Charlotte. Both places are just short Uber rides to Uptown, and they have budget-friendly rooms with all the needed amenities. 

downtown buildings, cloudy skies

Where to stay in Charlotte for the weekend?

If you’re only in here for a few days, one of the best places to stay in Charlotte, NC is in Uptown. You’ll save a lot of time because you can walk everywhere or take a short Uber ride. 

You also have plenty of choices for nightlife and bars. Many of the restaurants are also open late, giving you a perfect chance to grab a late bite after spending the whole day exploring!

Book One of the Best Places to Stay in Charlotte Now!

Ready to start your stay in one of the best places to stay in Charlotte, NC? I hope this guide gave you some great recommendations to help you choose the best palace for you and your itinerary! 

Along with some amazing attractions and restaurants, Charlotte also has many different choices for hotels. There is something for every budget since there are many home rentals, budget hotels, and hostels in every neighborhood. 

The best hotels in Charlotte, NC, have all the needed amenities and are within walking distance of some of the attractions, bars, and places to eat. 

Are you traveling to Charlotte? Which of these places are you going to book? 

You Might Also Like

Like it? Pin it!

Please share if you enjoy this content!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *