Charlotte staycations: Plan an uptown escape
February 27, 2024
3 staycation-worthy hotels in uptown Charlotte
by Asha Ellison
Getting out of town isn’t always easy. But if we’re honest with ourselves, breaks are essential in the pursuit of happiness and well-being. The demands of careers, families and other obligations can make it hard to prioritize rest and relaxation, and taking time to recharge is valuable for a balanced and healthy life.
Finding the perfect escape doesn’t have to be a chore. Sometimes, it’s as simple as looking in your own backyard. For Charlotteans, finding your next best stay could be as uncomplicated as setting your sights on uptown.
Keep reading to plan your uptown Charlotte staycation. Learn more about three center-city hotels I have visited and found ideal for a relaxing in-town getaway.
Photographs by Brandon Barre courtesy Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte
Positively posh
Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte
201 West Trade St.
Live inspired! The vibrant and luxe Grand Bohemian Hotel is part of The Kessler Collection — an innovative and art-inspired hospitality brand. From the unique artworks throughout the building to the charming Bohemian Garden Lawn, you will feel positively posh with every step you take on the property. Whether you opt for a standard king or double room, “Bohemian Elite” suite (which includes access to the 16th-floor executive lounge), or one of two presidential suites, a stay here will catapult you into the lap of luxury. Each of the hotel’s 254 rooms and suites includes a spacious bathroom, luxury bedding, a signature bathrobe, lighted makeup mirror and JBL Bluetooth speaker.
What I love: What didn’t I love? Everything at the Grand Bohemian is stunning, from the lavish chandeliers to the plush decor in the on-site Argentine restaurant, Mico, and the sophisticated ambience of the rooftop bar, Buho. In addition to brunch and dinner, Mico boasts a picturesque bar with exquisite drinks and offers an enchanting Taste of Malbec program that allows guests to taste a flight of wines spanning various altitudes in the Andes region. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the on-site Poseidon Spa, where relaxation is elevated with custom massage or skin-care services (hello, HydraFacial!). Oh, and you have to walk a red carpet to access the rooftop, which should tell you something about the hotel’s luxe ambience.
While you’re there: Order a boozy popsicle at Buho Bar. And, if you can swing it, upgrade your room to one with a corner view and a soaking tub to keep your worries at bay for one more day.
Parking: Valet or self-park on the street or in nearby paid lots.
The patio at Angeline’s at The Tryon Park Hotel and Kimpton Tryon Park; cocktails at Merchant & Trade. Photographs courtesy Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel
Service with style
Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel
303 South Church St.
The personal touches at the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel are worth writing home about — or at least calling. Wake up in style with picturesque floor-to-ceiling views of Romare Bearden Park or uptown, and, later, watch the sky blaze with the embers of sunset. Italian marble accents and deep, rich hues in the decor make this a regal escape. Upgrade to a room with a spa bath and a balcony to really immerse yourself in the luxe life. In addition, this 217-room hotel is LEED Gold Certified with green features like EV charging stations, LED lighting and refillable personal-care products by Atelier Bloem. This Third Ward charmer is perfect for those committed to feeling good from the inside out. Turnkey amenities such as the 1,100-square-foot fitness center and complimentary yoga mats in each room make it easy to center yourself and namaste for a while.
What I love: Top-tier customer service and concierge-style programs make a stay at this hotel feel elite. With check-in texts and smooth, efficient valet service, it’s easy to feel like a VIP. The central location is prime to other Queen City gems, including bars, arts and entertainment venues, and Romare Bearden Park. But for dining, you won’t need to go far. The Tryon Park Hotel has Angeline’s, a southern-inspired Italian restaurant, which features some of the city’s best brunch, lunch and dinner options. If you can’t get away without your dog, the hotel is pet-friendly and offers access to the Wag! Premium dog-walking service — booking fees are waived, and guests receive 10% off all services and 24/7 access to licensed veterinary practitioners. Even more amazing is the complimentary On-Demand Family Fridge Program, which enables nursing mothers to safely store breast milk during your stay. How can you not feel special?
While you’re there: Take advantage of the complimentary coffee and tea service as well as the evening social hour from 5-6 p.m., when you can sip wine and beer in the lobby. As the weather warms up, enjoy drinks with a view at rooftop bar Merchant & Trade.
Parking: Valet or self-park on the street or in nearby paid lots.
Photographs courtesy The Dunhill Hotel
Quaint and cozy
The Dunhill Hotel
237 North Tryon St.
This one is vintage and comforting. As the only historic boutique hotel in Charlotte, The Dunhill offers unique charm and sophistication. The building, which opened in 1929 as the Mayfair Manor and was a mix of rooms and permanent residences, is now a 60-room hotel that boasts a lobby bar and the on-site upscale southern restaurant, The Asbury. If you’re looking for the comfort of home away from home, The Dunhill delivers with a warm and cozy atmosphere. Borrow a book from a collection in your room and steal away to the lobby or another relaxing nook to read in peace. This stay is for the type of person who loves inside vibes.
What I love: The views! Book a room facing the North Tryon corridor and you’ll catch a glimpse of the old Charlotte transforming into the current modern metropolis. I stayed in the penthouse suite on the hotel’s 10th floor — with two balconies on either side, the panoramic views are some of the best in the city. Then there’s the food — The Asbury serves breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch and dinner. On Saturdays and Sundays, top each morning of your stay with the Asbury’s renowned brunch bites, like the sticky biscuits topped with country ham and goat-cheese frosting or the brioche French toast.
While you’re there: Take a stroll and explore the charming Victorian-era homes and gardens of Fourth Ward. Oh, and don’t forget to take advantage of the turndown service and enjoy complimentary tea, coffee and fresh-baked cookies each night of your stay.
Parking: Valet or self-park in the Fifth Third Bank garage directly behind the hotel.
With these three stays, you’ll be well on your way to world-class relaxation. It’s important to consider the location of these beautiful 4-star hotels before making a reservation, as uptown Charlotte can be lively in the evenings and on weekends — especially when there’s a big concert or sporting event taking place. Some street noise is to be expected — but you’ll be so well-pampered you probably won’t even notice. SP
