Affordable Luxury: 8 of Charlotte’s Most Expensive Hotels

It's North Carolina's most populous city and a popular tourism spot. Thanks to its more affordable options, Charlotte is a perfect destination for anyone. But what about luxury hotels? Charlotte has those too. Eight of Charlotte's most expensive hotels offer luxury without the exorbitant price tag of other cities. For example, the Ritz-Carlton Charlotte will run about $600 per night, where the Ritz-Carlton in New York may cost over $1,000.

Here are eight of the most expensive hotels in Charlotte, NC, and the amenities they offer. The prices shown are online quotes for a Friday night stay in July 2023.

Price: $599

201 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202

The Ritz-Carlton has one of the best reputations in the hotel industry, and the Charlotte location stays true to the brand. The decor showcases the classic elegance one would expect at a Ritz-Carlton. Guest rooms and suites have dramatic skyline views through oversized, sound-buffering windows. Beds and baths are fitted with signature brand linens, towels, robes, and slippers available for purchase after your stay.

Fresh herbs and honey from the hotel's rooftop garden accentuate the food served at the onsite restaurants and spa. Dining options include BLT Steakhouse and Bar Cocoa, while beverages and cocktails are available at K Lounge, Hidden Wine, and The Punch Room. Because the hotel is located in the heart of downtown Charlotte, it's easy to walk to additional dining options. Other enjoyable amenities include:

• Heated indoor pool
• Hot tub
• Fitness center
• Sauna
• Room service
• In-room minibar and refrigerator

Price: $359

555 S McDowell St North Tower, Charlotte, NC 28204

This trendy hotel is in Charlotte's Fourth Ward and is easily walkable to many local dining and entertainment options. Its highly photographable decor is sleek and modern, integrating a neutral color palette with splashes of yellow. Rooms and suites have big windows with gorgeous city views.

There is an indoor heated pool and an outdoor rooftop pool with furnished private cabanas. The hotel also offers a well-appointed fitness center and a welcoming rooftop bar where you can relax afterward. Onsite dining options include the casual Social Bar & Kitchen, Craft City Sports Pub, and the upscale Red Salt by David Burke, which is only open for dinner.

Price: $349

127 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202

Located in the historic Ivey's building in Uptown Charlotte, this hotel offers its guests a five-star boutique experience. Each of its 47 rooms features unique decor, sound-reducing windows, and blackout curtains to create a peaceful oasis in the midst of the city.

The stunning lobby, with its curving wrought iron staircase and lush decor, perfectly blends modernity and Parisian elegance. Reclaimed 400-year-old French oak floors flow throughout the building, their beauty enhanced by architectural elements like exposed brick walls and crown molding.

Sophia's Lounge is a vibrant place to enjoy a drink with friends, but if you prefer a quieter spot to read or work, check out the sophisticated Library Lounge instead. While in your room, enjoy these amenities:

• In-room Nespresso coffee makers
• Frette Italian bedding
• Fully stocked minibars and local snacks
• Oversized Sony 4K TVs
• iHome docking stations
• Embroidered robes and slippers
• Mistral bath products

Price: $316

10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28277

Afternoon tea is just one of the indulgences you can enjoy at The Ballantyne Hotel. It's located away from the heart of the city, in the southern Ballantyne area of Charlotte, near the South Carolina state line. Therefore, it has sprawling lawns, a walking/biking path, and other outdoor amenities you won't find in a city-based luxury hotel.

The Ballantyne has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, a sauna, and a steam room. Children stay free, and guests can borrow board games and puzzles. In-room dining is available from the hotel's modern Southern restaurant, The Gallery. Head to the spa for healthy dining and a variety of spa treatments, or go to The Ryal bar for craft cocktails and whiskey tastings.

If you need home-like accommodations, ask about reserving The Cottage at Ballantyne. This four-bedroom separate rental features a full kitchen, four bathrooms, and all the services available at the main hotel.

Price: $287

600 S College St, Charlotte, NC 28202

If an event at the Charlotte Convention Center brings you to town, the JW Marriott is an ideal place to stay, as it's right across the street. Its elegant vibe is clean and welcoming, and three onsite restaurants serve you throughout the day.

The Counter at Dean's serves Illy espresso drinks and gourmet Italian pastries to start the day. The Raw Bar at Caroline's has patio seating and specializes in Carolina-style raw oysters and seafood. Dean's Italian Steakhouse is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As the name indicates, the menu features the best of American steakhouse and Italian cuisine.

Room service is available, and concierge-level guests can access an exclusive lounge with complimentary snacks all day. Additional upscale amenities include:

• 24-hour fitness center
• Rooftop bar and heated pool with private cabanas
• Facials, massages, and more at Spa by JW
• Robes and complimentary toiletries

• Price: $269

100 West Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

This newly updated property is exactly where it sounds: right in the middle of the city. Marriott redesigned the hotel with a residential-style aesthetic wrapped in clean, modern decor. The lobby has a central coffee hub that serves locally sourced coffee and local food selections. Stoke, the onsite restaurant, was also designed with a community vibe that immerses guests in the food preparation.

Allergy-free rooms with air purifiers, suites, and family rooms are available. Rain showers and cozy robes bring a spa-like vibe to private bathrooms, and a well-equipped fitness center is open 24 hours a day. When it's time for a cocktail, all guests are welcome at Stoke Bar. Those with M Club reservations can enjoy drinks and complimentary snacks at the M Club Lounge.

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• Price: $249

303 S. Church Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

Kimpton Tryon Park isn't the most expensive hotel in Charlotte, but it is the city's newest boutique hotel. It's located in the city's center, in Uptown's 3rd Ward. Rooms and suites offer stunning city views through floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel is 19 stories tall, and the uppermost floor features the Merchant and Trade Lounge. Other amenities include:

• Evening social hour with wine and local craft beer
• In-room yoga mats
• Loaner bicycles
• Complimentary morning coffee and tea service
• 24-hour fitness center
• Luxurious robes
• Kimpton Kids Program with special activities and gifts

Pets are also pampered at Kimpton, which employs a Director of Pet Relations. Pets of any size and breed are welcome at no extra charge. The hotel also provides loaner pet beds, food and water bowls, and a concierge list of local pet-friendly parks, groomers, restaurants, and boutiques.

• Price: $246

201 West Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

If elegant, eclectic, bohemian style is your thing, the Grand Bohemian Hotel will delight you. Black and white marble tile abounds and provides a neutral background for bursts of fuchsia, purple, and turquoise accessories. Chandeliers are everywhere, in hugely varying styles, while plush area rugs and oversized artwork soften the architecture.

Located in the heart of Uptown, the rooms in this pet-friendly hotel offer stunning city views and brocade blackout drapes for sleeping. Dine at the onsite Mico restaurant for Mediterranean-influenced South American cuisine, or walk to any number of nearby restaurants. Additional amenities include:

• Full-service Poseidon Spa
• 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bike and cardio machines
• Complimentary toiletries
• Taste of Malbec wine-tasting experience

Once you've decided on a luxury Charlotte hotel, you can shift your focus to fun things to do while you're in town. Charlotte attractions include Carowinds, an amusement park famous for its thrilling rollercoasters. The NASCAR Hall of Fame Museum is close to all the city center hotels and is a must-see for all racing fans. Catch a game at BB&T Ballpark or take a leisurely stroll through the grounds at the Billy Graham Library.