Best places to stay for families visiting Charlotte, North Carolina.
Charlotte is a large city with several great mainstream and boutique hotels. But as a mother of a young child, I’ve learned that some of the best things that a hotel can offer families are comfort and convenience.
1. Omni Hotel Charlotte
132 E. Trade Street, Uptown
The Omni Hotel Charlotte is just a walk away from some of the most popular attractions in the Uptown area. In fact, it’s connected to 12 city blocks by a sky bridge, so taking your kids on the town will be a breeze. There are also perks for kids inside the hotel. You can sign up for the Sensational Kids program; member kids get a special backpack filled with games and goodies. And if your children are anything like my daughter, they’ll love getting the standard milk and cookies delivered to their room on the first night of their stay. Starts around $159/night.
KidTripster Tip: Check for online offers to get discounted admission to local attractions, free parking, and more.
2. Westin Charlotte
601 S. College Street, Uptown
Whether you want to go sightseeing or have a specific destination in mind, the Westin Charlotte is all about convenience. Stores and restaurants are just minutes away with a light rail stop right outside the front door. There also are several offers and services for families to take advantage of, including a 25% discount on a second room, connected rooms when available, a heated indoor pool, and a kids’ menu in the on-site restaurant, which allows kids under 12 to eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée. Starts at $185/night.
3. Residence Inn
Marriott’s Residence Inn has six locations across the Charlotte area. Rooms here are filled with the simple comforts that one can miss when traveling with kids. Who wouldn’t love a hotel room with a fully-equipped kitchen that has a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker? I do, especially when cooking cuts down on added costs. But when you don’t feel like making meals on your own, the hotel serves a free hot breakfast. Starts anywhere from $119 to $159/night, depending on the location.
KidTripster Tip: Some of the locations have pools, so be sure to check the amenities at your desired location before you book.
4. Charlotte Marriott City Center
100 W. Trade Street, Uptown
If you’re looking for chic, modern hotel that still feels like home, this place may be for you. Charlotte Marriott City Center is one of several newly-renovated hotels with a cool, comfortable look and feel. And if you or your kids have allergies or are sensitive to smoke, this non-smoking hotel offers StayWell air purification rooms. The front desk attendant also can provide a portable crib or play yard, if you need one. There’s even a pool and a 24-hour fitness center. Plus, the location is close to many local attractions in Uptown and Center City. Starts around $300/night.
5. Hyatt House Charlotte/Center City
435 E. Trade Street, Uptown
The Hyatt House Charlotte/Center City is located in the center of Uptown, where many local attractions are just minutes away. Here, you can relax on the rooftop terrace while your kids take a dip in the nearby pool. Or take advantage of the 24-hour fitness center. When it comes to food, this hotel also has a lot to offer. In addition to the hotel restaurant, there’s a breakfast buffet every morning and a 24-hour market that sells prepared meals, snacks, and sundries. Or if you want to cook, some rooms have full kitchens. Starts at $169/night.
6. Staybridge Suites Charlotte Ballantyne
15735 Brixham Hill Avenue, Ballantyne
The Staybridge Suites Charlotte Ballantyne is a dream come true for parents who have picky eaters, like me, or kids who just have to travel with their favorite movies. That’s because each hotel room has a fully-equipped kitchen with cookware and utensils and a DVD player. Guests can use the on-site laundry facilities and take advantage of complimentary breakfast. But of course, the kids will only have eyes for the heated indoor pool. Although this hotel is in South Charlotte, it’s close to one of the areas three main interstates, I-485. Starts at $189/night.
7. Homewood Suites By Hilton
Homewood Suites By Hilton has four Charlotte locations that are all about making you and your family feel at home. There’s a full kitchen in each room, free breakfast each morning, an on-site convenience store, and a snack shop. And if you need to restock your fridge, staffers will go grocery shopping for you; all they need is a shopping list! You can request portable cribs and highchairs and use the coin laundry or laundry service. Each location has an outdoor pool that’s open from spring to fall; some have basketball courts, too. Starts anywhere from $90 to $144/night, depending on the location.
KidTripster Tip: Some locations offer family packages, shuttle service, and children’s activities, so be sure to check the amenities and deals at your desired location before you book.
8. Aloft Charlotte
210 E. Trade Street, Uptown & 13139 Ballantyne Corporate Place, Ballantyne
Aloft Charlotte is a hotel that’s all about family. Its Camp Aloft program gives children (ages 2-12) welcome goodie bags, child-size air mattresses with kid bedding, and kid-friendly food options. There’s also an indoor splash pool, 24-hour gym, and lounge with games. And we can’t forget about pets! The pet-friendly hotel offers its four-legged guests a special bed, bowl, treats, and toys. Starts at $234/night (Ballantyne); $249/night (Uptown).
9. Hampton Inn & Suites Charlotte/South Park at Phillips Place
6700 Phillips Place Court, SouthPark
When it comes to taking care of your family and keeping the kids entertained, the Hampton Inn & Suites Charlotte/South Park at Phillips Place makes it so easy. Nestled in a shopping center, the hotel is surrounded by restaurants, high-end shops, and a movie theater; SouthPark Mall, the LEGO store, and the American Girl store are also nearby. The hotel offers complimentary breakfast and drinks. It also has a coin laundry facility and an outdoor pool. You can request cribs and highchairs. Starts at $199/night.
10. Great Wolf Lodge Charlotte/Concord
10175 Weddington Road, Concord
Great Wolf Lodge Charlotte/Concord isn’t just a hotel; it’s a resort where you don’t have to leave for anything. The suites have plenty of room for families with separate kid sleeping quarters outfitted with bunk beds. But the main draw is the 80,000-square foot indoor waterpark. Starts at $220/night; rate includes admission to the waterpark. Plus, you can use the waterpark on the day that you check out.
KidTripster Tip: Search the resort’s website for featured discounts on family suites.
For Top 10 Plays in Charlotte, click here.
For Top 10 Eats in Charlotte, click here.
Claresa Smith is a former news producer who grew up in the Charlotte area. These days, she’s happy to be back in her hometown with her husband, exploring the city as the mom of a preschooler and a baby boy on the way.
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