In case you haven’t heard ..QC refers to the Queen City which is known as Charlotte, NC. We are kicking off the new year with the 2012 Democratic National Convention coming to the Queen City. I am hearing buzz all around the city about preparations for the big event. We love the southern charm and progressive growth and new business opportunities that has attracted many to now call the QC home. And we are buzzing with our inside scoop on little known sweet spots for visitors to stay near popular shopping and dining attractions.
Carolina Panther Stadium
Hotels located in downtown Charlotte, NC near the Carolina Panthers Stadium and the Convention Center (501 South College St. Charlotte, NC http://www.charlotteconventionctr.com/ ) will most likely fill up fast since these hotels are well-known by frequent visitors. Downtown hotels choices are: Aloft Charlotte in Epicentre, The Westin, Ritz Carlton, The Dunhill, Marriott, Holiday Inn and DoubleTree Hotel Gateway. The good news is there are so many more hotel choices if you don’t mine staying at a hotel location that is further away from downtown that may offer more variety of things to do and enjoy while you’re in town for the DNC. I don’t know about you but when I travel I often choose a hotel that is near shopping, near a bookstore or popular restaurants or even a Starbucks.
To help you find more hotel choices we’ve arranged a list of hotels near the Most Popular shopping and dining attractions. And we’ve included website links for more details and hotel contacts. Take your pick and enjoy your stay:
North Charlotte….(18 miles from downtown Charlotte)
- Hilton Hotel in the University area 8629 (JM Keynes Drive, Charlotte, NC) is near Rack Room shoes, Pier One, Walmart and more than 7 restaurant favorites such as Fridays. This hotel is located about 15 minutes away from Concord Mills, Mall in Concord and about 10 minutes away from North Lake Mall in Charlotte, NC. Hotel Contact: (704)248-4000
Concord, NC Great Wolf Lodge
2. Great Wolf Lodge ..the indoor water park resort in Concord, NC which is less than 10 minutes from Charlotte, NC. Kids and families love this resort …in case you don’t want to get wet during the winter time at the water park…then there is the spa for kids and the Teen lounge for more fun and the nearest mall is Concord Mills Mall about 10 minutes away. Contact: 866.925.9653
http://www.greatwolf.com/concord/waterpark/overview
South Charlotte…(18 miles)
3. The Ballantyne Hotel is located in south Charlotte, NC. (10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway · Charlotte, NC) .close enough to walk across to Panera Bread and the new Mellow Mushroom..which is the newest Pizzeria addition to Charlotte. The Ballantyne Hotel is a luxury hotel that offers golfing and a heavenly SPA treatment that is worth the money!. I would go here just for the SPA treatment alone. This hotel location is close to Rea Rd where you’ll find a lot of familiar retail stores such as Target with Starbucks, Old Navy, Victory Secret and more unique dining choices ..at Blakeney Shopping Center and Stonegate Shopping center.
Contact: (704)248-4000
4. SpringHill Suites is located at 12325 Johnston Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277..This hotel is located across the street from one of my favorite restaurants, Sticky Fingers. This area offers retail store shopping as well a variety of restaurants. The nearest mall is Carolina Place Mall in Pineville, SC which sounds far away but it is a short 10 minutes from the south Charlotte (Ballantyne and Johnston rd) area. Contact: 1-888-236-2427
East Charlotte…(15 miles)
5. Holiday Inn Express (Newly built…located at 9420 East Independence Blvd Matthews, NC 28105) conveniently located next to Cracker Barrel restaurant within walking distance and near Kohl’s shopping center and Outback Steak restaurant and more.. Movies 10 movie theater is across the street next to Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Here you can go to the movies for $1 and stop in for fresh HOT krispy kreme doughnuts and coffee after the movie….all near the hotel. And there’s more hotel choices near the Matthews area..check out Priceline for a full a list of hotels to fit your budget.
