kacollier

We are looking at both the Hampton & Hilton Garden Inn which are noted as "uptown"...is this the same as downtown Charlotte or is it a ride/walk from this area. The Hampton offers a shuttle so I am assuming this is not right downtown. We are only staying one night so would this be an okay location or is the airport not much farther -- we've heard good things about Charlotte's downtown area so would prefer to have dinner and drinks there.

SAnParis

I would opt for the Westin or better yet the Marriott right downtown on Tryon.

Gretchen

"Uptown" = "downtown". All the same. The airport is definitely not "right there". The Hilton is lovely--I can't place where the Hampton is. The Westin ia a bit down the street. The Marriott is right in the center of things.
Want dining recs?

kjenn

Gretchen- I think the Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Inn are the two hotels connected by a parking garage, near the end of South Blvd (on Caldwell) and over I-277.

Kacollier- They are both fairly new hotels, and are within walking distance of the city center (prob. 10-15 minutes). The Westin is gorgeous, also on the outskirts of uptown. I also recommend the Omni Hotel which is dead in the center of uptown/downtown. It has a pool and is located in the same building as an uptown shopping center (closed most weekends, though).

Brian_in_Charlotte

kjenn is right - the Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Inn Uptown are a 7-8 block walk to the restaurants/bars of uptown. And while the Westin is nice, it's also a decent walk away (only a problem on a hot night). Closer in and better choices are the Hilton Center City, the Marriott, the Omni or Courtyard by Marriott. The Dunhill is another great choice - small boutique hotel right in the center of things. Good luck.

Gretchen

Thanks for the info on my uptown!! I'll have to go see where those are. I had assumed the Hilton was the big Hilton. I agree that these are not right in the middle of things--nor is the Westin which was really built to serve the Convention Center.

kacollier

Thanks for all your input...we went with the Hilton Garden Suites and will see whether we have the energy to walk or drive. Any suggestions for restaurants, bars, lounges would also be appreciated -- we are in the 40 and over range so don't want to hang with too young of a group.

kjenn

Harry and Jean's uptown is very nice, and not too pricey. It is very cozy, and the food is good. I believe it is at the corner of 4th and Tryon, you can look it up their website.

I've heard Monticello in the Dunhill hotel is good for a splurge meal. It looks very elegant. Also Blue is recommended, very trendy place with an eclectic menu.. I think it is mediterranean based. Zink is another trendy place, with interesting food. The bar may be a good place to hang out without lots of young people.

For a pub-type atmosphere, my fave is Alexander Michaels in Fourth Ward. It used to be an old grocery store or pharmacy in the 1800's Getting there is a decent walk, but it is through a charming neighborhood with old victorians. It is a dark, candlelit place that serves sandwiches, pastas and entrees.

I was uptown last weekend and we saw that they now have horse-drawn carriage rides and bicycle "cabs". This might be something fun to do, or the bike cab might be a good way to get back to your hotel after a night out.

Good luck!

Gretchen

Blue is REALLY good. while you may think you "know" Mediterranean, they serve the cuisine of the entire Mediterranean which is really good. Best service we have had in Charlotte. I'd choose it over the Monticello, although that is wonderful also.
Another excellent restaurant is Mimosa Grill on Tryon St.
There is a free trolley that criss crosses uptown Charlotte that you might like to use.
If you want an "experience" for lunch, try the cafeteria at the United House of Prayer for All People at the corner of Mint and Carson, not far from the stadium. It is soul food at its best--they serve a lot of uptown office workers and is not far from the hotels you are talking about.
South End is not far--has lots of bars, restaurants.