The Five Best Extended Stay Hotels in Charlotte

Family vacations may seem like an oxymoron at times, especially when young children and teenagers are involved. Well, this Residence Inn property offers out-of-towners an easy way to take the stress out of their trip. Its central location means you don’t have to travel far to see the city’s attractions – the upscale SouthPark Mall is just right around the corner and there’s a free shuttle that takes you into the heart of Charlotte’s bustling city center. It is also just a mile away from both Ray’s Splash Planet and the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Discovery Place. If you’re familiar with the Residence Inn brand, you’ll know what to expect: roomy suites that offer 50 percent more space than most other hotel rooms, and premium amenities such as fully equipped kitchens, free WiFi, a dedicated work area as well as complimentary grocery shopping service and breakfast. Public parking is also available for a small fee (reservation recommended).

Located near Marshall Park, EpiCenter, and Independence Park, this Marriott-owned property is another option for guests who prioritize being in the city center. Its façade might look uninspiring but hold your judgment till you step inside! Bright, cheerful accents coupled with tastefully furnished interiors make it a welcome change from the bland neutral palettes so often found in hotels of a certain age. Business types will be well served by Studio 220, which offers a choice of 11 meeting rooms and an on-site exhibition space. You have the choice of opting for a room with a balcony but if space is a concern, the studio, which comes with a king and sofa bed as well as a separate living area might be a better choice. All rooms come with a microwave, refrigerator, coffee station and guests get to enjoy free WiFi and breakfast as well. Interested in sussing out Charlotte’s food scene? You can begin your quest with the hotel’s Q-Tavern, a craft beer gastropub that offers up modern twists on Southern pub food with a locally sourced flavor – think stuffed hushpuppies made with heritage farms pork. Public parking is available at USD 15.

This being a Hyatt property, you know what to expect: an unfussy, upscale experience that’s big on creature comforts. There’s a variety of room options to choose from, ranging from double queens to swanky suites, the latter of which come with their own terraces. That said, you can’t really go wrong with whichever one you choose – all are beautifully appointed, with such amenities as Gilchrist & Soames® bath accessories, luxury linens, a lighted vanity area and of course, free wired and wireless Internet. Breakfast is also on the house and its Omelet Bar and gluten-free options are an incentive for late risers to set their alarm. Need to work off those calories? Head to its 24-hour gym or heated swimming pool to do a few laps. Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, the Hyatt House has you covered, as all the glowing reviews it has received will attest.

“Home away from home” tends to be an overused marketing cliché for the most part, however in the case of this Hilton-owned property, it really does subscribe to this ideal. Located close to Douglas International Airport, its rustic, down-home vibe offers a welcome respite, especially after a long day’s work. As its name suggests, this is an all-suite hotel and you can expect each one to come with a fully equipped kitchen, full-size refrigerator, microwave oven and dishwasher, among other amenities. Chances are, you probably won’t need to use the kitchen much. That’s because apart from a complimentary breakfast, it also offers a complimentary dinner every Monday to Thursday. While its distance from Uptown might be a drawback for some, Homewood Suites more than makes up for this by offering a free shuttle service to golf courses, attractions and businesses within a three-mile radius.

This property might not exactly score points for aesthetics but as a value-for-money proposition, it’s hard to find another that stretches your dollar the same way. Located close to major attractions such as the Verizon Amphitheater, Concord Mills Mall and Bank of America Stadium, it lets guests be close to the action without being smack in the middle of it. Rates start from $59 and are inclusive of free parking. All suites come with a fully equipped kitchen, as well as free amenities such as WiFi, laundry and access to the 24-hour Candlewood Gym. Its lending locker service also saves you the trouble of over packing, as it lets you rent household items and family entertainment.