Charlotte advice?!
 

I will be traveling to Charlotte once a week for work and would like some advice regarding where to stay and what to do. I was there last week and liked the Dilsworth area, but didn't notice any hotels there were close. I would like to walk to restaurants and bars during the evening. I enjoy a "neighborhood" atmosphere over "strip malls and chain restaurants". I didn't get a chance to go downtown, but someone recently told me that it was "just a bunch of banks"..but that's not the sense I get from these forums. Also, has anyone stayed at the Residence Inn downtown? I prefer the hotels that are also suites. Any advice or suggestions are appreciated!

Try using the search function. Type in Charlotte.

There is a lot of info about hotels, restaurants, etc.

I did that...but, I am looking for recent advice.

There's a recent thread on Charlotte that mentions the Hilton Garden and Hampton. They are sort of on the edge of South End. You won't find any hotels in Dilworth or south End proper. Can't place the Residence--I'll take a look. The downtown area is really quite nice. Good eats--few chains.

Thanks! I think the Residence Inn might be fairly new.

If it is new, it might be OK. It is on S. MInt ST., near the stadium, I guess, so near South End/Dilworth.

I would have to add that there is not anything around there to my knowledge--restaurants, little shops, etc. You might enjoy staying at the Doubletree on Trade St. It is right next door to the new Johnson&Wales school and on the free trolley line that goes around the midtown area. Are you on a budget?

While it isn't within walking distance to anything except some upscale shopping and dining, The Park Hotel in South Park is one of my favorite hotels anywhere.

I am not on a budget. So, the r. inn is on mint street..are there places to walk to from there?

That area is being "reclaimed" sort of. It is the stadium and business/industry. You can get that free trolley I spoke of.It has 3 routes that criss cross the downtown area. It is a pretty good hike to get to South End/Dilworth from there, but there is the rail trolley that you could take (different from the bus line--runs on the rails of the original trolley--catch it at the Westin to go to South End)
You could try the Residence one time. Then if you wanted to be right in the middle of things, do the Radisson or Marriott on the Square.
If you look on the Residence website (for the map) South End is off the the "northeast" if I recall correctly.
One place you might really enjoy for lunch is the cafeteria in the basement of the United House of Prayer for All People on the corner of Carson and MInt. REALLY really soul food cooking and really really good.

I just re-read your first post and wanting to walk to restaurants. Downtown Charlotte is really not "just a bunch of banks" any more. I really think you would enjoy being in the middle of things, at least on your first trip. Then you can check out other places. Just a thought.

Thanks! The downtown residence inn is booked, so I am going to stay at the Marriott..

I think that will be good for the first time, since you're coming back.
We had a good reasonable Chinese meal at Soho Bistro in the Hearst tower. And Blue in the Hearst is absolutely wonderful.
If you are in town on a Wednesday, Reid's market at 7th St. station has a nice wine tasting--very casual. They are a "grocery store" sort of!! If you need something for your stay, give them a try. The rail trolley I mentioned stops right there also.
Hope you enjoy Charlotte.
T

Hey, Tom, I was just downtown to pick up my little grandson from school and cruised past the Residence. It is indeed new and very nice--and eventually will be in the "thick" of things as transitions take place in that part of town. You'll do great at the Marriott.