Review: The Ballantyne, Charlotte Hotel

Back in February, my mom and I took a quick overnight trip to Charlotte, N.C., to watch my brother’s baseball team take on opening day. Rider University played UNC Charlotte in a four-game series, with Rider taking the series loss — a tough start to the season.

Planning the trip last minute, we opted to fly early Saturday morning as opposed to late Friday evening. We flew from Philadelphia International Airport to Charlotte Douglas International Airport on American Airlines at 8:30 a.m. The flight landed ahead of schedule, making for a quick and easy experience.

Once we landed, we headed toward the field for the start of a double header. After the games, we stopped at our hotel, The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte, before dinner at Hickory Tavern. We checked-in around 5:30 p.m., which was a breeze. The front desk was extremely helpful and welcoming, asking if they could be of assistance in making dinner reservations.

We arrived to our deluxe room on the fifth floor with two queen beds. Our room featured a marble entry, dual closets, robes, a dresser, a 3- inch LED flat-screen TV, a large executive desk, minibar, coffeemaker, water bottles, an in-room safe, an accent chair, artwork, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the front of the hotel, 10-foot ceilings and elegant décor.

The beds were comfortable as we enjoyed plush bedding with foam and feather pillow options. The wall opposite the windows included a large, floor-to-ceiling mirror with gold trim. The bathroom was spacious and included a glass shower, a bathtub, a two-level marble sink, a large mirror and a small wall mirror.

My mom and I dined at the Gallery Restaurant for breakfast, the hotel’s main restaurant. For breakfast, I enjoyed the French toast with apple pie bread, candied cranberries and pumpkin spice while my mom enjoyed petite Belgium waffles with bananas and whipped Chantilly cream.

The Gallery serves contemporary American fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. The farm-to-table-inspired menu changes seasonally with local ingredients. Gallery features an exclusive display from local contemporary art provider Shain Gallery creating an authentic gallery feel.

Throughout the weekend the hotel hosted a number of events from work meetings to birthday parties and luncheons. Besides the ample meeting space, the hotel includes a spa and is situated on a public PGA golf course.

Accommodations can be chosen from The Ballantyne Hotel, The Lodge at Ballantyne or The Cottage at Ballantyne.

The Ballantyne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte

10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.

Charlotte, NC 28277

704 248 400