United States

The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, N.C.

Last updated 16th October 2017

Why go?

North Carolina is known for its beaches on one side and mountains on the other but, until recently, Charlotte hasn’t come into its own as a tourist destination. It has now, though, become a hub for foodies and adventurers alike and the Ritz-Carlton is an ideal base.

Stay in the luxurious presidential suite: with its LEED-gold certification for environmentally friendly features, the hotel is a deft combination of eco-chic and luxury. You’ll be fixated on the luxury here too: there’s an entire dining room, kitchen and butler entrance in here.

There’s even rumors that Justin Bieber has stayed in this hotel, but discreet staff members won’t confirm this. But they are happy to give a tour and explain all the ways in which the Ritz-Carlton is eco-conscious. The hotel uses sustainable materials everywhere, from the bamboo floor in the fitness centre to uniforms made from recycled plastic.

In the lobby, guests can rent a hybrid car, then fuel it at the Ritz’s charging station and park it for free.

Activities

Garden: Head to the roof with sous chef, Greg, to see an eco-innovation: a garden with concrete pads for two resident beehives and some 100,000 bees. 

Here there are multi-colored, low-lying sedum plants designed to insulate the building and limit rainwater run-off.

Greg and his colleagues harvest about 70 pounds of honey each year for the signature Rooftop Honey Brandy Sour cocktail, other recipes in the kitchen and for spa treatments.

Kids Clubs: Mother Nature – the leader of the children’s eco-friendly activities – will stop by to do tuck-ins for young guests on request.

Spa: Try the Green Your Body Eco-Treatment, or if you have less time, try the sauna with lovely its eucalyptus mist and the Experience Shower. There’s a digital dial that adjusts the water temperature to your preferred degree – and delivers water from 16 jets on three sides.

You’ll also be surprised at the little touches from the hotel, including bags of peanut-butter cookies in your car for the ride home, to ease the transition. 

Top tip: For many families, this vacation will require babysitting at key points, but the Ritz concierge can arrange that. The Ritz also offers “luggage-less” travel and keeps clothing safely stored for people who stay here frequently.

The lowdown 

Best time to go: Spring and autumn (March to May and October) are the best times to visit when there are less crowds. The city is a popular destination with families so it gets very busy during school vacations, not to mention that it gets very hot in July and August.

Price: The Ritz-Carlton offers family suites from $390 per night.