1.
Omni Charlotte Hotel Rating: 4.0 Pearls
This upper-mid-range business hotel is centrally located in the heart of downtown Charlotte, two blocks from major tourist attractions, restaurants and sports venues. Rooms have the standard chain hotel amenities (flat-screen TVs, minibars, free morning papers), plush white bedding, sophisticated (if slightly generic) neutral decor, and tiny bathrooms. But it also offers a comprehensive kids' program that includes a welcome gift, evening milk and cookies, and a wide selection of books and games for children. The outdoor pool, though smallish and just average, is great for a splash with the kids.
2.
The Westin Charlotte Rating: 4.0 Pearls
The 700-room Westin Charlotte is a mid-level chain hotel in a convenient location within walking distance of stadiums, restaurants, attractions, and a light rail stop with access to downtown, which offers easy access and a simple way to move around for those who have young children. It features a small but clean pool, comfortale beds and an average restaurant on-site. Kids are greeted with a welcome gift, and have special menus for lunch and dinner; plus, the concierge can recommend kid-friendly activities in the city.
3.
Aloft Charlotte Ballantyne Rating: 3.0 Pearls
The 136-room Aloft Ballantyne has an ultra-contemporary, minimalist feel. The rooms lack a lot of color (dark, sleek, and sexy is the name of the game here) and are relatively small, but feature large flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. The lobby, though, packs in a lot of color with funky furniture. Though the hotel caters mostly to business travelers, families can also appreciate the value, convenient 24-hour mini-mart, pool table, and small indoor pool.
