Queen City calling
Landing in Charlotte, home to the sixth busiest airport in the world, and arriving at The Westin Charlotte took under 30 minutes—a key metric to many when it comes to business travel. Over the last decade-plus, Charlotte has grown into a major player, with its polished yet approachable downtown, charming hospitality and impressive mix of venues, leading to the city’s steady rise on the list of preferred destinations.
The city’s entertainment scene is equally vibrant, with restored historic theaters, major music festivals and new cultural experiences around every corner. And if you’re here for the food, you won’t be disappointed—Charlotte’s restaurant scene is as ambitious as it is delicious, offering everything from innovative pop-ups to elegant fine dining.
I had the pleasure of attending Marriott’s Meet with Momentum event last month, and I walked away with a deep appreciation for this Southeastern gem.
Meet & Stay
My home base for the trip was four-star The Westin Charlotte, a luxurious, business-friendly property offering 52,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and 700 guest rooms. The hotel’s Heavenly Beds left me refreshed, upbeat and ready to take on the day, and I was impressed again by the brand’s overall focus on wellness, from a sleek fitness center to the in-room Eat Well Menu, a room service option designed to emphasize fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients. Don’t worry, though—Westin’s signature (and mouthwatering) chocolate chip cookies are available 24/7 as well.
Connected by skybridge to The Westin Charlotte is Charlotte Convention Center, which boasts 600,000 sq. ft. for events and underwent a $126.9 million expansion in 2021 that included a new rooftop terrace and two versatile 10,000-square-foot spaces that can be configured in 19 different ways.
Other standout options include JW Marriott Charlotte, with space for up to 680 guests and 381 guest rooms, and Charlotte Marriott City Center, which offers 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 446 guest rooms in the heart of Uptown.
Eat
The Westin Charlotte’s signature restaurant, Dogwood: A Southern Table, is led by Executive Chef Westley Treme, with a menu crafted by Scott Hollingsworth, executive chef of Rare Roots Hospitality Group. Opened in January as part of the hotel’s $25 million renovation, Dogwood delivers standout Southern fare, including hushpuppies worth writing home about and its signature bacon jam—a savory-sweet spread served with house-made saltines.
Charlotte’s dining scene is equally impressive, offering everything from inventive grab-and-go spots to refined, reservation-only experiences.
Do
Charlotte’s entertainment options have also blossomed, and I enjoyed exploring the city’s second- annual Lovin’ Life festival at First Ward Park, where headliners Gwen Stefani, Benson Boone and more took the stage.
Whether it’s concerts, fine dining, outdoor adventures or any other number of activities, Charlotte’s list of options continues to lengthen. For those looking to experience life in the fast lane, NASCAR Hall of Fame features interactive exhibits, racing simulators and a wealth of memorabilia.
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art showcases mid-20th-century modern art, including works by Picasso, Warhol and Miro, and its entrance’s iconic “Firebird” sculpture is a visual landmark. If you’re into museums but are looking for an unexpected element, Museum of Illusions Charlotte features optical illusions and immersive installations that challenge perception—always a great theme for meetings and events!
