3 minute read
e Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte, Autograph Collection
BACKGROUND The Grand Bohemian is a luxury hotel in the Queen City of Charlotte in North Carolina. If you are familiar with the Kessler Collection, the founding member of the Marriott Autograph Collection hotels, then you will know that art and urban elegance rank high within its o erings. As you will rightly expect here, The Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte is built to the exacting standards of a Marriott property.
WHAT’S IT LIKE? Argentinian influences are seen throughout the hotel, from the menus to the names of spaces like Mico Restaurant and Búho Bar, as well as the rich colour scheme of artic blue found throughout the hotel. As you enter the lobby, you are met with an elegant space that consists of a black-and-white marble floor, striking artwork, and a unique sculpted silver front desk.
LOCATION The hotel is located in the city’s business district, known as Uptown, where several Fortune 500 companies are headquartered. Nearby, you will find cafés, live music venues, parks, the Bank of America Stadium where the Carolina Panthers play American football and the Spectrum Center where the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets play. If you’re into race car driving, the Nascar Hall of Fame is located in the vicinity too.
ROOMS There are 254 rooms and suites at the property. The hotel’s Standard rooms feature realist artwork from four artists – Leticia Banegas, Peter Keil, Stefano Cecchini, and Jean Claude Roy. BEST FOR Stunning views of the city from the higher floors
DON’T MISS Mico for its Argentinian fusion menu, and Búho Bar for its mocktails
PRICE Internet rates for a Standard room in October on a weekday starts from US$266
CONTACT 201 W Trade Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202; +1704 372 1877; marriott.com
All Kessler Collection hotels feature art from Richard Kessler’s private collection too. The Executive suites are located on the 14th and 15th floors and allow access to the Executive Lounge as well as to the hotel restaurant Mico for its continental breakfast. The Terrace Suite includes its own outdoor terrace, a king bed, and a privacy wall that
separates the bedroom from the living area. The Presidential suite meanwhile features two bedrooms and panoramic views of the park located across the hotel.
FOOD AND DRINK Mico is an openconcept restaurant located on the ground floor. Its Argentinian flavours are inspired by Buenos Aires, Mendoza and Córdoba. Start with the South American Dip and Spread Trio, served with taro root chips, and celery sticks. For the main course, order the Branzino a la Parrilla. The whole grilled fish is perfect for two and is served with salsa criolla and charred lemon. In the morning, the only breakfast options are from the onsite Starbucks or Mico. The latter o ers limited options including a Bohemian Breakfast which includes eggs cooked the way you like along with bacon, sausages, fries, toast and fresh fruit. In the evenings, head to the Búho Bar on the rooftop which o ers great views of Charlotte. Drinks here are paired with tapas including garlic shrimps, chicken wings and plant-based sliders.
BUSINESS The meeting and events space includes a 1,486 sqm ballroom with large chandeliers, an outdoor tent, and three meeting galleries. The pre-function area has a self-playing piano that adds to the charm of the space.
LEISURE Located on the 16th floor is a wellness centre. Apart from the gym, there is Poseidon Spa which is open daily from 9am-7pm. Massages here focus on reflexology, deep tissue and prenatal as well as neuromuscular treatments. You can even opt for a European-inspired facial cleanse or exfoliation treatment.
VERDICT Even though it’s located in the heart of the city, it still feels like an exotic faraway getaway once you are inside.
