Welcome to Checking In: a series dedicated to the places we stay when we travel. Today we’re making a quick trip to Uptown, for a glamorous staycation at The Ivey’s Hotel in Charlotte.
Whenever I’m having a conversation with anyone about my hometown of Charlotte and they discover I’m a travel blogger, the questions start tumbling out. “Where should I eat? What should I do? Where should I stay?”
As someone who approaches her home city like a travel destination, I’m more than happy to be a resource and a voice for the hospitality and tourism scene in my city. Tell me some of your hobbies or preferred cuisines, and I’ll begin ticking off a list of places for you to check out.
Today's post is in partnership with The Ivey's Hotel, but as always, all opinions are my own.
But while I can happily offer recommendations for where to stay in any of the 100+ destinations covered here on my website, as a local, the last one is a bit trickier to answer.
Why? Well, because like you, whenever I’m in my home city, I’m usually staying in my home.
But recently I ventured ten minutes to Uptown for a little St. Patrick’s Day getaway at The Ivey’s Hotel, a gorgeous luxury boutique hotel with a fascinating history, modern accommodations, and a darling restaurant.
ABOUT THE IVEY’S HOTEL
Housed in the historic Ivey’s building, The Ivey’s Hotel maintains its timeless elegance in the heart of Charlotte. Originally designed by renowned architect William H. Peeps, the building first opened in 1924 as the home of J.B. Ivey & Company Department Store, a mainstay of luxury shopping in the city.
Over the decades, it changed hands between major retailers before being thoughtfully reimagined as a boutique hotel in 2017. A careful renovation allows guests a glimpse of the building’s former life through touches like the original columns in the Atrium, vintage department store advertisements lining the walls, and a charming boutique in the lobby for a slice of The Ivey’s retail legacy.
Today, private events are frequently hosted in the Tulip Room, named after the beloved Tulip Terrace Restaurant from the building’s department store days. Charlotte has earned a reputation for tearing down and discarding its past, but the team at The Ivey’s has seamlessly honored its history while providing visitors (and locals!) an intimate and sophisticated stay in Uptown Charlotte.
ROOMS & AMENITIES AT THE IVEY’S HOTEL
In true boutique style, you’ll find just 47 rooms at The Ivey’s Hotel, offering a much more personalized stay than an oversized chain hotel (it’s just one of the many reasons I prefer this style of property). Bearing the hotel’s luxury retail legacy in mind, each unique and stylish room features gorgeous reclaimed 400-year-old French oak floors, custom light fixtures, and design-focused decor.
But more importantly, each room feels designed for ease and comfort. With nightly turndown service, cozy robes and slippers, crisp Frette linens, and remote-controlled draperies, a good night’s sleep is merely a wink away.
Beyond the room, guests have access to the Library Lounge, an old-school style library with lots of nooks and crannies for curling up with a book, catching up with a friend, or, if you must, getting a little work done. Best of all, it’s an exclusive escape, as there is no public access to the space.
There are still so many more standout amenities at The Ivey’s Hotel, including:
- Bedside tablet service stations
- Nespresso coffee machines
- A fully stocked minibar with local snacks
- State-of-the-art fitness center
- Flatscreen TVs with soundbars
- Free Wi-Fi
- and, yes, more
MY EXPERIENCE AT THE IVEY’S HOTEL
Even though I was just a couple miles from my home, it didn’t take me long to transition into vacation mode after arriving at The Ivey’s Hotel. Michael passed the keys to the valet at the stand on Tryon, and we soon found ourselves standing in a gorgeous, living room-like lobby that I can only describe as smelling like someone bottled up the South of France.
Check-in and all of its technicalities (signing agreements, passing over my license and credit card, and getting the rundown on the hotel and its amenities) was actually… kind of delightful? It’s usually the most tedious part of a stay, but we received the warmest welcome and headed up to our room still smiling.
With the elevator temporarily out of service, we were only a quick flight of stairs away from our room, a King Balcony Suite. In a neighborhood where space is at a premium, this immense, spacious room is true luxury. With a gorgeously outfitted King bed, lush seating area, marble bathroom with shower and clawfoot tub, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a balcony spanning the length of the room and overlooking Tryon, I assumed it really just couldn’t get better.
But then I kept proving myself wrong over and over again with every newly-discovered detail. Like the minibar loaded with local treats, the remote-controlled set of blackout and sheer curtains, or the lights exactly where you might need them (say, a reading light in the bed or a motion-activated light in the wardrobe). And when Michael opened the desk drawer as he was wrapping up his work day, he found all the office supply essentials waiting for him. It’s clear that the rooms were designed with the actual guest experience in mind, and not just for aesthetics.
Though, we definitely need to talk about the aesthetics. The decor gently nods to Paris without feeling like a caricature, and I’m smitten with the fact that they left the brick exposed and brought in gorgeous wood floors. The bathroom is designed to feel like a high-end spa, right down to the exquisite Mistral toiletries and ultra-soft robes.
After exploring all these charming details, I headed outside to soak up the sights and sounds of Uptown on a weekday afternoon. As a local, Charlotte feels like a small town to me at times, but watching people heading out for after-work drinks, heading to the theater, and occasionally looking a little lost amongst the skyscrapers was a nice reminder of how great this city really is.
Just before six o’clock, we scurried down to Sophia’s Lounge. Hotel guests receive a free glass of wine from 4 – 6 p.m., a perk certainly not to be missed. So cozy with our Champagne on our lounge sofa, we decided to stay for dinner—but I promise I’ll dish on dinner in the next section.
After our meal, we headed up to explore the Library Lounge. While the plush bed, cozy robes, and slippers awaiting us in our room were too enticing to resist for long, I couldn’t help but think what a lovely little refuge this space offers guests. With a little more time, I’d love to lose track of it there.
The following morning, a cheerful knock came to the door with the order we’d filled in on the door hanger the night before. Whenever we have time, breakfast in bed on checkout day is such a treat. And what a treat this one was.
A croque madame, a duo of Danishes, the freshest berries, a strong pot of coffee, and a mimosa for me was simply the perfect start to our morning—and the perfect way to end our stay on a sweet note. After breakfast, all that was left to do was hang up our robes and roll our suitcases out the door, feeling refreshed and having fallen in love with this city all over again.
A REVIEW OF SOPHIA’S LOUNGE
Entering Sophia’s Lounge from W. 5th Street is easy, but finding it from the hotel lobby is a little like trying to gain entrance to a chic speakeasy. Walk down the long hallway to the point where you see the entrance to The Ivey’s Residences on your left, and a subtly marked door on your right. Congrats—you’ve just found one of the coolest spots in Uptown.
With moody lighting, richly upholstered and eclectic seating, and cozy nooks you can slip away to with your date to actually, you know, talk over your drinks and shared plates, this was the perfect atmosphere to dine during our staycation.
We heard the cocktails here were not to be missed, and after trying Sophia’s Old Fashioned and the Pretty Girl (a citrus and botanical match made in heaven with tequila, lime, orange liqueur, lavender bitters, and vanilla-infused agave), I must say I concur.
With a menu of small plates, everything at Sophia’s is meant to be shared, which I love because I always like to try everything. The only problem? There was no way we could possibly try everything on this visit, so we had to narrow things down. Our server Jordan kindly stepped in to help, guiding us toward a few favorites, and I’m so grateful. A charcuterie board with local accompaniments was a lovely way to start the meal, followed by two rich, hearty plates: the Land & Sea (scallops and pork belly) and the Lamb Meatballs. We honestly pushed ourselves over the edge by ordering the Triple Crème Brûlée, but honestly, can you blame us?
I truly can’t believe it’s taken us five years of living in Charlotte to make it to Sophia’s Lounge, but now that we know there’s an elevated but unpretentious lounge with great cocktails and drinks, friendly service, and an impeccable atmosphere hiding in Uptown, we’ll certainly be back.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE IVEY’S HOTEL
Where is The Ivey’s Hotel located?
The Ivey’s Hotel is located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte at 127 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202.
What time can I check in? And when do I have to check out?
Check-in is at 4 p.m., and checkout is at 11 a.m.
Does the hotel offer parking?
A very valid question, considering the challenge of parking in Uptown! Yes, The Ivey’s Hotel offers valet parking at a cost of $45.00 per car, per night. Arriving via public transport? You’re only a five-minute walk from the Charlotte Transportation Center Station.
What is there to see and do near the hotel?
More like what isn’t there to see and do near the hotel! With such a central location, you could easily spend a lovely car-free weekend exploring Uptown Charlotte. Some of my personal favorite attractions and activities nearby include catching a show at the Blumenthal, visiting the Gantt Center or The Mint Museum, catching a game at the Bank of America Stadium or at the Spectrum Center, and taking the walking tour in the Fourth Ward Historic District.
Hungry for more of Charlotte? After you’ve toured the menu at Sophia’s Lounge, some of my other recommendations include: Milkbread, Coquette, Johnny Burrito, and eating your way through Monarch Market.
Is breakfast included?
It can be! Simply choose the rate that includes breakfast when booking, and you’ll wake up to a menu of French morning favorites from Sophia’s Lounge just like we did. Head here to learn more.
What types of rooms are available?
There are forty-seven rooms at The Ivey’s Hotel, and no two are alike—which means there’s a room for every type of traveler. From the quiet Superior Atrium Rooms to the spacious Ivey’s Suites to the grand Balcony Suites, everyone can find a room that suits their tastes and budget.
Can I bring my pet?
Yes! No need to leave your bestie at home, as one pet is allowed per pet-friendly guest room at The Ivey’s Hotel. Note: there is a non-refundable pet fee of $150.00 (plus tax) per stay.
Can I host an event at the hotel?
Beyond the rooms, which would be perfect for an intimate celebration gathering, The Ivey’s Hotel offers several event spaces. From the 1,000-square-foot Tulip Room (fun fact: this room gets its name from the popular Tulip Terrace Restaurant that once served debutantes and shoppers in the J.B. Ivey’s Department Store) to the ultra-cozy Library to booking out Sophia’s Lounge, there’s a space for events of all sizes. And psst… mention this post when booking to save $150 on your rental.
Are there any specials or discounts?
Yes—I love that you asked! The Ivey’s Hotel offers several packages as well as discounts to AAA and AARP members. Head here for the latest offers, or you can always save an extra 10% on your stay when you enter the code WAYWARD in the rate access code box.
CHECKING OUT: MY FINAL THOUGHTS ON STAYING AT THE IVEY’S HOTEL
In these reviews, I often come away with one or two little things I’d love to see improved (the main offender: a barn door for the bathroom) but to tell the truth, I honestly can’t find fault in our stay. My biggest worry going in—being in the heart of busy Uptown on a popular drinking holiday—turned out to be for naught. Yes, while you should expect to hear a bit of city noise just like you would in NYC or San Francisco, you can tell every effort has been made to reduce the noise levels (though ultralight sleepers will find earplugs and a sound machine if needed).
If I could sum up my stay with a short phrase, it would be attention to detail. Nothing at The Ivey’s has been left unconsidered, from the gentle do-not-disturb controls by each door to the perfectly appointed rooms to the friendly and helpful staff at the ready. It makes me wonder how many details I missed—and I dare say I wouldn’t mind returning to discover them all…
—
Questions for you
When is the last time you took a staycation?
What is your favorite hotel amenity?
Where to next? You may also enjoy one of these related posts:
- The Ultimate Summer Weekend Travel Guide for Charlotte, North Carolina
- Traveling Light: A Summer Packing List for Charlotte, North Carolina
- The Perfect Girls’ Day at Piedmont Town Center in Charlotte
- The Sweetest Spots in the Queen City: A Guide to Charlotte’s Best Bakeries
- Shop Local: 10 Charlotte Shops You Should Add to Your List
- Start Your Day at These 15 Essential Charlotte Coffee Shops
- My Favorite Charlotte Thrift Stores
- Queen City on Tap: A Review of Every Charlotte Brewery
- 12 Things You Should Know Before Riding Amtrak’s Piedmont Train
- A Perfect Day Trip of Shopping and Dining in York County, South Carolina
- Charlotte Restaurant Review: Restaurant Constance
- Charlotte Restaurant Review: Kindred (Davidson, NC)
- Charlotte Restaurant Review: Supperland
- Every Essential Day Trip from Charlotte
- All Charlotte Guides
- All Travel Guides by Destination
- Checking In: Hotel Reviews
- Shop My Closet
- Exclusive Promo Codes + Discounts
