South - Charlotte Hotels w/ Accessibility to Downtown w/o Car

Hi everyone,

I could really use your help. I will be working an internship in Charlotte this summer for two weeks. I won't have a car, and because of the short period of time, will have to stay in a hotel.

I'm trying to figure out the best way to maximize points/rewards for the hotels and not spend too much (I have to pay for hotel costs out of pocket).

Any recommendations as to safe hotels that are public transportation accessible (LYNX, bus) that are also holding promotions?

Thanks!

Hi Hoya,

As a native of Charlotte, I hate to admit, you’re kind of asking for a lot :) safe, public transport, and hotel promotions. My first reaction is: If you can find a two-week car rental deal, you should jump on it. That would make the quest a whole lot easier, and not any more expensive IMHO. Charlotte’s a rough town without a car (unless you have at least $135 for a hotel room).

The LYNX is the only public transport I would recommend (unless you were willing to take a very infrequent Express bus into South Carolina, where’s there’s cheap, safe accommodation). Then there’s not a lot on the LYNX I would recommend. Maybe the only place which immediately comes to mind is the Four Points at 315 East Woodlawn Road. The hotel is quite close to the station, but I personally wouldn’t want to walk it at night (I’m not big and mean-looking enough).

If you come across any deals and need a second opinion, feel free to ask.

SeoulMan

Thanks SeoulMan,

The reason keeping me from renting a car is the cost. I'm only 24 right now, so its an additional $25-30 for the under 25 penalty for renting a car. Thank you for the Four points suggestion. I've been looking for options, and it seems like the best one so far (despite the danger). Hopefully something will work out closer just in case.

I don't know where you'll be working, but there is a Hilton Garden Inn right inside I-277 (the freeway going around Uptown Charlotte) for about $87/night with advanced purchase, and a Hampton Inn for about $93/night. You'd be about 6 or 7 blocks from Trade and Tryon (the center of Uptown, and where the BoA headquarters is located) and 3 or so blocks from the light rail station.

Like SeoulMan said, the LYNX light rail is the only public transportation I would use and have used in my 5 years of living in Charlotte. However, it will allow you to go to South End, which has quite a few bars and music venues, and even take you to a shopping center with a Target, movie theater, and many other big box-type stores at the 485/South Blvd stop (about a 30 minute ride from Uptown).

I however would book soon, as both are right near the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which is scheduled to open this time next month.

I, too, would vote for the 4Pts. Seems to be safe and close to the Lynx station.

However, my vote is based on having been to that property only on mattress runs, since I have many friends in CLT and seldom need a hotel in that city.

Here's an idea for a completely different plan -

There are a number of express buses which run from neighboring towns into Charlotte. I ride the 77X from Davidson every day, and it is a great option. In a college town like Davidson, you might be able to find a cheap sub-let during the summer when the students are out of town (or even a house sitting arrangement). Davidson is a great walking community - if you get something near the college, you can walk to everywhere you need and just rely on the bus to get you to work uptown.