Set just south of downtown Charlotte, The Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge is truly a crown jewel worthy of an extended stay whether for work or recreation.
Ideally situated in the tony area of the same name, The Ballantyne boasts outstanding service, the best golf in Charlotte, a full service spa and a contemporary four-star restaurant, the property offers a luxurious escape that will meet the highest standards.
One of only 226 Forbes Four-Star hotels in the entire world, The Ballantyne property has earned its place as a top-tier luxury hotel in all respects. In addition to the full-time valet and concierge service, The Ballantyne has a helipad available as required. Included in the main hotel’s 214 rooms are two posh Presidential Suites and twelve smaller parlor suites.
For an even more exclusive experience, or for those requiring the utmost in privacy, The Ballantyne offers their 35 bedroom lodge for larger groups, and 4 bedroom cottage for a more intimate affair. These aren’t just smaller hotels. They are very high-class retreats reserved for exclusive clientele. The cottage has the warm and inviting feel of a mountain sanctuary, with outstanding views of the golf course and individually decorated rooms. Neither is directly accessible from the main hotel, but both have full services and convenient golf access.
The best golf in Charlotte is found at The Ballantyne Hotel. Spread over 177 impeccably manicured acres, The Ballantyne’s 18 holes meander through stands of pines and stocked-lakes. As the most expensive course in Charlotte, no detail is left to chance. For example, the greens are planted with Champion Ultra Dwarf, giving a consistent green year round. Host to many notable events, such as the Michael Jordan HoopTee Classic, The Ballantyne Golf course is the most expensive course in Charlotte. One of the top 25 gold schools in the nation, the Dana Rader Golf School employs 8 full time instructors and the latest in computer analysis for everything from help with a sudden slice to three day classes aimed at helping golfers break 100, 90 and even 80 or less.
Having undergone a full renovation, the Gallery Restaurant successfully manages to be both contemporary and comfortable. With plush seating, and local art adorning the walls, it becomes effortless to melt into the ambiance while enjoying an exceptional meal.
Chef David Moore is the winner of many awards, including Best Dish in North Carolina. He describes the cuisine at the Gallery Restaurant as “contemporary American”, and the menu is nothing less than inspirational. A closer look reveals the extent of his commitment to sustainability, local food and the art of cuisine. The list of local purveyors leveraged by the Gallery Restaurant is quite lengthy. Everything from meats, fish, vegetables and even herbs are sourced locally. If it cannot be found nearby, every effort is made to insure that the ingredient arrives absolutely fresh, and to the chef’s highest standards. The menu changes with the seasons to insure timely offerings with the freshest ingredients.
Also benefiting from a renovation is the attached Gallery Bar. While the barkeep can conjure up any libation, it is the Scotch collection that might really peak one’s interest. Finding a selection of Scotch’s this extensive is nearly unheard of in the states, let along North Carolina. The Gallery Bar proudly displays no less than 65 selections on the wall. The staff has become extremely knowledgeable in the art of Scotch, and even play host to the Scotch Society of Ballantyne, a local enthusiast group. Do consider the Johnny Walker Blue Label, an extremely rare and exclusive blend that resides on the top shelf at the Gallery Bar.
Whether you are in Charlotte for business, pleasure or both, time spent in the Spa at Ballantyne Hotel will be a well-deserved and relaxing experience. This is a truly full-service spa covering the expected massage therapy in addition to a full service salon and staff personal trainers in the spa’s gymnasium. Starting with the well-appointed woman’s or men’s lounge where guests can relax before and after a treatment at their leisure, this full service spa exceeds expectations in every way. Having recently undergone a total renovation, the spa and now boasts 18 treatment rooms, each with beds imported from Italy that pamper with heated mattresses and luxurious linens.
The Spa at Ballantyne Hotel is dedicated to providing the best services and experience to their clients. To that end, their nature inspired menu provides traditional and innovated treatments for every desire. A gamut of treatments is offered from traditional Swedish for complete relaxation to the barefoot Ashiatsu. A decidedly exotic experience for many, the Ashiatsu requires the therapist to use overhead bars for balance as they use their feet to achieve deep, deep compression. For a truly unique experience, select The Spa at Ballantyne’s signature service based on the guest’s birthday, and coordinated with the four elements, this treatment is very personal and exclusive.
