How quaint: A new Charlotte Hilton hotel, restaurant promises boutique Southern charm
A new boutique hotel is coming to SouthPark, featuring the amenities of a Hilton combined with the feel of local accommodations. Its restaurant will be led by executive chef Daniel Wheeler, who was raised in North Carolina and most recently led the food program at cocktail lounge Dot Dot Dot.
Canopy Charlotte SouthPark will welcome guests as the chain’s first location in North Carolina for the lifestyle hotel brand that’s meant to provide the feel and charm of a Southern home. Hotel officials are targeting a mid-to-late June opening, although the date could shift and will factor in North Carolina’s coronavirus stay-at-home restrictions.
The Hilton chain is also ready to tackle the prevention of COVID-19. To help protect against the spread of the coronavirus, Hilton has partnered with Lysol, Dettol and the Mayo Clinic to develop elevated sanitation processes to help guests enjoy a cleaner, safer stay.
Upon arrival, guests will be given access to lockers and accommodations in a transfer lounge, designed as a comfortable space for guests to change clothes or freshen up if they are arriving before or leaving after check-in..
With a mixture of traditional and contemporary style, the focus of the guest rooms are its signature beds. The modern look is inspired by half-tester beds, which feature a canopy at the head of the bed only. Flame-stitch area rugs with vibrant patterns and colors pull the rooms together. It’s pet-friendly, too.
Fine & Fettle restaurant
A hot spot for Charlotteans will be Fine & Fettle restaurant, described as a “modern American experience with a touch of English flare.” A sneak peek of the food under development via Instagram promises a focus on local and sustainable food, showing artful plates dressed in flowers, including scallops with local carrot puree and asparagus with pickled and confit fennel and bacon tulle.
The cocktail program will be led by David “Schmidty” Schmidt, who developed his craft working under Food Network star Marc Forgione in New York and has garnered attention for designing cocktail programs in southern California. Guests will see a focus on “thoughtful mixology and wellness,” including fresh juices with vegetable garnishes and local shrubs with ginger beer.
A few perks if you stay: Hotel guests can start their mornings with local Pure Intentions Coffee and enjoy complimentary tastings of local beer, wine and spirits in the afternoons. There will also be complimentary bicycles available, so your out-of-town visitors can explore SouthPark and surrounding areas.
Other amenities include a 24-hour fitness studio stocked with cardio, strength, core and balance equipment, as well as a program connecting guests with neighborhood fitness specialists. The fitness studio features a Queen Charlotte mural by local artist Frank Haas.
The hotel offers 9,000 square feet of event space, including a grand ballroom and library-inspired breakout rooms that feature local art and North Carolina tartan-inspired carpeting. The ballroom connects to the hotel’s terrace, and a butler’s pantry supports both the event space and garden veranda.
Canopy joins the growing hotel scene in SouthPark, which recently saw the opening of AC Hotel Charlotte SouthPark, featuring the Cordial rooftop bar.
“In seeking a hotel brand to partner with on this project, we wanted one that provided an elevated experience by embracing the local community. Canopy by Hilton does this and, with its iconic locations around the globe, is a terrific addition to the Charlotte community,” owner Amit Patel said in a statement.
Canopy by Hilton Charlotte SouthPark
4905 Barclay Downs Drive
Instagram: @canopycharlottesouthpark, @fineandfettlecharlotte
Targeting a mid/late June opening
This story was originally published May 26, 2020 at 3:00 PM.