3 Charlotte hotels land top honors on Forbes list of luxurious resorts
From luxury staycations on sheets with endless thread counts to mountain getaways with stunning views, North Carolina is home to some of the best hotels in the world, according to a prestigious travel guide.
In the latest release of the Forbes Star Awards, eight North Carolina resorts have been named among the best hotels on earth, including three in Charlotte.
Similar to the Michelin Guide for restaurants, Forbes’ anonymous inspectors rate and reviews luxury hotels, helping travelers discover distinctive destinations around the world.
In the 2026 awards, the eight North Carolina resorts honored are among the 2,415 rated properties representing Forbes’ picks for the most luxurious stays on earth.
Forbes put its spotlight on Charlotte, the Triangle and the mountains of Western North Carolina. Beyond hotel resorts, Forbes also rated six North Carolina restaurants — including one in Charlotte — among the world’s most luxurious.
Winning hotels
The North Carolina hotels taking top honors are:
- Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, Five Stars
- The Fearrington House Inn in Pittsboro, Four Stars
- The Inn on Biltmore Estate in Asheville, Four Stars
- Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, Four Stars
- The Ivey’s Hotel in Charlotte, Four Stars
- The Ballantyne, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Charlotte, Recommended
- The Ritz-Carlton in Charlotte, Recommended
- Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club in Durham, Recommended
Top attractions
Among the points inspectors highlighted at the Charlotte hotels were:
- In The Ballantyne’s “Gallery Restaurant, colorful, modern paintings (courtesy of the local Shain Gallery) hang above cozy, tufted banquettes and sleek dining room tables. But you may be too busy with the refined Southern fare on your plate to notice.”
- At The Ivey’s, “Book accommodations with a European-style soaking or clawfoot tub to add an extra layer of luxury. Use bath products by Mistral and then wrap yourself up in a plush robe and enjoy the view of the city while sipping on an espresso.”
- Inside The Ritz-Carlton, “Throughout the hotel’s public spaces and guest rooms, you’ll notice a rotating display of works from Bank of America’s gallery, the largest privately owned art collection in the world.”
Portions of this story were previously published in The News & Observer.
