The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott International, announced the completion of a multimillion-dollar renovation of The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte. In celebration of its 17th anniversary, the refurbishments encompass newly designed guestrooms and public spaces. The redesign pays homage to North Carolina’s history, with a nod to the neighborhood of Ballantyne—once family hunting land that has been developed into an affluent community.
Design
The Ballantyne’s lobby has been fully refurbished and showcases two bronze Dalmatian statues, which pay tribute to the pets who roamed the original hunting land. A vintage-inspired lobby desk has a glass top that displays special artifacts, and the lobby lounge is complete with a new chandelier and rose artwork that hangs above the fireplace. The lobby has a neutral color palette of white, gold and grey, which is inspired by North Carolina’s legacy as being the first state in the country where gold was found.
In addition to its 208 rooms and suites, The Ballantyne also has a four-bedroom Cottage and a Lodge for group retreats with 35 guestrooms. All rooms offer luxurious Molton Brown bath products, and suites come complete with a complimentary Nespresso coffee and espresso bar.
The Great Room’s redesign pays homage to the “Carolina Emperor,” the largest-cut emerald ever found in North America (and uncovered in North Carolina) via emerald, gold and grey accents. Art and photos celebrating the state’s history adorn the adjacent wall of the Gallery Bar.
The Spa at Ballantyne’s enhancements include a new color palette with warm neutrals and soft powder blues. Rustic wooden furniture, such as natural teak root credenzas, create a relaxing atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a welcome tea ritual before their treatments, offering Rare Tea Company’s jasmine white tea. Experiential treatments reflect the season, including rose garden-inspired treatments each spring and seasonal tea-infused therapies each summer; the spa also offers Carolina lavender-inspired signature treatments and has partnered with Natura Bissé.
Dining
As the property’s signature culinary destination, Gallery Restaurant specializes in regionally inspired cuisine led executive chef Garrett Merck. Serving breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch and upscale dinner daily, the restaurant partners with regional purveyors to serve local ingredients.
The Ryal, named after a unit of currency during James VI of Scotland’s reign, is a gathering place that can be enjoyed as a lively bar in the afternoons and evenings. The Ryal has plush pocket seating and a glass balcony showcasing views of the grounds and golf course.
Along with the renovation, The Ballantyne has launched an exclusive partnership with Rare Tea Company of London. Rare Tea Company will be the official tea offered in the hotel’s Tea Program, including afternoon tea service; handcrafted tea cocktails; select desserts with tea; and The Spa, which will offer the teas as part of specialty treatment rituals and in retail.
Group Experiences
The Lodge at Ballantyne, a 35-room private retreat on The Ballantyne’s grounds, introduced a fresh look to its fully renovated rooms and lobby. The space can be rented out in its entirety by a group, from board meetings and retreats to family reunions and intimate weddings. The Lodge offers packages for both meeting and social groups offering an exclusive and private setting that include a dedicated breakfast and welcome reception.
The Rose Garden provides a backdrop for any memorable occasion throughout the year. This romantic venue has a hand-carved opal stone “Dancer” sculpture, a pergola, rocking chairs and fire pits. The space provides a setting for group activities and experiential dining, such as Ballantyne Beer Garden.
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