I’m not a big Omni Hotels guy.  I like (actually love) their hotels, but the chain just doesn’t have the reach that I need in number of properties and locations.  That said, I always enjoy the opportunity to stay at an Omni Hotel, and my recent 4-night stay at the Omni Charlotte was no different.

My day job had selected the Omni Charlotte as the location for our annual manager’s meeting, and I could not be more pleased with the choice.  Downtown Charlotte (OK, they call it uptown) has really come a long way since my days as a student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.  Back in the day, the sidewalks rolled up at 5pm, and there was nothing to do downtown.  Not the case anymore!  While our days were filled with work, the options to entertain ourselves in the evenings in the immediate vicinity of the hotel were many.

From check in to check out the staff was uniformly outgoing and friendly, which I suppose is to be expected in a southern city.  The room itself, a 6th floor King, was big and comfortable.  The big standard TV was a throwback to the 80’s but also an indication that the hotel may be nearing the need for an interior “refresh.”  Wireless internet was available throughout the hotel, and was complimentary due to my Omni Select Guest membership.  I did not utilize the workout facility or pool, so I can’t comment on their condition.  More motivated colleagues reported the gym to be on the smallish side.

There was no lack of dining options near the hotel.  Two favorites of mine for the week were LaVecchia’s Steak and Seafood and the Ri Ra Irish Pub.  I also enjoyed the steaks at Fleming’s, which is located in the Epicenter, and connected to the hotel via pedestrian bridge.  The Epicenter is also home to Whiskey River and Howl at the Moon, two fun spots to unwind after a long day of meetings.

A couple of random notes:  Charlotte has a new light rail transit system, Lynx, which can be useful in moving around certain parts of the city.  Taxi fare from the airport to downtown was a fixed fare of $25.00.

All in all, a good week, a good hotel, and a great stay in Charlotte.  The Omni Charlotte is near everything in downtown, and is worth considering should business or pleasure take you to Charlotte.