Charlotte is North Carolina’s largest city. It is Mecklenburg County’s seat. It is situated along the Appalachian Mountains’ foothills. The Atlantic Ocean is only 3 hours away. It is also set halfway between Atlanta, Georgia and Raleigh, North Carolina.

Charlotte residents are called “Charlotteans”. As of 2008, it has an estimated population of about 687,456. This made is the US’ 18th largest city.

Charlotte is also called the “Queen City” to honor Charlotte of Mecklenburg, a German Princess who became the queen consort the British King – George III. Aside from this, it is also called “The Hornets Nest” simply because it is regarded as “a homet’s nest of rebellion”.

Charlotte Tourism

The official visitor center of Charlotte is the Charlotte Info Center which lies in the midst of the city – along 2nd and Tryon streets. It is by the ground level of the building of Chamber of Commerce. First time visitors and long time residents can get brochures, souvenirs and even advice here. Aside from this, it also has a library where you can get a concentrated source of information about Charlotte.

Here are some tours you can consider:

Helicopter Tours – It is North Carolina & Wing that offers a bird’s eye view of this Queen City as well as its surrounding neighborhoods.

Driving Tours – It is Queen City Tours that covers most the surrounding areas and the city center. However, they provide different kinds of tour services for various group sizes. The tour lets you see Myers Park, Dilworth and the Uptown.

Charlotte 101 Class & Tour – It is Central Piedmont Community College that provides a quarterly combination of tours and classroom lectures on the Queen City. It lasts 6 hours. You are required to pre-register.

Downtown Charlotte Hotels

Days Inn Charlotte Center City – This hotel is conveniently situated in downtown Charlotte in North Carolina. It has 2 floors, a few connecting rooms and an elegant restaurant opposite the property. It is near the Discovery Place, NFL Stadium and some golf courses. The airport is only 12 miles away while the Coliseum is 15 miles away.

Guests of this pet-friendly hotel are offered complimentary high speed Internet access and daybreak breakfast. They also have a pool, handicap accessible rooms, non-smoking rooms, safe deposit boxes and rooms with fridges, microwaves, radio alarm clocks, Cable TVs and hair dryers.

The hotel’s address is 601 North Tryon and 9th Streets Charlotte, North Carolina 28202. Their phone number is 704-33-4733. You can also fax them at 704-372-9925. Omni Charlotte Hotel – This is a 4-diamond luxury hotel in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina. The Charlotte Convention Center is only 2 ½ blocks away and so with many of the entertainment and cultural highlights of the city. It is connected via an escalator to the Overstreet Mall which has over 30 unique restaurants, boutiques and stores. It is also near the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport.

Amenities of the hotel include a sundeck, high speed Internet access and a rooftop pool. Check in time is at 3pm while check out is at 12nn. The address of this hotel is 132 East Trade St. Charlotte, North Carolina 28202. Their phone number is 704-377-0400. Their fax number is 704-347-0649.