We visited the Ballantyne a few days ago in early April 09 and stayed for 4 nights. Our stay was made that much more relaxing with the the hotel's excellent service, friendly staff, amazing food at the Gallery Restaurant and well groomed golf course. The resort is still working on the opening of its new outdoor pool, but the amenities and guest room bathrooms mirror a Ritz Carlton. All in all, a 5-Star hotel that is underestimated and underrated.

After reading some of the mixed reviews, I wasn't sure quite what to expect. But I must say, the Ballantyne was everything we were looking for. They have the little details down, such as warm towels when you check in, complimentary valet, jacuzzi tubs, classical music playing in the room upon arrival, and the staff was so attentive! I was really impressed, I would put it on par with a Ritz Carlton type place.

The only drawback was that when we arrived at 4 pm, our room was not ready and we had to wait until about 4:30... but they allowed us to check out a little late so it wasn't a big deal. The spa was very nice!

We have stayed at this resort about 3 times since we live down the street. Each time we keep thinking it will be better. The good is 1) the rooms. they are spacious and comfy and have big bathtubs and the beds are to die for.
2) the bartender and the bar. Very friendly and chatty bartender who knew how to make a drink and make an alone lady not feel so alone.
3) lots of great movies to choose from and room service is FAST!

Here is the bad:
1) upon checking, 5000 employees must have greeted me which was ok. My husband had to run to the store and had dropped me off with the inention of being right back. The front desk would not let me checkin b/c my husband and i have different last names on our separate credit cards. Iwas pissed and tired and a spa massage planned within the hour. All i could do sit at the bar and wait for hubby to get back. So progressive women who didnt keep their husband's last night, beware
2) the spa sucks. It is very small and doesnt even compare to the spas i am used to. It the "ladies louge area" where women sit around and read mags in the towels eithrt pre or post massage to relax. I didnt find it relaxing to chear women chew and crunch and talk to their friends in whispers as even we could not hear. Checkout at the spa was awful. There was a new girl they were training and she just doesnt seem to get it. There was some language barriers as well.
3) The spa massage, i got a 50 min deep tissue was again ok. I ended up having a male therapist and a young one at that. He started late and ended early.
So there is the good and bad.

My wife and I went to Charlotte, NC for a personal event and stayed at the Ballantyne Resport for 1 full week. We are Starwood members and the Ballantyne is a starwood property. We stayed all week on starwood points which were an exceptional value for the quality hotel.

Upon check in we were greeted by a very friendly valet who helped us unload the car and then tipped us to the fact that we could enjoy free parking on the parking lot if we like. This was very thoughtful and certainly helpful as we did not need valet service after check in.

At the reception the receptionist let us know that we were being upgraded to a suite as the hotel was not very busy. The Ballantyne certainly didn't have to do this and its always a pleasant surprise to receive a free upgrade.

Our suite was very clean and nicely decorated in southern decor.

Our room was overlooking the golf greens and with 2 balconies was certainly more than enough space for the two of us.

The master bedroom had a separate shower and tub which were impeccably cleaned every day. All toiletries were refreshed every day as if we had just checked in the same day.

The minibar was nicely stocked and re-stocked every day. The minibar drinks were very reasonably priced.

While the Ballantyne is more suited for business travelers and golfers, it is situated in Charlotte's upscale residential district which will require a 20 minute drive to downtown.

Mature travelers visiting Charlotte who would like a 5 star experience at a 4 star price will enjoy their stay at the Ballantyne.