My three friends and I booked a four night stay at the Holiday Inn, University Park, in Charlotte, NC through Hotwire. After booking, I called to request adjoining non-smoking rooms with two beds in each room. The staff was welcoming, professional, and courteous both times I phoned and was able to accommodate our request. Our rooms were clean, comfortable, and spacious.

There were a number of shops and restaurants within walking distance. We especially enjoyed Boardwalk Billy's Raw Bar and BBQ.

My only complaint is that, like in many hotels, the walls were thin. I woke before dawn one morning thinking our alarm clock was buzzing but the noise was coming from the room next door. When after 15 minutes it hadn’t stopped, I called the front desk. A hotel employee came up and checked. The room wasn’t occupied so he was able to go in and shut the alarm off. Again, the staff responded quickly and politely.

We had a wonderful visit in Charlotte and would recommend this hotel as home base. The location was convenient for exploring the area, the service was excellent and the accommodations were a great value.

When I arrived, the woman behind the desk couldn't find my reservation. It was almost midnight. I had called earlier in the day to ensure that my reservation was guaranteed for late arrival. Needless to say, after driving 4 hours I was not pleased to hear that my reservation could not be found. After about 10 minutes of explanations and confirmation numbers, the receptionist finally figured out that the person with whom I had spoken earlier had already checked me in.

The walls are preposterously thin and I heard WAY more than I needed to hear from the couple next door.

The bathroom was clean and everything worked properly. I had a room at the end of the hall, so it was a good size. The bed & pillows were reasonably comfortable. This location was convenient to all of the places that I needed to get to that weekend.

This place will cut it for a one night stay when nothing else is available. But it needs a makeover, and that should include a new staff coming with it. I arrived at midnight, and there were some real shady looking people in the lobby hanging out with the front-desk staff. The attitude at check-in told me I clearly interrupted whatever fun they were having. The housekeeping staff feel the need to yell down the halls to one another at 7am in the morning. The heater smelled pretty bad when I turned it on. You could probably find hardwood floors that are softer than the beds. Thankfully, my company recently took this place off our list because of so many complaints.

Take your money across the road to the Hilton...

Stayed for 2 nights 5/7-5/9 - got room through Priceline for $55. Website rate was $104. Room was average, pretty clean. Bath sink faucet was loose and had very little water pressure, but tub was fine. Towels were like sandpaper, however, and pretty thin.
Hotel only offers queen size beds (never heard of such a thing at a popular chain hotel) and the bed was pretty hard and uncomfortable.
Front desk staff was very friendly. Location was good, near I-85 and close to downtown, as well as I-485 and I-77. Would consider again if price is right.
Did not try restaurants.