Time Traveler's Rest: Make new memories in the living history of Charlotte's Dunhill Hotel

“If you're blue and you don't know where to go to
why don't you go where fashion sits,
Puttin' on the Ritz.”

Irving Berlin had Manhattan sophisticates in mind when he wrote “Puttin’ On The Ritz" in 1930. However, those same classic lyrics might be used to describe The Dunhill Hotel, Charlotte’s living legacy of distinguished, Depression-era architectural style and refined hospitality.

The Dunhill first opened as The Mayfair Hotel in 1929. It was one of Charlotte’s first luxury hotels and is one of the few remaining landmarks from that era. The Dunhill is also the only Charlotte hotel designated a Historic Hotel of America by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. To be eligible, hotels must be at least 50 years old, and must be listed on or be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

The hotel was completely renovated in 1987, and today the Dunhill represents timeless style, luxurious amenities and sophisticated service, combined with the latest in modern conveniences. The Dunhill’s lobby and 60 guest rooms are furnished with elegant 18th century European furnishings and accentuated by original art and hand-crafted draperies. Each room features a classic four-poster bed, an ornate armoire concealing a television and refrigerator, as well as a hairdryer, an iron and ironing board, voice mail and a two-line, internet-capable phone for your convenience. Other select rooms also offer a Jacuzzi and relaxing seating areas.

Additional amenities available at the Dunhill include a nightly turndown service, 24-hour room service, a refrigerator stocked with complimentary beverages, bathrobes and slippers, a complimentary USA Today delivered each morning to your door, next-day dry cleaning service, complimentary overnight shoeshine service, and privileges at the Crown Athletic Club, Charlotte's finest fitness center.

Of course, the crowning touch of any hotel is its penthouse suite and the Dunhill is no exception. Double balconies reveal a sweeping, majestic view of the uptown Charlotte skyline. Inside, the penthouse is no less spectacular, complete with lavish appointments including the original marble floor, Oriental rugs, a sunken whirlpool tub, a working fireplace and a comfortable dining area for enjoying quiet meals alone.

Should you choose to take your meal outside your room, you won’t have to go far to find a restaurant as distinguished as the hotel itself. The Dunhill is also home to the Monticello restaurant, which was awarded “Best Hotel Restaurant,” by Charlotte's Best magazine and Charlotte magazine and “Best Hot Food” at Charlotte’s annual "Taste of the Nation."

Once inside the Monticello, feel free to indulge in your choice of dining experiences. Enjoy the grace and sophistication of its main dining room, located through the magnificent French doors off the Dunhill’s lobby. The upstairs dining room evokes an atmosphere of European elegance, accentuated by an antique chandelier, polished mahogany, exposed beams, and Paladin windows. The central fixture of the Wine Cellar dining room is an inviting fireplace ideal for those seeking more intimate dining experience. For more casual dining, you may choose The Pub, which features solid oak tables, leather chairs and an antique sideboard, or relax outdoors in the Monticello’s European-style sidewalk café. No matter which you choose, the exceptional staff and the lavish amenities of the Monticello are uniquely suited to match any mood.

The Dunhill’s renowned sense of hospitality extends to business travelers as well. The third floor above the Monticello features two meeting rooms, as well as banquet space for hosting special dinners or receptions. The Wine Cellar is ideal for meetings for up to 12 people or smaller, out-of-the-way dinner meetings. Fax and copy services are also available at the front desk.

The caliber of The Dunhill staff is every bit the equal of its amenities. The Dunhill's staff is comprised of consummate hospitality professionals, including guest service representatives, valet service and bellmen who know how to make every guest feel like a VIP.

One of the most important qualities for any hotel is location and fortune has truly smiled upon the Dunhill. It is located in the center of uptown Charlotte's flourishing financial and arts district. Popular destinations including the Charlotte International Trade Center, Convention Center, Discovery Place Science Museum/Omnimax Theater Planetarium, Spirit Square Center for the Arts, North Carolina Blumenthal Center for the Performing Arts and many popular museums, are all within easy walking distance of the Dunhill. Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the Charlotte Coliseum and Bank of America Stadium are also just a short drive away.

Next time you're looking to enjoy a memorable stay in Charlotte, take a vacation from the passage of time and lose yourself in the living history of the Dunhill.

To place a reservation at the Dunhill, call (800) 354-4141 or (704) 332-4141, or visit www.dunhillhotel.com for more information. Special weekend bed and breakfast, business, arts, romantic getaway and golf packages are available.

by Burt Dellinger