On the Radar: Charlotte & Charleston’s New Luxury Landmarks

Charlotte and Charleston are rewriting the map of Southern luxury — each in their own distinct way. One looks ahead with a bold expansion of an established icon, the other has already quietly opened its doors, drawing design lovers and travelers in with a whisper of European flair.

Charlotte: The Ballantyne Evolves

The Ballantyne Hotel has long been one of Charlotte’s defining luxury addresses, known for its elegant rooms, spa rituals, and signature Southern service. But come late 2025, the hotel will unveil something entirely new: Dunbar Social by Topgolf® Swing Suite.

Set within the property, this concept blends upscale leisure with interactive play — think plush seating, chef-driven menus, craft cocktails, and high-tech Full Swing simulators that extend far beyond golf. It’s more than a sports lounge; it’s a destination for gatherings, celebrations, and chic escapes that mix recreation with refinement.

For Charlotte, it marks a shift. The city’s luxury landscape is no longer just about lobbies and linens — it’s about curated experiences that invite both locals and travelers to stay, play, and socialize in style.

Ballantyne Swing Suite

Charleston: The Nickel Debuts

While Charlotte counts down, Charleston is already hosting guests at The Nickel, a boutique gem that opened this year on Upper King Street. With just 50 rooms and suites, the hotel offers intimacy wrapped in design drama.

The look? A European townhouse reimagined in the heart of the South. Expect archways, Moroccan tiles, checkered floors, and layered textures that nod to both France and Morocco while staying grounded in Charleston’s own charm. Communal spaces — from a leafy courtyard to a rooftop bar and moody library lounge — make it feel more like an elegant home than a traditional hotel.

The Nickel’s soul lies in its balance: worldly yet local, polished yet personal. It’s a place where European design sensibilities meet the warmth of Southern hospitality.

The Nickel

The New Southern Standard

Together, these properties signal a new era for the Southeast’s luxury scene. Charlotte raises the bar on immersive, large-scale hospitality, while Charleston doubles down on boutique intimacy and narrative-driven design.

For travelers, it means options — whether you’re craving a lively, experiential escape or a cocoon of curated elegance. For the region, it’s proof that Southern luxury is evolving fast, and with style.