Hotel Review: Charlotte Marriott SouthPark – Great Location, Not-so-Great for Gaming
Hey, I’m Mateo from This Teen Travelz, and I recently stayed at the Charlotte Marriott SouthPark in Charlotte, North Carolina. This hotel is in a super walkable area near SouthPark Mall, and while it had some solid perks, it also had a couple of misses—especially if you’re a teen gamer like me.
Let’s break it down 👇
Room Review: Clean Vibes, Console Struggles
I stayed in a two-queen room, and it was nice and clean—no complaints there. What stood out right away was the hardwood floors. My sister was especially happy about that since she has allergies, and carpets can be a struggle.
But for all my fellow gamers out there, here’s the downside: the TV was wall-mounted in a way that made it pretty much impossible to connect my Nintendo Switch. Definitely a letdown if you’re hoping to get some gaming in during your stay.
Wi-Fi & Connectivity: Smooth Streaming
One major win? The Wi-Fi. I was able to connect all my devices—laptop, phone, iPad, and Nintendo Switch—without any issues. Streaming and gaming worked smoothly, and I had zero lag, which is always a big deal for me.
Pool Vibes: Looked Cool, But Closed
I visited in March, and the outdoor pool wasn’t open yet for the season. Bummer! It looked like a great place to chill when the weather’s warm, so I’d definitely be down to come back and try it in the summer.
M Club Lounge: Small but Snacky
Thanks to my dad being a Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Member, we had access to the M Club Lounge. It had snacks, small bites, and drinks in the evening, which I appreciated after a long day.
That said, it was definitely smaller than other M Clubs I’ve been to, so don’t expect anything too fancy here.
Food & Nearby Restaurants: Why We Skipped the Hotel Restaurant
Even though the hotel has its own restaurant and bar, my family skipped it. Why? Because the location is awesome—you’re within walking distance of a ton of restaurants, and the SouthPark Mall is only a 5-minute walk away.
- My mom and sister were obsessed with their mall trip and kept talking about it after.
- If you have a younger sibling, there’s an American Girl store inside the mall.
- I personally enjoyed eating at Maggiano’s Little Italy and The Cheesecake Factory—two solid go-to spots nearby.
Things to Do Nearby: Wishlist for Next Time
If I get to go back to Charlotte, I’ve got two attractions on my radar:
- 🎢 Carowinds Amusement Park – for all the thrill ride fans
- 🏁 NASCAR Hall of Fame – because, yes, race cars are awesome
Both are just 20–25 minutes away, so definitely worth checking out if you’ve got time.
Final Thoughts: A Mall-Lover’s Dream, A Gamer’s Meh
The Charlotte Marriott SouthPark was a decent stay overall. I would’ve had a better time if the TV setup worked for console gaming, or if I was more into shopping and mall hangs. But if that’s your vibe, this hotel might be perfect.
Here’s the quick breakdown:
- ✅ Fast Wi-Fi
- ✅ Clean, allergy-friendly room
- ✅ Walkable to restaurants and shops
- ✅ Close to SouthPark Mall
- ❌ Not great for Switch gamers
- ❌ Pool was closed (but looked promising)
Let me know if you’ve stayed here or if SouthPark Mall is your thing!
Whether you’re team mall crawl or gaming grind, keep exploring, keep leveling up your travel game, and never settle for a boring hotel.
Catch you in the next adventure—stay chill, stay curious, and stay travelin’. ✌️
– Mateo / This Teen Travelz