Best Family Hotels in North Carolina

Known for its beachy, romantic feel, the Outer Banks has been drawing travelers to the shores of North Carolina for quite some time. Sanderling Resort's expansive oceanfront property encompasses all of those OBX allures with its tranquil setting, charming decor and ample activities. The resort's location in Duck – between the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound – means views of the water are available from nearly every room. Inside your room, you'll find a minifridge, a marble bathroom, a flat-screen TV and a private balcony. But with an award-winning spa, an adjacent beach and three pools (one kid-friendly, one adults-only and one indoor), it's unlikely that you'll want to spend much time in your room. What's more, the on-site restaurants offer a variety of cuisine options – from steak and seafood to casual burgers and sandwiches to wintertime s'mores toasted over an outdoor fire pit. These amenities and accommodations do, however, come attatched to a daily resort fee.

Here, "grand" is certainly an understatement; this member of the Autograph Collection (located on the southern fringe of Asheville, North Carolina) is all about the decor. The classic Tudor-inspired design – complete with velvet couches and stone fireplaces – has adopted some contemporary touches, like the bar's ambiance-enhancing red lighting and the modern works found in the hotel's Grand Bohemian Art Gallery. Many visitors recommend spending an afternoon unwinding at the Poseidon Spa before grabbing dinner at the Red Stag Grill. When it comes to lodging, rooms feature marble bathrooms, coffee makers, flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi access. And though some past guests complained that noise from a nearby train track can infiltrate the accommodations, making for an inconsistent night's sleep, most described a stay at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville as a treat. Because of its Marriott ties, this hotel participates in the Marriott Bonvoy program, allowing members to earn and use points at this property.

Owners Dennis and Nancy King Quaintance had a very clear vision when opening the O. Henry Hotel in northwest Greensboro: To provide guests with the traditional Southern hospitality of an old-fashioned North Carolina hotel while still offering modern amenities. According to previous guests, the Quiantances succeeded. Visitors love O. Henry's classic ambiance, emphasized by the wood-paneled walls, verdant garden patio and classically designed Green Valley Grill restaurant. Accommodations all feature 9-foot-high ceilings, large soaking tubs and flat-screens, plus a full Southern-style breakfast is included in all room rates. The hotel's more contemporary offerings – like the outdoor pool, the high-speed wireless internet and the 24-hour fitness center – also earn a thumbs-up. Past guests are also quick to compliment the hotel's pleasant and efficient staff.

You don't have to cross the Atlantic to catch a glimpse of Europe; The Siena Hotel in northeast Chapel Hill, North Carolina, offers guests a contemporary take on classic Italian style. Imitations of Italian art decorate the walls, while the domed windows and marble floors recall Romanesque architecture. But unlike many hotel guest rooms in Italy, Siena's accommodations are spacious enough to house massive beds and plush furniture, not to mention generously sized bathrooms. Guests also adore the hotel's more modern details, like colored lighting and a swanky bar, and extra touches like Belgian chocolates at turndown. To complete a near perfect stay, visitors mention that the front desk and wait staffs are extremely friendly and accommodating. For a taste of Italy, guests recommend indulging at the on-site Il Palio restaurant. What's more, because the hotel is part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, it allows members to earn and reedem Marriott Bonvoy points.

Visitors can't help but rave about the Omni Charlotte Hotel's downtown location; it's just a short walk to attractions like Discovery Place and the Levine Museum of the New South, not to mention vibrant nightlife spots. But the central locale doesn't come without its cost: Some complain of hearing late-night street noise on lower floors. This Omni's modern, somewhat funky decor garners applause from recent guests, who enjoy the guest rooms' boldly patterned carpets that contrast with muted neutral tones. Inside the rooms, lodgers can also indulge in amenities like 37-inch LCD TVs, complimentary newspapers and plush bathrobes. When venturing outside the guest rooms, travelers can discover common areas like the Trade Restaurant and Bar, which features local, southern-style cuisine. And thanks to its Omni ties, Omni Select Guest members can earn points and get perks like free Wi-Fi access when staying here.

This hotel in downtown Charlotte is all about being trendy. Polished parquet flooring and an extremely large crystal chandelier give the lobby a sense of chic grandeur. The guest rooms are just as visually stimulating, with soothing earth tones, hardwood furniture and skyline views (the rainfall showers and flat-screen TVs don't hurt, either). The hotel's proximity to attractions, like the NASCAR Hall of Fame, also makes it a convenient place for sightseers to lay their heads. Though you'll be surrounded by a bevy of eateries and bars, consider staying on-site for a meal or two at JP Charlotte, which offers burgers, steaks and flat breads. You can also grab a cocktail at the on-site bar. What's more, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn or use points for perks here.