UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel & Conference Center officially opened its doors, March 31, 2021. The $87 million, 173,000-square-foot project is owned by the UNC Charlotte Endowment Fund, financed by the UNC Charlotte Foundation and operated by Sage Hotel Management, a Sage Hospitality Group company. Developed by AMS Hospitality, the hotel features 226 guest rooms and 21,563 square feet of event space.
“This conference center and hotel is a 30-year dream realized for UNC Charlotte and another example of the University’s growth and commitment to playing a significant role in the region’s economy,” said Niles Sorensen, president of the UNC Charlotte Foundation and vice chancellor for University Advancement. “The location right at the entrance of our beautiful campus and a short light rail ride from uptown Charlotte is perfect for alumni, families, business travelers, groups and conventions and visitors who desire the superior accommodations, service and amenities only Marriott can provide.”
As part of the grand opening for the UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, alumni Brittany Akinsola ‘11 and Robert Wright ‘18, ‘20 were invited to be first guests by Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber. (Inside UNC Charlotte will post a Q&A with the two alums on April 1.)
Accommodations at UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel & Conference Center offer the elevated experience that Marriott Hotels, the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio’s signature brand, is known. Room features include locally designed and curated artwork, spa-like bathrooms with walk-in showers, upgraded technology, complimentary wi-fi and designated workspaces. Guest room options also consist of five suites, including the Chancellor Suite with sweeping views of the UNC Charlotte campus.
Outside of the rooms, local artwork continues throughout the hotel with original pieces created by students, faculty and alumni of UNC Charlotte’s College of Arts + Architecture as well as accomplished community artists.
The city of Charlotte invested $8 million toward the completion of the conference center to support the large and technologically sophisticated conference space for symposia and events.
“I am excited to celebrate the opening of the UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel and Conference Center,” stated Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. “The City Council unanimously supported the city’s investment in this partnership with our research university, and we look forward to welcoming regional and national research symposia and academic conferences to our wonderful city.”
UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel & Conference Center has nine event spaces with a 7,200-square-foot Crown Room that can hold as many as 800 people (when at 100% capacity) for a stand-up reception. A 5,800-square-foot outdoor plaza with views of the UNC Charlotte campus provides outdoor event options.
Chancellor Gaber noted, “We look forward to hosting research symposia and academic conferences in our 24,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility. Not only will these events enhance our academic reputation, but they will heighten the visibility of our current UNC Charlotte faculty while helping recruit talented new faculty to the University and our wonderful city. Additionally, with University City being Charlotte’s second-largest employment hub, adding a first-class conference space here will generate new business for nearby hotels and retailers.”
General Manager Mike Nelson, who has more than 30 years of hospitality experience, will lead a team of approximately 120 employees (when fully staffed).
“We are proud to be part of vibrant and long-standing communities. Many great organizations came together to give us the opportunity to open this dynamic and inventive hotel and restaurant, and we look forward to being a cornerstone to help these areas grow in the future,” said Nelson.
Joining Nelson is John Panko as director of sales and marketing. With 29 years of experience, Panko will work with the team to create awareness and drive overall sales for the hotel and its event spaces.
Situated on approximately four-acres near the PORTAL Building, UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel & Conference Center is located at 9041 Robert D Snyder Road, Charlotte, NC 28262 and offers direct access to the LYNX Blue Line. For more information, call 704-978-8000 or visit Marriott.com.