Stayin' at the Ritz

Remember the bike trip Rob and I took together back in May to celebrate our 10 year anniversary? As I had mentioned, as much as I loved the adventure it wasn't the most relaxing of trips. A family connection mentioned that he could get us a room at Charlotte's Ritz Carlton hotel for $115/ night so we decided to stay a night, check out what was so special about a Ritz hotel, have a getaway from the kids, and celebrate 10 years of marriage. Mom and Dad Hinman, who were also in town were kind enough to watch the kids for us.

We parked at a nearby parking garage to save a few dollars on parking. Hotel parking was $35/day plus tip. Our money saving strategy ended up costing the same $35 because the parking garage charged us for two days of parking since we stayed over night. Live and learn.

A very friendly attendant at the front desk offered to make us a dinner reservation for us since we were checking in at 4 in the afternoon. We declined because we had eaten a huge lunch earlier and didn't know what we wanted. Nice of him to offer though.

Here are some pictures of the room 

Note the water bottle on the side table, they were everywhere in the hotel.

The desk was fully stocked with paper, paper clips, pens, every type of electronic cord you could want

One of the two closets. Turkish bath towels, shoe shining kit, umbrella, and
slippers all complimentary during your stay.

View from the window on the 18th floor. Nice and pretty rooftops (or not)

Gorgeous bathroom. Loved the deep bathtub that filled up with hot water in 5 minutes.

I "happened" to mention we were celebrating our anniversary and the hotel
sent up these chocolate covered strawberries (I'd read about that one online).

We headed out to walk around Charlotte and find a place to eat. We started towards a pizza place and somehow ended up at a steak and seafood restaurant instead (Rob's doing, my guy who loves good food).

We went right before Christmas and enjoyed the lights

Our favorite area of the hotel? The workout facilities, they were amazing! Every type of equipment you could want! They had a dance/yoga room (with a yoga mat, towel, and water bottle waiting for you), cycling room, gorgeous pool, etc. Every station had a towel and water bottle. The main fitness room offered complimentary earphones, apples, and a few other amenities. The day we stayed there was the first time I exercised since September. This pregnancy has made me so sick that even a short walk makes me want to fall over. It felt good to actually move my body.

Rob enjoying weights

Rob standing at the back of a row of treadmills and stair climbers. 

A club across the street was playing loud music until 2 o'clock in the morning so it wasn't the best night's sleep. The bed at a normal hotel we stayed at over Christmas was actually more comfortable (to me).

Was the visit enjoyable and the hotel amazing? Yes! The place was dripping in granite, marble, and in-laid wood. Would we do it again at the going rate of $300? Nope. The amenities were nice, but not worth the extra money. We might pay up to $125, but not more then that. I guess we aren't "fancy" people. 

Fun experience though!