City: Charlotte, NC

Category: Accommodations

Telephone: (704) 377-1501

Address: 3000 East Independence Blvd.

Description: Located beside Bojangles’ Coliseum, Ovens Auditorium, and The Park merchandise mart, the Econolodge Inn & Suites is an affordable option about two miles outside of Uptown. This is an older property, dating back to its days as the Coliseum Inn, and the neighborhood is not the best. However, it’s a nice, clean place to rest your head. The property was purchased in 2008 by local businessman B.V. Belk, who grew up not far away and didn’t want to see the hotel fall by the wayside. Belk redecorated and upgraded the rooms, picking up quality furnishings made available during a renovation of the luxury Hampton Inn & Suites at tony Phillips Place. There are 124 total guest rooms, and the inn provides complimentary continental breakfast, daily paper, and high-speed wireless Internet access. Rooms are in several buildings, so request one close to the main office.