Best hotels near Carowinds (written by a local who knows the area!)
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Headed to Carowinds this year and looking for the best hotels near Carowinds?
We visit Carowinds often, and when choosing hotels close to Carowinds, location matters!
Hotels near Carowinds in Charlotte, NC might make sense when you look at a map, but traffic in Charlotte can get really bad. If you choose any old hotel near Carowinds and end up in Charlotte commuter traffic, your day at the park might start in frustration.
On a day trip to Carowinds last year, there was an accident that closed the right two lanes of I-77 South. We knew local roads to skirt around the mess, but it still added 20 minutes to our drive. A lot of Carowinds park-goers were stuck in the traffic, and we heard complaints throughout the day about how much time they lost.
For that reason, the best hotels near Carowinds are in Fort Mill, SC — just south of the NC/SC border and only minutes from Carowinds.
Traffic is generally better going from Fort Mill to Carowinds. And, an added bonus, it’s easier to get to the hotel after a long day at the parks. Use the far right lane when leaving the Carowinds parking lot for easy access to the interstate south to Fort Mill.
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Hotels at Carowinds
Of course, if you want to avoid all the traffic, stay at the hotel “at” Carowinds, SpringHill Suites. You could walk to the parks if you wanted to! It takes about 10 minutes to walk through the parking lot — just watch the traffic on the way back to the hotel at night.
Budget Travel Bonus: When you stay here and walk to the park, you save on the Carowinds daily parking fee since parking at the hotel is free.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charlotte at Carowinds
- Address: 1000 Coasterview Dr, Charlotte, NC 28273
- Check-in: 4:00 p.m., Check-out: 11:00 a.m.
- Free amenities: Breakfast, WiFi, parking, fitness center, seasonal pool (with lifeguard)
- Rates: Range from $150-$225. Book early for best rates.
A 10-minute walk from Carowinds amusement park, Springhill Suites at Carowinds is an all-suite hotel just one mile from Interstate 77 and only 15 minutes from Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the most convenient of hotels close to Carowinds.
An all-suite hotel, every room at SpringHill Suites by Marriott at Carowinds features a sitting area with sofabed, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as microwaves, minifridges and coffeemakers.
The combination of hotel space and convenient location just outside the park entrance, makes this the best hotel near Carowinds. But, there are many others just a few minutes away that are worth considering!
Best Hotels near Carowinds with indoor pool
While there are several hotels in the Charlotte area with indoor pools, we include only one in this list of the best hotels close to Carowinds.
If you’re visiting Charlotte for more than a Carowinds trip, click on this link to see other hotels “near Carowinds” with indoor pools. These hotels are not as convenient to Carowinds, but they might be a good fit for people visiting Charlotte.
Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte Fort Mill
- Address: 287 Textile Way, Fort Mill, SC 29715, in the all-new Kingsley Village, featuring more than 150,000 square feet of boutique shopping and dining just steps from the hotel.
- Check-in: 3:00 p.m., Check-out: 12:00 p.m.
- Free amenities: Indoor pool, WiFi, parking, fitness center
- Rates: $170-$300
Only a 15 minute drive to Carowinds theme park, Courtyard by Marriott Charlotte Fort Mill is a highly rated hotel (guests rate it 9.2/10) with comfortable, clean rooms with mini-fridge and microwave for guest comfort.
The indoor pool is an added bonus, especially when visiting for Carowinds WinterFest.
Best Hotels on Carowinds Boulevard
There are several hotels on Carowinds Boulevard near the I-77 exit. As close as they are to Carowinds (a 15 minute walk), I do not recommend walking to the parks from these hotels near Carowinds due to the heavy traffic in the area. You have to cross seven lanes of traffic without crosswalks or pedestrian crossing lights to get to most of the hotels on this list.
When the parks close at night, traffic is especially heavy and tired drivers seem distracted. Pedestrians have to walk through the Carowinds parking lot and cross Carowinds Boulevard to get back to the hotels. It’s really chaotic when most guests leave at the same time!
Comfort Inn at the Park
- Address: 3725 Avenue of the Carolinas, Fort Mill, SC 29708
- Check-in: 3:00 p.m., Check-out: 11:00 a.m. Early check in and late check out are available for a fee.
- Free amenities: Parking, WiFi, “On the go” breakfast, exercise room, seasonal outdoor pool
- Rates: $80-$140
Of the hotels on Carowinds Boulevard, this is the only one of two on the Carowinds side of the road. It’s about an 8 minute walk through the parking lot from Comfort Inn at the Park to the Carowinds entrance, making it one of the best hotels near Carowinds on Carowinds Blvd.
A standard room here includes two queen beds. A single room, with king or queen bed is slightly cheaper. All rooms have a small refrigerator and microwave.
While WiFi is not mentioned on the hotel website, it is included in the room price.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Mill
- Address: 1655 Carolina Place Drive, Fort Mill, SC, 29708
- Check-in: Between 3:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., Check-out: 11:00 a.m.
- Free amenities: Parking, WiFi, buffet breakfast, gym, seasonal outdoor pool, picnic area and terrace
- Rates: $120-$210, suites are higher
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites hotel near Carowinds is one of the highest rated hotels in the area, certainly among the best hotels near Carowinds. Guests rate it a 9.2/10 for cleanliness, comfort and staff friendliness. The sleek, modern design is unfussy and fresh.
The hotel is located on the same side of Carowinds Boulevard as Carowinds amusement park and is about a 10 minute walk to the park through the parking lot.
Noteably, this hotel does not charge for rollaway beds.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Fort Mill near Carowinds
- Address: 3519 Lakemont Blvd, Fort Mill, SC 29708, just off Carowinds Blvd
- Check-in: 4:00 p.m., Check-out: 11:00 a.m.
- Free amenities: Breakfast, WiFi, parking, fitness center, seasonal outdoor pool
- Rates: $100-$325, suites may be higher
Less than a mile from I-77 and across the street from the entrance road to Carowinds, TownPlace Suties by Marriott Fort Mill is hard to beat for space, making it a good hotel choice near Carowinds.
Straightforward rooms and suites offer essential amenities like free parking and free breakfast. Suites have a kitchenette and dining table. There’s also a barbecue area for guest use.
The hotel site states that it’s a 17 minute walk to Carowinds. If planning to leave your car at the hotel and walk, you will have to cross seven lanes without a crosswalk and walk along the road used as an entrance queue for cars arriving at Carowinds.
Quality Inn at the Park Fort Mill
- Address: 3560 Lakemont Blvd, Fort Mill, SC 29708
- Check-in: 4:00 p.m., Check-out: 11:00 a.m.
- Free Amenities: Breakfast, WiFi, parking, fitness center, seasonal outdoor pool
- Rates: $60-$125, book early for best rates (currently only $58 for some nights in July)
On an access road just off I-77 at Carowinds Boulevard, Quality Inn at the Park is a basic hotel offering simple, straightforward rooms and a small outdoor pool for use seasonally. While it’s no frills, it’s one of the best hotels near Carowinds for budget travelers.
Budget travel tip: Rates fluctuate with demand, so book early for the greatest savings!
Clarion Hotel Fort Mill at Carowinds
- Address: 3695 Foothills Way, Fort Mill, SC 29708
- Check-in: 3:00 p.m., Check-out: 11:00 a.m.
- Amenities: WiFi, parking, fitness center
- Rates: $60-$110, suites may be higher
The Clarion Hotel Fort Mill near Carowinds is conveniently located just off I-77 on an access road just off Carowinds Boulevard.
The hotel offers fewer amenities than other nearby hotels, particularly no pool or free breakfast.
If you’re not a fan of hotel breakfast buffets, this might be a good fit for you. There are several restaurants nearby where you can get breakfast. You can request a refrigerator and microwave for the room, as well, to eat there before going to the park.
The hotel’s site notes that it’s a 2 minute drive to Carowinds.
Best Western Carowinds at Fort Mill
- Address: 3675 Foothills Way, Fort Mill, SC 29708
- Check-in: 3:00 p.m., Check-out: 11:00 a.m.
- Free Amenities: Continental breakfast, WiFi, parking, exercise room, seasonal outdoor pool
- Rates: $80-$135, suites are higher
The Best Western Carowinds Hotel on Carowinds Blvd is 1.2 miles from Carowinds on the service road just off Carowinds Boulevard. It’s in the same complex of hotels and restaurants mentioned above.
Rooms feature the basic amenities expected at a US hotel, including cable TV and coffeemakers, as well as microwaves, fridges and desks. Suites add Jacuzzis, which are just tucked into the corner of the bedroom in suite rooms with a king bed.
Reviews of this hotel note that it is quieter than other hotels in the area since it’s tucked in at the back of the complex, and that the beds are comfortable for the price paid. We think a quiet stay with a comfortable bed make this one of the best hotels near Carowinds!
It’s a 3 minute drive to Carowinds from here.
Sleep Inn Fort Mill
- Address: 3540 Lakemont Blvd, Fort Mill, SC, 29708
- Check-in: 3:00 p.m., Check-out: 11:00 a.m.
- Free amenities: WiFi, parking
- Rates: $70-$130
The Sleep Inn at Fort Mill is a no-frills hotel with a variety of rooms, from two queen beds, to a single queen or a single king.
April 2023: Please note that the hotel is currently undergoing a renovation/refresh. There is construction noise during the day. By the summer of 2023, this hotel on Carowinds Blvd will be a fresh, clean option to consider, especially for budget travel where all you need is a place to sleep!
Motel 6 Fort Mill
- Address: 3541 Foothills Way, Fort Mill, SC 29708
- Check-in: 3:00 p.m., Check-out: 11:00 a.m.
- Free amenities: WiFi, parking, seasonal outdoor pool (not heated), and refrigerator by request
- Rates: $55-$110
The Motel 6 at Fort Mill is located just off I-77 and Carowinds Boulevard in the hotel and restaurant complex with other hotels on this list. The beds here are doubles, not queen size like most hotels.
We include it on our list of the best hotels near Carowinds because it is the lowest price hotel on this list.
Also, reviews state that it offers a basic place to stay, convenient to Carowinds. Older reviewers said that the hotel is dirty, but reviews in the past two months (March and April, 2023) say the hotel is clean, which may reflect a change in management.
While they state it is a 14 minute walk to Carowinds, note that you have to cross a seven lane road and along the entrance drive to Carowinds with the distracted travelers. It is a 2 minute drive to the parks.
avid hotel Fort Mill
- Address: 154 Springhill Farm Road, Fort Mill, SC, 29715
- Check-in: 3:00 p.m., Check-out: 11:00 a.m.
- Free amenities: Parking, WiFi, gym, “grab and go” breakfast
- Rates: $85-$160, book early for best price
The Avid Hotel at Fort Mill is located just off I-77, across the street from the I-77 Northbound exit ramp. From the hotel, it’s a quick 2 minute drive to Carowinds. Turn right onto Carowinds Boulevard and stay in the righthand lane for the Carowinds park entrance.
Leaving the park at the end of the day, use the lefthand lane to turn onto Carowinds Boulevard. You’ll turn left into the hotel after going through the underpass for I-77.
The Avid Hotel at Fort Mill receives very high ratings, 9/10 for both cleanliness and comfort. The bright color scheme is cheery, making it “feel” more like vacation.
Rooms on the first floor are a little bit noisier than upper floors.
Note that the breakfast is a simple “grab and go,” not a full hot breakfast buffet.
Other hotels near Carowinds to consider
The next hotels on this list close to Carowinds are only one exit away (north or south), and offer convenient access to the parks.
In a slightly less congested area, these hotels near Carowinds tend to be a bit quieter overnight.
Super 8 by Wyndham
- Address: 11300 Texland Blvd I-77 &, Westinghouse Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273
- Check-in: 3:00 p.m., Check-out: 11:00 a.m.
- Free amenities: Parking, WiFi, continental breakfast
- Rates: Start at $50. Hotel regularly sells out.
Just one exit north of Carowinds Boulevard, the Super 8 by Wyndham is a budget travel hotel near Carowinds and a good choice for those who just need a place to sleep. Double rooms include two double beds. Single rooms include one queen bed.
Heading to Carowinds amusement park, you’ll take I-77 south just one exit, so stay in the right hand lane!
At the end of the day, to avoid the traffic congestion and long wait times for I-77 north back to your hotel close to Carowinds, you can use the right hand lane to exit the park onto Carowinds Blvd., then turn right on State Route 49 North (S Tryon St), and then turn right on Westinghouse Blvd.
Tru by Hilton Fort Mill
- Address: 20 Crisanto Ave, Fort Mill, SC, 29715
- Check-in: Between 3:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m., Check-out: 12:00 p.m.
- Free amenities: Parking, WiFi, “On the go” breakfast, gym, picnic area
- Rates: $95-$160, book early for best rates
Tru by Hilton at Fort Mill is located just one exit south of Carowinds off I-77, the last exit before Carowinds Boulevard and about 10 minutes from the park.
This highly rated hotel gets rave reviews for cleanliness and comfort and space, making it a worthy addition to our list of the best hotels near Carowinds. Bold colors and modern decor offer a fresh, welcoming feel. Unlike most hotels, the floors at Tru by Hilton Hotel near Carowinds are LVP, not carpet.
When driving to the park, you’ll turn left from the exit ramp and want the right hand lane on Carowinds Blvd, so use the center lane for the exit ramp.
Leaving the park at the end of the day, use the right hand lane to exit the theme park for easy access to I-77 south to the hotel.
More about Carowinds
Now that you have a list of the best hotels near Carowinds, these articles will help you plan your perfect day at Carowinds!
Visiting Carowinds? The complete guide to visiting the park (written by a passholder!)
Best tips for visiting Carolina Harbor Waterpark at Carowinds
Save money on travel with our TRAVEL RESOURCES — the same tools we use to book hotels, car rentals, air travel and attractions tickets!
And, while no one ever wants to get sick on vacation or have weather interrupt a great day at Carowinds, we know it happens… read our post on things to do in a hotel when you’re stuck indoors! YES, we made a list of fun things to entertain the kids when your options are limited! It’s the best list we’ve ever compiled that we hope no one ever needs!