See the Grand Getaway Where the Obamas Stayed While at the DNC in Charlotte
I thought it might be wise to wait until after the DNC to post this so that the Secret Service didn’t decide to come talk to me. While staying in Charlotte, I had a great view of the comfy complex where I believe President Obama and the First Lady stayed (along with staffers and security!):
Photo: Scott Baker
It may not look so posh from this vantage…I was mostly able to see the activity in this parking lot as vehicles (including police and other security vehicles) were scanned before they could approach the property.
I never did see anyone playing tennis.
In any case, the Obama team picked a cool corner of Charlotte for the Obamas & Company to hide out.
This is the front of The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge:
Photo: The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
I once stayed at The Ballantyne for a single night a few years ago. If I were writing a TripAdvisor review I’d say — very nice.
Photo: The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
There wasn’t a lot of sun in Charlotte this week. But any inclemency need not have deterred a determined swimmer:
Photo: The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
It is a golf resort…which was probably also a plus for President Obama (though I’m not sure if he had time to play):
Photo: The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
There had been a few local media reports in the lead up to the DNC about the “dignitary” who might be staying at The Ballantyne. And by Monday the theory was in “widely believed” category. By the last day it was confirmed. The reports I saw were mainly focused on the traffic impact for local residents:
The traffic impact included the route to the dandy Aloft Charlotte Ballantyne where I was staying. There was a police checkpoint before you could approach the Aloft and guests had to show two kinds of dashboard displays to use the parking lot.
The road to the Aloft continues to go around the back of The Ballantyne property — but traffic was totally blocked by concrete barriers and security just past the Aloft.
You can see where the Aloft sits on the right of the map above…just below are the two tennis courts I could see from my window.
And just below the tennis courts is The Lodge. The main hotel sits to the left of the map. Now — I don’t believe the Obamas were staying in the main hotel…I was able to drive in and out of the parking lot pretty easily. The real security and barriers were back by The Lodge. The hotel also has a Cottage — more on that below. First let’s take a look at the front of The Lodge:
Photo: The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
If you were having a big family reunion, you would want to book this place! It is 40,000 square feet of fun. There are 35 guest rooms.
Photo: The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
President Obama is notoriously competitive at sports and all kinds of games. Could that have applied to a round of billiards?
Photo: The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
The Lodge even has it’s own gym in case anyone, ahem, needed to tone up her triceps:
Photo: The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
But it’s not all fun and games at here — plenty of space for the serious meetings:
Photo: The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
By the way — there are a variety of centerpiece options:
Photo: The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
Not so nautical? Try the horse:
Photo: The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
They like horses at The Lodge:
Photo: The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
The rooms at The Lodge do look nice:
Photo: The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
But we can’t be positive if this is where the Obamas slept. They may have been in The Lodge…but I also mentioned The Cottage:
Photo: The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
The Cottage is 3,670 square feet. There are four king bedrooms:
Photo: The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
Photo: The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
Each bedroom has its own bathroom:
There are plenty of cozy options for gathering:
Photo: The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
Or sharing that 6:30 meal the President mentioned:
Photo: The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
And, of course, golf is just steps away:
Photo: The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
Oh — did I mention the rumors that Oprah was staying at The Ballantyne, too? That was the speculation at EOnline.
All in all, the presidential advance team did a dandy job of picking the digs.
Photo: The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
If Obama seemed a bit tired and glum during his big speech…it certainly can’t be blamed on the accommodations!
Photo: The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
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