CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The MRK Hotel Collection announces the grand opening of The Ivey's Hotel in Uptown, Charlotte. The newly rebranded MRK Hotel Collection is a group of luxury, boutique hotels, each featuring their own unique character and design, while keeping today's world traveler at the forefront of its offerings. The Ivey's Hotel features 42 luxury guestrooms, a cocktail lounge, private meeting and event space and a Library Lounge exclusive to guests of the hotel.
The Ivey's Hotel was imagined and then curated by MRK Investments. Originally a department store that debuted in the early 1900s by J.B. Ivey, MRK Investments has committed to this multi-million-dollar project over the past two years to revitalize the historic space at 127 North Tryon Street. MRK recognized the need for the ultimate boutique experience that the Uptown Charlotte market was truly missing.
"It is rewarding to revitalize the character of these historic buildings. There is a certain warmth that cannot be replicated" says Brett Krueger, principal and vice president of MRK. "Inspired by the sophistication of the Ivey's Department store, we added our own Art Deco and European flair to create a modern, boutique experience."
Positioned across the street from the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and Bank of America Headquarters, The Ivey's Hotel is just steps from all the city's top destinations and restaurants. The hotel encompasses roughly 38,000 square feet of the historic Ivey's building. All guest rooms are located on the second floor with the remaining space dedicated to residences and retail.
The Ivey's stylishly appointed rooms feature 400-year-old reclaimed French oak floors, exposed brick, custom-designed lighting fixtures and bespoke furnishings by Nick Alain, Frette Italian bedding, alongside a curated art collection on view throughout the hotel. Featuring complimentary Wi-Fi, Sony 4K Televisions, Bose Sound systems, iHome docking stations and innovative Lutron Lighting Technology, the hotel also kept the savvy business traveler in mind when designing the hotel. All rooms are exquisitely decorated with an eclectic mix of antiques and modern European-inspired details. No two guest rooms are alike, so all guests are stimulated anew each time they stay. The goal was to create an experience that all guests would remember and tell their story about the Ivey's.
"Companies jump into markets and try to blend in. I don't understand that - why would you want to blend in?" asks Krueger.
Room options offered are Superior Atrium, City View, Executive Suites and the only Balcony Suites in the city that overlook Tryon Street. 5Church Restaurant is the exclusive provider of room service and one of two preferred vendors for on property catering at The Ivey's Hotel. A 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center and Library Lounge is complimentary for all hotel guests. The Library Lounge offers an intimate private space for guests and offers an elevated continental breakfast and wine and cheese receptions. The Ivey's features bakery items and freshly brewed coffee from locally-sourced small businesses. The hotel also features the Tulip Room, a 1,000 Square Foot Meeting space perfect for business meetings or special events.
In addition to the five-star accommodations, the Ivey's building and hotel is home to two innovative food and beverage concepts:
Sophia's Lounge: The wife of King George III, Sophia Charlotte was a patroness of the arts and a lover of botany. Designed with the Queen in mind, Sophia's Lounge offers a royally outfitted setting in the heart of Uptown off 5th Street, located on the first floor of the hotel. In this space, opulence meets a vintage touch and vibrant Parisian flair. Sip on crafted cocktails and nibble small bites and choose to sit at the custom-built wraparound bar, or in its many intimate corners in a high-backed chair or on a velvet sofa. Art adorns the walls under the glittering custom chandeliers along with the glow of candlelight. The menu is crafted by Top Chef Alum and Executive Chef Jamie Lynch and craft cocktails are inspired by Mixologist Patricia Smith. A truly luxurious cocktail bar, Sophia's is sure to impress.
5Church Charlotte: Located at the intersection of 5th and Church Streets and within the Ivey's building, the modern and innovative American menu is created by the popular "Top Chef" Alum and Executive Chef, Jamie Lynch. 5Church has won numerous awards, drawn various celebrity diners, and its bar hosts a lively social scene.
