119 Gallery Center Dr., Mooresville
704/660-7700
www.hamptoninn.com [1]
The 105-room ($109–411 d)Hampton Inn is as enamored with NASCAR as the fans who spend the night. The Start Your Engine Café dishes up continental breakfast and the Winner’s Circle in the lobby highlights hotel awards and guest feedback.
The true draw is the 3rd floor, which is dedicated to Dale Earnhardt. (Earnhardt drove the #3 car until his death in 2001.) A giant “3” is set into the carpet near the elevator and a racing-themed border lines the halls. Memorabilia, photos, and original pieces by NASCAR artist Sam Bass line the walls; there is even an image of the Intimidator on the Coca-Cola machine. The 3rd floor is the most requested and rooms are often reserved a year in advance for race weeks.
The hotel is in the process of converting the 2nd floor to serve as a tribute to all NASCAR drivers. Elsewhere in the hotel there are whirlpool rooms and two-room suites, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool and spa.
Links:
[1] http://www.hamptoninn.com