The Esquire Hotel Downtown Gastonia, an Ascend Collection Hotel

We’re locals, but wanted a romantic night away, and had a great stay. The hotel is older, though the rooms are updated, and I love its distinctive character and vibe. The rooftop area is lovely and has views. We didn’t eat at the on-site restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner, but the location gave us plenty of breakfast options. The rooms and grounds were clean, and every staff member we interacted with, from housekeeping to the front desk across different shifts, was courteous and helpful. The price was more than we wanted to spend, but comparable to other hotels that didn’t have the same amenities or prime location. It was worth it.

The Esquire felt like one of the better choices in Gastonia, and the price was great. I loved the decor and the fact that it didn’t feel like a chain. My room was small, but that was fine as a solo traveler. It was otherwise very quiet, though the heater was so loud that I had to turn it off to fall asleep. The restaurant downstairs was pretty good, the staff were all very friendly, and parking was easy once I figured out the slightly confusing arrival. I had a great stay and would come back, but the HVAC needs fixing so it doesn’t sound like a train in the room.

The staff were pleasant, and I decided not to raise the dust issue since we were there just one night. Still, it was disappointing to find so much dust on higher surfaces, behind the bed and TV, and in the gaps between the safe and refrigerator. The surfaces people use often were fine. I’d been excited to stay in a historic bank converted into a hotel, since I’m comfortable with the quirks of historic places and stay in them often. I hadn’t realized the restaurant would be closed during our visit, which was my oversight, and Gastonia does have other cute restaurants. But I couldn’t take a drink up to enjoy the rooftop view in the evening.

The Esquire Hotel is right in downtown Gastonia and has a lovely boutique feel. We stay there often and it’s never disappointed us. The rooms are consistently clean, with simple, minimal, stylish decor, and I love that the building’s historic character has been preserved. The big windows looking out over the city make the visit feel special. There’s also plenty of free parking. We absolutely love staying here and recommend it for a charming, comfortable time in Gastonia.