Maya Hotels Launches First Independent F&B Concept, Dear Charlotte
Maya Hotels is debuting its first independent rooftop restaurant and bar, Dear Charlotte, at the Hilton Garden Inn Steele Creek, replacing 11 planned guestrooms.
The short answer
Maya Hotels is launching its first independent food and beverage concept, a rooftop venue called Dear Charlotte, at the Hilton Garden Inn Steele Creek. The project replaced 11 planned guestrooms during a pandemic redesign to create a unique gathering space.
“Every decision we made, from the music and lighting to the cocktails and service, was meant to give people another reason to stay a little longer, come back sooner and introduce someone else to Dear Charlotte.”
The short version
- Maya Hotels removed 11 guestrooms from the Hilton Garden Inn Steele Creek to build the rooftop venue.
- Dear Charlotte is Maya Hotels' first independent food and beverage concept.
- The venue features a 1,744-square-foot patio and a 344-square-foot greenhouse.
Maya Hotels will open its first independent food and beverage concept, a rooftop restaurant and bar named Dear Charlotte, at the Hilton Garden Inn Steele Creek in southwest Charlotte, North Carolina, in late fall. The development represents a strategic pivot for the company, which removed 11 planned guestrooms from the hotel's sixth floor to create the venue after construction paused during the pandemic.
Why did Maya Hotels create an independent concept?
The decision to develop an independent rooftop venue came from a desire to offer a unique gathering place in a growing area. Maya Hotels Co-CEOs Parimal Thakor and Krishna Deva, who are cousins, are leading the development of both the venue and the 124-room hotel, according to Asian Hospitality [1]. The project was originally planned without a food and beverage concept before the pandemic-induced construction pause prompted a redesign [1].
"Steele Creek has continued to grow, and we saw an opportunity to bring something more distinctive to this part of Charlotte," Thakor told Asian Hospitality [1]. He noted the goal was to build "something beautiful, specific and unexpected in a part of the city that deserves a gathering place of its own" [1].
What is the design inspiration for Dear Charlotte?
The venue draws its thematic inspiration from Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the city's namesake, who was known as a botanist, collector, and patron of the arts [1]. Thakor and Deva led the design process alongside interior design partners [1].
The resulting space features botanical elements, teal zellige tile, black millwork, arched backlit bar shelving, and reindeer moss chandeliers, Asian Hospitality reported [1]. Guests will be greeted by a faux ivy arrival wall featuring a replica historical statue [1]. The botanical theme extends to the beverage program, which includes botanical cocktails inspired by Queen Charlotte's interests [1].
What will the venue offer guests?
Dear Charlotte will feature a dedicated menu distinct from typical hotel offerings, focusing on artisan pizzas baked in PizzaMaster ovens, shared plates, dips, salads, vegan options, and pizza dough sandwiches [1]. The space is designed to encourage guests to linger, with Deva emphasizing the importance of creating a memorable atmosphere.
"Every decision we made, from the music and lighting to the cocktails and service, was meant to give people another reason to stay a little longer, come back sooner and introduce someone else to Dear Charlotte," Deva said [1].
How will the space accommodate events?
The rooftop venue is configured to host up to 250 guests across various private and semi-private spaces [1]. It is positioned to serve nearby demand generators including Charlotte Premium Outlets, Topgolf, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and the future River District [1].
| Space | Capacity | Square Footage |
|---|---|---|
| Dining room and bar | Up to 100 guests | Not specified |
| Patio | Up to 100 guests | 1,744 sq ft |
| Greenhouse | 8 to 50 guests | 344 sq ft |
These spaces are intended for corporate receptions, networking events, weddings, and other gatherings, complementing the hotel's meeting rooms [1].
What is the background of Maya Hotels?
Maya Hotels was founded more than 30 years ago by the parents of Thakor and Deva [1]. The company marked its 30th anniversary in hospitality in 2025, having grown from a single motel in 1995 to a portfolio of branded properties across the Carolinas [1]. In January 2025, the company completed renovations at three Carolina hotels, updating approximately 34 percent of its guest rooms as part of its capital deployment strategy [1].
Reported by
This article was written from the following reporting. Follow the links for the original coverage.
- [1]Maya Hotels Debuts Independent Rooftop F&B Concept in NC— asianhospitality.com
- [2]Maya Hotels Debuts 'Dear Charlotte' Rooftop Concept in NC— asianhospitality.com
Frequently asked
+Where is Dear Charlotte located?
Dear Charlotte is located on the sixth floor of the Hilton Garden Inn Steele Creek in southwest Charlotte, North Carolina.
+What kind of food does Dear Charlotte serve?
The venue serves artisan pizzas made in PizzaMaster ovens, shared plates, dips, salads, vegan options, and pizza dough sandwiches.
+Why did Maya Hotels build Dear Charlotte?
The project was initially planned without an F&B concept. After a pandemic construction pause, Maya Hotels removed 11 guestrooms to create a distinctive gathering place for the growing Steele Creek area.
+What is the capacity of the event spaces?
The venue can accommodate up to 250 guests total, with a dining room and bar for up to 100, a patio for up to 100, and a greenhouse for 8 to 50 guests.
+Who designed Dear Charlotte?
Maya Hotels Co-CEOs Parimal Thakor and Krishna Deva led the design in collaboration with interior design partners.
Keep reading
Our reporting
More in operations