Midtown Nails has become my go-to spot after abandoning Embassy Nails in the Cotswold Shopping Center. I didn't have a bad experience at Embassy or anything, I just happened to swing by Midtown on a whim one day (it's about half a mile closer to my house) and really enjoyed the experience.
Their gel manicures seem to last about 3-5 days longer than others and I almost have to try to screw up the polish from a pedicure. Service is always quick and SO friendly. The nail technicians remember me and what's going on in my life, asking how trips were, how wedding planning is going, etc.
They have a huge assortment of colors. So many that I often need 10-minutes to choose my polish. And, as if all that wasn't enough, prices are competitive with all the other salons in Charlotte.