Whether you’re visiting Wilmington for a family getaway to the coast, some romantic time with your significant other or a long weekend with friends, you have a variety of lodging options from which to choose to make the most of your visit.
If you’re a foodie, history buff or arts enthusiast, staying within walking distance of performance venues, galleries, museums, tours, and restaurants in Wilmington’s Historic River District may be preferable. However, something in midtown may offer a more budget-conscious option that still affords easy access to downtown and nearby island beaches.
Traveling for business? Arrive early to explore Wilmington’s pedestrian-friendly Riverwalk and nearby natural areas, including three island beaches just a short drive away. If you need to be in the Convention Center District, lodging choices range from bed-and-breakfast, boutique inns and vacation rentals to full-service riverfront hotels and select-service properties. For a more central location or a place closer to the airport, Wilmington’s midtown offers a variety of branded hotels including budget- and extended-stay options.
A little research and advance planning will help set the stage for a memorable stay in Wilmington. The list below includes a few from my personal experience, along with others that top the list for my next ‘staycation’:
Full-Service:
For a modern property with sit-down views of the Cape Fear River and a location that is easily walkable to everything the downtown area has to offer, have a look at the new Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront or the Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Each hotel features restaurants/bars with water views, and the Embassy Suites has an indoor pool. Other full-service hotels include two Courtyard by Marriott properties (downtown and midtown), the Hilton Garden Inn Mayfaire, and Holiday Inn Wilmington.
Golf/Tennis Retreat:
Were it not for the fact I live here already, I would take advantage of the stay-and-play golf vacation options at Beau Rivage, a full-service property located on the outskirts of Wilmington en route to Carolina Beach.
Boutique Inn:
Boutique inns creating quite the buzz downtown include DREAMERS by DW, a vegan B&B that offers the amenities of a boutique hotel in a stunning historic home. The Hive offers stylish and well-appointed suites near Riverfront Park. ARRIVE Wilmington welcomes guests (and their pets) with a courtyard gazebo bar, an on-site restaurant, and chic décor.
B&Bs:
For a romantic stay in a historic home, choose from a dozen bed and breakfast inns. For elegance and comfort, you can’t go wrong with the AAA Four Diamond-rated Graystone Inn and The Verandas.
Or check out the C.W. Worth House, Hoge Wood House, Rose Hill Inn, Taylor House Inn, and The French House, all in downtown Wilmington. Front Street Inn is a historic boutique hotel/B&B with exterior entrances. Nacho Mama’s is a pet-friendly bed and breakfast that has incorporated modern interiors into one of the city’s oldest homes. The stately Port City Guest House and Angie’s B&B are located in the city’s Carolina Heights district.
Extended Stay:
If having access to a full kitchen and a place to relax is a difference-maker, consider Homewood Suites, Staybridge Suites, MainStay Suites or the new Home2Suites. If a mini-fridge, microwave and coffeemaker meet your needs, check out SpringHill Suites, Comfort Suites, Country Inn & Suites or your favorite branded property.
Select-Service:
With downtown and midtown locations, most branded properties have select-service lodging options, so if you’re a member of a loyalty program and/or want flexible cancellation policies, you can choose from Hampton, Marriott, IHG, Hilton, Radisson, Choice Hotels, Best Western Plus, Wyndam, and more.
Budget Conscious:
On a trip to Wilmington before I moved, I stayed at the Sleep Inn to be close to the airport, major retailers, friends, and restaurants. The Quality Inn looks appealing for the same reasons.
This is just a sampling of Wilmington’s traditional lodging options and a complete list of accommodations can be found here or check out a selection of vacation rentals, AirBnBs and more.
