Top 15 Hotels in Wilmington NC for a Perfect Stay

Positioned along the Cape Fear Coast, Wilmington is a port city rich in history and cultural experiences. Its proximity to various beaches, alongside a picturesque riverside, enhances its appeal beyond the historical colonial-style architecture that attracts visitors to this North Carolina city.

The city comprises different districts, including the university area, Historic District, Riverwalk District, and the beaches to the east. Consequently, selecting the ideal accommodation in Wilmington may present a challenge. However, with the following curated list of the finest hotels, identifying a place that meets your preferences and travel requirements will be straightforward.

1. ARRIVE Wilmington

This modern boutique hotel, located within a historic building, ensures a delightful experience at ARRIVE Wilmington. Guests can indulge in beverages on the terrace, relax by the fire pit, and enjoy meals at the charming onsite restaurant.

The stylishly designed guest rooms feature unique elements such as vintage wallpapers, retro furnishings, and hardwood flooring, creating a sophisticated and cozy atmosphere for your stay in Wilmington.

Location: Centrally located in Wilmington, this hotel is within walking distance of several top attractions, including Thalian Hall and the Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts.

2. Hotel Ballast Wilmington

The accommodations at this contemporary hotel prioritize modern comforts with their crisp, clean decor, spacious seating areas, and comfortable beds. Select guest suites offer breathtaking river views, while others provide picturesque vistas of Wilmington.

Guests can invigorate themselves in the outdoor swimming pool or utilize the onsite fitness center. Additionally, they can choose among three distinctive restaurants within the hotel, not to mention the availability of in-room dining options.

Location: Positioned right on Wilmington Boardwalk, this hotel overlooks the Cape Fear River, providing scenic surroundings. From here, a short stroll leads to Downtown Wilmington, where you can explore diverse dining options and bars.

3. Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Situated within a substantial building, this exemplary Wilmington hotel offers a vast array of rooms tailored to diverse travel requirements. Each room is well-maintained, featuring hardwood flooring, a warm color palette, and generous bed sizes.

The hotel also includes a shared lounge for relaxation, a fitness center, and an indoor swimming pool for fitness enthusiasts. Daily buffet breakfast is available for guests each morning.

Location: Conveniently located in the Medical Park area, the hotel lies just under seven miles from Wilmington International Airport.

4. Hampton Inn Wilmington Downtown

This hotel guarantees a restful night’s sleep in its inviting guest rooms, designed with neutral tones, stylish seating areas, and large windows to enhance comfort.

A buffet breakfast is served each morning, offering a beneficial start to the day. The hotel also features a comprehensive gym and an indoor pool for guests’ convenience, along with a mini-mart and laundry facilities.

Location: This notable Wilmington hotel is located in Downtown, providing easy access to local attractions like Thalian Hall and the Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts.

5. Dreamers Welcome

This aesthetically pleasing hotel, located in a stunning historic residence, is undoubtedly one of the more unique accommodations in Wilmington. Its interior features houseplants, antique decor, and striking design elements throughout.

The guest rooms offer a fascinating combination of traditional and contemporary styles, even including captivating bathrooms. The property also provides vegetarian and vegan breakfast options each morning to cater to all dietary preferences.

Location: Just a few blocks from Downtown Wilmington, this hotel is nestled within the Historic District, boasting proximity to cafes, restaurants, and the natural beauty of landscapes like Cape Fear and Greenfield Lake.

6. Fairfield Inn and Suites Wrightsville Beach

This relaxed hotel features comfortable accommodations, with rooms decorated in soothing shades of blue and white. They are well-equipped for your convenience, offering flatscreen televisions and cozy seating areas, along with work desks and modern bathrooms.

Guests can take advantage of the onsite swimming pool or engage in fitness activities at the gym. The lobby provides a calming space to unwind, and breakfast is made available each morning.

Location: The hotel is only a few miles from Wrightsville Beach and also convenient to Downtown Wilmington. Attractions like the botanical gardens of Arlie Gardens are nearby.

7. C. W. Worth House Bed and Breakfast

This delightful and historic bed and breakfast is an ideal choice for visitors seeking character while in Wilmington. With seven guest rooms available, each accompanied by a private bathroom, the accommodations are decorated to evoke an authentic ambiance.

Guests can appreciate original features throughout the hotel, including fireplaces and corniced ceilings. Additionally, there is a lovely garden to relax in, with breakfast served each morning featuring choices such as a full English, Irish, or American breakfast.

Location: Situated two miles from the USS North Carolina, this hotel is nestled in the Historic District, just three blocks from the picturesque Cape Fear Riverfront.

8. Towneplace Suites Wilmington Wrightsville Beach

This well-equipped hotel, Towneplace Suites Wilmington Wrightsville Beach, provides a welcoming environment for both leisure and business travelers. The rooms feature distinct seating areas, kitchens, and work desks for optimal convenience.

Breakfast is served each morning, along with complimentary coffee available throughout the day in the lobby. An onsite mini-mart makes it easy to stock up on snacks. Additionally, active guests will appreciate the swimming pool and gym facilities.

Location: The hotel is situated three miles from Wrightsville Beach, and only one mile from the UNC Wilmington campus. A variety of restaurants and cafes are just a stone’s throw away, making it a prime location.

9. Best Western Plus Wilmington / Wrightsville Beach

This hotel stands out due to its friendly and attentive staff, alongside spacious accommodations that offer both comfort and affordability. Each morning, a hearty buffet breakfast is available to help kick-start your day.

Among the amenities, there is an impressive fitness center equipped with a variety of exercise machines. Also, guests can enjoy the outdoor pool or unwind in the expansive guest lounge.

Location: Conveniently situated near UNC Wilmington University, this hotel is just a few miles from both Thalian Hall and the Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts. The airport is merely a couple of miles away.

10. Homewood Suites Wilmington

The accommodations at Homewood Suites Wilmington are elegant and thoughtfully designed, showcasing a blend of classic style with essential amenities conducive to a comfortable experience away from home. Each suite comes complete with a kitchen, seating and dining area, lounge space, and a contemporary bathroom.

Boasting exceptional hospitality, the staff here are friendly and attentive. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool, complete with palm tree surroundings, a sun deck, and the luxury of a putting green.

Location: Ideally located near the UNC Wilmington campus, this hotel is a ten-minute drive from Wrightsville Beach. Arlie Gardens are also just a short walk away.

11. Hampton Inn Wilmington University Area

The spacious accommodations at this Hampton Inn location offer bright, contemporary decor featuring modern furnishings and pops of blue. Each room is equipped with microwaves, coffee machines, and refrigerators to enhance convenience.

Guests have access to a fully equipped gym, along with an outdoor pool surrounded by sun loungers. Onsite laundry facilities and free parking further add to the convenience for travelers.

Location: Just steps away from UNC Wilmington, this hotel is only three miles from Wilmington International Airport and around five miles from key Downtown attractions such as Thalian Hall.

12. Courtyard by Marriott Wilmington Downtown/Historic District

This inviting hotel boasts fashionable decor featuring lively teals, browns, and raspberry shades. Ample areas to relax include an outdoor fire pit, swimming pool, and well-appointed onsite bar.

The guest rooms are equally on-trend, showcasing vibrant colors and contemporary furnishings. Rooms include large comfortable beds, spacious bathrooms, and amenities for tea and coffee preparation.

Location: Centrally situated, the hotel is just a two-minute walk from the Riverwalk District along the Cape Fear River, with numerous dining options within a five-minute walk.

13. Wingate by Wyndham Wilmington

Offering spacious accommodations, the Wingate features clean and fresh decor with large, cozy beds, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. The staff are known for their friendliness and will be dedicated to ensuring your stay is seamless.

In terms of amenities, guests can enjoy access to an outdoor pool, a spacious guest lounge, and a compact fitness center for those motivated to stay active during their visit.

Location: Wilmington International Airport is situated just five miles away from this hotel, while the city center can be reached within a ten-minute drive. Supermarkets and restaurants are conveniently located right nearby.

14. The Hive

Perhaps one of the most unique accommodations in Wilmington, The Hive showcases a boutique and eclectic style with vibrant artwork, exposed brick, mismatched furniture, and woven textiles all around.

The guest rooms are no less stylish; they include couches, spacious showers, and kitchens. Additionally, this pet-friendly hotel welcomes your furry companions while also providing an outdoor terrace and inviting guest lounge for relaxation.

Location: Approximately 650 yards from Thalian Hall and just over half a mile from the Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts, this hotel is well situated for exploration. It is also within walking distance to a variety of restaurants and bars in Downtown Wilmington.

15. Embassy Suites By Hilton Wilmington Waterfront

Boasting rooms that overlook the Cape Fear River, the accommodations feature natural color schemes of sandy taupes and blues, creating a tranquil atmosphere that is both clean and comfortable.

Exceptional hospitality is a hallmark of this hotel, offering a bar for light refreshments, a stylishly designed indoor pool for relaxing, and room service for a bespoke experience. Its design and aesthetics make this a notable choice for visitors to Wilmington.

Location: Situated along the Riverwalk District, the hotel is less than a mile from the city center, with landmarks like the Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts located approximately a 20-minute walk away.