Wilmington hotels

If you’re looking for a hotel that has it all, this is the one to book. The Arrive is known for its elegant, upscale interior design (every room could be in a magazine) and it’s charming library.

One of my favourite spots is the inner courtyard garden full of lush, local plants. This is also where you’ll find a lovely gazebo, complete with soft couches and fire pits to enjoy year-round.

Arrive is located along Wilmington’s riverfront, providing beautiful views and easy access to the city centre. There’s also an on-site restaurant, Dram Yard, and a bar and lounge for happy hour cocktails or a nightcap. The restaurant is known for its Southern dishes, all sourced with local ingredients. Open for both brunch and dinner, I highly recommend booking a table during your stay.

Wilmington is home to one of the only custom-built Marriott hotels in the state. The Courtyard by Marriott Wilmington Downtown-Historic District is located in the heart of the celebrated city centre (downtown).

This hotel is walkable to many of the city’s top attractions, including the Burgwin-Wright Museum and Gardens. This spot shouldn’t be missed during your trip to Wilmington – it’s the only home from the colonial era that’s open to the public in the city. It dates back to 1770 and is furnished with antiques from the time.

Since this Marriott was custom-built, it’s beautifully designed and one of the best hotels in Wilmington for those who appreciate stylish interiors. I stopped in here on my most recent trip and was so impressed with the modern design of the lobby and lounge.

This is one of the best hotels in Wilmington if you want to stay along the Riverwalk. The Aloft Wilmington is directly connected to the 3.2-km pedestrian-only path that’s been voted one of the best in the US. Here, you’ll find restaurants and shops to explore, as well as tours to join.

In my opinion, Wilmington has an underrated food scene, and I loved taking a walking food tour during my trip. Signing up for one of these lets you sample many of the city’s finest Southern cuisine establishments.

Another fun tour option I’d recommend booking from the Aloft is a horse-drawn carriage ride. These are a relaxing and educational way to explore the city and learn about Wilmington’s history, which dates back to the 1730s. Aloft also has a rooftop bistro and bar – don’t miss the sunset as it dips below the Cape Fear River.

If you’re looking for a relaxing and romantic escape along the coast of North Carolina, consider a stay at the Front Street Inn. This is one of the best hotels in Wilmington for couples. It’s an adults-only bed and breakfast located within the Wilmington Historic District. The official Historic District stretches over 230 blocks, so there’s plenty to explore here on a weekend trip.

I highly recommend booking a guided walking tour or carriage tour so you can learn about the area’s highlights from a local expert. The Front Street Inn has a coffee shop on-site, so you can enjoy a warm latte first thing in the morning. Aside from being adults-only, this cozy inn also has just 12 suites, so it feels blissfully peaceful. Each room includes designer toiletries, Wi-Fi and free parking.

Those looking to stay slightly outside of Wilmington city centre at a spacious and serene spot should head to Beau Rivage Golf & Resort. Located about 15 minutes south of the historic district near Tregembo Animal Park, this resort features an on-site restaurant, lounge, pool with a poolside bar and one of the best 18-hole golf courses in coastal Carolina.

What’s more, each of the 28 air-conditioned rooms at this property open onto private balconies or patios. The resort also has a seasonal outdoor pool, so it’s the perfect place to visit in the summer months. Wrightsville Beach is only a 20-minute drive from the property, meaning you can easily access both the beach and a pool from here.

Wrightsville Beach is the closest beach to Wilmington centre, about 15 minutes away by car. It’s also hugely popular with families. If you’re looking for accommodation close to the beach, the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Wilmington is the place to book.

The hotel is adjacent to the Mayfaire Town Center – Wilmington’s main shopping centre – which features over 80 stores and more than 15 restaurants. I also appreciate the fact the hotel is a short drive to Wilmington city centre and the Wrightsville Beach area, where you can find everything from pizza shops to surf stores.

On-site perks include free breakfast each morning, and there’s an outdoor pool for seasonal swimming. What’s more, this is a fantastic accommodation option for groups, as the rooms all feature pull-out sofas.

The Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront is one of the best hotels in Wilmington for families and larger groups. Located centrally along the iconic 3.2-kilometre-long Riverwalk that hugs the Cape Fear River, this is an all-suite property and each studio suite contains a cozy seating area, bed, fridge, microwave and separate work desk.

Some suites also have an additional bedroom with a second TV, and every single one has great views of the city centre or the river.

Aside from the 40+ locally-owned restaurants and pubs in historic Wilmington, guests at the Embassy Suites can also enjoy a complimentary evening reception and farm-to-table meals at the hotel’s eatery, Restaurant on the Terrace. I particularly loved the views and cocktails at the property’s rooftop bar, 9th Floor Grill, during my last trip.

If you’re visiting the area to tour the University of North Carolina Wilmington, the Tru by Hilton Wilmington Wrightsville Beach is the hotel to go for. It’s just a few kilometres from the heart of campus and a 10-minute walk to the Mayfaire Town Center, where you’ll find everything from boutique shops to popular fast-food chains.

Wrightsville Beach is also just a 10-minute drive away, so this hotel is ideally located between the beach, campus and historic centre. Be sure to walk along the fishing pier during your time at Wrightsville Beach to get the best views of the sea – I did this with my family when we visited and loved it.

The hotel is a fantastic option for families, as it’s pet-friendly, offers free breakfast and sells anything you may have forgotten for your trip at the on-site Eat & Sip Market.

Those looking for a truly local experience in coastal North Carolina should book a room at Angie’s B&B. This charming bed and breakfast offers four air-conditioned suites that are uniquely decorated with local antiques.

Each of the suites includes a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full breakfast. For me, the breakfast here is what sets this accommodation apart. It’s prepared from scratch by Angie herself, using local ingredients. Guests can enjoy the spread each morning in the home’s elegant dining room.

Since this B&B is locally run, you can also ask Angie for her top restaurant recommendations. If you were to ask for mine, I’d tell you to try the Dockside Restaurant during the summer months for incredible views and delicious seafood and to head to Concord Espresso Bar for their espresso martini flights.

Port City Guest House is one of the best hotels in Wilmington for accessing the sights both within the walkable city centre and on the outskirts of the city. The property is located about 4.8 km from the USS North Carolina, which I learned about on a historic river cruise in Wilmington. Don’t miss the chance to visit it.

The charming bed and breakfast is also located about 11 km from Airlie Gardens. These gardens stretch across 27 hectares and are some of the most beautiful public gardens in the US. When you visit, be sure to pick up a map so you can explore the most popular walking trails. My family and I spent three happy hours here during our last trip.

If you’re flying in for your stay, the nearest airport is the Wilmington International Airport, which is conveniently located just 6.9 kilometres from the bed and breakfast.