The Best Hotels to Book in Wilmington, North Carolina

This upscale all-suite hotel has 14 residences for your consideration, all fully stocked with kitchens, king-size mattresses and original art. A lot of thought has been put into the latter, resulting in an uber-hip, boutique feel, but there is plenty of substance here as well as style. The check-in is smooth and keyless, the parking is included, the tap water is filtered, the location is smack-bang in the middle of downtown and your dog is welcome too. In short: we heartily approve.

If you’re looking for a more traditional vibe, look no further than the Greystone – a landmark of Wilmington since the early 1900s. The current bed and breakfast owners pride themselves on its “Turn of The Century grandeur;” the decor is dominated by four-poster beds, crystal chandeliers, and delicate antique furnishings. Stay at one of its nine rooms and wake to a gourmet breakfast on the verandah and a central Wilmington setting overlooking Cape Fear River. After a day of sightseeing, return to sit by the fire in the Library for a chess game or a glass of fine wine. It is a relaxing kind of place.

If we tell you this place was recommended as a top seven hotel for vegans in the whole of the USA, you’ll get a good idea of its vibe and clientele. If you’re a red-blooded meat-eater with a penchant for macho, traditional decor, this isn’t the place for you. However, if you’re happiest when enjoying nut milk, quinoa porridge and vegan pistachio scones for breakfast, downward dogging in an on-site yoga class, or simply basking in the knowledge everything from your bedclothes to your hand soap are 100% cruelty-free, this dreamily decorated B&B is for you.

On the Riverfront, this Hilton is a landmark in the downtown area, with a name which nods to the maritime history of the town. Built in the 1970s – hence the pink, cruise-liner-esque facade – it was fully renovated in 2018, with several new bars and restaurants. The large outdoor pool now comes with cabanas, fire pits and an outdoor bar which is a popular spot on weekends, while Board & Barrel Coastal Kitchen serves local Southern favorites – ideally with a bourbon on the side.

Is it tee time yet? The answer is “always” at Beau Rivage – which means Beautiful Shore in French and delivers across 18 championship holes of rolling hills, wooded glens and waterways. The only stay-on-site golfing hotel on the Carolinas coast treats golf lovers to a tricky course, full of tight doglegs and narrow fairways, while non-playing guests can enjoy the tennis courts, outdoor pool and Tiki Bar.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free stay, this no-frills-but-plenty-of-perks option works. It is an easy win for both flyers and drivers just minutes from the airport and just off the I-40 and Route 17. Families are fully catered for – with multi-bed rooms, cribs and the outdoor pool, as well as being just a ten-minute drive from both the Wrightsville Beach and the Jungle Rapids water park. The hot breakfast is complimentary, as is the manager’s reception every night Monday to Thursday. It might not look swanky, but it works.

Located on the edge of town in the suburb of Mayfaire, part of the Wilmington ‘Mall Belt,’ this all-suite option is just five minutes from the beach. There is a nice outdoor pool and more of a resort feel than the Downtown options. Shopping, chain dining and movie theatres are right on your doorstep, while the historic center and significant sights are around 10mi (16km) away. Bookend your day with complimentary hotel perks – the breakfast buffet will set you up for the day, while on Wednesday, there is a happy hour with drinks and snacks on tap.

Another Mayfaire option, off Route 17, this Hilton has its own swimming pool, restaurant, Garden Grille and a 24-hour pantry – helpful in case you’re peckish in the night. Equidistant between the airport, downtown and the beach, this is an excellent place to stay if you want to keep your options open and prefer to stay close to modern amenities, like the mall and IMAX cinema, in the picturesque center of Wilmington.