6 top places to stay in Wilmington, North Carolina

Just a two-hour drive from Raleigh, and you’ve landed in the charming historic city of Wilmington, where the tree-lined streets are backed by historic homes with antebellum porches, framed by azalea trees, and enveloped in a slow-paced atmosphere.

Wilmington, North Carolina is a popular port city, with several notable areas to stay in. You can opt for a boutique hotel on the banks of the Cape Fear River in the historic downtown district and be within walking distance of the vibrant Riverwalk, home to some of the best restaurants in the city. Or stay outside of downtown halfway towards Wrightsville Beach.

With so many places to stay in Wilmington, from budget more upscale, we’ve hand-picked our top places to stay so you can sleep easily – and wake up dreaming of one more night.

Best overall place to stay – Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront

When we stay in Wilmington, we like to stay at the Embassy Suites in the Riverfront district. We love waking up with views of the Cape Fear River and being able to take our morning walk along the boardwalk there. The hotel also comes with a free cooked-to-order breakfast and a free daily manager’s reception, so you’ll never go hungry when staying here!

Our favorite spot is the rooftop terrace, which has firepits and a view of the river. Rooms are well-appointed and spacious. If you choose a suite, you get a kitchenette with a microwave, coffee maker, sink, and refrigerator, so you can cook simple meals. There’s also an indoor swimming pool and a 24-hour gym. See prices and availability here.

Read our full review of the Embassy Suites, Riverfront in Wilmington.

Best budget place to stay – Best Western Plus Coastline Inn

Good news for penny pinchers – you don’t have to sacrifice too much comfort when keeping an eye on your wallet. The Best Western is an affordable, 2.5-star hotel that has modern and spacious rooms and an excellent location close to Wilmington Railroad Museum and Wilmington Convention Center.

What makes it such good value for money is that guests get a free full breakfast, access to a gym (it’s basic with a treadmill, cross trainer, bike machine and some free weights, but that’s enough right?), and it’s pet-friendly, so you can bring your pooch along with you. See prices and availability here.

Best affordable place to stay for families – Wingate by Wyndham Wilmington

Another affordable option that’s especially great for families is the Wingate by Wyndham, which is located in the thriving downtown area near the University of North Carolina. What makes it great for families is that you can opt for a suite room, which comes with a sofa bed and a king bed, blackout curtains, and plenty of space to move around.

If you have small kids, there is a seasonal outdoor pool which is fenced with a pool gate, and there is an onsite snack bar. Guests can also benefit from a free breakfast buffet each day, a 24-hour gym, and free parking onsite (a rarity in downtown Wilmington). See prices and availability here.

Best mid-range place to stay – Staybridge Suites Wilmington East, an IHG Hotel

Also located in downtown Wilmington is the stylish Staybridge Suites, which has simple but well-appointed rooms with a working area, flat-screen TV, and plush bedding.

You can choose between hotel rooms and suites, but all guests can request free cots and infant beds, and rooms are pet friendly. Staybridge Suites also boasts a 24-hour front desk, an onsite restaurant, gym, indoor pool, and an outdoor terrace with a fire pit. See prices and availability here.

Best high-end place to stay – Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

There are no 5-star hotels in Wilmington, but Hotel Ballast is the closest thing to one! This stylish hotel boasts an ideal location on the Riverwalk and has huge rooms with contemporary furnishings and views of the river.

Guests can make use of the free return airport shuttle, an outdoor pool, and 24-hour gym, and free WiFi throughout.

When you’re feeling hungry, you can indulge at either the onsite restaurant, Board & Barrel, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or the onsite coffee shop. See prices and availability here.

Best vacation rental – Houseboat in downtown

Why not choose something a little bit quirky for your vacation in Wilmington? The Cove Riverwalk Villas is a cute vacation rental community where you can stay on a house boat on the Cape Fear River. Not only do you have a front row river view seat, but you also have a quiet and relaxing setting to stay in.

The house boats come with a full kitchen stocked with everything you need, plus two bedrooms and two bathrooms, so everyone has enough space.

It also has an open concept living space, and a large patio with an outdoor bar to enjoy the river views from. See prices and availability here.

Then read our 36-hour guide to Wilmington and best places to eat in Wilmington!