Real Estate News, North Carolina

Best Hotels in Wilmington North Carolina

best Wilmington NC hotels
Published on February 21, 2017

As more and more people explore Wilmington NC retirement, the city continues to see a boom in its simmering real estate market. Active retirees love the beaches and scenery, as well as the golf, tennis, bicycle trails, and the world-class boating and fishing. For its downtown riverfront district, USA Today voted Wilmington as having America’s Best Riverfront, and Trip Advisor named Wilmington on its list of "9 Towns with Treasure Waiting to be Discovered" (Jan. 2016).

If you have yet to discover this historic coastal town, plan a visit to this magnificent city by the sea, to see the sights, and explore affordable Wilmington NC real estate all around. To help you, we've listed some of the best hotels in Wilmington NC or nearby:

1. Homewood Suites by Hilton at Mayfaire -  6732 Swan Mill Road, Wilmington NC 28405 Phone 910-791-7272

Located in Wilmington, Homewood Suites by Hilton® Wilmington-Mayfaire gives you easy access to Wrightsville Beach, one of the most popular beaches in the area, as well as outdoor shopping, dining, businesses and entertainment. Guests can enjoy one and two bedroom suites featuring separate living and sleeping areas, a fully equipped kitchen, a large work desk, flat-screen TV and complimentary WiFi. The hotel's central location is close to golfing, deep-sea fishing and boating, and popular attractions such as Airlie Gardens, Screen Gems Studios, USS NC Battleship and historic downtown. Amenities of the hotel include:

  • complimentary full hot breakfast
  • full-service lobby bar
  • resort-style heated pool and hot tub
  • professional putting green
  • complimentary electric car charging station
  • a meeting room with state-of-the-art AV technology

If you are planning an extended stay while exploring Wilmington NC retirement, Homewood Suites by Hilton at Mayfaire will make you feel at home.

2. Hotel Riverwalk - 117 S 2nd Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 Phone 910-769-2500

Set in historic downtown Wilmington, Hotel Riverwalk is an eclectic boutique hotel at the thriving heart of the city. Its perfect location is just steps from shops, fine restaurants and entertainment in the city's historic district. Here you can easily take in all the sights and sounds of the city while strolling down the River Walk, enjoying the great weather on a carriage ride or river cruise, and viewing a beautiful sunset over the Cape Fear River.

Hotel Riverwalk features eight (8) upscale guest rooms that are spacious, comfortable and private. Every room has been freshly updated and uniquely decorated to provide a restful and enjoyable stay. Rooms 1 through 6 feature king beds, while rooms 7 and 8 each have two queens'. All Hotel Riverwalk rooms and guests receive the following special amenities:

  • Newly renovated rooms and updated bathrooms
  • Large 2nd Street porch to enjoy city sights and sounds
  • Inviting lobby and reception area
  • Grab & Go Station for breakfast in the morning
  • Guest Lounge for business use or small gatherings
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the Hotel
  • Refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, iron with board, and hairdryer
  • Private bath with tub and shower

Hotel Riverwalk is a unique boutique hotel experience in downtown Wilmington.

3. C.W. Worth House Bed and Breakfast - 412 S. 3rd Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 Phone 910-762-8562

If you prefer the cozy feel of a local Bed and Breakfast, C.W. Worth House is the best in Wilmington. Welcoming guests since its restoration in 1985, this house is rich in southern charm and local history. Having endured many transformations since its construction in 1893, this 124 year old mansion was originally the private home of Charles W. Worth until 1944. It then became a boarding house for 40 years, and was finally rescued and restored to become the elegant Inn it is today.

The C.W. Worth House features seven unique guestrooms as it balances Victorian charm with modern amenities. As you step through the gate, the spacious southern porch invites you to slow down, relax and enjoy. Go for a stroll in the charming garden, or relax on the patio or lounge in the hammock for two. The mansion's gardens will tempt your senses with southern fragrances, as you meditate to the soothing sound of the waterfall splashing into the fishpond. The second floor veranda also provides an intimate setting to overlook the gardens.

All guestrooms at C.W. Worth House include the following amenities:

  • Private en suite bath with shower
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Writing desk with lamp
  • Sitting area with reading lamp
  • Free high-speed WiFi
  • Chocolates at bedside
  • Extra pillows and blanket

If you are visiting with a significant other, this is a great place for an intimate stay in Wilmington NC.

4. Port City Guest House - 1511 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 Phone 910-762-1790

Of all the hotels near Wilmington NC, this one brings you closest to the local history. One of the last great southern mansions in the city, Port City Guest House is in the old mansion district of Wilmington, just 15 blocks from the heart of downtown, featuring sumptuous guest rooms, work/office space and lavish amenities. All rooms feature TVs, telephones, and study areas, and while no smoking is allowed in the home, there are common areas on the porches and in the gardens where smoking is permitted. This hotel is pet and children friendly, and offers complementary refreshments every evening from 4 - 6 p.m.

When you grow tired of the hustle and bustle of downtown Wilmington, you can settle on the second floor porch, or on the sprawling front colonial porch with oversized rocking chairs. And at night, you can even take an old ghost walk, and see the history that still exists throughout the city streets.

If you plan to stay at Port City Guest House, please note that the hotel has a 2-night minimum stay for all guests.

5. Angies' Bed and Breakfast -  1704 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 Phone 910-762-5790

This 1917 Bluethenthal Mansion is on the National Register of Historic Places, making it one of the most historic hotels near Wilmington NC. More a home than a hotel, Angies' is a 4-room house turned cozy Bed and Breakfast. The interior is furnished with reproductions and antiques, and feels as though your living in an old south film production. Unlike other B&B's in the area, this really has the feeling of a local residence. The 4 rooms here are quiet, quaint, and comfortable, and a large side porch is available for rocking and relaxing, while Angie, the proprietor, cooks up delicious southern dishes.

If you plan to explore Wilmington NC real estate, Angie's gives you a great feel for living in the city.

While exploring Wilmington NC real estate, you'll likely spend at least three days in Wilmington NC. Whether you want to stay in a big hotel with amenities, or a smaller B&B, there are plenty of excellent hotel options all throughout the city.

If you're exploring communities in the area for retirement, fill out our quick Community Matchmaker Questionnaire and we'll quickly send you back a list of the best places to live that match your criteria.