Prior to European settlement, the area encompassing Wilmington was inhabited by numerous Algonquian peoples. Reportedly, Giovanni da Verrazano was the first explorer to spot the area in the early 16th century, but permanent settlement wouldn't come until the 1720s, when English colonists moved to the area. In 1732, a community formed on the Cape Fear River and was dubbed New Carthage. It took on a number of names before the town was incorporated as Wilmington around 1740 in honor of Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington.
Today, Wilmington is a popular East Coast vacation destination boasting numerous attractions, beautiful beaches, and affordable accommodations. Whatever your reasons for visiting this port city, it's important to plan ahead, so you can find the right hotel that allows you to explore everything Wilmington has to offer.
Best Time to Visit Wilmington, NC
The most popular time of year to visit Wilmington is in the summer, when families from across the region flock to the city's sunny shores in search of an oceanside getaway. Average highs hover in the high 80s to low 90s, resulting in perfect weather for swimming, surfing, water skiing, and visiting water parks. With the influx of tourists, however, comes increased hotel rates; you'll be lucky to find a reasonably priced room during the summer months. Still, if you plan your vacation months in advance and book your room early, you can take advantage of discounted prices.
Tourism tapers off in September, which is an ideal time to visit Wilmington. Hotel rates start to level off, but temperatures remain in the mid-80s, giving visitors the best of both worlds. While most of the fall season is a prime time to visit, Wilmington does experience a small surge of visitors in October, although it's nothing like the summer months.
Winter in Wilmington can be quite chilly, with temperature averages reaching the mid to high 50s in December and January. While winter isn't the ideal season for water activities, hotel rates are at their lowest and provide great opportunities to explore the city's attractions on a budget. Just be sure to pack a few layers, and be prepared for chilly wind gusts.
Spring is another great time to visit Wilmington because the weather is warming back up but tourists haven't yet descended on the city, so hotel rates stay low through early May. If you plan on jumping in the ocean, plan your spring vacation for April or May when the weather is warm enough.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Wilmington, NC:
Wilmington, NC: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Wilmington, NC. Browse these illustrations to determine the best time period to make a reservation in Wilmington for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Wilmington, NC
If you're looking to splurge on an upscale property in Wilmington, you have a number of options.
Staybridge Suites Wilmington – Wrightsville Beach is a modern all-suite property set just 5 miles from the Wilmington International Airport. The hotel offers bright, airy studio suites with paid Wi-Fi access, full kitchens, 42-inch flat-screen TVs with DVD players, pullout sofas, and work desks. One- and two-bedroom suites add separate living areas for extra space. The property hosts evening receptions with refreshments and provides a complimentary airport shuttle service. Additional amenities include an exercise room, business center, a BBQ area, a heated indoor pool, and laundry facilities.
Hotel Riverwalk is a charming property in the historic district boasting large sweeping porches, abundant foliage, a lobby bar, and sophisticated guest lounge, all offered with a warm, welcoming service that exudes Southern hospitality. Guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs, plush bedding, large windows, 11-foot ceilings, minifridges, coffee makers, irons with ironing boards, hair dryers, and microwaves. Hotel Riverwalk also places you within steps of unique shops, entertainment venues, and fine restaurants.
Beau Rivage Golf & Resort is a colonnade-fronted lodge and golf resort set off Highway 421 less than 6 miles from Carolina Beach. The resort offers traditionally decorated two-room guest suites with separate living areas, microwaves, minifridges, Wi-Fi access, and golf course views, making it the perfect choice for avid golfers. Guests receive a discount on the property's championship golf course and also have access to tennis courts and the clubhouse bar and grill.
Affordable Hotel Options in Wilmington, NC
3 Star Average Prices: $152.93
Finding an affordable hotel in Wilmington is easy if you're willing to be flexible.
Howard Johnson Express Inn – Wilmington is a modest low-rise property 5 miles from Airlie Gardens and 7 miles from Wrightsville Beach. Guest rooms are low-key, offering cable TV, free Wi-Fi internet access, tea and coffee makers, minifridges, and microwaves. Enjoy a free continental breakfast served in the hotel's dining room, as well as free parking.
Super 8 Wilmington is a simple budget accommodation located off Highway 17 close to downtown. Guest rooms and suites boast cable TV, minifridges, coffee makers, microwaves, and free Wi-Fi, plus kids 17 and under stay free with a paying adult. Additional amenities include an on-site business center, free large-vehicle parking, and a complimentary continental breakfast.
Set in a retail area, Red Roof Inn Wilmington is a low-key property 7 miles from the USS North Carolina exhibit. The hotel offers complimentary coffee, parking, and continental breakfast, and also features a seasonal outdoor pool. Guest rooms are straightforward, offering free Wi-Fi, comfortable beds, and televisions. Upgraded rooms add minifridges, microwaves, and coffee makers.
2 Star Average Prices: $76.09
Best Discounts in Wilmington, NC
If you plan your trip in advance, you can save even more money by taking advantage of discounts.
Many area hotels, including Fairfield Inn & Suites Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach, offer both early-bird and last-minute promotions. Early booking at these properties can save you anywhere from 10 to 30 percent off the hotel's best available rates, so don't be afraid to book your trip well in advance.
Alternatively, if you need to book a room at the last minute, many area hotels offer a reduced rate on last-minute weekends if you're willing to stay at least two nights. These deals vary by hotel and aren't always available since many rooms fill up during peak tourist season.
Most hotels, such as Hilton Wilmington Riverside, extend special rates to seniors, AAA members, AARP members, government employees, military personnel, travel agents, and corporate travelers. Depending on where you stay, these special rates could save you as much as 20 percent off the total cost of your trip.
Best Value Options in Wilmington, NC
Wilmington offers a number of midrange hotels that give travelers the best bang for their buck.
Hampton Inn Wilmington-Medical Park is a modern property just two blocks from New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Guest rooms are classically decorated and include custom-designed beds, free Wi-Fi, work desks, lap desks, flat-screen TVs with HD channels, minifridges, and coffee makers. Some rooms add pullout sofas and kitchenettes, which are ideal for extended stays. The hotel also offers a free hot breakfast, weekday breakfast bags to go, an outdoor pool, a fitness room, meeting rooms, a business center, a garden with a gazebo, and free parking.
Best Western Plus Coastline Inn is a relaxed waterside property overlooking the Cape Fear River. Guest rooms are understated but feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with HD channels, minifridges, and coffee makers. Some include river views. Upgrading to a suite will also get you a lovely mezzanine-level bedroom. Guest amenities include on-site parking, a free continental breakfast, 24-hour gym, business center, and a boat dock behind the property.
The Wilmingtonian is a unique all-suite option set in a trio of historic buildings. Located within walking distance of the Cape Fear Museum, The Wilmingtonian offers individually decorated guest suites and themed rooms with private porches or balconies, free Wi-Fi access, minifridges, coffee makers, cable TV, and microwaves. Some rooms feature four-poster beds, kitchens, and laundry facilities. Guests can enjoy a free continental breakfast, gourmet coffee in the lobby, free parking, rocking chairs, and a private courtyard.
Top Museums in Wilmington, NC
With so much to explore in Wilmington, you may be wondering where to start. The USS North Carolina Battleship is one of the city's most popular attractions and is open every single day of the year. This WWII battleship and museum has been moored across the river from downtown Wilmington, beckoning visitors to explore her many decks. You'll begin your experience by viewing an introductory movie and browsing the exhibit hall before boarding the ship. After that, you're free to explore the battleship at your own pace before finishing your journey at the gift shop.
The Cape Fear Museum of History and Science is a delightful facility that collects and preserves objects related to the culture, history, and science of the Lower Cape Fear. It's also the oldest museum in the state, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Wilmington.
Exploring Wilmington is a tall order, but with a little planning, you'll walk away with countless memories and the urge to return. Whether you're looking for an affordable hotel near downtown or a riverside property with all the amenities, you'll find the perfect hotel in Wilmington to meet your needs and budget.
FAQs about hotels in Wilmington
Verified reviews of the city of Wilmington
Below are reviews of the city of Wilmington, NC from an actual visitor's perspective.
"River walk was very nice"
Score
4.0 / 5
River walk was very nice. Shopping was fun.
Patricia B., from 20-Oct-2026
"Nice Restaurants & Shops"
Score
5.0 / 5
Restaurants and shops are very nice.
Juanda K., from 04-Oct-2026
"Shopping and the beach"
Score
4.0 / 5
Sandra S., from 26-Sep-2026
"It is a nice city and we enjoyed our visit"
Score
5.0 / 5
David B., from 29-Aug-2026
" The beaches were clean and very relaxing"
Score
4.0 / 5
We were able to book another hotel in a different part of town. I enjoyed my stay in Wilmington. The beaches were clean and very relaxing. I'm looking forward to returning.
Chiquinta D., from 21-Aug-2026
"The culture"
Score
5.0 / 5
The culture, history and good food!
William C., from 08-Aug-2026
"Beautiful place"
Score
5.0 / 5
Beautiful place. We will be back again.
Anthony S., from 28-Jul-2026
"Beach"
Score
4.0 / 5
Robert B., from 27-Jul-2026
"Beach"
Score
4.0 / 5
Robert B., from 27-Jul-2026
"Beach"
Score
4.0 / 5
Robert B., from 27-Jul-2026
"There are many great restaurants "
Score
4.0 / 5
There are many great restaurants - River 128 and Quanto Basta were our two favorites for dinner and are close to The Ballast. Again, no handicapped parking was available anywhere downtown that we could find. The city remains charming and has been developed extensively since we visited 15 years ago. Updated roads make it easier to drive to. Lots to do and see! We enjoyed an evening river cruise on Wilmington Water Tours boat. All of these would be a short walk from Hotel Ballast for those who can walk a few blocks.
Susan P., from 27-Jul-2026
"Wilmington was a good day trip"
Score
5.0 / 5
Robert R., from 21-Jul-2026
"Beach!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Beach!
Lisa S., from 14-Jul-2026
"Just a short visit with family"
Score
5.0 / 5
Just a short visit with family. Not time for Wilmington itself.
William B., from 13-Jul-2026
"I love the Riverwalk"
Score
5.0 / 5
I love the Riverwalk, it's very beautiful.
Urban L., from 06-Jul-2026
"I most definitely like the beach experience"
Score
4.0 / 5
I most definitely like the beach experience. I would like to find a website that leads me to good restaurants, preferably mom and pop operations, seafood and not fast food. Parking was very difficult but the beach was satisfying. It would be nice to have more affordable rental options such as scooters, jet skis or electric surfboards, golf carts. But not necessary the beach is very satisfying.
Enrico P., from 06-Jul-2026
"Validity of dining opportunities"
Score
4.0 / 5
Ron F., from 02-Jul-2026
"We enjoyed seafood"
Score
5.0 / 5
We enjoyed seafood each day and night we were in Wilmington.
Ronda R., from 26-Jun-2026
"Access to most things"
Score
5.0 / 5
Marcia B., from 25-Jun-2026
"We came for a wedding "
Score
4.0 / 5
We came for a wedding so that was our main focus. We did like the variety of restaurants.
Vicky G., from 15-Jun-2026
"It's a big city small town feel"
Score
4.0 / 5
It's a big city small town feel everything's so close within 15 minute And everything we can ask for. People are friendly it's a nice change to the real world.
James H., from 11-Jun-2026
"Wrightsville Beach is beautiful"
Score
5.0 / 5
Wrightsville Beach is beautiful! Great Seafood, and Italian Restaurant Roko!
Alice G., from 09-Jun-2026
"Very nice beach town"
Score
5.0 / 5
Michael T., from 07-Jun-2026
"I was here to visit a friend"
Score
5.0 / 5
I was here to visit a friend but loved the historical district the most.
Linda S., from 07-Jun-2026
"Wilmington has great restaurants and a beautiful beach"
Score
4.0 / 5
John L., from 02-Jun-2026
"Thankful to the VA for sponsoring the VA Benefits Event"
Score
4.0 / 5
Katrina C., from 29-May-2026
"Enjoyed the eating facilities and lots of things to do"
Score
4.0 / 5
Enjoyed the eating facilities and lots of things to do and places to go in Wilmington...
Lillian M., from 25-May-2026
"The people"
Score
5.0 / 5
Earl B., from 16-May-2026
"Wilmington is beautiful and vibrant"
Score
4.0 / 5
Julia L., from 15-May-2026
"People seem very friendly"
Score
4.0 / 5
Michael S., from 04-May-2026
"Restaurants"
Score
4.0 / 5
Cathy W., from 22-Apr-2026
"There are good restaurants and beaches nearby"
Score
5.0 / 5
Lillian H., from 19-Apr-2026
"Felt safe and walkable"
Score
4.0 / 5
Felt safe and walkable in the downtown area. Only saw a couple of homeless but overall clean and safe downtown.
Bob H., from 19-Apr-2026
"Lots of good places to eat nearby "
Score
5.0 / 5
Lots of good places to eat nearby and love The Riverwalk.
Wanda F., from 09-Apr-2026
"Beaches food river walk"
Score
4.0 / 5
Stacie T., from 08-Apr-2026
"Family visit"
Score
4.0 / 5
Family visit, airly gardens.
Sally M., from 16-Mar-2026
"UNCW"
Score
5.0 / 5
UNCW
Madeline D., from 15-Mar-2026
"Everything"
Score
5.0 / 5
Everything!
Jo H., from 14-Mar-2026
"FRIENDLY"
Score
5.0 / 5
FRIENDLY PEOPLE
Max W., from 09-Mar-2026
"Everything is Convenient"
Score
4.0 / 5
Everything is Convenient!!
Anthony W., from 24-Feb-2026
"Beautiful "
Score
4.0 / 5
Harry M., from 13-Feb-2026
"I love Wilmington"
Score
5.0 / 5
Kristen M., from 21-Jan-2026
"Nice place"
Score
4.0 / 5
Pamela L., from 20-Jan-2026
"Waterfront"
Score
4.0 / 5
Waterfront, restaurants, weather.
Carol S., from 03-Jan-2026
"We’ve long vacationed at nearby Topsail"
Score
4.0 / 5
We've long vacationed at nearby Topsail, so we're quite familiar with Wilmington. City never disappoints.
Gary W., from 31-Dec-2025
"We love everything about Wilmington"
Score
5.0 / 5
We love everything about Wilmington and are currently looking at real estate for a more permanent visit and stay.
It is growing very quickly with many new amenities.
Darian M., from 28-Dec-2025
"Dram Yard was incredible"
Score
4.0 / 5
Dram Yard was incredible. We had the best bartender in the world make us custom drinks that were so perfectly created. We then walked down the Christmas lit river walk while being serenaded by Christmas live music. It was like a movie. 🌲❤️
Tiffany S., from 22-Dec-2025
"Nice accommodations"
Score
4.0 / 5
Tammy P., from 17-Dec-2025
"I was here for UNCW Graduation"
Score
5.0 / 5
I was here for UNCW Graduation! Beautiful campus! Ate at “Beer Burrito” downtown. Great food and service. Small locally owned.
Also “The Toastery” for brunch. Lovely atmosphere, good food, fair prices! Mayfair shopping area - great shops, theater, restaurants and amusement area!
Ann F., from 15-Dec-2025
"Wilmington is a beautiful City"
Score
4.0 / 5
Wilmington is a beautiful City.The waterfront, the River Walk,. . . the beaches, the historic themes. . . absolutely breath taking. . .
James F., from 15-Dec-2025
"Awesome hospital Novant Surgery Center"
Score
4.0 / 5
Awesome hospital Novant Surgery Center being so close to the hotel and getting a special rate.
Georgie W., from 04-Dec-2025
"Restaurants and the history of the town"
Score
5.0 / 5
Richard L., from 04-Nov-2025
"Loved The City"
Score
5.0 / 5
Loved the city. Recommend a visit that allows lots of time to explore!
Paty F., from 26-Oct-2025
"Very Nice"
Score
4.0 / 5
We didn't go out much but what did experience was very nice and convenient. We really enjoyed the USS North Carolina Battleship museum.
Frank L., from 20-Oct-2025
"Absolutely beautiful"
Score
4.0 / 5
Susan S., from 19-Oct-2025
"Nice"
Score
4.0 / 5
John H., from 17-Oct-2025
"The waterfront view"
Score
5.0 / 5
Pamela S., from 15-Oct-2025
"Nice Riverwalk"
Score
5.0 / 5
Riverwalk was nice
Shirley W., from 15-Oct-2025
"Nice View"
Score
4.0 / 5
Enjoy Wilmington very nice spot!
Stephanie K., from 15-Oct-2025
"Convenient to Waffle House"
Score
5.0 / 5
The convenience of a Waffle House nearby.
Penny R., from 14-Oct-2025
"Good Coffee Shops"
Score
4.0 / 5
I work in health care so I appreciate the coffee shops :)
Lyndsey M., from 13-Oct-2025
"The view from the room was great"
Score
5.0 / 5
Marie S., from 13-Oct-2025
"Thank you staff for the tip"
Score
5.0 / 5
I was there for a class, so didn't really have a lot of time to explore but we had some meals - that were delicious- down by the river- 1 recommended by the staff Copper Penny?? and another Crow and Rooster?? we hit them both early-as suggested and boy! what great advise. by the time we left there were people waiting- again- thank you staff for the tip!! easy to get to from the hotel.
Rebekkah C., from 11-Oct-2025
"City was great"
Score
5.0 / 5
City was great!
Ulises S., from 10-Oct-2025
"Total Awesomeness"
Score
5.0 / 5
I left my meds. The CVS pharmacist on Orleader went over and above to help me with an emergency refill. Total AWESOMENESS, truly cared which is absolutely missing in the world today.
Mack O., from 08-Oct-2025
"Beautiful City"
Score
5.0 / 5
I lived in Wilmington back in the 70's. I have family and friends in the area. A beautiful city with lots of great restaurants and entertainment.
Anita P., from 08-Oct-2025
"Riverfest!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Enjoyed going to Riverfest.
Alesia A., from 07-Oct-2025
"The Riverwalk"
Score
5.0 / 5
The Riverwalk, shops, the River Fest, Arlie Gardens, Biggers Market
Howard S., from 06-Oct-2025
"Wilmington great"
Score
5.0 / 5
Leo B., from 06-Oct-2025
"Love Wilmington with great restaurants + shops"
Score
4.0 / 5
Rebecca F., from 04-Oct-2025
"UNCW Soccer"
Score
5.0 / 5
Was in Wilmington for grandson soccer game at UNCW.
Barbara H., from 30-Sep-2025
"Loved It!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Loved it! Lived there for two years 57 years ago! It was great to come back and visit my old stomping grounds!
Jerry W., from 28-Sep-2025
"Good Location"
Score
5.0 / 5
Easy access to restaurants and Walmart
John S., from 24-Sep-2025
"Good restaurants!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Good restaurants!
Dulcie J., from 13-Sep-2025
"The Riverwalk beautiful and the pub The Fork and Cork on Market street was wonderful!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Sallie M., from 10-Sep-2025
"Wilmington is a beautiful beach town"
Score
4.0 / 5
Garry C., from 03-Sep-2025
"Great hospital."
Score
5.0 / 5
We were there for surgery at hospital. Great hospital.
Patricia S., from 25-Aug-2025
"The beach and restaurant we visited"
Score
4.0 / 5
Lillian T., from 23-Aug-2025
"Downtown Historic District"
Score
4.0 / 5
Downtown historic district
Delores H., from 17-Aug-2025
"Just Like Home"
Score
5.0 / 5
Reminds me of my hometown.
Velma W., from 29-Jul-2025
"Great Location"
Score
5.0 / 5
Waterfront
Dan M., from 24-Jul-2025
"Great Location"
Score
5.0 / 5
I would love to live here
Crystal B., from 17-Jul-2025
"Beautiful city!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Wilmington is a beautiful city! Great restaurants, people and lots to do!
Ethlyn J., from 30-Jun-2025
"I love the diversity of historic downtown"
Score
5.0 / 5
Extremely clean and very nice people. I love the diversity of historic downtown and the modern façades and stores of Mayfair. Of course the Riverwalk is lovely and lots of places to dine.
Bryant B., from 29-Jun-2025
" Nice shops to walk around town"
Score
4.0 / 5
Restaurants on Cape Fear River Elijah's and The Pilot House, nice shops to walk around town, friendly people.
Shelley R., from 28-Jun-2025
"."
Score
4.0 / 5
We LOVED Wilmington! Will be vacationing again!
Savannah M., from 18-Jun-2025
"10/10 restaurants "
Score
5.0 / 5
We went to Old Thyme Restaurant. It was a 10 of 10! The food was delicious and we went to another restaurant called Floriana the food was delicious and the service was impeccable
Sylvia H., from 08-Jun-2025
"x"
Score
5.0 / 5
Great reaturants and easy access to grocery store and other stores
Mark G., from 08-Jun-2025
"So much to do "
Score
5.0 / 5
Aquarium, Kure beach, 2 restaurants Floriana at Riverwalk, tidewater oyster excellent right outside hol inn exp.
The town wilmington way too much traffic. Advertising makes it sound beaches close by. Not so.
Andrew S., from 05-Jun-2025
"Shopping the Cotton Exchange "
Score
5.0 / 5
We enjoy shopping at the Cotton Exchange. Actually purchased a few things there. We love the food at Patty's hollow. We eat there once sometimes twice every time we come. Enjoy the scenery, the water fountains, plants, flowers and shops.
Terry J., from 05-Jun-2025
"Great Area"
Score
4.0 / 5
First time visiting and we really liked the area.
Estle F., from 25-May-2025
"The River"
Score
5.0 / 5
Lots to do and see. Lots of history and electric restaurants and shops. The river is great.
Mary F., from 24-May-2025
"Great Location!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Beautiful place. Close to beaches.
Betty G., from 19-May-2025
"Great Stay!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Nice restaurant and friendly people.
Lillian H., from 12-May-2025
"Wonderful, historic coastal town with great restaurants."
Score
5.0 / 5
Wilmington is a wonderful, historic, coastal town. Very friendly and such good restaurants.
Susan C., from 12-May-2025
"History"
Score
5.0 / 5
History
Eric C., from 11-May-2025
"Great Location"
Score
5.0 / 5
PEACEFUL TOWN!
David B., from 10-May-2025
"Beautiful Downtown!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Beautiful downtown!!
Janis M., from 05-May-2025
"Fantastic Location"
Score
5.0 / 5
Fantastic location.
Amy W., from 25-Apr-2025
"Proximity to the ocean, cute shops and excellent restaurants."
Score
4.0 / 5
Proximity to the ocean, cute shops and excellent restaurants.
Katherine M., from 22-Apr-2025
The average traveler rating of the city of Wilmington, NC shown above is
4.5 out of 5 based on 100 reviews