Hello, I am looking for a very nice place to stay in the area of Wilmington NC. We are searching the area so that we may do a family reunion at a later date. Please advise me of the 4 to 5 star types of accomodation. I really would appreciate the help- thanks JJ

Are you thinking about the beach? Wilmington is a nice town, but with the beach nearby, why would you stay "in-town"? Search Carolina Beach or Kure ("curry") Beach. The only "4-5 star" place would be a Courtyard by Marriott, but there are lots of rental houses available. Yikes!!! Why am I touting my favorite summer destination (and I live in CA!)?????

I would suggest you consider Shell Island resort (individual units, all ocean front, kitchens, and two baths) or the Sunspree Holiday Inn at Wrightsville Beach. Either would make a good location for a family reunion. If you are committed to the idea of downtown,let me know and I can suggest a couple of spots. If Wrightsville isn't your cup of tea, how about Southport or Oak Island?
Do you need any restaurant recommendations?

I would enjoy resturant ideas also. I am searching Southport and Oak Island also. I have noticed the beautiful house rentals on the beach--swimming pools ect. They are unreal--anyone recommend a rental house? Never gone this route before--any helpful information on how to rent a nice beach house? What are warnings to watch out for? (I read one scary post on dirty floors-and had to clean before they vacationed-) Thanks JJ

Would you consider a B&B that you could take over for the whole family?

Or are you really looking for a beach resort sort of place? If you are looking for the latter, maybe Wilmington isn't your place, unless you're willing to go the house rental route. Shell Island and Sunspree are nice enough, but by most standards aren't in the 4-star range - modest but family-oriented (and make sure Shell Island is still there -- it's in a constant battle with beach erosion). You probably would have to go further south to the SC or Georgia resorts for the 4-5 star sort of place.

There are some very nice B&B's though, if it must be Wilmington and doesn't have to be on the beach:

http://www.graystoneinn.com/
http://www.verandas.com/
http://www.rosehill.com/

Another thought -- would you consider Ocracoke? The ferry ride is a fun way to arrive, and although it's not exactly an upscale island, that's exactly its charm.

http://www.blackbeardslodge.com/
http://www.thecaptainslanding.com/

Thanks for the info I am liking The Captions Landing. JJ

My aunt has a house on Oak Island and I will be there in May. When is your trip? If it is after May I will post some restaurant suggestions for Southport and Oak Island then. As for Wilmington, great choices. PortLand Grille, Jerry's, NoFo (casual), Blue Water Grille, Deluxe, and Elijahs. Have a great trip. It is a wonderful area.
Oh, about house rentals. I have not done that on the NC coast in about twenty years so I cannot recommend a company. I do think it is a wonderful way to go. There are monster houses with many bedrooms and baths. I know an outstanding house on Isle of Palms, SC which I can recommend, but nothing in Wilmington area. If you are open to Isle of Palms, let me know.

Yes Isle of Palms would be an area of our interest. Could you please pass on any advise for beach houses. Thanks JJ

The property is in excellent condition and very nice,
http://www.resortquestisleofpalms.com/
Search for:
IOP #6-31st Ave


In Pine Knoll Shores, NC we stayed in Ocean Splendour
http://www.bluewatergmac.com/Crystal...1216385354264/

This is a fantastic property near Beaufort, NC. Plenty of restaurants and a great beach.


I can highly recommend either of these rentals.

Holden Beach is wonderful and close to Wilmington. Great family beach. We had a great beachhouse there. All very reasonable