3 Best Hotels in Wilmington, The North Carolina Coast

This 19th-century Queen Anne–style B&B, with fascinating turrets and period details, is a companionable sister to the family of architectural beauties in Wilmington's 230-block historic district, putting it within easy walking distance of the city's riverfront shopping and dining. New owners in 2022 undertook a complete remodel of rooms and shared spaces, balancing the home's history with modern amenities, new beds, and stylish decor. Convenient off-street parking, huge porches, and strategically placed outdoor accent lighting make it a safe, welcoming property, even after dark.

The nine-story Hotel Ballast, part of Hilton's Tapestry Collection, aptly contains features of both a boutique hotel and a corporate chain. It has direct access to the riverfront boardwalk and it's just a few blocks from the heart of the historic district. Half the rooms have terrific views of the river and the USS North Carolina—the rest have views of the city. There's a trendy outdoor dining and lounge area with a small pool, a restaurant, and a coffee shop.

Built in 1853 in the Italianate style, the 8,500-square-foot Verandas underwent a full renovation in 2019 after damage from Hurricane Florence, bringing the beautiful mansion to its original glory with elegant and magnificent—but functional—furnishings. While the decor is formal (brightened by attractive color schemes and high ceilings), the atmosphere is relaxed. Guests can socialize on the four verandas, stroll in the garden, enjoy nights of luxury in one of the eight beautiful rooms, or climb the winding staircase for a wonderful view from the roof-top cupola—the highest point in the neighborhood. So far, new ownership in 2022 hasn't changed a good thing.