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(reminds me I haven't updated my Asheville thread on the experience we had there a few weeks back)
When we go to the coast we usually stay at a modest hotel well off the beach in Wilmington and close to Wrightsville. That's because we spend little time in the hotel in favour of the beach.
Next trip, soon, I want to find a nicer and more upscale place, for an occasion weekend, though still within reason. I thought Carolina Beach but seems not much for hotels around there. I've got too much on to scour for AirBnBs, but that might be a nicer option.
It would be nice to be in a place where we could walk somewhere like a boardwalk or restaurant street.
There is a little boardwalk at Carolina beach. Definitely not an upscale vibe but it grew on me when we went there. There is a little network of alleys off the boardwalk with little shops, Britts donuts, small restaurants and it's anchored on one end by a Hampton Inn and Suites and a Marriott. It's a VERY small boardwalk, like 2 blocks.
For Wrightsville I like the Holiday Inn. Have stayed at all 3 major hotels on the island (Shell Island, HI, and Blockade Runner). Shell Island is filthy. Blockade Runner is a nickel and dime place and has some odd room features. Going to HI next month and can't wait.
I would definitely look at AirBnB's - they are probably the safer option now anyways.
I would be thinking downtown Wilmington too...lots of places to eat and things to do within walking distance. You could drive out to beach for all that stuff.
The Courtyard Marriott Carolina Beach is a bit nicer than a typical Courtyard, but certainly not fancy. It’s a mid rise hotel and all rooms have beachfront balconies and it has its own ramp to the beach and boardwalk. We were there last week. The small indoor and outdoor pools were open, but the small inside cafe was closed. Followed COVID precautions well. A little more than half of the restaurants in the immediate area were open, many for dine in (varying degrees of mask wearing) but also take out options. Carolina Smokehouse has great barbecue, but was crowded. El Cazador has good Mexican. Havana’s has good seafood. The Hoplite is a great Irish Pub. Britts, of course, has doughnuts.
We are new to NC so I'm reading for suggestions. I don't know that this fits your upscale hotel but we stayed at the Springhill Suites Mayfaire in Wilmington. It's about 10 minutes to the beach, quiet location with nice indoor and outdoor lounge areas. It's right in the middle of a big shopping area with lots of restaurants and a nicer outdoor mall across the street. There's no beach vibe like a boardwalk but it was very convenient.
While not an upscale hotel, we have really enjoyed staying at the Hampton Inn on Corolla. It was very nice, great amenities, great location, and perfect beach at the end of the boardwalk.
We are new to NC so I'm reading for suggestions. I don't know that this fits your upscale hotel but we stayed at the Springhill Suites Mayfaire in Wilmington. It's about 10 minutes to the beach, quiet location with nice indoor and outdoor lounge areas. It's right in the middle of a big shopping area with lots of restaurants and a nicer outdoor mall across the street. There's no beach vibe like a boardwalk but it was very convenient.
Our wedding party stayed there. It's nice and quiet and new. It's convenient to the beach. Other than that, you may as well be staying in Cary or North Hills.
For an occasion, I might look at Ballast in Wilmington. It's a Tapestry Hilton property, which are supposed to be nice, albeit not 5 star properties.
Another option in historic Wilmington is the Graystone Inn B&B. Very nice place and within walking distance of all the bars/restaurants. They pride themselves on their breakfast. We've also stayed at the Front Stree Inn there as well and had a very good time.
There is a little boardwalk at Carolina beach. Definitely not an upscale vibe but it grew on me when we went there. There is a little network of alleys off the boardwalk with little shops, Britts donuts, small restaurants and it's anchored on one end by a Hampton Inn and Suites and a Marriott. It's a VERY small boardwalk, like 2 blocks.
Carolina Beach is our favorite. While the boardwalk area is not huge, there are also a bunch of restaurants and bars in the surrounding area. We like to wander among the places, stopping to get a drink & app in one place, then rinse/repeat - all within walking distance of your hotel.
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