Need hotel for overnight in Wilmington...

We%26#39;re flying into Raleigh in August for our summer vacation in Wrightsville Beach. Our flight arrives on Thursday night and our room in Wrightsville beach isn%26#39;t open until Friday. We%26#39;d like to drive from Raleigh to Wilmington on Thursday night...sleep in Wilmington on Thursday night, and then head to Wrightsville Beach on Friday.

Can you recommend something not to expensive, but safe and clean for that night?

Need hotel for overnight in Wilmington...

Wilmington has all of the major hotels close to each other. I have stayed at the courtyard by marriott, the baymont inn, and the days inn all near the intersection of US17 and NC132. The courtyard is the best of the three. The nicest option would be the Hilton Riverside, it is in downtown wilmington, alongside the river. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and hangouts that are withing walking distance. The riverside area is a very lively place, especially at night.

Need hotel for overnight in Wilmington...

Is there anything within walking distance of the Courtyard Marriott?

I%26#39;d suggest looking into staying at one of the downtown hotels...that way you can start your vacation off by enjoying downtown Wilmington (shopping, dining, galleries, nightlife, etc) before you head to Wrightsville.

There%26#39;s a Hilton, but that can be pricy for some folks. There%26#39;s also a Best Western, which for a BW hotel is actually on the nicer side...has a riverview deck if I recall.

We booked a riverview at the Hilton...we agree with you RaleighRob...we wanted to start the vacation off right. We can%26#39;t check into our room in Wrightsville Beach until 2PM...what should we check out while we%26#39;re down there?

Personally, I would not miss the opportunity to visit the USS NC, a WWII era battleship that is anchored across the river. It can get extremely hot on deck and below so go in the morning. You can often see alligators in the waters below. That evening take a stroll along the riverside (water st) and Front St to explore the bars and restaurants. There are quite a few awesome rooftop bars, Reel Cafe and Level 5. You can also visit some of the more popular restaurants on the waterfront, The Pilot House and Elijahs or pick something that strikes your fancy. If your into gardens the Airlie gardens are nice. Also think about doing a carriage or trolley tour of Historic downtown, that is a nice change of pace. There is plenty to do, so dont worry, just go and have a good time!

You picked a good place to stay. It will be like starting your vacation early! I agree with the last poster, there is plenty to do. Since you won%26#39;t have much time downtown before it%26#39;s time to check in at the beach, I would suggest walking down River St. and Front St. and stop in the shops, bars, restaurants that strike your fancy. My favorite restaurant in all of Wilmington/Wrightsville is downtown and it%26#39;s called Circa 1922. It%26#39;s a tapas style restaurant and it%26#39;s wonderful.

The carriage rides are nice and there is lots of interesting info you%26#39;ll learn about the area on them. Just go to the end of Market St. btwn River and Front Streets and you%26#39;ll see them. Last time I went it was something like $8/per person.

Enjoy!