With all of the growth in commerce and population we're currently experiencing on the southern coast, it's sometimes hard to remember we're also a major vacation destination. Visitors arrive on our sunny shores to relax and enjoy the area's beaches, attractions and festivals, as well as for family reunions, business meetings and corporate retreats. While they're here, they need a place to stay. Fortunately we have a thriving and varied hospitality industry ready to accommodate them.
For those desiring top-of-the-line accommodations, full-service resort and business hotels are located on the beaches and along Wilmington's riverfront. In smaller towns such as Topsail, Surf City and Oak Island, oceanfront motels are more common, some hearkening back to the bygone days of beach vacations. In Wilmington, the "motel strip" is primarily on Market Street west of College Road, and College Road itself, south of Market Street. You can find motels of every price range, from the budget Motel 6 to the pricier Hilton Riverside. In addition to a major oceanfront hotel and numerous in-town motels, Carolina Beach teems with cozy family-run motels concentrated along Carolina Beach Avenue North within a half-mile of Harper Avenue. Kure Beach offers a similar strip of pleasant motels along U.S. Highway 421 in the center of town. There are no hotels or motels on Figure Eight Island or Bald Head Island. On Bald Head Island, daily accommodations are limited to two large bed and breakfast inns. There are also some rental homes available for stays as short as a weekend.
No matter what type of accommodations you desire — plush or plain, city or beach, large or small — you'll be able to find a motel or hotel to satisfy your needs. This chapter deals only with traditional hotel and motel accommodations. For other accommodation options, see our Bed and Breakfasts and Small Inns, Vacation Rentals and Camping chapters.
Price Code
Since prices are subject to change without notice, we provide only price guidelines based on double-occupancy, per-night rates during the summer (high season). Our codes do not reflect the 7 percent state/county and 1 to 6 percent room occupancy taxes (taxes may vary by county or municipality). Most establishments offer lower rates during the off-season. Always confirm rates and necessary amenities before reserving. It may also be beneficial to inquire about corporate, senior citizen, AAA or long-term discounts even when such discounts are not mentioned in our descriptions. Most establishments accept major credit cards, and some accept personal checks when payment is made well in advance.
| Pricing |
| $ |
$75 or less |
| $$ |
$76 - $120 |
| $$$ |
$121 - $150 |
| $$$$ |
$150 and up |
