11 Best Cheap Hotels In Wilmington NC

With all the appealing features of the city, no wonder tourists love Wilmington. That said, it’s only natural that a cheap hotel in Wilmington, NC, can be found almost everywhere throughout the city. In fact, the city’s downtown area is brimming with cheap hotels. Some even have classic touches, true to their neighborhood’s historical background. Here you’ll find classic architecture dating back to the 18th century. One of the most famous attractions in the historic district is the USS North Carolina which docks at the Cape Fear River. If you’re not much of a history buff, fear not; Wilmington has many other attractions that will definitely catch your interest.

Besides being home to Wilmington’s historical background, the downtown area also offers plenty of entertainment centers. Along the Cape Fear River, the riverwalk is packed with various bars and restaurants. When you’re not just enjoying a good stroll, spending time at any of the bars and restaurants will surely be a great time, especially since you can view the river as your company. 

When at Wilmington, spend at least a day at the city’s numerous beaches. Whether it’s Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, or any other beach, just make sure you enjoy Wilmington to its fullest. And that includes going to the beach. No need to worry about your budget; you’ll also find many cheap hotels in Wilmington, NC, on the beach.

Hampton Inn Wilmington Downtown

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Hampton Inn Wilmington Downtown is undoubtedly a tourist favorite cheap hotel in Wilmington, NC. As the name suggests, the hotel is located right in the heart of Wilmington. From the hotel, you can easily explore Wilmington’s famous attractions. Since the downtown area is also in the historic district of Wilmington, you can find plenty of historical landmarks nearby. In fact, the famous historical USS North Carolina is just minutes away from the hotel.

Not only that you get to be right in the heart of Wilmington, but at the Hampton Inn Wilmington Downtown, you’re treated with the best hospitality. If you’re traveling with pets, worry not; the Hampton Inn Wilmington Downtown is one of the best pet-friendly hotels in Wilmington! Moreover, you’ll get a complimentary continental breakfast at an already very affordable price every morning! On top of that, you can also access the multiple facilities inside the hotel. Whether it’s swimming at the indoor pool, working out in the fitness center, or catching up on your work at the business center, they’re all free of charge. Other facilities include a laundromat and a snack bar. 

As for the guestroom, you’ll get a spacious, pristine room with various amenities. The standard free Wi-Fi, AC, and heating system are installed in the room. Additionally, a minibar, a coffee machine, and a microwave are available for you. You’ll get either a shower or a bathtub in the en-suite bathroom. You can, of course, request whichever ones you’d prefer. That said, complimentary toiletries are also included in the bathroom. So really, when at Hampton Inn Wilmington Downtown, you know that you’ll be taken care of.

The Veranda

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Stay in a historical accommodation while traveling to the historical part of Wilmington. The Veranda offers you a cheap hotel in Wilmington, packed with historical touches here and there. This 1853-era bed and breakfast welcomes you with classical English and American interior design and decor. Inside the hotel, you’ll find crystal chandeliers, wooden floors, and vintage furnishings all around. In the morning, you enjoy a nice breakfast in the chandeliers-adorned formal dining room, courtesy of The Veranda. 

The guestrooms are so immaculately decorated that you wouldn’t expect that they come at such an affordable price. Whether you choose an upper or lower-level room, you’d still have high windows, giving that excellent natural lighting throughout the room. An en-suite bathroom with either shower or bath is also available in each room. And of course, you get complimentary toiletries along with it too. A cable TV, AC, free Wi-FI, and ironing facilities are included in the guestroom, along with a seating area, a working area, and a couple of classic paintings. What makes the room even more unique is the fireplace that ties up the whole vintage look of the room. 

When you’re not exploring Wilmington, you can relax at the hotel’s numerous verandas and parlors. Or when the weather’s nice, you can enjoy the sun at the hotel’s garden terrace. Better yet, the hotel’s rooftop can give you a lovely view of the rest of Wilmington. If you prefer to lounge inside the hotel, a grand piano is available to keep you entertained. Why not show off your musical skill while at it?

Best Western Coastline Inn

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The Best Western Coastline Inn is yet another top cheap hotel in Wilmington, NC. Not only that it’s located ideally in downtown Wilmington, but it’s also right alongside the Cape Fear River. A lovely pier on the river is also accessible from the hotel. The pier is a great place to jog or just enjoy a nice evening. On top of that, the hotel is also directly next to Wilmington Convention Center. So when you’re in town for a convention, the hotel is the perfect place to stay at.

Aside from the impeccable location, the hotel also offers various facilities and amenities that impress you. For starters, a business center and meeting rooms are available at the hotel. When you feel like working out, the hotel’s fitness center is accessible for guests. The hotel offers spacious rooms with a plush bed and flat-screen TV. You’ll also have the luxury of having a nice river view. Free Wi-Fi, AC, a heating system, and ironing facilities are also included in the room. Inside the en-suite bathroom, there are complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer. Truly, with the combination of great location, hospitality, and facilities, a cheap hotel in Wilmington doesn’t get better than this.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Wilmington West

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Located on the western side of Wilmington, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Wilmington West guarantees you a tranquil and relaxing stay. Although it’s not quite downtown Wilmington, you’re still relatively close to several city attractions. The distance from downtown Wilmington means you won’t be bothered by the busy streets at the hotel. That said, you’re not completely cut out from the city’s exciting attractions. In fact, by car, you can reach downtown in seven minutes. 

As an excellent cheap hotel in Wilmington, NC, at the hotel, you can expect high-quality treatments and facilities. Here you can enjoy a nice time swimming in the indoor pool or exercising at the fitness center. For business travelers, you’ll find it convenient that the hotel offers meeting rooms and a business center. 

On top of all those neat facilities, you’ll find the guestroom even more amazing. Inside the guestroom, you can find a microwave, a minibar, a coffee machine, and ironing facilities. Additionally, standard free Wi-Fi, AC, and cable TV are provided. You’ll get complimentary toiletries for the bathroom, and as usual, you can request showers or a bathtub. After a good night’s sleep, you can treat yourself to a continental breakfast provided free of charge by the hotel. Obviously, with the price you’re paying, you see now how the Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Wilmington West is the perfect cheap hotel in Wilmington.

Staybridge Suites Wilmington East

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The Staybridge Suites Wilmington East is ideal for easy access to both the historic district and the beach. Because the hotel is located in the middle of Wilmington, you can get to downtown or Wrightsville Beach in under 15 minutes. That said, the hotel’s pretty lovely itself. All around the hotel, you can find a lot of greeneries. Here you’re also offered plenty of great facilities. When you’re not enjoying a nice day barbequing outside on the hotel’s patio, you can take a nice dip at their indoor pool. A free laundromat service is also available on-site, as well as a snack bar. So no need to head outside to do your laundry and get snacks.

Since the hotel offers an all-suites guestroom, it’s guaranteed that you’ll have a spacious room to yourself. Inside are a plush bed and an en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries and ironing facilities. Along with it are neat amenities like a kitchenette, a dishwasher, and a coffee machine. The room also comes with a sofa bed so you can have an extra sleeping space. Basically, the Staybridge Suites Wilmington East is just all-around the perfect cheap hotel in Wilmington, NC, for family vacations.

Wingate by Wyndham Wilmington

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Another great cheap hotel in Wilmington is the Wingate by Wyndham Wilmington. Like the previous hotel, this one is located on the eastern side of Wilmington, roughly between the downtown area and Wrightsville Beach. Besides the strategic location, the hotel also provides amazing hospitality and facilities. For starters, at the hotel, you can enjoy swimming in their outdoor swimming pool. A fitness center is available on-site, so you don’t need to worry about missing your workout routine. As for guests traveling for business, a business center and a couple of meeting rooms are available for you. Another neat detail the hotel didn’t miss is providing a snack bar, so you won’t be short of snacks while staying here. Included with the price you’re paying is also a continental breakfast every morning. How awesome is that?

Now when you’re ready to rest for the day, the hotel’s clean and pristine guestroom is ready to be your haven. Inside the room, you’ll get a plush bed, cable TV AC, free Wi-Fi, and an en-suite bathroom with free toiletries. Additional amenities include a microwave, a minibar, a coffee machine, and ironing facilities. A sofa is also adorned in the room, so you know that the room is quite spacious. All in all, considering how affordable the Wingate by Wyndham Wilmington is, you really can’t go wrong with this one.

Best Western Plus Wilmington

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The Best Western Plus Wilmington is one of the most amazing cheap hotels in Wilmington, NC, on the beach. Not only that, it’s just minutes away from Wrightsville Beach, but UNC Wilmington is also just roughly 3 km away. So you know the hotel’s nearby plenty of the university shopping areas. The hotel also provides some of the best facilities for a cheap hotel in Wilmington. For starters, guests are offered the luxury of a complimentary continental breakfast every morning. Another convenience in the hotel is the on-site snacks bar, outdoor pool, and fitness center. The hotel is also great for business travelers, as the hotel has a couple of meeting rooms available. The hotel also provides facilities like a business center and printing/photocopying services. 

Moreover, you’ll get a pleasant room with various amenities for the guestrooms. The standard like AC, free Wi-Fi, TV, and heating system is installed in the room. As for the additional amenities, you get a minibar, a microwave, a coffee machine, and ironing facilities added to the room. For the en-suite bathroom, the standard free toiletries and hairdryer are included. You can also request a room with facilities for disabled guests if required. So really, for one of the best cheap hotels in Wilmington, NC, on the beach, you’re getting way more than you pay for. Don’t waste another second and book a room right away!

Hampton Inn & Suites Wilmington

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The Hampton Inn & Suites Wilmington is on the beach, unlike other cheap hotels in Wilmington, NC. The hotel is just 5 minutes from Wrightsville Beach, and other attractions like the Arlie Gardens are also nearby. The hotel itself is just as great as its location. Since the hotel has all-suite rooms, the rooms are guaranteed to be spacious enough for plenty of amenities to be installed. For your convenience, you’ll get a TV, a working desk, a minibar, a microwave, and a coffee machine inside the room. Aside from the plush bed, the room also has an en-suite bathroom. In the morning, you can look forward to a delicious continental breakfast, free of charge. 

When you’re not out and about, you can enjoy the on-site facilities that the hotel provides. Those facilities are a seasonal outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a convenience shop. For business travelers, the business center is available 24/7. The hotel also offers a free parking space on-site if you’re traveling by car. So no need to worry about getting charged for that! That said, when looking for cheap hotels in Wilmington, NC, on the beach, The Hampton Inn & Suites, Wilmington is the right choice.

Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center

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Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center is one of the best hotels in Wilmington that you wouldn’t want to miss out on for many reasons. Firstly, the hotel is located in Wilmington’s most desirable area, right along the Cape Fear River in the historical district, a.k.a. Downtown Wilmington. Secondly, the hotel is brimming with fantastic facilities. 

The hotel itself is splattered with colorful decor. All around the hotel, you’ll find colorful furnishings. From the lobby’s couches and seats to the carpets in the guestroom, they are all coated in colors. That said, the colorful interior brings a young and cheery atmosphere to the hotel. Truly the perfect setting for an exciting vacation. This can also be seen in the hotel’s many amenities. At the hotel, you can find a pool table adjacent to the bar. An on-site convenience store is also available, so you won’t need to go out to get snacks. You can enjoy a nice workout at the hotel’s high-end fitness center for health enthusiasts. Business travelers will also find the hotel ideal, as the hotel also provides a business center and meeting rooms. 

You’ll find the guestroom isn’t lacking in splashes of colors too. On top of the modern and pristine look, the guestroom is also packed with amenities. Free Wi-Fi, a cable, TV, and a minibar are all available in the room. As for the en-suite bathroom, you get complimentary toiletries and a shower. If you’d like, you can request a room that shows either a view of Cape Fear River or the city. That said, whichever view you choose, you can still enjoy the big window that adorned the room.

Hotel Ballast Wilmington

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It’s truly unbelievable how a 4-star hotel like the Ballast Wilmington could be a cheap hotel in Wilmington, NC, especially considering the facilities and location. For starters, the hotel sits beautifully next to the Cape Fear River. As for the facilities themselves, the hotel has a magnificent outdoor pool that overlooks the river. Cabanas, sun umbrellas, and reclining chairs are provided in the outdoor area so that guests can enjoy a bit of sunbathing.

Other facilities also include an exceptional fitness center that you wouldn’t expect from a cheap hotel in Wilmington. Moreover, the hotel has a couple of incredible event spaces and business facilities. A feature at the hotel that you definitely don’t want to miss is the hotel’s three restaurants. The Buffalo Bayou, Board & Barrel, or the Ruth’s Christ Steak House makes you dine there at least once!

Now, guestroom-wise, you really can’t ask for more. The room is unbelievably spacious and has many amenities. A seating area, cable TV, free Wi-Fi, ironing facilities, and a coffee maker are all included in the room. In the en-suite bathroom, you’re provided with complimentary toiletries and a shower. Moreover, you also get a huge window showing the view of either Wilminton or the river.

Holiday Inn Resort Wrightsville Beach

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No other cheap hotels in Wilmington, NC, on the beach does it like the Holiday Inn Resort Wrightsville Beach. The hotel itself boasts a 3-star rating, making it among the top cheap hotel in Wilmington.

Besides the desirable location, the hotel’s facilities rival other cheap hotels in Wilmington, NC, on the beach. For starters, the hotel has three outdoor swimming pools right by the beach, one for adults and two for kids/families with kids. There’s even a playground for kids to stay entertained. But of course, before heading out to the pool or the beach, don’t forget to get your snacks from the hotel’s on-site convenience store. That way, you wouldn’t run out of munchies while having fun.

Additionally, there is also a fitness center, meeting rooms, and a business center available at the hotel. After that, why not head back to the hotel’s Ocean Restaurant and feast on some delicious authentic southern cuisine and seafood? The hotel has great rooms with aesthetic furnishings and beautiful views for a cheap hotel in Wilmington. Fantastic amenities like a coffee maker, a minibar, a microwave, ironing devices, a cable TV, and streaming services (Netflix) are all provided for you to enjoy.

Truly amazing how the hotel can pack all of those at such an affordable price. Without the slightest doubt, the Holiday Inn Resort Wrightsville Beach is the most amazing cheap hotel in Wilmington, NC, on the beach. Now, with all the sun you’ll be getting, don’t forget to pack the best travel-size sunscreen! Don’t want to be caught on getting sunburns while on vacation, do you?

Top Affordable Bars in Wilmington NC

• The Pour House – The fact that it’s located in downtown Wilmington means that The Pour House attracts both locals and tourists. That said, the bar doesn’t hike its prices; the drinks here are still very affordable.
• LULA’s Pub – The LULA’s Pub is a nice hole-in-the-wall bar where you know you’re in for some good affordable drinks with great companies. Despite its reputation as a speakeasy, the LULA’s Pub still provides decent space for you to party comfortably and enjoy your night.
• Reggie’s 42nd Street Tavern – This is the perfect bar for you who prefers good live music over the standard aux cord playlist! The Reggie’s 42nd Street Tavern also happens to be a local favorite, so you know you’re not in a tourist trap. That said, the bar has a spacious dancing floor, so make sure you pack your dancing shoes and get ready for a rave!

Top Affordable Restaurants in Wilmington NC

• KOHL’s Frozen Custard – KOHL’s Frozen Custard is a great place that serves delicious food and tasty cold desserts. Since the restaurant is located along Wrightsville Beach, getting ice creams or fro-yo is perfect before going to the beach.
• Clean Eatz – As the name suggests, Clean Eatz serves clean and healthy food for all types of diets at an affordable price! Cheap, tasty, and healthy? Who wouldn’t want to sign up for that?
• Block Taco – Block Taco is the right place to go for a quick lunch. For just 3.50 USD, you can get a mouth-watering taco that will fill you up!

Free Things To Do in Wilmington NC

• Wrightsville Beach – Wrightsville Beach is one of the best beaches in Wilmington. Here you can obviously enjoy some water activities or just hang out watching the view. Not to mention most of the cheap hotels in Wilmington, NC, on the beach are also at Wrightsville Beach. What makes this particular beach special is that you can also visit the nearby museum, The Wrightsville Beach Museum of History. For the romantics, you’ll be excited to find the Wrightsville Beach Mailbox that’s featured inside the museum. The famous mailbox holds romantic letters written anonymously! If that isn’t your vibe, then at least you get to visit a museum and then go to the beach.
• Cape Fear Riverwalk – The Cape Fear Riverwalk is great for a stroll or a run. By walking through the riverwalk, you can explore the downtown neighborhood. Not only that you get to enjoy the view, but you also get to journey through the busiest part of Wilmington. Some restaurants and bars are also strewn along the riverwalk, so it’s an excellent way to spend time before getting your lunch or dinner.
• New Hanover County Arboretum – Wilmington is home to many parks, but the New Hanover County Arboretum is by far the best one. Here you can enjoy the pristine park and the various installation they have. Other than the tranquil atmosphere of greeneries, the nursery also offers you a Japanese garden complete with koi ponds and some Japanese miniature architecture buildings. That said, this place is practically perfect for your Instagram feed!