Overview
by Diana Lambdin Meyer
This immaculate hotel, built in 2011, remains as fresh as it was the day it opened. The friendly staff, spacious public areas and well-equipped suites make this a good choice for families.
Among the highlights the kids will love is an outdoor pool heated year-round, which includes a small wading area for toddlers. With a complimentary breakfast seven mornings a week and a light supper provided four nights a week, the Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington/Mayfaire, NC helps you manage your budget, as well.
The suites include fully-equipped kitchens and small dining areas for families who do better dining alone. A grocery store is just a block away to bring in whatever you might need. For a fun evening, consider grilling outside around the pool, where three outdoor gas grills are available for guest use.
A part of the Hilton hotel brand, this hotel is just as popular with business travelers, military and family vacationers in the area. The abundant, free parking is an option not available at all other hotels in the Wilmington region.
The location, in the middle of the Mayfaire Town Center, is less than 5 miles from the beaches of Wilmington, North Carolina, and convenient to historic downtown. There are a number of independent and chain restaurants within just a few blocks of the hotel. If you have teenagers with you, it may be appropriate for you to allow them to explore some of the shops or the movie theater on their own. It’s all within walking distance.
Our Editor Loves
- Complimentary breakfast
- Adjoining rooms
- Free parking
Family Interests
- Bicycling
- Golf
- Hiking
- Museum/Cultural
- Water Parks
Family Amenities
- Cribs
- DVD
- Family Room 5+
- Kitchenettes
- Laundry
- Onsite Dining
- Pool
- Refrigerator
Room Information
Find the Best Price for Your Stay
The four-story Homewood Suites has 118 rooms situated along very long, brightly lit corridors. Your family has a choice of three room sizes and several choices of bed. Many of the guest suites adjoin to a king studio, thus enhancing the number of people to enjoy each other's company.
Each room has a full-size refrigerator and microwave, a two-burner stove and a dishwasher. You'll find just about all you need in the cabinets, including pots and pans, dishes, and utensils.
There is no additional charge for cribs. Pack 'N Plays and high chairs are also available for families at no extra charge.
Studio
Studio suites include a king bed and a fold-out couch all in one room.
One Bedroom Suites
The one bedroom suites may be equipped with a king bed and fold-out couch or two queen beds and a fold-out couch. Both the living room and bedroom have 32-inch flat-screen TVs. DVD players are available in the living room only.
Two Bedroom Suites
The two-bedroom suites may be equipped with one king and two queens or two queens in each bedroom, along with the fold-out couch. All three rooms have 32-inch flat-screen TVs. DVD players are available in the living room.
Reviews
by Terry S
We reserved 5 rooms for family members. The staff were very accommodating in meeting our needs. We also had them cater a lunch for us in the breakfast area. The lobby was warm and inviting with a gas fireplace. Everything was excellent.
by Kirk C
Felt at home, nice colors, good breakfast, Spacious suites with nice large kitchen eating area. Comfortable overall. I would stay there again. Be sure to ask for early check in if you need to. nice bar too big tv in lounge
Family Activities
Courtyard
The courtyard pool area is quite a popular place for most families. The inclusion of a putting green, outdoor grills and picnic tables, in addition to the poolside lounge chairs, create a lovely gathering spot. A gazebo equipped with a 42-inch plasma TV is another nice feature in the courtyard.
Pool
The outdoor pool is heated year-round. Although there's not a separate children's pool, this kidney-shaped pool has a large wading area that is about 12 inches deep at the entrance before steps descend deeper into the 5-foot pool. Parents will still need to keep an eye on toddlers to ensure they don't toddle on down the stairs, but the little ones can indeed play on their own in shallow water.
The pool is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. A few steps away is a hot tub for adults.
Bicycles
There are just two of them and they are adult sizes, but these bicycles are available for check-out by guests who might like to ride the streets around the hotel or pedal the 4-plus miles to Wrightsville Beach. Helmets and locks are included.
Putting Green
It's a cute little three-hole green in the courtyard where adults can work on their puts with equipment available at the front desk. Or kids can check out the mini-putters and enjoy a mini-golf game.
Family Dining
Breakfast
Homewood Suites offers a complimentary hot breakfast in its lobby each morning. In addition to scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, parents can make waffles for children. The selection includes yogurt, fresh fruit, hard-boiled eggs and cereal, along with juices.
Light Supper
Monday through Thursday nights only, the hotel offers what they call a "light" supper, but it's a lot to eat at no extra charge. Every night includes a soup and salad bar, along with a vegetarian option. Some nights will feature stir fry or sliders, other nights showcase tacos or fried chicken. Feel free to take a tray back to your room with you.
Planning & Tips
All About the Extras
Wi-Fi
The entire hotel has a strong Wi-Fi signal that is complimentary. But for a faster speed, you can pay for an upgrade.
Guest Laundry
A pleasant, well-lit coin operated guest laundry with two washers and two dryers is located on the second floor. Laundry detergent is available in the small market in the lobby, which also sells snacks, beverages and toiletries.
Electric Cars
If you own or rent an electric vehicle, this Homewood Suites is equipped with an electric car charging station.
Fitness Center
Located on the lower level overlooking the pool and pleasant courtyard, this fitness center features Precor cardio equipment, including three treadmills and two stationary bicycles. Free weights and other strengths training equipment are available along with plenty of space for stretches, yoga or other workouts. No one under 14 is permitted.
The Art of Smart Timing
Since it is not located on the beaches, this Homewood Suites is open and busy year-round. The hotel serves a number of business travelers to the area, as well as military families on a getaway from nearby Camp LeJeune.
Winters are rather mild here and summers, although quite humid, can be pleasant right on the beaches. Summer and weekends may be a little busier than the rest of the year, but overall this is a year-round property and the rates/services reflect that.
Getting There
The Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is about 15 minutes away on the north side of Wilmington. The hotel shuttle is reserved for corporate accounts only. So, if you want to explore more of the Wilmington area and get out to the beaches, it makes sense to rent a car. The hotel has plenty of free parking so go ahead and get that rental car at the airport.
Getting Around
Getting around the Wilmington area is not at all challenging. Most of the roads are in good condition and traffic only gets heavy during typical rush hours and on weekends as everyone heads to the beach.
Eastwood Drive and Military Cut-Off Road are two of the major and busiest roadways in the Wilmington area. The Homewood Suites is located behind a popular entertainment and shopping district at the intersection of those two roadways. There are plenty of turn lanes and little congestion to worry about for drivers turning in and out of the hotel.
For Mom and Dad
The lobby bar is well-stocked with just about everything you need. Get the kids to bed early and then come down for a drink. Enjoy it on an overstuffed couch in front of the fireplace, or sneak outside under the gazebo and watch the stars.