Top 10 tickled pink Hotels

Okay, I am going to say that the hotel itself is clean, comfy and the staff is friendly and efficient. The property is in the downtown area and adjacent to the local college campus and is a River front property... and that ladies and gents is my only issue. What I am about to write will no doubt be read by people who will think Hmmm, what a self-entitled ***** and to that I will correct you and ask you to remove the ”self” part and focus SOLELY on the ENTITLED part. I am and have been for several years a Diamond HHonors member. You achieve Diamond (Hilton's HIGHEST level of guest loyalty) not because you OCCASSIONALLY stay at a Hilton branded property, but because you stay at them CONSTANTLY. In order to get there, you have not only spent nights in their bed's but THOUSANDS of dollars to achieve that level of brand LOYALTY. Among the perks/benefits of that level of BRAND LOYALTY (please note the theme here with that word) you have the right to request a room upgrade at check in among other benefits. For the record, not once since achieving Diamond status, have I requested my room be upgraded to a suite. Primarily because I am in the hotel for one day and on to my next property the following day, most times leaving in the middle of the night due to the line of work I am in. Today, as I arrive at the Ballast, I notice the river and the USS North Carolina museum ship moored just behind the hotel. I get to my room and discover that I am street side in an odd numbered room and would really like to get some upper view photos of the battleship. I returned to the desk and ask if I could be switched to a waterside room. Now, for the record the hotel is NINE STORIES TALL and as near as I can calculate has 26 water facing rooms on each floor. Assuming, that floors one and two and possibly three are event and meeting space that still leaves six floors or 156 water side rooms available for booking. Imagine my surprise when I am informed that ”sorry, there is no way for me to move you” You're telling me that 156 rooms are occupied by folks that are incredibly LOYAL to your brand? That the2 wedding parties that you tell me are in house could not be equally accommodated in street side rooms? So much for brand LOYALTY!

Staff was amazing! We were in town for a funeral. But Dawn was extremely helpful at the front desk, she was courteous and went the extra mile to ensure our stay was up to par . Mark at Valet was quick and responsive. Great experience all the way around!

Room was a bit small for a king size bed and there was a leak by the bathroom toilet so we were relocated to a different room. So despite the relocation nuisance we were compensated a free night stay and some Bonvoy Marriott points. Pool area was very clean and the water was a nice temperature. The one bartender was especially nice and all of the other service people were very polite and cordial.

Check in process was not smooth due to room keys not programming correctly at check in. We were sent upstairs to “try” the key which of course didn’t work. The hotel staff was very kind about it and came up to let us into the room until keys could be programmed. The major disappointment was our room. It had 2 doubles which is perfect for family traveling, but the glass shower is front and center with a view from every direction within the room and from the exterior hallway. Not a family friendly stay.

This hotel has all rooms with a river view, and is close enough to the Battleship NC to see. I am in a wheelchair and the ramp to the front door is not covered..and the entry into room 301 was too steep for my wheelchair to go over, unless I backed in, but the room was big enough, but the bathroom was really small. The only handicapped rooms they have are only king beds, so where does a caregiver sleep, comfort inn? the room had a small fridge, microwaves are in king suites, only. The breakfast was hot and good, even though I am gluten and lactose intolerant. They had eggs, sausage or bacon, grits, oatmeal, cereal, soy milk, fresh fruit and more. All the staff was friendly, the rooms were clean. Most if not all the corridors are outside, so you could get rain blown wet.

I have had the pleasure of staying here often over the last couple of years as well as many of my work colleagues. I have stayed at many hotels all over the eastern US but none have compared to this one. The hotel itself is great, rooms are spacious and clean, everything is great.. but what really sets it apart is the people. On my most recent stay, Sam checked me in and was extremely personable and polite. Before me there was a lady complaining about some noise that other guests were making and Sam did an incredible job keeping his composure and talking with her professionally and politely. Most of all I am delighted with Michelle Dillers customer service. As I mentioned, I stay often. On my most recent stay, she went as far as to leave me a goodie bag with a personal note on it. I couldn’t be more happy with this hotel and I would recommend it to anybody!

My family and I stayed here for a last minute weekend trip to Wilmington. The location was perfect - easy walk to all the downtown area and riverfront district. Hotel was quiet, comfortable and clean. We experienced no issues with our room. Beds were comfortable and the ac unit was quiet. As always with all hotels, I did not like the pillows. Unfortunately I forgot mine at home. Bathroom/shower were clean and the room decor I thought was modern. Every staff member we encountered was friendly, greeted us and quick to assist. Even the valet staff were quick and friendly. Breakfast was normal free breakfast. Nothing spectacular but the basics were there. Pool is small but clean. We looked at the fitness room but did not use. It also looked clean. Great place for a weekend visit especially if you want to walk around town. Highly recommend.