We've gone here 5-6 times over the last ten years. All the way from Europe. I find it to be the best place on the beach. Modern and comfortable and worthy of the term “resort”. But it is getting a bit old and worn in places.

First the good. The beds we had were some of the most comfortable ever. Mattresses nice and solid, but what appears to be a soft mattress cover. The result really works. Rooms are good size and each with a great view. Either the ocean (with only one channel - ocean) and the sound view with many things to look at. Outdoor pool isn’t the biggest, but adequate considering that the beach is great, has direct access from the hotel and much more entertaining. There is an large indoor wading depth pool that is heated. We don’t use the hotel food very often as we have our favorite outside places, but the few times we did eat there it was what we expected. Service in the bar is usually slow, but its been busy when we were there. very good. Staff was very responsive to problems and the front desk is normally very Carolina friendly. However there was one at the front desk who appeared to be rather authoritative. She meant well, but a smile here and there would help.

Lots of parking inside and outside, but when the hotel is full, competition for the spaces can become a bit spirited. As parking is a problem now at Wrightsville Beach, its good to have an easy space. However, the hotel isn’t near anything, so you have to drive to visit other places. Common areas are marbled and roomy. My world-traveled kids found the kids club to be one of the best (only the wind surfing kid care on Corsica was better). They couldn’t wait. It seemed normal to me, but the girls running the place must have been attentive and nice. Also, they would have people from the serpentarium and aquarium visit with exhibits.

On the down side, the bathrooms could use a re-freshening. Some effort has been made on sinks and counters, but the tubs are old. There is a “kitchenette” in the rooms with a nice fridge and microwave, but the cupboards look very dated. And they are empty. No plates, glasses or cutlery. Found that odd. The carpets in the room are fine, but I thought the hall carpets looked old. Could be the pattern - busy and dark - to hide stains). But worn or not, it gave the appearance of worn.

Would I stay there again. Without a second thought. Always enjoyable, comfortable and a notch above anything else at the beach. Can’t wait to go again.

We stayed at the hotel in October as part of one of the Wilmington home builders "visit us and stay free offers." The hotel was clean, service good, the view gorgeous. Our balcony overlooked the ocean. Breakfast was included in our package. I don't think I've ever had such a large omelet at a hotel. On the downside, service was poor in the restaurant. We had to wait and wait and wait for coffee.

If it wasn't for the food this would have received a 5 from me. Maybe it was the fact that we went during the off season? I hope not because when the weekend was over I had paid $802 for the getaway.

The service in the restaurant was just about as slow it could possibly be with fewer than 10 tables out of atleast 40 being occupied. At one point on Saturday night I asked a bus boy for a refill on my drink since the waitress hadn't been seen in the dining area for atleast 15 minutes. The flounder was so obviously made a day or two (or more) before hand and thawed for me to eat. For $21.50 I would have expected a freshly prepared meal.

For the breakfast the next morning we used our $20 coupons that we were given when we checked in. I'm guessing the coupon is a signal for the kitchen to fire up the microwave and heatup the frozen pancakes. I felt like there was a good possibility that the pancakes I was eating were someone elses leftovers from sometime before hand that they didn't want to let go to waste.

If I was rating the facility on the food and food service alone I wouldn't even be able to give it one star. Terrible to say the least.

Now for the room and the facility itself? Outstanding. Room was clean and quiet (Except the bathroom walls were paper thin - No big deal) and the whirlpool was a fun addition. A little dirty on the outside under the mirrors but nothing I would fret about. Main thing was, there was no one elses body hair when it was put to use.

Would I stay here again? Yes I would. Would I eat at the restaurant? Not even if it were free. Hopefully during the "On Season" it is better quality but my colon isn't willing to take the chance.

I've stayed at the Blockade Runner and Shell Island Resort, but this hotel beats them out by far. Really nice rooms and an indoor and outdoor pool. They have three excellent on site dining options.