Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington Downtown

The staff around 5 on 10-22 were really great, and quick access to the river walk was a real plus. We didn't arrive early enough to enjoy it as much as I wanted, but we walked down and brought dinner back from Riverfront Asian Cuisine. I received a river-view upgrade, though the river itself was only partly visible. Wilmington at night looked lovely. This was the second-best of the three Homewood Suites stops on our NC-to-NY-and-back trip. The room was clean and the beds and other furniture were comfortable, but it had some quirks. The shower had trouble warming up, the AC was loud, the ceiling fan didn't work, and the bathroom vent fan stayed on. The electrical setup could use some TLC. Breakfast was okay, and I loved the fresh blueberries. When I checked the social hour around 6, there was virtually no food, just lemonade or alcohol. The Suite Shop sodas were reasonably priced. Parking was quiet while we were there, though I think hotel guests should get free or discounted parking and priority. I'd stay again, maybe just not in the upgraded room.

The river view was the one bright spot in a very disappointing stay. I paid extra for it, but the room had a huge fruit-fly problem. I killed more than fifty and had to keep my food and snacks in the fridge. When I told the front desk late in the evening, they gave me Lysol and told me to spray the room myself instead of offering another room or housekeeping. After returning from rehearsal at 10pm, I spent almost two hours spraying and killing flies, then turned the AC down to freezing so the air would be breathable. That was completely unacceptable. The room also seemed poorly cleaned and maintained: sticky floors that left my dance shoes filthy, hair in the bathroom, sink, and on surfaces, and dust or debris on tables. Before noon, housekeeping knocked twice even though that was the actual checkout time and I was in a Zoom meeting. The front desk only gave me a 12:30 checkout, which felt like the bare minimum after all that. I've stayed in the area many times, but tried this hotel instead of my usual place. The building looks newer and more modern, but the cleanliness, staff response, and room condition made everything frustrating. It has potential, but I won't return unless they make serious improvements.

The rooms were dirty, with sticky, visibly grimy floors, unidentified stuff on the counters, and splatters on the doors. This place needs a major housekeeping overhaul. I also don't understand the parking charge, since parking was free when I stayed at the Hyatt right next door. We only slept here before leaving, and had booked using Hilton points, but without the location and those points, we definitely would have left.

I enjoyed my stay, even though I didn't get a river view. I look for Hilton hotels with kitchens because of my dietary restrictions, and this room was spacious with the things I needed to cook. The front desk staff were pleasant and helpful. I'd stay here again.