Mainstay Suites Wilmington - University Area Exterior photoMainstay Suites Wilmington - University Area Room photoMainstay Suites Wilmington - University Area Beds photo

MAINSTAY SUITES WILMINGTON - UNIVERSITY AREA, Wilmington

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Check rooms and rates
From$89 /night
Check-in
20Aug
Check-out
21Aug
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room

About the Hotel

5229 Market Street Hwy 132 & Us 17, Wilmington, 28405-
Near Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park

Key Highlights

Spacious suite-style rooms with separate bedroom, living area, and full kitchen.

Full-size refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and borrowable kitchen appliances.

Free on-site private parking and free WiFi throughout.

Pet-friendly with a one-time $50 non-refundable fee (dogs/cats under 11.3 kg).

Close to Wilmington International Airport (4 km), UNCW, and multiple restaurants within walking distance.

Seasonal outdoor pool shared with sister hotel, plus fitness centre and courtyard with BBQ facilities.

Hotel Details

Location

Located 4 km from Wilmington International Airport, near UNCW, and within walking distance of numerous restaurants and shops.
The hotel sits 4 km from Wilmington International Airport and is a short drive to downtown Wilmington and the historic riverwalk. UNCW is close by, making it convenient for campus visits. Several dining options are within 0.5 km, including Bonefish Grill, Ruby Tuesday, and Chick-fil-A. Wrightsville Beach is a 10-minute drive, and Carolina Beach is about 30 minutes away. Free private parking is available on site with no reservation needed, and the lot is well lit at night.

Accommodation

Spacious suites with separate bedroom, living area, and full kitchen, featuring a full-size fridge, stove, and dishwasher.
Rooms are suite-style, with options like the SNQQ that has a door separating the bedroom from the living area, and two-bedroom suites with one king and one queen bed. Every room includes a pull-out sofa, carpeted floors, air conditioning, heating, and ironing facilities. The full kitchen comes equipped with cookware, utensils, and a dishwasher. Additional kitchen appliances (air fryer, blender, instant pot, toaster oven) are available to borrow from the front desk. Bathtubs are standard except in accessible rooms with roll-in showers; a shower chair can be requested. Some carpets and furniture show signs of wear, and TV sizes are small. Beds are generally comfortable, though some are older. The layout works well for families or longer stays.

Dining

Complimentary continental breakfast with waffles, bagels, cereal, fruit, and yogurt; no hot proteins are served.
Breakfast is included and served in a clean, spacious room. Options include make-your-own waffles, bagels, cereal, fresh fruit, yogurt, and coffee. Hot items like eggs or bacon are not offered. For heartier meals, the full kitchen in each suite allows guests to prepare their own food. Several restaurants are within a short walk, including Jason's Deli, Bonefish Grill, and Cracker Barrel. The breakfast room also features a pleasant outdoor patio with flowers and seating.

Wellness and Leisure

Seasonal outdoor pool shared with the sister hotel, plus a fitness centre and a courtyard with BBQ facilities.
The outdoor swimming pool is located across the parking lot at Sleep Inn and is open seasonally from 9:00 to 22:00. There is no hot tub. The fitness centre is free and includes basic equipment. The courtyard features a garden, outdoor seating, BBQ grills, and cornhole games. Beach umbrellas are available for guests. The pool and courtyard are popular during warmer months, and the landscaping is well maintained with palm trees and flowers.

Facilities and Services

Free WiFi, free private parking, 24-hour front desk, business centre, and pet-friendly policy with a $50 fee.
WiFi is complimentary throughout the property. On-site parking is free and does not require a reservation; accessible parking is available. The 24-hour front desk can assist with late check-ins and key card issues. Daily housekeeping is offered, though consistency may vary; specific requests can be made. The business centre provides fax and photocopying services. Vending machines for drinks and snacks are on site. The hotel has a lift, designated smoking areas, and non-smoking rooms. CCTV and smoke alarms are installed. Accepted payment methods include American Express, Visa, Discover, and MasterCard. Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out at 12:00. Pets are allowed with a one-time $50 fee; dogs and cats under 11.3 kg are accepted.
Highly rated by guestsof Mainstay Suites Wilmington - University Area
Friendly staffSpacious roomsComfortable bedsEfficiency kitchen
  • Dining

    Breakfast Options

    “The breakfast offered many choices to meet dietary needs. There were lots of options for everyone.”

    Karen from Canada
    Review on
  • Room Features

    Incredible Room

    “The room had a full kitchen and sitting area. It felt very clean and spacious with two beds.”

    Jessica from United Kingdom
    Review on
  • Guest Parking

    Easy Parking

    “It was easy to get into the parking lot. There was always plenty of parking spaces available.”

    Michael from United States
    Review on
  • Bedroom

    Comfortable Bed

    “The bed was amazingly comfortable and fresh. It was a very nice property with a great bed.”

    David from Australia
    Review on

Critical Operational Notes

  • Minimum check-in age is 21; no exceptions.
  • Pet fee: $50 non-refundable per pet, due at check-in; dogs and cats under 11.3 kg allowed.
  • Outdoor pool is shared with Sleep Inn across the parking lot; open seasonally 9:00-22:00, no hot tub.
  • Breakfast is continental style (waffles, bagels, cereal, fruit, yogurt); no hot proteins are served.
  • Key cards may require reprogramming; request spares at check-in.

Most popular facilities

at Mainstay Suites Wilmington - University Area
Wi-Fi
Free parking
24-hour services
Fitness/ Gym
Swimming pool
Lift

Top Strategic Tips

  • 01

    Request a room on an upper floor or away from high-traffic areas to reduce potential noise from hallways or neighbors.

  • 02

    Bring your own toiletries, as stock may be limited; the kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering.

  • 03

    Use the full kitchen and borrowable appliances (air fryer, blender) to prepare meals and save on dining costs.

  • 04

    Confirm the pool is across the parking lot at the sister hotel before planning swim times.

Choose your room type

Mainstay Suites Wilmington - University Area — double rooms, family rooms, and suites. Breakfast options and free cancellation available on selected rates
  • King Suite Non-Smoking
    2 persons
    33 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
  • Queen Suite Non-Smoking
    2 persons
    33 sq. feet
    2 King Size Beds
    Air conditioning
    Heating
  • Standard Queen Suite Two Queen Beds Non-Smoking
    2 persons
    35 sq. feet
    2 King Size Beds
    Air conditioning
Show all rooms

Hotel Price Calendar

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

What's included at Mainstay Suites Wilmington - University Area — facilities and services available during your stay
Facilities: Very good
7.8/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Free parking
  • 24-hour reception
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Security
  • Lift
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre

Guest Parking

  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

  • Housekeeping

Business

  • Business centre
  • Fax/Photocopying

Spa & Leisure

  • Seasonal outdoor pool
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Garden area
  • BBQ facilities

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Garden furniture
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Mainstay Suites Wilmington - University Area Location

5229 Market Street Hwy 132 & Us 17, Wilmington, 28405
Explore Wilmington
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Eclipse Artisan Boutique
Eclipse Artisan Boutique
15 minutes' walk
Unique local crafts and gifts, showcasing Wilmington's artistry. Ideal for souvenirs and distinctive finds.
AMC CLASSIC Wilmington 16
5 minutes' drive
Popular cinema with the latest releases. Offers comfortable seating and a wide selection of snacks.
DefyGravity Wilmington Trampoline Park
10 minutes' drive
Exciting indoor trampoline park perfect for thrill-seekers. Ideal for family fun or a unique workout experience.
Airlie Gardens
10 minutes' drive
Beautiful botanical gardens featuring walking trails and seasonal events. Great for a peaceful outdoor stroll.
Trampoline Jumping at DefyGravity
10 minutes' drive
Thrilling trampoline park with various activities. Book online for group sessions or special events.
Yoga at Local Studios
10 minutes' drive
Relaxing yoga classes available in nearby studios. Perfect for rejuvenation after a busy day.
Chopstix
2 minutes' walk
Casual spot known for its sushi and Asian fusion dishes. Fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors.
Bitty & Beau's Coffee
9 minutes' walk
Inclusive coffee shop with a cozy atmosphere. Specialty coffees and baked goods made with love.
Dunkin'
5 minutes' walk
Popular chain for coffee and breakfast sandwiches. Quick service and a reliable choice for on-the-go meals.
Rack'm Pub and Billiard
15 minutes' walk
Fun nightlife spot featuring billiards and live music. Great for a relaxed evening with friends.
Kenan Auditorium
Kenan Auditorium
5 minutes' drive
Home to various performances and events. A cultural hub for music and arts enthusiasts.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Wilmington 6 min  ·  2.4 mi
  • Airports
    Wilmington International (ILM) 11 min  ·  4.5 mi
    Albert J. Ellis (OAJ) 131 min  ·  54.1 mi
Book early and pay less
See available rates for your dates
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 12 pm
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
A continental breakfast is served and charges are applicable.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Year renovated:
2007
Number of rooms:
63

Guest Reviews and Ratings

What guests said after staying at Mainstay Suites Wilmington - University Area
Review score
Based on 422 verified reviews
7.6 /10
Very good
69 %
Recommend
Cleanliness
7.9/10
Comfort
8.1/10
Facilities
7.8/10
Free WiFi
9.0/10
Location
8.6/10
Staff
8.5/10
Value for money
8.1/10
Pros
Clean rooms
Well kept common areas
Efficiency kitchen
Spacious rooms
Comfortable beds
Cons
Key issues
Lacking breakfast
Smoke alarm malfunction
Poor breakfast quality
Guest reviews
based on 413 reviews
7.9/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
FAQs
About Mainstay Suites Wilmington - University Area
What is the distance from Mainstay Suites Wilmington - University Area to Wilmington International Airport?
The hotel is 4 km from Wilmington International Airport.
What time is check-in and check-out at Mainstay Suites Wilmington - University Area?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 12:00.
What amenities are included in the rooms at Mainstay Suites Wilmington - University Area?
Rooms feature air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, a microwave, and a sofa sleeper.
Is breakfast included with a stay at Mainstay Suites Wilmington - University Area?
The hotel serves a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast daily.
What recreational facilities are available at Mainstay Suites Wilmington - University Area?
Guests can enjoy a seasonal outdoor pool and a fitness center.
Is there on-site parking available at Mainstay Suites Wilmington - University Area?
The hotel offers free private parking on-site.
What nearby attractions are close to Mainstay Suites Wilmington - University Area?
Nearby attractions include USS North Carolina (11 km), Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts (6 km), and Arlie Gardens (7 km).
What dining options are available near Mainstay Suites Wilmington - University Area?
Restaurants within 0.5 km include Jason's Deli, Bonefish Grill, and Chick-fil-A.
Does Mainstay Suites Wilmington - University Area offer business services?
The hotel features a 24-hour business center with computers and provides copy and fax services.

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