MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area

2.5 star property
Hotel near University of North Carolina at Wilmington in Wilmington

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area

Free daily continental breakfast
Premium bedding, desk, laptop workspace, blackout drapes
Property amenity
Lobby
Lobby

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
5229 Market St, Hwy 132 & Us 17, Wilmington, NC, 28405
  • Place, University of North Carolina at Wilmington
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Wilmington Convention Center
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Battleship North Carolina
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Airport, Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

Suite, 2 Queen Beds with Kitchen, 1 Room Efficiency, Non Smoking

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(10 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Suite, 2 Queen Beds with Sofa Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(12 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed with Kitchen, Non Smoking

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(41 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, 2 Queen Beds with Kitchen, Non Smoking

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(46 reviews)
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

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About the neighborhood

Wilmington

City center stay.Your stay at this North College hotel places you within 3 miles (5 km) of University of North Carolina at Wilmington and Mayfaire Town Center. Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts and Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).

What's nearby

  • University of North Carolina at Wilmington - 2 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • Mayfaire Town Center - 7 min drive - 3.7 miles
  • Wilmington Convention Center - 9 min drive - 6.4 miles
  • Cape Fear Community College - 9 min drive - 6.6 miles
  • Battleship North Carolina - 11 min drive - 7.8 miles

Getting around

  • Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM) - 7 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Jax 5th Avenue Deli & Ale House - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Cracker Barrel - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Golden Corral - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min drive

About this property

MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area

Hotel near University of North Carolina at Wilmington in Wilmington
MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area offers its guests a fitness center and a seasonal outdoor pool. WiFi is free in public spaces. You'll find a 24-hour business center on site. Free breakfast is served daily. Barbecue grills, a vending machine, and gift shops/newsstands are also featured at the business-friendly MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area. Free self parking is available.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Wilmington hotel.

  • 63 guestrooms or units
  • Continental breakfast (free)
  • Business center (24 hours)
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Front-desk safe
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Gift shop
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • Television in lobby
  • Elevator
  • Smoking in designated areas
MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area offers 63 air-conditioned accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Accommodations have separate sitting areas and are furnished with double sofa beds. Beds feature premium bedding. Premium cable television is provided. Kitchens offer full-sized refrigerators/freezers, stovetops, microwaves, and separate dining areas. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wired and wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and blackout drapes/curtains. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room crib
  • In-room full-sized refrigerator/freezer
  • In-room kitchen
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room sofa bed
  • Laundry facilities
  • Seasonal outdoor pool
  • Separate in-room dining area

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • RV/bus/truck parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM

Things to do

  • Gym
  • Personal motorized watercraft
  • Seasonal outdoor pool
  • TV in common areas

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Elevator
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Lever door handles
  • Pool hoist on site
  • Portable shower seat
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business center
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 32-inch TV with premium cable channels

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Double sofa bed
  • Free crib
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
  • Kitchen
  • Microwave
  • Separate dining area
  • Stovetop

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone
  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: USD 50 per accommodation, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Children 18 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Free cribs (infant beds)!

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Pet fee: USD 50 per accommodation, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector and window guards
This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Commitment to Clean (Choice)
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector and window guards in each accommodation. This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Commitment to Clean (Choice).

We should mention

  • The seasonal pool will open in April and close in October.
  • Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 10 PM.
  • Children 18 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.

Property is also known as

Mainstay Suites Hotel Wilmington
Mainstay Suites Wilmington
Mainstay Wilmington
Mainstay Suites Wilmington Hotel
Wilmington Mainstay Suites
Mainstay Suites Wilmington
MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area Hotel
MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area Wilmington
MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area Hotel Wilmington

Frequently asked questions

How close is MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area to the airport?

MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area is 4.6 mi (7-min drive) away from the Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area?

As of Jan 27, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area on Feb 25, 2026 start from $75.65, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area.

How close is MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area to the beach?

This hotel is 6 mi (12-min drive) from Wrightsville Beach and 17 mi (27-min drive) from Carolina Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area offer free breakfast?

MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area offers free continental breakfast every day from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM.

Is there a casino at MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

Is there free parking at MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area have a pool?

MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area features a seasonal outdoor pool. Guests can enjoy pool access from 9:00 AM to 10 PM.

Does MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area to downtown Wilmington?

MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area is 4.2 mi away from Wilmington.

MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 421 out of 907 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 252 out of 907 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 118 out of 907 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 65 out of 907 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 51 out of 907 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Meredith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The lady that checked me in, upgraded me and check in was short. She was very nice. Thank you for a great stay!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Sonia, Stanfield

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
The water in the pool was not clear.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Abraham

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Felice

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Upon arriving the person at the feont desk was very welcoming. So kind!!!!! Felt like it was home away from home. So comfortable and peaceful and clean. 10/10 i would recommend. Will definitely go back in the near future.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Emilee

Business traveler
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The room was large but getting to your room looks like a crime scene the carpets in the hall are so disgustingly filthy and even though I had a non smoking room, all I could smell was cigarette smoke in the hall and my room.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Josh

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
One of the few hotels that has parking a truck and large trailer.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shannon

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Amy

Business traveler
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I would give this zero stars. I have no idea who rated this place as excellent. It was filthy and my room REEKED of body odor and cat pee. I asked to be moved but they denied it because I booked through a third party. I gagged when I entered the room
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Asmaaa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I enjoyed my stay here. I will definitely be returning back every time I come to town.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Michele

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The room was clean. The furniture (chair and love seat) in the room was dirty, stained and was very worn.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jacobo

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Craig

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Sean

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
They do not clean, there is no standard of cleanliness here. You can smell the bleach or cleaning products on most properties, not here. I doubt they have a vacuum. I say this because there was crushed goldfish, dog food on the floor with coffee splashed around the kitchen area. The sheets weren’t even changed, they just tucked the comforter over it. How do I know? Cause the sheets were all wrinkled and had pubic hairs. Don’t bother with this place.
Some of the dog food we found
I removed the comforter before even getting in
Splashed coffee
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Jasmine

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I really enjoy the space, however I think the cleaning staff should pay a bit more attention to details. There was a crown Royal bottle in the pull out couch. So I didn't feel safe allowing my children to sleep on it being that it couldn't have been properly cleaned.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jacobo

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Manny

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Not a 5 star hotel, but a good value for the money, quiet, easy convenient parking, decent room, clean, well stocked. Better than average (included) breakfast, good selection of breakfast foods. If in Wilmington and need a place to stay I highly recommend mainStay suites of Wilmington. It's my new "go to" hotel when I'm in Wilmington.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Glenda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean , excellent service, could use carpet replaced in hallways. Musty smell in room, but not bad. Great place.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

laura

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
All the staff were very helpful and free. Clean rooms.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Alexandria

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Room noticeably not clean, many weird smells in hallways and rooms, towels smelled musty, pillows very lumpy Maid service came to give clean towels but did not clean or make beds Shower drain was not working properly so water just gathered in tub while showering
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jacobo

Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Billy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charles

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jacobo

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great value. Clean spacious room. The staff was so friendly and nice to my dog. The grounds are well kept.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025