MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area

2.5 star property
Hotel with free breakfast, near University of North Carolina at Wilmington

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Photo gallery for MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area

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

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

Located in North College within 2 miles (3 km) of University of North Carolina at Wilmington, MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area is within a few miles (5 km) of other popular sights such as Mayfaire Town Center. This 63-room hotel has conveniences like free breakfast, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

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
  • ‪Olive Garden - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪IHOP - ‬7 min walk

About this property

MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area

Hotel with free breakfast, near University of North Carolina at Wilmington
At MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area, guests have access to a gym, free WiFi in public areas, and a 24-hour business center. If you decide to drive, there's free parking. The front desk is staffed 24/7 to help secure valuables, and answer any questions about the accommodations. Additional amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool, free newspapers, and laundry facilities.
Guests can expect 32-inch TVs with cable channels, along with free WiFi and wired Internet. Beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Kitchens, sofa beds, and dining areas are other standard amenities.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include a fitness center and a seasonal outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Property amenities

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

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

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Business services

  • 24-hour business center

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Picnic area

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

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

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

Bathroom

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

Entertainment

  • 32-inch TV with premium cable channels

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

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 50 per accommodation, per stay
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children 18 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding
  • Free cribs/infant beds are available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

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

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

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)
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM—-anytime
  • Check-out: noon
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers free self parking, along with RV, bus, and truck parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a smoke detector and window guards.
  • This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Commitment to Clean (Choice).

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • The seasonal pool is open from April to October.
  • Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 10 PM.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

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

Is free cancellation available at MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area?

MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area offers free cancellation on select room rates. If you'd like to learn more, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What's there to do near MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area?

This hotel is situated in North College, close to Riverwalk and Wrightsville Beach. You'll also find Mayfaire Town Center and Cape Fear River within a short drive.

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

Yes, uncovered self parking is offered for free at the hotel. Accessible parking and RV/bus/truck parking are also available for guests.

Does MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area include a casino?

No, MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool. Guests have access between 9:00 AM and 10 PM and the seasonal pool is normally open from April until October.

Is MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area a good place to stay for couples?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this hotel include a kitchen, premium bedding, and free Internet access.

Are there hot tubs at MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area offers free continental breakfast each morning though there is no restaurant.

Does MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area allow pets to stay for free?

Although they can't stay for free, pets are welcome at MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area for a fee of USD 50 per accommodation, per stay.

Does MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

Where is the closest airport to MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area?

The closest major airport to MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area is Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM), which is 4.6 mi away (7 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area.

MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 420 out of 905 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 251 out of 905 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 118 out of 905 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 65 out of 905 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 51 out of 905 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

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

8/10 Good

Robin

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The courtyard is pretty.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carl Jackson

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very thankful for the professionalism, flexibility, and friendliness of the staff that I interacted with.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Kimberly

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Property is pet friendly
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Joanne

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

martin

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The rooms furniture wasn’t fit to sit on. The rooms and hallway odour was dreadful and the communal pool wasn’t at the hotel. The communal sitting areas were ok.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

stacy

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jacobo

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennefer, Spring Lake

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a nice and clean property
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Amenities
Nice
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025