MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area

2.5 star property

Photo gallery for MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area

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

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View 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
(42 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

Similar properties

About the area

Wilmington

A stay at MainStay Suites Wilmington - University Area places you in the heart of Wilmington, a 3-minute drive from University of North Carolina at Wilmington and 7 minutes from Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park. .This hotel is 3.3 mi (5.3 km) from Mayfaire Town Center and 4.3 mi (7 km) from Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts.

What's nearby

  • University of North Carolina at Wilmington - 2 min drive - 2.3 km
  • Mayfaire Town Center - 7 min drive - 5.9 km
  • Wilmington Convention Center - 9 min drive - 10.3 km
  • Cape Fear Community College - 9 min drive - 10.6 km
  • Battleship North Carolina - 11 min drive - 12.6 km

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 with free parking, near University of North Carolina at Wilmington
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.

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.

Make yourself at home in one of the 63 air-conditioned rooms featuring kitchens with full-sized refrigerators/freezers and stovetops. Your bed comes with premium bedding, and all rooms are furnished with double sofa beds. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Conveniences include desks and separate sitting areas, as well as phones with free local calls.
Take advantage of recreation opportunities including a fitness center and a seasonal outdoor pool. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless internet access, gift shops/newsstands, and a television in a common area.
A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM.
Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning between 6:30 AM and 9:30 AM.

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • RV/bus/lorry parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • 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 motorised watercraft
  • Seasonal outdoor pool
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • In-room cot
  • 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 centre

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
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Lever door handles
  • Lift
  • 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 centre
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Double sofa bed
  • Free cot
  • 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
  • Hob
  • Kitchen
  • Microwave
  • Separate dining area

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 allowed for an extra charge of USD 50 per accommodation, per stay
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Children up to the age of 18 years can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Free cribs are available on request at the property

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may 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)

We should mention

The seasonal pool will be open from April to October
Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 10 PM

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

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

8/10 Good

Philip

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The room was clean, but old. They give you everything you need in the kitchen except dish soap, just don't expect anything fancy. We were there for five days, and not once did housekeeping pick up our garbage or replace used items. The staff were exceptional! I met three different front desk receptionists, all great. The women cleaning up the buffet breakfast area was fantastic. She really understood infection prevention and control.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Travelled with partner
It was fine for the price . Stair hallways were very dirty , hallways stunk , but room was fine . Made my own breakfast in the kitchenette . Room was stuffy , but opening the window was great ! Staff was friendly and helpful ! Can’t beat the price and the convenient location .
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gary, Concord

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

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

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
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

Travelled 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 traveller
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 traveller
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 traveller
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

Travelled 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

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

2/10 Terrible

Sean

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled with family, Travelled with pets
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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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