TL;DR
- Hilton-backed boutique: Part of the Tapestry Collection, offering modern luxury.
- Post-modern design: Black-and-white interiors with colorful accents, sleek common areas, courtyard seating.
- Comfort & perks: Spotless property with luxury amenities.
- Luxury rooms: With soft linens, HDTVs, coffee machines, blackout curtains and work areas.
- Check prices here
It’s Hilton’s Tapestry Collection we have to thank for this edge-of-Wilmington, North Carolina, boutique hotel.
To be honest, we’re not convinced that the strip-mall boutique works for anything but a retro-style motel, but we can’t deny Hilton’s clout, and its list of luxury amenities.
From the front, it looks like if you’re not better off inside the hotel, you’d be better off in a car heading somewhere else.
There’s nothing to herald you in but a few lines of trees around a parking lot.
Inside things open up, though, twilight zone-like, to a swish world of sleek modernity and colorful accents.
It’s a bit like a 90s luxury mall meets the Wall-E spaceship, where boxy units open out to a courtyard full of pod-like outdoor seating.
If you want a hotel with plenty of perks, comfort, and spotlessness, Hotel Lela will do nicely.
What are the rooms like?
- Room design: Black-and-white interiors with minimal wall decor, elegant non-carpeted floors.
- Amenities: HDTVs with HBO, coffee machines, blackout curtains, comfy seating, and work desks.
- Options: King Singles, Queen Doubles, and accessible rooms.
- See each room in detail here
Rooms are black and white affairs, essentially, with a smidgen of wall decor to keep things interesting.
We like that they’re not fully carpeted; it adds a level of elegance that works well with the otherwise simple design.
It’s definitely the kind of look designed to be inoffensive, which can be a bit boring, but is, this might shock you, not offensive.
When put against the glitzy whites and gleaming lights of the common areas, it balances nicely.
Options are King Singles and Queen Doubles, with varied options for accessibility.
The linens are soft and lovely, the bath amenities luxurious, and all rooms feature large HDTVs with HBO, coffee machines, blackout curtains, comfy seating, and working desks.
What are prices like?
And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?
- Onsite restaurant: Palomas, Latin-inspired cuisine for breakfast and dinner.
- Drinks: Palomas and cocktails, well-executed and vacation-ready.
- Unique facilities: Golf simulation Swing Suites, 24/7 fitness center, outdoor saltwater pool with cabanas.
The onsite restaurant, Palomas, is a Latin-inspired spot open morning and night.
Breakfast will get you ready for a day’s exploring, while dinner lets you explore the menu a bit more. Stick with a classic set of tacos, or grab a few appetizers for variety.
Drinks are also excellent, with the eponymous paloma heading the menu. It’s a classic drink, and done well, it will set off your vacation perfectly.
There are more facilities in this hotel than in most of Wilmington’s boutique options.
A unique addition is the golf simulation Swing Suites, where you can order dinner and practice your ball-hitting skills.
Routine-loving travelers can use the fitness center 24/7.
The outdoor saltwater pool is perhaps the most welcome option, with a kiddie pool area and plenty of cabanas.
How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?
- Location drawback: Edge-of-town, surrounded by parking lots and other hotels.
- Nearby spots: Cracker Barrel, McDonald’s, Sonic drive-thru, brewery tasting rooms.
- Wilmington access: 10-minute drive to downtown; Riverwalk, museums, restaurants, and beaches within short drive.
The location is pretty obviously the biggest drawback.
Essentially, you’ll be in the middle of a parking lot surrounded by other hotels of lesser quality.
Nearby restaurants include the Cracker Barrel, McDonald’s, and the Sonic drive-thru, which, to be completely fair, do sound fantastic after a night out.
Indeed, there’s even a brewery tasting room and sports bar tucked in there somewhere behind the Sonic. We can think of worse nights.
If, however, you were hoping for some cloth-napkin level service, you’ll have to head into Wilmington proper.
It’s just a 10-minute drive, so if you have wheels or really love chatting up Lyft drivers, you’re in luck.
You’ll also be happy to know that the downtown area is incredibly walkable. You can reach the Riverwalk, most of the local museums and the city’s best restaurants within a 20- or 30-minute walk.
If you were more in the mood for some beach time, there are plenty of outdoorsy spots within a short distance.
River Road Park is a 20-minute drive, and Carolina Beach just another 5 beyond that.
If you like a bit of structure to your nature, check out the New Hanover County Arboretum or Trails End Park.
And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?
Some things guests liked:
”The hotel decor looks beautiful, the pleasant aroma at the entrance is enchanting, the servers & service was excellent, the room & hallways where always clean & I could see star pay a great deal of attention the cleanliness which I really respect & appreciate….”
”Newer style modern facility, great staff and clean place. Close to the beach and downtown areas.best of both worlds with free parking….”
Some things guests didn’t like:
”Aircon in reception was very cold for me..this included bar area….”
”No microwave in the room but the front desk was able to heat our leftovers up. No big deal. It was a minor inconvenience. Did not care for the personality of the manager or whatever his title was. He was not friendly and almost rude. The rest of the staff was awesome….”
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