Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

It just needs to be refurbished and amenities brought back

Great location and views

Location

The location was great alongside the river.

Just awesome!

It was convenient to downtown activities.

I spent a week here for a conference. This is hands down the dirtiest hotel I have ever stayed in. My room was musty, sticky and gross. I had to wipe down the tables myself because the ring marks from drinks were still present. The soap scum in the bathroom is incredible. There are no refrigerators in the standard rooms. The only working ice machine was a floor below me. They provide you with a little coffee maker but no cups. The air handler is also ridiculously loud. To top it all off, the elevator went out on the last day. The staff that shows up are very nice and apologetic so they get 1 of the stars the other is for the location. This hotel would not survive if it was not on the river. The owners of this hotel should sell to someone willing to clean and upgrade this place. Do yourself a favor and don’t stay here.

Location, valet parking, restaurant at the hotel

It was beautiful

The staff is outstanding and a perfect downtown location! We traveled to Wilmington for our son’s promotion ceremony in the Coast Guard. Gabriel was so accommodating to allow our family an early check in. The riverside room was perfect. Beds were comfy and everything we needed minus a fridge. Couldn’t figure out the window blinds and a kind little lady from housekeeping fixed us right up! Unfortunately, we had a medical emergency that shortened our stay. Erica (from America) at the front desk was understanding and absolutely the sweetest. She answered all of my questions, was extremely helpful and gave me the warmest hug to “take care” before leaving. Hard to find kindness these days but there is no shortage of that warmth and spirit at Hotel Ballast. Can’t wait to visit again, explore downtown, and hang out at the pool. The folks at Hotel Ballast will take good care of you!

The staff was excellent. The equipment in the rooms was not. The first room we were assigned had no heat and maintenance was not able to get it working. The second and third rooms had the same issue.

Beyond disappointed and disgusted with this hotel. I don't know how Hilton let's them use their name, especially as a Tapestry collection hotel. It certainly shouldn't be a 5 star hotel rating. We stayed here 4/11 for the night after our wedding ceremony at a local venue. My husband came in to the hotel the night before, unbeknownst to me to see if something special could be set up for our wedding night arrival. He talked with the night manager, stated he would be bringing champagne and would pay extra fees to see if he could get some extra additions and ensure a nice arrival to celebrate our wedding night.Notes were made in our reservation, and he was told something would be set up.
Upon our arrival to check-in at 10pm on 4/11, he was told it was taken care of, but they weren't sure what was done. When coming in our room, the only "ammenity" we could see were 2 warm bottles of water. Nothing else, not even an ice bucket set up. Worse, our room was beyond filthy. There was inches of dust and dirt on the baseboards and floor. Eveything in the room was coated in layers of dust and looked beaten up.There was no handsoap in the dispenser by the sink. No washcloths to take a shower. Crumbs and filthy floors. Chunks of black gunk in our ac vent. We had a terrible night sleep with the flat pillows, thin blanketts and ac that made screeching noises all night. After waking at 7am to the sound of screaming and yelling...I went to take a shower to leave asap. The shower door panel was filthy, the shower handle half hanging off so it was hard to adjust temperature and the shower drain was so bad you had to stand in 3 inches of water. The toilet seat slid off to the side sitting on it. This was a disgusting and upsetting way to spend our wedding night, especially after spending $300 for a room.
Upon checkout we weren't asked anything about our stay...assuming they knew and didnt care it was sub par. This is NOT a 5 star hotel. We live locally in Wilmington and vould not leave fast enough to go home. I would recommend any other hotel

This hotel is nestled in a very nice area off the Cape Fear River. It has a wonderful view of the river, and my room had a view of the Battleship where we could also see other boats and scenery.

The Pros: All staff that I encountered were friendly and helpful. Check-in and parking was very easy and organized. I did not get to go to the hotel restaurant for breakfast or dinner, but I did use my Food & Beverage credit in the hotel market which was stocked each night that I was there, fully. My view was AMAZING. I was able to see the Battleship and the windows were wide enough for a full view. Housekeeping came and took care of our room, and restocked and cleaned which I think was nice.

The Cons: There is no microwave or refrigerator in the rooms. I didn't realize this, and have brought along a lot of juices and waters that needed refrigeration. There is a microwave downstairs in little market area of the lobby for use though, Although the rooms are nice, they do seem a little outdated. There was more of a damp smell in my room rather than the clean fresh smell that most hotels have. This is the same in the hallway, there was a very musty damp smell (probably from the carpet). I think with a little carpet cleaning and renovation at some point, this hotel could definitely get a higher rating.

All in all, it was a nice stay and I enjoyed it and the downtown area!!

The staff was amazing. Accommodating friendly and polite