WILMINGTON — A new hotel in downtown Wilmington has officially opened after undergoing construction for almost two years.
A $30-million project, Aloft Wilmington is a brand of Marriott International, located as part of the Coast Line Center at 501 Nutt St. It’s owned and operated by Laurinburg, N.C.’s Poteat Hospitality Associates, a family-owned company that oversees seven hotels — Marriott, Hilton and Best Western brands — across the state. It purchased the Coast Line complex in 2015.
Situated on the downtown Riverwalk, the seven-story lifestyle hotel is integrated as part of the restored, historic Atlantic Coast Line. Constructed in the late 19th century, the center served as home base for the railroad company until the 1960s when it relocated its headquarters to Florida.
“Our entire team is so excited to bring this fresh, new offering to downtown Wilmington’s hotel scene,” Ken Lile, general manager of Aloft, said in a press release.
Though the hotel is modern, its design incorporates high ceilings and exposed brick walls from the original structure, as well as original wooden beams, according to the release. It features 125 guest rooms, which includes 12 suites and 11 corner rooms, outfitted with balconies. There are also meeting spaces located throughout — small (500 square feet) to large (7,800 square feet). Aloft can accommodate weddings up to 400 guests.
Inside the hotel will be bar WXYZ, located adjacent to the outdoor patio near the lobby. Specialty cocktails and bites will be served. On the seventh floor aView, a rooftop bar and bistro, will specialize in “elevated small plates,” according to the release, featuring fine wine, craft beer and cocktails.
Aloft Coffee Bar also will be open daily on site, serving breakfast pastries prepared by an in-house pastry chef, as well as sandwiches and coffees.
Poteat Hospitality announced it will add a third dining option in 2022. The Atlantic Restaurant and Wine Loft is slated to offer guests a fine-dining experience.
Marriott has more than 175 lifestyle hotels worldwide in 25 countries and territories. Reservations for Aloft Wilmington can be made here.
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