This Boutique Hotel In Wilmington, North Carolina Is A Traveler's Dream

The restored Queen Anne Victorian home is like no hotel you've ever seen before.

Not so long ago, unless you were staying in an ultra-luxury spa resort, a hotel was just a place to rest your head. You might expect a waffle maker in the morning, but outside of that, there was little to get excited about. In recent years, the tides have turned, ushering in a new trend in hospitality: the experiential stay. Nowadays, accommodations—whether in a boutique hotel, bed and breakfast, glamping yurt, or converted airstream trailer—are a major factor in travel planning. We want our hotels and stays to be comfortable, yes, but we also expect them to amplify our overall travel experience.

In Wilmington, North Carolina, Dreamers by DW more than answers the call for an unforgettable stay. From the moment I pulled up to the property’s front gate on a quiet, tree-lined street just blooks from downtown Wilmington’s Riverwalk, I knew I was in for something special. Pampas grass, palm trees, and other beachy scrub beckoned to the Atlantic Coast that’s just 10 miles away. From behind the foliage, a beautifully restored Victorian home awaited.

Originally built in the Queen Anne Shingle style, the 1889 home now contains five modernly designed rooms on three floors, as well as several communal living areas. Pillared archways frame a wraparound porch where rattan furniture and a fringed hammock provide ample relaxation space. Scalloped shingles, gable trusses, and white trim add to the home's fairytale appeal.

Inside, giant windows allow natural light to flood into the minimalistic and effortlessly cool space. A front sitting room features a blush-colored velvet couch accented by a fireplace and hanging ferns. Toward the back of the home, you’ll find windowsill benches and café tables in a cozy parlor where breakfast is served each morning. Fresh fruit, granola, and beverages are ready to grab, but guests can also request complimentary vegan or vegetarian breakfast from hotel co-owner and private chef Anna Masteller. The tiny adjoining kitchenette features custom tea blends, an illy espresso machine, and a wall of vintage mini fridges where I happily stashed my leftovers from over-ordering at dinner the night before.

Every inch of Dreamers is well-thought-out and optimized to enhance the guest experience. Even an under-the-stairs nook is utilized as an in-house gallery/shop where guests can buy art prints, essential oils, and room sprays used throughout the hotel. While each of the hotel’s rooms is designed in its own distinct theme, they all feature high ceilings, ample natural light, ensuite bathrooms, and whimsical design.

The Romantic Suite gives greenhouse vibes with textured-glass windows and tropical plants, as well as an original hand-carved fireplace, giant bay window, clawfoot tub, and rain shower. The walls and ceilings of the third-floor Visionary Room are painted a deep jewel-tone blue. A blue-and-gold palm-printed accent wall, palm tree-shaped floor lamp, and emerald shell chair add tropical flair to the tranquil space. The giant tiled wet room was like having an in-room spa.

Smart TVs, Google Home Minis, essential oil diffusers, and eco-friendly toiletries are among in-room amenities, and guests can request beach chairs and towels for day trips to the sea. After a long weekend spent at Dreamers, I may never stay at a regular hotel again.

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