Carolina Temple Island Inn — Hotel in Wrightsville Beach

This is a very small inn that will feel exceedingly, delightfully familiar and homey to anyone who grew up spending summers on Wrightsville Beach. The enormous wrap-around porch lined with white rockers is just one tiny example of the flavor of this special place. It is small - maybe 11 units/rooms. Some are on the first floor and some are up one level. There are several types of units and, I think, only one is what might be called large (it's also known as the owner's unit & I have never stayed in it). I have stayed twice in a 1 bedroom (no view) unit and an upper level "studio" style unit with an ocean view. Both had nice kitchens and clean, attractive bathrooms. In the 1 bedroom I was with my mom one year, and alone another year, & in the studio I was with my daughter. In both cases the view (or lack thereof) didn't matter because those rockers on the porch provide all the view and instant pals you could ever need. The air conditioning is fine, there is laundry available, there is a nice pier on the sound with a grill, and the ocean is just steps away. So. That's the basic info. However, the main reason for what is my truly unbridled enthusiasm has more to do with the proprietors: Steve and Mary, who are about the nicest people I've ever stayed with. They remember me even if my time with them is spaced longer than 2 years apart. They offer wine and BYO apps or the porch (a friendly group gathering, sometimes including neighbors) during the evening, and they are absolutely as sincere and warm as people can be. It is an inn of instant friendships! So... To end this review: yes, I like the rooms, the nice kitchen, and I like the feeling of staying in a place that reminds me of my childhood but the real reason I love this place is Steve and Mary. They feel like family to me (& treat me like I am their family as well - welcoming my Mom, who is 83, and my 20-something kids as well) and I truly feel welcomed by them. Cheers to the Carolina...

I had a seminar to attend and needed something with a kitchen as opposed to just a hotel room. I searched and found these apartments at a VERY reasonable price. They do not rent for just the weekend during the height of the season but this late in the season, he was agreeable. I would go back and stay for a whole week of vacation, we enjoyed it so much. The place was a little older but we had everything we needed and the owners were some of the nicest people you could ever find! My son and nephew needed a place to hang-out until I finished my last meeting on our last day. They packed up and were allowed to use the hall bathroom, if needed, and rinse off at the outdoor shower after swimming for a while. This way I knew they were safe until I called ready to leave. I would highly recommend this place to anyone wanting a very relaxing quiet week at the beach. Take a nap in the hammock on the porch, walk on the beach, or watch the boats on the waterway. It was great and...

The apartments are completely furnished, down to a can opener and corkscrew. They are roomy enough to not feel cramped, but are easy to keep up for a week. Bed linens are provided, but bring your own towels. And you can pack light, since there is a laundry area in the building.||||The inn has a covered porch surrounding 3 sides, with swings, rockers and even patio tables set up for a family picnic or game. And the best part is that the beach is truly just a few yards away. There is an outside shower, to wash away some of the sand and salt after a day at the beach, as well as a clothes line for damp items. A quick shower and change, a short, scenic drive, and you are in Wilmington for dinner, a movie and a bit of shopping. Then back to the inn, an evening walk on the beach, and a chance to relax on the porch and enjoy the view as the sun sets...