The nine-story, fortresslike Hilton Wilmington Riverside may not be your idea of an elegant waterfront hotel, but as the saying goes, this property has location, location, location. It has direct access to the riverfront boardwalk, it's near downtown shops, restaurants, and bars, and it's just a few blocks from the heart of the historic district. There are 272 standard rooms, some with great views of the river and the U.S.S. North Carolina, a vast free parking lot, an outside pool, and an on-site Ruth's Chris Steak House.