DanielG and other B2B'ers

In my opinion, the best place to stay is the Best Western (Nutt Street, I believe). It is very convenient to Finish, T2, Packet Pickup & Expo. In fact, if you get a room on the river side, you can watch the athletes begin the run course from your room.

A close second would be the Hilton Downtown, which is typically the Host Hotel. I personally like to avoid the host hotel at my races. YMMV.

I did the half last year. I think the Hilton is definitely the easiest logistically -- I'm in again this year for the half and will be staying at the Hilton. We stayed at a lovely little place called the Graystone Inn last year...the owner is also a triathlete and races the half every year. It was considerably more costly than a hotel, though.

I definitely recommend staying in Wilmington and NOT Wrightsville Beach...it was so so easy to finish the race and walk easily to the hotel.

Second the Hilton. Done B2B full twice, the first time stayed at the Hampton Inn closer to T1 than T2. Second time stayed at the Hilton. Both times with the old course where the finish was at Battleship Park. Much easier, at the Hilton, bus to beach/T1 leaves right from the front door. Walking distance to the convention center and downtown. If you can spare the bucks upgrade to a suite for your family.

All kinds of things to do in town as well as at the beach. Incredible amount of history, and the walking tours are great (according to my wife). She especially enjoyed a haunted pub crawl and a tour of historic homes with a history of hauntings. Visit the North Carolina as well.

Mostly, enjoy the race - IMHO one of the best full races around.