New Hotels and Restaurant Open in Wilmington Amid Area Revitalization

WILMINGTON, N.C. — Two new hotels and a restaurant have opened at 5001 Market St., following an extensive renovation of the former Ramada Inn property. The Tru by Hilton and Hotel Lela, part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, officially welcomed guests in early March.

Anthony Sambrato, corporate director of Food & Beverage for McKibbon Hospitality, which manages Hotel Lela, highlighted the significance of the location situated between downtown Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach. He noted that the area is undergoing revitalization, making it an ideal spot for a unique hotel experience.

Hotel Lela features two stories and 97 rooms, designed to exude a “relaxed, artsy vibe and Southern hospitality.” The decor includes driftwood tones, deep blues, and soft neutral colors, aiming to create a welcoming atmosphere for guests.

In conjunction with the hotel’s opening, Paloma’s restaurant has also debuted, extending from the lobby and offering a blend of indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant features a Mexican-inspired menu, named after the classic tequila cocktail.

Chef Jimmie McDowell, who brings experience from his years in the American Southwest, oversees the culinary offerings at Paloma’s. Almost 90% of the dishes are made in-house, including plantain chips and shrimp ceviche.

The menu showcases a variety of shareable options such as Crisps, Paloma’s take on a Mexican pizza that can be customized with toppings like shredded chicken, steak, or vegetables. Other selections include empanadas, dips, salads, tacos, tortas, burgers, and a New York strip steak. The daily fresh catch is served with vegetables and a creamy Carolina Gold rice risotto.

Paloma’s also features a cocktail menu with various tequila and rum drinks, as well as non-alcoholic options. Signature cocktails include the eponymous Paloma, the Carajillo espresso cocktail, the Rivera Smoke, and the Outer Banks Old Fashioned, which combines dark rum, bitters, and orange liqueur.

The restaurant is open daily for breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. and for dinner starting at 5 p.m.

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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. She can be reached at [email protected].