Frequently Asked Questions

Booking & Reservations

  • To make an online reservation, please click one of the booking options on our main page: “Book Now,” “Plan Your Escape,” or “Book Your Getaway.” You will then be prompted to enter your desired dates and number of guests, and all available houseboats along with current rates will be displayed for you to review and select.

    If you prefer, you can also call our Guest Services team directly at 910-651-3253 and we would be happy to assist you with booking over the phone. 

  • Our nightly rates are dynamic and vary based on the season, day of the week, demand, and local events. Because pricing changes daily, we recommend entering your desired travel dates on our booking page to view the most accurate rates. 

     

  • A 50% deposit is due at the time of booking to confirm your reservation. The remaining balance is automatically charged 7 days prior to your arrival using the payment method on file.

    If you book within 7 days of your arrival, both the deposit and final balance will be charged at the time of booking as two separate payment transactions. 

  • Our minimum stay requirements vary depending on the time of year, demand, and local events.

    Most weekdays have a 1-night minimum, while most weekends require a 2-night minimum. Holidays, festivals, concerts, and other high-demand dates may also require a longer minimum stay.

    If you are searching for a 1-night stay and do not see any availability, try adjusting your search to 2 nights; available houseboats will often appear once the minimum stay requirement is met. 

  • We occasionally offer seasonal promotions and special discounts throughout the year. Be sure to check our website or follow us on social media for our latest offers. If you're booking multiple houseboats for a group, contact us directly to learn about available group discounts. 

  • Reservations canceled 14 days or more before arrival are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations made 7–14 days before arrival are eligible for a 50% refund. Reservations canceled within 7 days of arrival are not eligible for a refund.

    If you are booking within 14 days of your arrival date, please note that you are not eligible for a full refund under our cancellation policy. 

  • While The Cove primarily operates as a short-term vacation rental destination, we do consider inquiries for mid-term and long-term stays on a case-by-case basis, depending on availability and the time of year.

    Please keep in mind that our monthly rates vary by houseboat, season, and length of stay, and 30-day rentals can be priced as high as $10,000 per month. If you're seriously interested in an extended stay, please contact our Guest Services team directly. We'll be happy to discuss your needs, availability, and provide a personalized quote. 

  • Yes! We offer discounts for qualifying group bookings. For more information about group rates, availability, and booking options, please contact our Group Booking Coordinator, Rylie, at rylie@thecovewilmington.com.

    She'll be happy to answer your questions and help you find the best accommodations for your group. Group discounts must be arranged prior to booking and cannot be applied retroactively. 

  • Absolutely! If you're planning a group stay, you can use the property map at the bottom of our booking page to see which houseboats are located next to one another while viewing availability for your selected dates.

    If you'd like a little extra help, our team is happy to recommend the best grouping of available houseboats for your stay. Simply reach out to us with your desired dates and the number of houseboats you'd like to book, and we'll help identify the closest available options for your group. 

     

  • Yes! The Cove welcomes pre-approved wedding parties, corporate retreats, family reunions, and other group gatherings. Whether you're looking to reserve a single houseboat for a special occasion or book multiple villas for a larger group, we'd be happy to help coordinate your stay. Please note that unauthorized parties or events are not permitted.

     Any gathering beyond the normal use of your reservation must be approved in advance by our Guest Services team. To learn more about hosting a group event or reserving multiple houseboats, please contact our Group Booking Coordinator, Rylie, at rylie@thecovewilmington.com. She'll be happy to discuss your plans and help determine the best accommodations for your group. 

     

  • Not at this time, but we're actively working on offering gift cards in the future! If you're interested in purchasing a gift for someone in the meantime, please reach out to our Guest Services team. We'd be happy to discuss your options and see what we can do to help. 

Choosing Your Villa 

  • The Cove offers the best of both worlds… the privacy and space of an Airbnb with many of the conveniences and services of a boutique hotel.

    Unlike a traditional hotel, every guest enjoys an entire private floating villa complete with a full kitchen, multiple living spaces, private bedrooms, outdoor living areas, and unique themed décor.

    At the same time, unlike many Airbnb properties, The Cove has an on-site Guest Services team available daily to assist with your stay, answer questions, provide recommendations, and help if anything comes up. Additional amenities such as our complimentary golf cart shuttle service, enhancement packages, concierge assistance, and personalized guest support create an experience that's difficult to find with a typical vacation rental.

    Most importantly, you're staying in a luxury houseboat community right on the Cape Fear River in Wilmington's Marina District; an experience that's truly unlike a hotel or a traditional Airbnb. Whether you're visiting for a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a special occasion, The Cove combines the comfort of a vacation home with the service and hospitality of a professionally managed resort. 

  • While all our houseboats offer the same luxury waterfront experience, each one has its own unique characteristics. 

    Some differences to consider when choosing your stay include: 

    • View: Some houseboats overlook the marina, while others have a community view of the surrounding houseboats. If your view is important to you, we recommend reviewing the property map and photos before booking. 

    • Theme & Décor: Every houseboat has its own distinctive design and decorating theme, so no two are exactly alike. 

    • Layout: We offer 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom layouts to accommodate different group sizes. 

    • Pet-Friendly Options: Only select houseboats are dog-friendly, so be sure to reserve one of those if you're traveling with your pup. 

    Be sure to browse each villa's page to compare photos, amenities, and views so you can find the houseboat that's the perfect fit for your stay. 

  • We offer a variety of houseboat layouts, including 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom accommodations. Our 1-bedroom options will include one upper-level unit, with an additional lower-level 1-bedroom houseboat coming in Fall 2026.

    To help find the best fit for your stay, our property map shows the bedroom count, unit names, and slip numbers for every houseboat. 

  • The maximum occupancy depends on which houseboat you choose. Our 1-bedroom houseboats accommodate 2–4 guests, while our 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom houseboats accommodate 4–6 guests. The higher occupancy is available in select houseboats that include a pullout sofa bed.

    For the comfort of all guests and to comply with safety regulations, no more than 6 overnight guests are permitted in any houseboat. Please refer to the guest capacity listed on each villa's page for the maximum occupancy of your selected houseboat. 

  • Guests often describe our houseboats as "surprisingly spacious" and frequently comment on how thoughtfully the layouts maximize the living space. Whether you choose a 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, or 3-bedroom houseboat, each offers approximately 1,400 square feet of comfortable living space, giving you plenty of room to relax and enjoy your stay. 

  • We have 8 dog-friendly villas and love welcoming well-behaved pups to The Cove. Our dog-friendly houseboats are Journey, Inspiration, Haven, Leisure, Santorini, Lookout, Tideland, and Newport.

    To help make your pet's stay comfortable, each dog-friendly villa includes food and water bowls, pet waste bags, pet wipes, black towels for muddy or wet paws, and protective covers for the couches and beds. Please be sure to reserve one of our designated dog-friendly villas if you plan to bring your furry friend, as pets are not permitted in our other accommodations. 

  • Our houseboats are not ADA compliant. While we have welcomed guests with mobility limitations in the past, it's important to note that access may present challenges. Guests must navigate ramps, floating docks, and stairs to reach the houseboats, and the accommodations do not include ADA features such as wide doorways or other structural accessibility modifications. If you have specific accessibility questions, we're happy to discuss your individual needs before booking. 

     

  • No. Our houseboats are permanently moored and are designed to provide the unique experience of staying on the water while enjoying all the comforts of a luxury vacation rental. They do not leave the dock or operate as standard boats. 

  • Our houseboats are securely and permanently moored to the dock, so movement is minimal. While you may notice a gentle rocking from passing boats or gusty winds, most guests quickly adjust and many say they forget they're even on the water. While motion sickness is very uncommon, it is possible if you are particularly sensitive to motion or have experienced severe motion sickness in the past. 

Before You Arrive

  • Our houseboats are fully furnished with linens, towels, cookware, dishes, and essential amenities. We recommend bringing: 

    • Suitcases with wheels or a foldable wagon/cart to make transporting luggage easier. 

    • An umbrella or rain jacket if rain is in the forecast, which is often given our coastal location.  

    • Any personal toiletries or specialty items you may need during your stay. 

    At the same time, unlike many Airbnb properties, The Cove has an on-site Guest Services team available daily to assist with your stay, answer questions, provide recommendations, and help if anything comes up. Additional amenities such as our complimentary golf cart shuttle service, enhancement packages, concierge assistance, and personalized guest support create an experience that's difficult to find with a typical vacation rental.

    Most importantly, you're staying in a luxury houseboat community right on the Cape Fear River in Wilmington's Marina District; an experience that's truly unlike a hotel or a traditional Airbnb. Whether you're visiting for a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a special occasion, The Cove combines the comfort of a vacation home with the service and hospitality of a professionally managed resort. 

  • Each reservation includes one complimentary parking space at our designated parking garage located at 155 Brunswick Street. Before your arrival, you will register your vehicle using an online parking registration form that is exclusive to Cove guests.

    Additional parking details and instructions will be provided through your guest portal, or you can reach out to our Guest Services team with any questions before your stay. 

  • Yes! The 155 Brunswick Street parking garage is equipped with an elevator for your convenience. While the garage typically does not fill to the upper levels except during busy periods such as concerts or conferences, elevator access is available if you park on an upper floor.

    There are also ADA-accessible parking spaces conveniently located on the first floor of the garage for guests who require them. 

  • Our complimentary guest parking garage has a 7-foot height clearance, so larger vehicles may not fit. If you have an electric vehicle, charging stations may be available in the nearby Pier 33 parking garage at 901 Nutt Street. If your vehicle exceeds the height limit, we recommend parking at the Wilmington Convention Center parking garage located at 623 Nutt Street, which can accommodate taller vehicles.

    Additional street parking is also available along Nutt Street and other nearby public streets, subject to local parking regulations and availability. Please note that any parking fees incurred at alternative parking locations are the responsibility of the guest. The Cove does not reimburse parking outside of our designated complimentary parking garage. 

  • How do I get from the parking garage to my houseboat? Is luggage transportation available? 

    Each reservation includes access to our complimentary golf cart shuttle service to help transport you and your luggage from the parking garage to your houseboat. Our Golf Cart Attendants are stationed at the 155 Brunswick Street parking garage and operate daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The service is available on a first come, first served basis. If you don't see an attendant when you arrive, they are likely assisting another guest and will return shortly.  

    Our golf carts are available primarily for luggage assistance during arrival and departure, but our Concierge Crew is also happy to provide rides to and from the parking garage and into downtown Wilmington during your stay, as availability allows. To request the shuttle, simply call or message our Guest Services team. 

     If an attendant happens to miss you upon arrival, just send us a text, and we'll have someone meet you as soon as possible. If you're arriving outside of shuttle hours, don't worry; step-by-step walking directions from the parking garage to your houseboat will be sent in your day-of arrival email. You can also find a map and walking directions anytime in your guest portal. 

  • All of our houseboats feature self check-in with a smart lock for a convenient arrival. Once you've verified your stay, your personalized guest portal will provide your access code and other important arrival information. On the day of your arrival, you'll also receive an email with step-by-step walking directions from the parking garage to your houseboat to make finding your villa as easy as possible.

    If you arrive during our complimentary golf cart shuttle hours (8:00 AM–7:00 PM), our Concierge Crew can assistwith transporting you and your luggage to your houseboat. If you have any questions before or during your arrival, our Guest Services team is just a call or message away. 

  • Our houseboats are securely and permanently moored to the dock, so movement is minimal. While you may notice a gentle rocking from passing boats or gusty winds, most guests quickly adjust and many say they forget they're even on the water. While motion sickness is very uncommon, it is possible if you are particularly sensitive to motion or have experienced severe motion sickness in the past. 

During Your Stay 

  • Each villa comes fully equipped with a variety of amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Every houseboat includes:  

    • Linens & Towels: Bed linens, bath towels, hand towels, washcloths, and makeup cloths 

    • Bathroom Essentials: Toilet paper and first aid kit 

    • Kitchen Essentials: Paper towels, dish soap, dishwasher pods, cookware, dishes, utensils, glassware, and basic cooking essentials 

    • Coffee Station: Drip coffee maker, coffee filters, coffee, creamer, and sugar 

    • Laundry: Washer and dryer with laundry detergent (or preloaded washing machine) 

    • Other Conveniences: Iron or garment steamer (varies by villa), ironing board, and clothes hangers 

  • Yes! Every villa has its own private Wi-Fi network. Your network name and password can be found on the refrigerator inside your villa, as well as in your personalized guest portal before and during your stay. 

  • Yes! Every villa includes Smart TVs with access to popular streaming apps. Simply log in to your own streaming accounts to enjoy your favorite movies and shows during your stay.

    Please remember to log out of your personal accounts before you check out. Wi-Fi is included with every villa, making it easy to stream throughout your stay. 

  • Yes! Every villa is equipped with a mini-split heating and air conditioning system to keep you comfortable year-round. The upstairs and downstairs units must be set to the same mode (either Cool or Heat) for the system to operate properly—they cannot be set to different modes at the same time.

    For the best performance, please keep all windows and exterior doors closed while the system is running to help maintain a comfortable temperature inside the houseboat. 

  • Housekeeping is not provided during your stay. Each houseboat is professionally cleaned and fully stocked with fresh linens, towels, and essential supplies before your arrival. If you're staying for an extended period or would like to request additional towels or supplies, please contact our Guest Services team and we'll do our best to accommodate your request. 

  • We're here to help! If you experience any issues during your stay, simply call or message our Guest Services team or send us a message through your booking platform. Our team is available to assist with maintenance concerns, questions about your villa, recommendations, or anything else you may need. If you notice anything upon check-in that isn't quite right, please let us know immediately so we can address it as quickly as possible and help prevent any further inconvenience during your stay.

    Our on-site team is available daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with after-hours support available for urgent issues. We want your stay to be as enjoyable and stress-free as possible, so please don't hesitate to reach out if there's anything we can do to help. 

  • We offer several enhancements to make your stay even more memorable, including romance packages, birthday packages, grocery stocking, early check-in (when available), and late check-out (when available), and more. We also offer an exclusive sunset cruise experience for Cove guests on Fridays and Saturdays through Wilmington Water Tours. Additional details, pricing, and availability for these services can be found in your guest portal, which you will receive after booking. 

  • Yes! We offer a variety of enhancement packages for occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and romantic getaways. These packages can be purchased prior to your stay, and our team will have everything set up in your villa before you arrive. Please note that our enhancement packages include pre-designed offerings and cannot be customized or interchanged with different decorations or items. If you would like to bring and set up your own decorations before check-in, you'll need to purchase an early check-in to guarantee access to your villa prior to our standard 4:00 PM check-in time. This allows you time to decorate while ensuring our housekeeping team has completed preparing the houseboat for your arrival. 

  • Yes! While we don't have a traditional hotel front desk, we do have an on-site Guest Services office located at 9 Brunswick Street, in a retail space beneath the Pier 33 Apartments, right next to Bonita Latin Fusion. Whether you're a current guest or just stopping by to learn more about The Cove, feel free to visit us! Our team is available daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM to answer questions, provide recommendations, assist guests, or even give you a property tour. We look forward to welcoming you! 

     

  • You’re chatting with our on-site team based right here in Wilmington! We’re at The Cove every day from 8 AM to 7 PM, and the same friendly faces answering your messages, emails, texts, and calls are the ones you’ll see around the property during your stay. We don’t outsource our communications—when you reach out, you’re speaking directly with our local team who knows The Cove inside and out and is here to help make your experience seamless from booking through check-out.

    You will likely connect with Erin, Keara, Katie, or Rylie online, over the phone, or in our main office during your stay. When using our shuttle service, you’ll meet members of our Concierge Crew, and while exploring the docks, you’ll see our cleaning and maintenance teams working behind the scenes. We love welcoming guests, saying hello, and helping answer any questions along the way! 

  • Yes! You are welcome to receive packages or deliveries during your stay. 

    Please address your delivery as: 

     

    The Cove Riverwalk Villas 
    c/o Your Name 
    10 Harnett Street 
    Wilmington, NC 28401 

     

    This is the address for the Port City Marina office, where mail and package deliveries are received. If you're expecting a delivery during your stay, please let our Guest Services team know, and we'll be happy to let you know how to retrieve your package once it arrives. 

  • Wilmington's coastal location means passing rain showers are common, especially during the spring and summer months. Rain alone is not typically a reason to cancel or reschedule a reservation, and we do not offer weather-related reschedules or refunds for typical rain events. In the rare event that severe weather creates a safety concern for our guests or staff, our team will monitor conditions closely and communicate any necessary updates. If The Cove determines that it is unsafe to occupy the property, we will work directly with affected guests regarding their reservation. 

Property Rules and Safety 

  • No. The Cove is a 100% smoke-free property, including all houseboats, docks, and common areas. Smoking of any kind—including cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, vaping, and marijuana—is not permitted anywhere on the property. Guests who violate our no-smoking policy or leave evidence of smoking inside a houseboat will be subject to a $350 smoking fee. Thank you for helping us keep The Cove clean and enjoyable for all guests. 

  • Yes! Families are welcome at The Cove, and many guests enjoy bringing their children for a unique waterfront getaway. Please note that our houseboats are located on floating docks directly over the water and feature staircases, balconies and patios, and open waterfront access. The docks do not have railings, so children must be supervised by an adult at all times while on The Cove property. 

  • No. Swimming is not permitted from the houseboats or anywhere within Port City Marina. For the safety of our guests, please do not enter the water from the docks or houseboats. The marina has electrical systems in and around the docks, creating the potential for electrical current in the water, and the Cape Fear River has a strong current, making it unsafe for swimming. If you're looking to spend a day in the water, we recommend visiting Wrightsville Beach or Carolina Beach, both of which are just a 20-30 minute drive from The Cove. 

  • No. Fishing is not permitted from the houseboats or anywhere within the marina. If you're looking to fish during your visit, the public Conlon Fishing Pier is located just a short walk away along the Riverwalk and offers a great spot to enjoy fishing on the Cape Fear River. 

  • No. For safety reasons, grills are not provided on the houseboats, and personal grills are not permitted anywhere on the property. However, we do have a Blackstone grill located at the end of A Dock that is available for all guests to use on a first come, first served basis. Basic grilling tools are also provided and can be found behind the bar at the end of the dock. 

Location and Getting Around 

  • The Cove is located within Port City Marina in Downtown Wilmington. You may see a few different addresses associated with your stay, and each serves a different purpose: 

    • 10 Harnett Street – This is the address for Port City Marina, which is our physical location.  

    • 9 Brunswick Street – This is The Cove's Guest Services office and storefront, where you can find our team if you need assistance during your stay. 

    • 155 Brunswick Street – This is the parking garage where each reservation includes one complimentary parking space. 

    Once parked, you'll follow the walking directions provided in your guest portal to reach the houseboats on the docks.  

  • The Cove is located on the northern end of Downtown Wilmington, right along the scenic Riverwalk. A leisurely 15-minute walk will bring you to the heart of downtown, where you'll find a wide variety of restaurants, craft breweries, local shops, entertainment, and waterfront attractions. It's the perfect location to enjoy everything downtown has to offer while still having a peaceful place to unwind. 

  • The Cove is within walking distance of dozens of great dining options. Many guests enjoy the scenic stroll along the Riverwalk into the heart of Downtown Wilmington, where you'll find a wide variety of local restaurants, cafés, breweries, and bars. If you'dprefer to stay close to the property, Marina Grill and Bonita Latin Fusion are both located right in our marina, offering delicious food and beautiful waterfront views just steps from your houseboat.

    A brand-new waterfront restaurant is also scheduled to open beside Marina Grill this fall, giving guests even more dining options just outside their door.

  • While there isn't a full-service grocery store in Downtown Wilmington, the closest option is Food Lion on Oleander Drive, just a short drive from The Cove. If you only need a few essentials, DGX on Water Street is a convenient downtown option that offers a selection of snacks, beverages, and basic grocery items. 

  • Yes, you are welcome to bring your boat to Wilmington! However, boats may not be tied up to the back of a houseboat or anywhere along A Dock or B Dock where our houseboats are moored. These docks are designed exclusively for our floating villas and are not equipped to accommodate additional vessels. If you'd like to bring your boat, Port City Marina has separate transient slips available for rent and would be happy to assist you with docking during your stay.

    You can contact the marina manager at taylor@portcitymarina.com or call the marina office at 910-251-6151 for availability and reservations.

  • The Cove is the closest rental accommodation to the Live Oak Bank Pavilion Amphitheater, located just 0.4 miles away… about a 7-minute walk. It's the perfect place to stay when you're in town for a concert, allowing you to easily walk to and from the venue while enjoying the comfort of your own waterfront houseboat.

  • Yes! The Cove is located in Wilmington's Marina District on the northern end of Downtown, a popular area for both visitors and locals. Many guests enjoy walking along the Riverwalk to nearby restaurants, bars, and attractions in the evening. However as with any downtown destination, we recommend staying aware of your surroundings, walking in well-lit areas, and taking normal safety precautions, especially later at night. 

About The Cove 

  • The Cove Riverwalk Villas in Wilmington, NC is our only location. We look forward to welcoming you to Wilmington's only luxury floating villa experience! 

  • Yes! In addition to our luxury floating villas at The Cove, our team also manages Summer Lovin, a charming beachfront cottage in Kure Beach, NC. It's the perfect option for guests looking for a more traditional beach vacation while still enjoying the same great service from our team. If you're interested in Summer Lovin as a short-, mid-, or long-term rental, please contact Katie, our Beach Property Coordinator, for more information. She'll be happy to answer your questions, discuss availability, and help you determine if Summer Lovin is the right fit for your stay.

  • All of the houseboats permitted for the Port City Marina have already been purchased. If you're interested in exploring the purchase of a houseboat for another location, feel free to reach out to the Villamar team through their website. 

  • All of the houseboats at The Cove were designed and constructed by Villamar, a Wilmington-based company specializing in luxury floating homes. Each houseboat was built from the ground up at a local boatyard in the Wilmington area before being transported to The Cove. The custom dock system was constructed by Bellingham Marine and coordinated by the Villamar team to create the unique floating community you see today. 

     

  • Yes! We love partnering with local businesses to enhance our guests' experience and showcase everything Wilmington has to offer. We currently work with several local partners and will be expanding those opportunities even further with the opening of our on-site storefront. If you're interested in partnering with The Cove, please contact our Community Coordinator, Keara, at keara@thecovewilmington.com. We'd love to hear from you! 

  • We'd love to hear about your stay! You can leave us a review on Google. Your feedback means the world to our team and helps future guests discover The Cove.