Port City Guest House

My husband and I was looking for a quick and great getaway from Florence, SC. We were amazed with Everything! Sophie is the BEST! All the sites and sounds were up to par. Enjoyed the battleship tour, carriage ride, HeriettaIII, and others were a sure winner. The food was beyond my wildest dreams. Sophie can cook extremely well. We had a full belly at all times. We didn't even have to eat out much because Sophie's brunch was not light; but heavy. God bless Sophie and the Port City Guest House. JW and EW

Off street parking, easy drive to Historic District, best breakfast ever served to us in a bed and breakfast. Owner goes out of her way to ensure a pleasant experience. Will recommend Port City to anyone who visits Wilmington.

What's not to love about Port City Guest House? No stranger to the B&B scene, my husband and I thought we knew what to expect when we arrived. Boy were we wrong! Sophie does an amazing job of keeping tummies full and conversation flowing, and Jake the dog is charming, if a little overly dramatic about being hungry (I assure you he's not!). Staying at the Port City Guest House felt like staying at an old friend's home rather than at a lodging establishment. We returned after 10p.m. one night after getting caught in a torrential downpour, and Sophie had a glass of Cabernet and some pecan pie waiting for us. Enjoying our wine and pie on the front porch while watching the rain come down as we recounted our day's adventure was one of the best parts of our trip! With all the charm and friendliness, we were still given plenty of space and privacy. Oh, and to say the waffles are amazing is an understatement. I think this is our new favorite place to stay in Wilmington!

True southern hospitality best describes our experience at Port City Guest House. The owner, Sophie, takes great care in making sure you're well fed and accommodated. If you love breakfast, this is the place to stay. From the homemade (from scratch) waffles with fresh blueberry syrup to eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, fresh fruit and OJ/Coffee, you won't need to eat again until dinner. You'll seriously cut down on your dining out expenses while visiting Wilmington if you stay here. Our room (Colonial) was nicely decorated and comfortable, and we had our own bathroom (down the hall). At the end of our last night there, we grabbed a glass of wine and hung out on the front porch listening to the rain and watching the cars pass by - so relaxing. We'll definitely be back! Oh and don't forget to say hello to Sophie's dog Jake.

I have never stayed at a B&B quite like the Port City Guest House. My experiences have been limited to establishments that are more like hotels with breakfast. When I first walked in to Sophie's it was clear that I was a guest in someone's home. Admittedly that made me quite nervous, but as soon as we were led into the dining room for some wine and homemade salmon cakes I knew we were in for a treat. The room was beautiful and quite large. Sophie went above and beyond to make us feel at home. From the delicious spread for breakfast each day, make sure you try a waffle they are like a bit of heaven on your plate, to the afternoon snack time each guest is very well fed. Sophie treated us like family, taking a picture of us dressed up to go to a wedding and even giving us a ride downtown (a short walk, but not fun in heels) to go out for the evening. The Green Room was lovely, but if you are a fan of showers over baths I would suggest picking another room. The bathroom features a tub with a shower attachment but showering was a bit of an adventure in order to not splash water. All in all I highly recommend staying at Port City Guest House and I am looking forward to a return trip.

My wife and I stayed here to celebrate her birthday and could not have made a better choice. Some B&B's in Wilmington may be more posh but NONE will surpass the warmth of the Port City Guest House. Sophie not only served us wonderful breakfasts each day; she also served up great conversation. We felt like family not guests. She made our trip very memorable!

Port City guest house cannot be beat for it's hospitality and charm. Sophie fed us til we were in a food coma while Jake the dog tried really hard not to beg:) It is a true southern experience that I would gladly repeat next time I am in town! Tina and Alain

Wonderful host, great food, excellent conversation, perfect location.

Breakfast was generous, hot and delicious. Location in the historic section is close to UNCW campus and interesting sites and restaurants.

This is the place to go for the best bang for your buck. A stay in this B & B is like a step back in time. Even though the home is nearly 100 years old it is decorated beautifully as it ould have been in the 1920's, and everything is kept spotless and well maintained. Sophie is the best! I cannot begin to describe her friendliness and hospitality. She really made us feel like it was our home too. The breakfasts were like no other B & B's I have been to. Whatever we asked for we got, including the selection of eggs and breakfast meats which were cooked to order - when we wanted it on our schedule! And the waffles with Sophie's homemade blueberry topping were incredible. The only drawback was our bathroom was located down the hallway. It however was no big deal beacuse it was our still our private bathroom. This will not be a detriment for us returning. Try it, you will be pleasantly suprised what a great value this B & B is! I wish I could give it six stars.

Sophie is great! She is always upbeat and hospitable. There is never a shortage of snacks throughout the day. The breakfast is outstanding. The rooms and beds are comfortable. There is an 'at home' feel which is what a B&B should strive for. We'll be looking to stay there again!

My wife and I just returned from Port City Guest House. We had a wonderful time. Sophie was welcoming, the room was clean, and the food was GREAT! She made everyone's breakfast to order. She even made me home made biscuits this morning. We will return.

My husband and I stayed for a long weekend. The Port City Guest House is conveniently located, which worked well for us, as we made several trips to/from the beach and downtown Wilmington. Sophie is incredibly accomodating, seemingly always willing to adjust her schedule to meet the needs of her guests. She knows the area well and can offer suggestions for your stay. Our room was comfortable, and there are several places to sit outside on the front porch or back patio. Wonderful breakfast and plenty of snacks all day long! We had a lovely stay.

My friend and I went to Wilmington for weekend this Spring and stayed at the Port City Guest House. It was a marvelous experience and a wonderful place to stay! The rooms were beautiful, large, and clean and the meals that Mrs. Sophie served every morning and afternoon were delishes to say the least! I felt spoiled with all the variety of scrumptious treats and homemade dishes she offered us everyday. This was a fantastic place to stay, it was close to historic Wilmington and the beach and the accomidations and service was excellent!

The home is centrally located- it's easy to dart to downtown or out to the beaches (though you will need a car). Sophie kept us stuffed all weekend with HUGE southern breakfasts and tea times that were far more than just tea. Snacks were always at the ready. Sophie was friendly and warm (easy and fun to chat with) but unintrusive. The home is old and quaint with period details (high ceilings, multiple fireplaces, wainscoting, antiques, etc.). Sophie was always available to help with anything we needed though the rooms were well-equipped and we rarely needed anything beyond quenching our hunger. In a day and a half, we felt like we'd been away for at least 4-5 days, thanks largely to how comfortable and relaxed we were in the B&B.

We cannot begin to explain what a wonderful INN KEEPER Ms. Sophie is! We did some homework before actually deciding on WHERE to stay in Wilmington. Knowing we only had a few precious nights in town...to see our son and his family, we wanted a place close by, clean and inviting....Sophie's place is over the top....and we cannot say ENOUGH GOOD about her and her wonderful home. We were greeted each and every time with just wonderful southern hospitality and also we became closer then we ever thought :) WE HIGHLY recommend Sophie! We stayed in the GREEN ROOM and it was more then perfect. And we don't want to forget her wonderful breakfast each morning...WOW!! You will NOT be disappointed....Stay with Sophie :) She is the BEST!! K & P

Sophie was a wonderful host. She was friendly and always had a great variety of foods and drinks. I really enjoyed not being told what one thing I had to eat and at what time. Sophie was very accommodating. My only issue was the outdated electical systems in the bathrooms. I had a hard time finding somewhere to plug my hairdryer in.

We tried to get away from home as early as possible for our first visit to The Port City Guest house in Wilmington . Despite our efforts we arrived late and to our surprise Ms. Sophie not only left the lights on but greeted us upon arrival . The next two days were filled with great information from our gracious host about Her Fare City . The breakfasts were over the top , Ms Sophie was more than accomodating and we had a wonderful visit . We look forward to our next visit to not just Wilmington but also to see Ms Sophie. Thank you The Haags Williamsburg Va.

We had a wonderful two-night stay with Sophie. She is so welcoming and friendly, we felt right at home. A beautiful house, decorated just perfectly. We also enjoyed the lovely Christmas decorations! One of the best mattresses I have ever slept on in a B&B, fantastic breakfast, too, and tastly snacks in the afternoon. We'd go back in a heartbeat!!

Excellent food and service. I brought my puppy and Sophie was very very good to him.

what a wonderful place to spend our anniversary; we couldn't have asked for anything more

We found that The Port City Guest House exceeded our expectations. Our hostess Sophia went way above and beyond in making us feel at home. She gave us wonderful restaurants recommendations for our evenings. Sophia’s breakfasts were gourmet quality with lots of choices to meet every ones fancy. She is very knowledgeable about all the various sites and attractions. The beds were exceptionally comfortable and guaranteed a great night’s sleep.

This is a wonderful B&B, capturing the atmosphere of a great destination like Wilmington with a distinct southern charm. Interaction with Sophie, the owner/innkeeper was a fun part of the overall experience. She's a wealth of information about Wilmington, an excellent cook, and just a wonderful person. The rooms are all well taken care of, clean, and offer a great character of this 1920s era home. Parking off the alley took a little getting used to the first time you back in/out, but you get the hang of it quickly.

My husband and I spent two nights and three days in this lovely bed and breakfast (the Colonial Room, specifically) on the weekend of October 29 & 30, 2011. The Innkeeper, Sophie Johnson, made us feel so at home, we didn't want to leave - so we did the next best thing - we booked a room for our next visit to the area this summer! The dining was extraordinary, from the wine and cheese and cookies and snacks to the hearty and delicious breakfasts served each morning - her blueberry waffles were at least an inch thick and light as air! When she found out my husband is a "sweet tea" man, there was a fresh pitcher of ice tea waiting for him on each visit to the beautiful dining room. And this wasn't the only example of this Innkeeper's desire and ability to accommodate her guests - I personally witnessed her offering two other guests in the house that weekend additional services and accommodations above and beyond what was included in their stay. Very clean, conveniently located, exceptional service, extraordinary dining - all at an outstanding value. To give you an example of how much fun we had, when we were out enjoying an evening at Thalian Hall (so grateful for the recommendation, Sophie), I asked my husband if he was having a good time. He said yes, but that he'd be just as happy back at the house enjoying another interesting conversation with Sophie - true story - and my husband is a man of few words - very few words. Already looking forward to our next stay at the Port City Guest House - definitely a jewel in the crown of this historic beautiful seaport town (and the house is a gem too!) Oh, and if you are lucky, and you happen to be staying here on your birthday - be sure to mention it to Sophie - she will make sure you feel extra special on YOUR special day! Woody and Melinda Dunham

This was such a wonderful place to be that we extended our stay. Beautiful turn of the century house, large bedrooms, lots of hot water in the shower, wonderful breakfast to order - enough to eliminate the need for lunch, and a gracious, accommodating inn keeper. Add a very comfortable bed and quiet. What more can you ask?

The innkeeper, Sophie, made our stay a real pleasure! She went out of her way to make us feel welcome and comfortable. She was very generous with her time and knowledge, offered us food and drink throughout the day, and made our little dog feel right at home. We will definitely be back!

This was our first b&b experience, and it was a great one! The food was delicious, the rooms great. The private parking is a plus too. The innkeeper, Sophie, makes the stay even more memorable and is a great hostess.

We had a lovely stay at this beautiful old home. The food was wonderful and the host is a very sweet lady. It is also located in the Historic Downtown area with lots of great places to walk to. We highly recommend this quaint B&B. -R & A

My husband and I had a very pleasant stay at the Port City Guest House over Labor Day weekend. Innkeeper Sophie Johnson's warmth, and friendly and attentive hospitality made us feel very welcome in her lovely, historic home. We stayed in both the Blue and Green Rooms, and enjoyed the Green Room especially for its spacious, comfortable bed, and private bath. We also had a great time relaxing and reading on the front porch of Port City Guest House in the late afternoon with some complimentary wine, beer, cheese, and crackers. Sophie's cooking was a treat to wake up to in the morning. Don't pass up an opportunity to try her grits! We would definitely stay here again and recommend Port City Guest House to friends.

My wife Cynthia and our 13 months old son Aidan had the privilege of staying with Sophie and her loyal pet Jake 4 nights. I admit I am not one to write reviews nor read them because I want to go to a place without preconceptions.But Sophie's outstanding hospitality allows me to make an exception this time. The food was awesome, she would not stop inquiring until you were completely satisfied. We had different items every day. The room was very cozy and beautifully decorated. The bathroom was clean and spacious ( a big plus if you have a very active toddler). If you ever need a place to stay in the Wilmington area, look no further than this B&B. It's a five minute car drive to the historic downtown area and about 10 to 15 minutes drive to Wrightsville Beach. Food,location,Decorations...all are great reasons to come to this inn. Sophie, however,is the main one.Her warmth and kindness make her one of a kind gem...much like her place. Miguel

This is the best place I have ever stayed and would highly recommend anyone to stay there. Sophie the owner is lovely and instantly makes you feel like a part of the family. She always has a massive selection of food for breakfast and always asked if there was anything in particular I wanted. On the night I arrived she made me dinner and was constantly feeding me on my stay! She has chips chocolate tea and cookies and cake that you can always have too. The room I stayed in was beautiful it was seriously fit for a queen!! Very comfortable beds and cable tv in the rooms too. Heaps of towels and all of the toiletries were provided too in your very own bathroom! It is only a 15 minute walk to downtown Wilmington on a really nice street. Couldn't recommend highly enough! Loved my 4 nights here!!

My best friend and I stayed at Sophie's wonderful b and b for 2 nights and I can't imagine staying anywhere else. It was clean cozy professional and homey and lovely. We didn't want to leave! Definitely recommend and will be back!

Very nice -- elegant, clean, host was very friendly & went over the top in food for breakfast! Definitely would go back.

Looking for a place to spend 2 nights in proximity of wedding events in the historic district; a restful place, not in the large hotel with the wedding party late-night activity. Trusted a friend's recommendation, and friend was right. You will not meet a host more gracious, more interested in making your visit all you'd like it to be. She asks what you'd like for breakfast the night before; the options are endless. She will get it exactly right, serve it whenever you ask, so let her know if you'd like to sleep-in. Perfect spot for a girl's weekend.

Breakfast portions very generous! Innkeeper was very accommodating. We enjoyed our stay and would certainly return.

Had a great family visit and met several very nice guests during our two night stay. Sophie is a remarkable innkeeper and a fantastic cook and everyone feels at home in this B & B. Wonderful garden area adds another special touch.

We stayed with Sophie for 5 nights. She gave us anything we needed, plenty of food and even did my small laundry! She was the absolute southern hostess! The house was big and beautifully decorated, the bedroom was clean and absolutely comfortable. We will stay with her again, no question.

While the inn itself is lovely, it's innkeeper Sophie who makes your stay a delight. I arrived on a Friday evening in the midst of "refreshments." Sophie immediately supplied me with food, wine and introductions to the other guests. We stayed eating and chatting until bedtime! Breakfast was a feast and Sophie will not let you go without filling you up. She then sent me out with a bottle of sunscreen with a higher SPF than mine, fearing for my fair skin. When I left, I felt like I was leaving home. If you're looking for anonymity, this isn't the place for you. But if you'd like a warm welcome and a deeply thoughtful and kind host, then book today!

My husband and I have been to many bed and breakfasts across the southeast, and I have never felt compelled to write a review (bad or good) until my recent stay at the Port City Guest House in Wilmington. We were in town for a wedding and struggling to find a decent hotel that wasn’t super expensive when I came across this B&B. The reviews online were so good, I knew we had to give it a try. We were not disappointed. I was so impressed with the whole experience that it actually prompted me to write my first ever review. From the second we walked in the door, Sophie made us feel right at home and went above and beyond the entire weekend to make sure we were 100% happy. On the first night, social hour turned into social evening as Sophie continued to bring out more and more goodies because all of the guests were having such a good time getting to know one another. We never made it to dinner because we were so full with all of the wonder treats!!! Breakfast was more of the same. The food was incredible and it just kept coming. Sophie wasn’t happy until we were sufficiently stuffed and rolling back to our room. She is a hoot! On top of the service, which was beyond anything I would have expected, the B&B itself was great. Great location, fantastic overall house and very nice guest rooms. If you are going to Wilmington, you must stay here!

The food and service was top notch. This is a quaint and welcoming house. The owner treats you like family.

My stay at Port City Guest House was a surprise, and what a wonderful one it was! I thought we would be at the Marriott but after my stay this weekend at PCGH I never will be again! We weren't able to get there until 10:30 on a Friday night but Sophie (and Jake, her super friendly dog) waited up for us and welcomed us in with open arms, as if we were coming home. She showed us to the parking in the back so our car wasn't on the street and then offered us a late night snack. She helped facilitate another surprise of roses, champagne and home made chocolate covered strawberries, the best I had ever had!! The house was amazingly beautiful and clean as can be. The sheets were so soft! She provides toiletries, bath robes, iron and ironing board, pretty sure I saw laundry as well, a small fridge, and even sun tan lotions! Basically anything you could need she either already had or would get for you. Her breakfast was delicious and incredibly filling. We didn't eat lunch because we were still so full. My personal favorite was the honey & cinnamon bananas. I know it's something that seems so simple but they were so good, along with all the other fresh fruit, scratch made biscuits and breads. (everyone has already mentioned the other breakfast yummies) I could go on and on about the beautiful house, the great location (just 12 blocks from the heart of downtown Wilmington and 20 mins to local beaches), the scrumptious food... but for me, Sophie is what makes Port City Guest House the wonderful place it is. The day we left we actually sat around talking to Sophie for quite some time. She is that kind of person, like your favorite aunt or something. I can't wait to go back :)

A great find very close to the heart of the Cape Fear Riverwalk activities. Sophie is a gracious hostess who warmly receives all her guests and makes them part of her extended family. Hope to return for a third visit to enjoy all that Wilmington has to offer and being pampered again by Sophie.

The house is beautiful, with mornings (and at least one late evening) spent on the comfortably large front porch. The proximity to historic downtown Wilmington is extremely convenient for sight seeing and dining, while Wrightsville beach is a scant 15-20min drive. Best of all, however, is Sophie's infectious laughter and good nature, not to mention the amazing amount of food she made. Breakfast was a smorgasbord of food; including homemade waffles (and 4 different syrups, including a sugar free) one day, and three different fruits and two types of fresh, home-baked bread on another. Of course there was also the lunch time snacks and the ubiquitous fresh baked goods: homemade coconut cream cake (day 1) and homemade lemon meringue pie (day 2). It's like spending time with your favorite mom/aunt/godmother/grandmother/insert-favorite-over-doting-family-relation-here. Seeing friends and family in Wilmington will never quite be the same, and Sophie will be getting my hard earned dollars the next time I'm in town.

Love love love it! The house is an old charmer of a house with all the classic details. We stayed in the large 'Green Room' with our own bath and got to snuggle into a cozy comfy bed. It's come and go as you please with no curfew. Love that, too! We were treated like favorite family, fed a yummy breakfast of fruit, eggs, hashbrowns, toast, ham, sausage (so much we didn't need to eat lunch either day, plus it was awesome and if you are lucky Sophie will make you her waffles) and we had so much fun being with Sophie. The house and location are an awesome draw, but the owner, Sophie was the best part. We spent one day just being with her! She is a smart and fun firecracker and you are going to love her. From the moment we walked in the door, we felt like we were home. I'm ready to move! There is private parking in the back which is nice so you can unload your car almost right at the door, a sweet garden, and you can see that big ol' front porch waiting for you and your coffee or glass of wine.

My husband and I stayed a weekend and Sophie was fabulous! It's like being a guest in her house. THe breakfasts she fixed were amazing - especially the walnut waffles! Port City Guest House is a great value.

We stayed two nights at the Port City Guest House during the azalea festival and loved it. Everything was just perfect - the house, the furnishings, the food and especially Sophie who is the perfect hostess. We will certainly stay there again the next time we are in Wilmington.

It's a fine big house filled with beautiful things! Sophie is the ultimate hostess and went far out of her way to make sure we enjoyed ourselves. The location was convenient to everywhere we wanted to go and parking was easy. Our rooms were clean and comfortable. The food was terrific and more than abundant - the arrangement was only for breakfast but wonderful little treats and such kept appearing during the day. We will definitely stay there again!

I've stayed at over 30 B&B's over the years and this was the best stay yet! Sophie is a fantastic hostess.... it was like a trip home (but without the disfunction ;-) ). Would stay here again in a heartbeat !!!

From the moment we met Sophie, she made us feel like family. Her hospitality was outstanding. Not only did she welcome us in her home with open arms, but she also treated our dog as her own. Her home is like a museum, full of beautiful art pieces and antique furniture and feels warm and inviting. Sophie makes the most amazing breakfasts ever, including her famous waffles. She caters to your individual dietary needs and offers a variety and an abundance of food. You will never go hungry! We stayed for New Year's eve and enjoyed ourselves so much that we stayed another night! Thanks Aunt Sophie!

This was our first time staying in a B&B and it was amazing! Sophie was the best host a person could hope for and we ended up staying in and hanging out with her instead of going out. If you want an experience instead of just a vacation I would highly recommend this B&B!

We stayed at the PortCityGuestHouse 2009 during the big rainfalls in Atlanta. Not only that it's a beautiful place to stay, it is like visiting family. Any problem or wish we had, Sophie knew the solution earlier than we knew the problem. She is like a fairy. Even when our flights were cancelled several times, any inconvenience were "No Problem, I'm happy your back safe!" Sophie's breakfast is famous. She is taking the best care of her visitors ever - even compared to other high class B&B's. 5 stars at least from Germany

Sophie made us feel welcomed as soon as we walked in the door. She lavished snacks and drinks on us in the afternoon and made us feel at home. I would highly recommend this place to any person looking to get away.

Great location, room and service 100+%. Innkeeper help and hospitality great, makes it very easy to return to the City & B&B

Loved visiting Sophie again. Love the house -- big, clean & comfy! Host was extremely hospitable. Wouldn't think of staying anywhere else in town.

Delicious hearty breakfast! made to feel right at home. Warm & welcoming, the ultimate in Southern hospitality.

I have always wanted to stay at a B&B. This was on my Bucket List. I am glad I got to do it!

this is my 4th stay at this B&B and each time I am treated like a "star." The whole package was over the top -- food, rooms, guests & Sophie!

We were greeted with a friendly smile and a wag of a dog's tail - very homey. Enjoyed delicious breakfast each morning and snacks in the evening. We were made to feel this was our home. Very friendly, clean, will visit again!

Sophie the innkeeper at Port City Guest House was kind, friendly, and made us a huge breakfast. She gifted us a bottle of wine for our anniversary! Her dog Jake was sweet and made us feel at home too!

First rate B&B! Outstanding inn with lovely landlady and gorgeous rooms!

Sophie gave us (family of three) a generous welcome in her neo-classical mansion. We got two rooms for the price of one. the rooms were from a fairytale with all the modern luxury (wifi). We can surely recommend it.

I've been in different B$B's in North Carolina and South Carolina and so far Sophie is the best innkeeper ever!, she makes delicious breakfast, always attentive, she truly makes you feel at home, we were sad to leave!!!the afternoon snacks are great. The rooms are huge and the house is lovely, location is perfect, less than a mile walk to front St, we went to Carolina Beach which is only 20 min away. We had a very comfortable stay, My mom, daughter and I love Sophie and will be back for sure

Made to feel very much at home and welcome - Sophie was accomodating in every way.

My husband and I were originally supposed to check in some time in the morning. Unfortunately, some unexpected things came up and we ended up checking in some time past 10:30 in the evening. Honestly, we were afraid to call about how late we were going to be. When we called to let the B&B know, Sophie was extremely gracious about the whole thing and waited up for us. She was the perfect hostess for the entire weekend. Our room was beautiful, the house was tidy, Sophie was extremely helpful, and the food was excellent. We especially enjoyed her morning waffles! We didn’t have to worry about our car being parked on the street because they had parking in the back. Overall, it was quite a pleasant experience and we plan on staying at her B&B the next time we are in Wilmington. Happy traveling!

Amazing food, lovely house, and the most friendly and helpful landlady I've met. I would totally recommend this place, especially for people who have never been to Wilmington before, and would definitely stay here again.