Wilmington Star-News
By Tim Buckland
WILMINGTON NC
Mayor Bill Saffo likened the development of the Embassy Suites hotel near the Wilmington Convention Center to a championship boxing match. It seemed like every time we thought we were doing well, someone would come along and hit us. We’d get knocked down, but I was … sure we were going to keep fighting and get this done,” Saffo said during Thursday’s grand opening ceremony for the 186-room hotel.
The hotel began accepting customers Dec. 31, when it hosted a New Year’s party. Thursday’s ceremony was intended to officially open the hotel and its rooftop bar, but high winds Thursday prevented the bar’s opening. Hotel spokeswoman Melissa Fallis said the bar would open at 4 p.m. Friday.
