Top Hotels in Outer Banks Motels
Top Things to do in Outer Banks
10 Top-Rated Motels in Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a 100-mile stretch of barrier islands dotted with pristine beaches, quaint towns and historic sites.
If you love swimming, kayaking, or surfing, be sure to visit the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. To really experience local culture, explore each coastal village and sample as much food as you can along the way. (Pro tip: Try the catch of the day.) If you’re looking for a history lesson, check out Roanoke Island or the Wright Brothers National Memorial. And of course, no day is complete without watching the sunset from Jockey’s Ridge.
Things to do in Outer Banks
1. Shutters On the Banks
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1177 reviews
Oceanfront location, each room is equipped with two queen beds or one king and a sleep sofa and include a refrigerator,in-room phone, TV with HBO, AM-FM radio and highspeed internet. All efficiencies are equipped with full kitchens. We also have a limited number of King Studio Suites available. Complimentary continental breakfast. complimentary passes to the YMCA. Newly renovated rooms and efficiencies for 2016.
Recent stay
Reviewed By 762marciehWe recently visited OBX for the first time and stayed here. We stayed on the 4th floor in the tower building. When we arrived we were told the elevator didn’t work. I have a bad hip plus asthma so this was not good for me. I would have thought it would be fixed within a day but 5 days later still nothing. Would have been nice to offer some type of discount for that. As far as the room and the rest of the hotel I was very pleased. Rooms were very nice. Nice beach access.
2. Heart Of Manteo Motor Lodge
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 5 reviews
VERY CLEAN, but NOISY.
Reviewed By Cyndy DRoom is spotless! Like any lodging, air conditioner is loud There is a dehumidifier, which is nice, but also loud. Cars parking, leaving, people traipsing up and down stairs = noisy. Light shines in small transom window over door = bright. Bring sleep mask.
3. Cape Hatteras Motel
Overall Ratings
4 based on 340 reviews
Cape Hatteras Motel is located on the oceanfront in Buxton North Carolina. We are located about a mile down the beach from the famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The motel is bordered by the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the Atlantic Ocean. The motel has a fresh water pool with a hot tub. When conditions are safe, our beach is great for swimming and surfing. It is also one of the best places in the country to surf fish. We are about ten miles from the marinas at Hatteras Inlet. Boats out of Hatteras have the shortest run to the gulf stream north of Florida. There is also a fishing pier five miles north of Cape Hatteras Motel. We offer oceanfront rooms with either one king or two queen beds. We also offer two bedroom suites, complete with full kitchens.These units are complete with linens and dishes. All units have access to free Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs and air conditioning. Whether you are coming to Cape Hatteras to surf or kite board, windsurf or fish, or maybe to just walk our miles of National Seashore beaches; the Cape Hatteras Motel is the place to stay.
Accommodations - fantastic as always. Diane H. and William were able to remedy a booking and late request with aplomb.
Reviewed By rubeldj5I try to stay here on my way back to Virginia for 2 or 3 nights after visiting my father in Florida. I have stayed here 3 times since March 2021, and each stay has been remarkable. On my first visit, Will provided me with a list of places to eat that I have frequented on subsequent visits. I will be back.
4. Blue Heron Motel
Overall Ratings
4 based on 247 reviews
Finding an ideal charming motel in Nags Head does not have to be difficult. Welcome to Blue Heron Motel, a nice option for travelers like you. You’ll enjoy relaxing rooms that offer a flat screen TV, air conditioning, and a refrigerator, and you can stay connected during your stay as Blue Heron Motel offers guests free wifi. Plus, Blue Heron Hotel offers a pool, providing a pleasant respite from your busy day. For guests with a vehicle, free parking is available. While you’re here, be sure to check out some of the Mexican restaurants, including La Fogata Mexican Restaurant and Taco Bell, all of which are a short distance from Blue Heron Hotel. Nags Head is also home to Bodie Island Lighthouse, a popular lighthouse that is not too far from Blue Heron Hotel. Blue Heron Motel looks forward to welcoming you on your visit to Nags Head.
Weekend getaway
Reviewed By AKL1969First time staying at The Blue Heron. The room was clean and upgrades were being made at the motel. The bed was comfy , new flat screen , small coffee pot , refrigerator and microwave in room. No hair dryer . Nice balcony to enjoy . If you are looking for an upscale place to stay this is not for you. This is an old school motel right on the beach, it’s worn and tattered, however if you wanna just enjoy the beach , relax and enjoy the views this is the place. We stayed on the 3rd floor and we had breathtaking views. Location was everything. The beach was right out of the back door. The pool was closed for the season and I did not get to the indoor pool or hot tub. The gentleman that checked us in was very nice. Overall I had a great time and I would definitely stay again . I’ll will post some pics of our room.
5. Outer Banks Motel
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 178 reviews
Everyone needs a place to lay their weary head. For travelers visiting Buxton, Outer Banks Motel is an excellent choice for rest and rejuvenation. Well-known for its family-friendly environment and proximity to great restaurants, Outer Banks Motel makes it easy to enjoy the best of Buxton. Rooms at Outer Banks Hotel offer air conditioning and a refrigerator providing exceptional comfort and convenience, and guests can go online with free wifi. Beach chairs is one of the conveniences offered at this motel. A pool will also help to make your stay even more special. If you are driving to Outer Banks Motel, free parking is available. While in Buxton, you may want to check out some of the restaurants that are a short walk away from Outer Banks Motel, including Orange Blossom Bakery (0.6 mi), The Captains Table (0.4 mi), and Buxton Munch Company (0.8 mi). Looking to explore? Then look no further than Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which is a popular Buxton historic site – and it is conveniently located a short distance from the motel. Outer Banks Motel is sure to make your visit to Buxton one worth remembering.
Awful place, misleading pictures and watch out for storms
Reviewed By AntonioManzenettaThis is not a nice place and the pictures don’t show you what you get. To top it off, the staff called to verify our arrival and said nothing about the storm or the chance of being stuck on the island. We arrived and left, a good thing or we would have been stuck in this terrible room for a few days. Perhaps the owners see this as a wa to keep the rooms full. We took some pictures so you can get an accurate representation of the room. Notice the lamp, the worn out bedding and the missing pieces of blinds on our “oceanside room” (Don’t expect a view with an oceanside room). If you decide to stay in This area check the weather - we are from another state and didn’t think to, the hotel didn’t say anything until we arrived. We also suggest another hotel, stay clear of this one.
6. Avon Motel
Overall Ratings
3 based on 80 reviews
Welcome to Avon Motel, your Avon “home away from home.” Avon Motel aims to make your visit as relaxing and enjoyable as possible, which is why so many guests continue to come back year after year. Avon Hotel is a budget friendly motel offering a refrigerator, air conditioning, and a kitchenette in the rooms, and it is easy to stay connected during your stay as free wifi is offered to guests. For guests with a vehicle, free parking is available. While you’re here, be sure to check out some of the seafood restaurants, including The Mad Crabber, Ketch 55 Seafood Grill, and The Froggy Dog, all of which are a short distance from Avon Motel. If you are interested in exploring Avon, check out one of the art galleries, such as Kinnakeet Clay Studio & Showroom and Studio 12. Avon Motel puts the best of Avon at your fingertips, making your stay both relaxing and enjoyable.
Great staff!!
Reviewed By Lisa NThe motel staff was extremely friendly and accommodating!! We especially loved the 6 year old little hostess!! Room was clean and comfy! Not a luxury resort but wasn’t looking for that. Close to beach, food and shopping all in walking distance.
7. Colonial Inn
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 369 reviews
The Colonial Inn is nestled at MP 11.5 On the oceanfront right next door to the Nags Head Fishing Pier. The hotel offers many different room types to accommodate every need. We are also pet friendly! There is a seasonal outdoor pool, a private beach access, refrigerators and microwaves in every room, as well as LG flat screen TVs. We also provide free YMCA passes at request, and free WIFI for our guests. We offer discounts for AAA, AARP members and run specials throughout the year. Historical sites, gift shops, and the outlet mall are just minutes away. Jockey's Ridge State Park is half a mile south and the Wright Brother's National Memorial is less than 4 miles away. Lucky 12 Tavern is in walking distance, and Tortugas' Lie Shellfish Bar & Grill is half a mile north of the Colonial Inn!If you are looking for Old World Charm in the heart of Nags Head, the Colonial Inn is the place for you and your family!
Yikes!!!
Reviewed By 928mariannadBeware folks!! We booked this for one night, and $338 later, we left feeling dirty and disappointed. We stayed in the 2 bedroom apt, which was nice because we had room and seating for all 6 of us, but it was clear that the room was not a $338 quality room. It was evident that many problems were plastered and painted over. Every blanket in the apt had some sort of sticky candy on it. The water pressure was inadequate for showering. The windows had no screens, and the window in the living room area would just pop open if the wind blew too hard. The floors were absolutely disgusting, as you can see in the picture of my fiancées feet after not wearing shoes inside. The worst part tho, no staff on site. We checked in with a machine that virtually connected us to a person who appeared to be working from a concrete closet. Save your money, and book somewhere more reputable and safe.
8. Outer Banks Motor Lodge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 166 reviews
Discover a world of sand, surf, sun and fun at The Outer Banks Motor Lodge, a quaint oceanfront motel nestled on the beach in Kill Devil Hills. We are conveniently located and easy to find, with several restaurants within walking distance; close to all the OBX attractions in nearby Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, Duck and Roanoke Island. Our motel offers an inviting family atmosphere, warm hospitality, a friendly staff and clean spacious oceanfront lodging. There are a wide variety of rooms to choose from – including oceanfront, poolside, efficiencies and pet friendly-rooms. Our rates are affordable and a great value. The Outer Banks Motor Lodge offers many great amenities. Enjoy our beautiful beaches, the outdoor pool and our picnic and playground area, free wireless internet, guest laundry & vending. Family owned and operated, we know you will enjoy your stay.
Great location
Reviewed By WanderingMomentsThis is an older motor lodge right on the beach. It was very nice to be able to walk out to the beach easily. The staff here are very pleasant and helpful. We had a pool-facing room. It was clean, but small & dark, and the mattress was very soft--- we kept rolling into the center. The bathroom was bright & clean, and a nice size. Towel rack and shelves would be helpful. I agree with the reviewer who said they thought this could be Great --- if it were renovated.
9. Driftin' Sands Motel
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 24 reviews
Looking for a place to stay in Kill Devil Hills? Then look no further than Driftin' Sands Motel, a budget friendly motel that brings the best of Kill Devil Hills to your doorstep. Rooms at Driftin' Sands Motel provide air conditioning and a kitchenette, and guests can stay connected with free internet access. Given the close proximity of popular landmarks, such as Colington Speedway (1.5 mi) and Outer Banks Arboretum And Teaching Garden (1.7 mi), guests of Driftin' Sands Motel can easily experience some of Kill Devil Hills' most well known attractions. Travelers looking to enjoy some ribs can head to Jolly Roger Restaurant & Pirate Bar, Captain George's Seafood Restaurant, or Goombays Grille & Raw Bar. Otherwise, you may want to check out a Mexican restaurant such as Crazy Iguana Bar & Grill, Obx Taqueria, or Plaza Azteca. Plus, during your trip, don't forget to check out a historic site, such as Wright Brothers National Memorial. We’re sure you’ll enjoy your stay at Driftin' Sands Motel as you experience everything Kill Devil Hills has to offer.
Short stay fishing trip
Reviewed By JulesjulskiI liked the short walk distance to the beach. Room was small but cozy. Will visit again! Staff friendly and had no trouble getting towels/supplies etc. For our beach fishing trip this was perfect!!!!! Definitely will be back!!! Thank you!!
10. Tar Heel Motel
Overall Ratings
4 based on 30 reviews
Kick off your shoes and relax ole' Nags Head Style at the Tar Heel Motel of the Outer Banks. Walk to the beach, enjoy our pool, grill out in our picnic area. All rooms have microwave, mini-fridge, cable tv and free WiFi. The Tar Heel is in walking distance of restaurants and fishing piers as well as shopping.
Great stay!
Reviewed By 473fredeThis throw back motel was completely renovated a few years ago. Stylish, but simple decor. A variety of room configurations. Rooms have mini fridge, microwave, toaster oven, and kuerig coffee makers. The bathroom is TINY! No closets or much space to hang, place necessities. Close to shopping, dining, beach access (across the street and about 50 yards). Pool on site, ice machine, vending machine. Parking in front of room! 2nd stay and we'll be back!
