Nags Head

Beacon Motor Lodge $$$
NC 12, MP 10 3/4, Nags Head
(252) 441-5501, (800) 441-4804

Visitors will find lots of options for seasonal and off-season stays at this family-oriented, comfortable oceanfront lodge. The James family has owned the 48-room Beacon Motor Lodge since 1970, offering one-, two-, and three-room combinations, including motel-type rooms and efficiencies, plus two cottages. Nonsmoking rooms are available. Attractively finished in mauve, turquoise, and peach, the rooms equipped with small refrigerators, phones, and cable TV with remote control. All units also have microwaves. Guests gather on the oceanfront patio, a grand place for enjoying the beach scene from a comfy lounge chair. Oceanfront rooms open onto a large, walled terrace, affording wonderful views of the oocean. Amenities include two children's pools, a large outdoor pool with tables and umbrellas, a playground, patios with grills, an electronic game room, and laundry facilities. Some provisions have been made for disabled guests, including a ramp for beach access. Inquire about discounts and weekly rentals (credit cards are not accepted for some discounts). The Beacon Motor Lodge is open late March through late October.

Colonial Inn Motel $$$-$$$$
NC 12, MP 11 1/2, Nags Head
(252) 441-7308
www.colonialinnmotel.com

At the Colonial Inn Motel you can stay in an oceanfront room, standard room, efficiency unit, or apartment--some of which accommodate as many as 10 guests. All of the apartments and efficiencies have kitchens and are equipped with basic kitchenware. Some efficiencies have queen-size beds; all rooms feature double beds. Every unit has cable TV, air-conditioning, and carpet. All are wheelchair accessible. Enjoy the beach, swim in the pool, or fish off the adjacent Nags Head Fishing Pier. Colonial Inn Motel is open for business from March to December. For a preview, visit the Web site and take a virtual tour of the inn, both inside and outside.

Nags Head Inn $$$-$$$$
NC 12, MP 14, Nags Head
(252) 441-0454, (800) 327-8881
www.nagsheadinn.com

This white stucco building with blue accents and plush lawns is a tasteful contrast to the older Nags Head-style cottages nearby. Designed for family enjoyment, the oceanfront inn features a sunny lobby where greenery thrives. Guest rooms begin on the second floor of this five-story building, and all oceanside rooms afford panoramic ocean views from private balconies. Rooms on the street side do not have balconies, but the view of Roanoke Sound from the fifth floor rooms is notable. All rooms have small refrigerators, cable TV with HBO, phones, and full baths. Nonsmoking rooms are available, and each floor has wheelchair-accessible rooms. A heated indoor pool and spa are available. The Nags Head Inn also features one suite with an adjoining sitting room, wet bar, and hot tub--a perfect honeymoon setting. A small conference room with adjoining kitchen/sitting area accommodates about 30 people comfortably. Tour groups are welcome. The inn is closed from the day after Thanksgiving until December 26.

Oceanside Court $$
NC 12, MP 15 1/2, Nags Head
(252) 441-6167

There's nothing like an oceanside stay on the Outer Banks, and that's what you'll get here. This small establishment offers four efficiencies with cable TV and full kitchens; two rooms with microwaves, refrigerators, and cable TV; and seven cottages. Phones are not available in any of the units. The Court is open from March 1 to December 1. Pets are not allowed.

Sandspur Motel and Cottage Court $$-$$$
NC 12, MP 15 3/4, Nags Head
(252) 441-6993, (800) 522-8486
www.sandspur.net

At the Sandspur you can choose from a room, efficiency, or cottage. All rooms feature two double beds, cable TV, ceiling fans, refrigerators, and microwaves. The efficiencies also have stoves. The rooms have no phones, but a pay phone is on the premises. The motel has a coin-operated washer and dryer. The Sandspur closes in December and reopens March 1.

		Surf Side Motel $$$$ NC 12, MP 16, Nags Head (252) 441-2105, (800) 552-7873 www.surfsideobx.com This attractive five-story hotel is situated on the oceanfront, rooms facing north, south, and east for ocean views. Some rooms have views of Roanoke Sound as well. All rooms have private balconies and are decorated attractively in muted beach tones. Refrigerators, cable TV, hair dryers, coffeemakers, microwaves, irons and ironing boards, and phones are standard in all rooms. The honeymoon suites feature king-size beds and private Jacuzzis. An elevator provides easy access, and wheelchair-accessible rooms are available; so are nonsmoking rooms. An adjacent three-story building offers rooms and efficiencies with either ocean or sound views. A continental breakfast is provided each morning, and the staff hosts an afternoon wine and snacks social hour for guests. You can choose between an indoor pool and hot tub that are open all year and an outdoor pool for swimming in warm weather. The Surf Side is open all year. First Colony Inn $$$$ US 158, MP 16, Nags Head (252) 441-2343, (800) 368-9390 www.firstcolonyinn.com Back in 1932, this gracious old structure was known as Leroy's Seaside Inn. The landmark hotel was moved and refurbished, but it's still a favorite for those who like the ambience of a quiet inn. The old Nags Head-style architecture, resplendent under an overhanging roof and wide porches, has been preserved and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The First Colony received a historic preservation award from the Historic Preservation Foundation of North Carolina. The Lawrence family, with deep roots in the area, rescued the hotel from demolition in 1988. The building was sawed into three sections for the move from its oceanfront location to the present site. The interior was completely renovated and now contains 26 rooms, all with traditional furnishings and modern comforts. In the sunny breakfast room, you can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast and afternoon tea. Upstairs, an elegant but cozy library with books, games, and an old pump organ is a favorite place to read the paper or meet other guests. A great selection of jazz as well as classical music wafts throughout the reception area. Each room is appointed in English antique furniture. Special touches, such as tiled baths, heated towel bars, English toiletries, telephones, TVs, iron with ironing board, individual climate control, and refrigerators, are standard. Some rooms have a wet bar, kitchenette, Jacuzzi, VCR, and private balcony; some rooms include an additional trundle bed or day bed for an extra person. The first floor is wheelchair accessible, and one room is designed for disabled guests. Smoking is not permitted in the inn. Guests are invited to relax at the 55foot swimming pool and sundeck behind the inn or to follow the private boardwalk across the street to the oceanfront gazebo. This magnificent year-round inn provides easy access to the ocean and is close to many shops and restaurants. The inn has a policy of Thursday night free for stays of five weeknights or longer (must include consecutive Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday stays). Islander Motel $$$$ NC 12, MP 16, Nags Head (252) 441-6229 www.islandermotel.com The Islander is a small, popular oceanfront property featuring an attractive landscape and well-maintained rooms. Most rooms have an ocean view, and all have either a balcony or patio, although some of the first-floor units tucked behind dunes do not offer ocean views. The motel has 24 rooms and two efficiency apartments. The rooms are large and frequently refurbished and have either double or queen-size beds. One king is available. All have sitting areas, coffeemakers, and refrigerators. Some first-floor units offer kitchenettes. Guests enjoy the pool and private dune walk to the ocean. This property is convenient to Nags Head restaurants, shops, recreational outlets, and attractions. The Islander is open April through October. Blue Heron Motel $$$ NC 12, MP 16, Nags Head (252) 441-7447 The Blue Heron Motel is considered one of the Outer Banks's best-kept secrets among the small motels in the area. The family-owned facility provides a year- round indoor swimming pool, a spa, and outdoor pools. The Gladden family lives on the premises and pays careful attention to the management of the property. It's in the midst of fine Nags Head restaurants and offers plenty of beach for those who come to relax. Nineteen rooms offer double or king- size beds, and 11 efficiencies sleep up to four people and provide full kitchens. All units have refrigerators, microwaves, coffeepots, cable TV, phones, and shower/tub combinations. A wheelchair-accessible room is available. Second- and third-floor rooms offer private balconies. The Blue Heron Motel is open all year and offers weekly rates. Owens' Motel $$$ NC 12, MP 16, Nags Head (252) 441-6361 www.owensmotel.com The Owens family has owned and operated this attractive motel, one of the first on the beach, for 50 years. Adjacent to the family's famous restaurant (see our Restaurants chapter), this property across the highway from the ocean is well maintained. This three-story oceanfront property includes efficiencies with large, private balconies. Each efficiency has two double beds, a tile bath and shower, cable TV, and a kitchen. Regular rooms have two double beds, one queen-size bed, or one double bed with one single bed. The motel swimming pool on the west side of the property provides an alternative to the ocean. Easy access to Jennette's Pier and a comfortable oceanfront pavilion with rocking chairs is enticing. Owens' Motel is open April through October. Sea Foam Motel $$$ NC 12, MP 16 1/2, Nags Head (252) 441-7320 www.seafoam.com This attractive oceanfront motel is made up of 29 rooms, 18 efficiencies, and 3 cottages. Efficiencies accommodate two to four people, and cottages sleep up to six comfortably. The efficiencies and cottages rent weekly. Rooms are decorated in mauve and green, and some have washed-oak furniture. All rooms have cable TV with HBO, refrigerators, microwaves, and phones. Some have king-size beds, and each has a balcony or porch. Some units in the one- and two-story buildings have ocean and poolside views. Children are welcome, and they will enjoy the playground. Other features include a large outdoor pool, children's pool, sundeck, shuffleboard area, and a gazebo on the beach for guests' pleasure. Sea Foam Motel is within walking distance of several restaurants. Free coffee is provided until 11:00 A.M., and a special family plan allows children younger than age 12 to stay free with parents. Sea Foam Motel is open March through mid-December. Pets are not allowed. Quality Inn Sea Oatel $$$$ NC 12, MP 16 1/2, Nags Head (252) 441-7191, (800) 440-4386 www.qualityinnnagshead.com This year-round Quality Inn has an excellent location near restaurants, recreation, shops, and Nags Head attractions. Each of the 47 rooms is tastefully furnished, and nonsmoking rooms are available; all are just across the street from the beach. Pets are allowed free of charge from Labor Day to Memorial Day. The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and all rooms conform to Quality Inn's high standards. Each room has a coffeemaker, microwave, refrigerator, telephone, and cable TV with HBO. You'll also find a large outdoor pool, a children's pool, a coin- operated laundry, snacks, and ice. The inn is open all year. Dolphin Oceanfront Motel $$$ NC 12, MP 16 1/2, Nags Head (252) 441-7488, (800) 699-1962 www.dolphinmotel.net The Dolphin Motel has 45 rooms with 11 efficiencies. Some rooms have an ocean view. The breezeway to the beach and an outdoor pool add special touches. All rooms and efficiencies have cable TV. Nonsmoking rooms are available. The Dolphin opens the last Friday in March and closes the last Saturday in October. Pets are allowed. Comfort Inn Oceanfront South $$$$ NC 12, MP 17, Nags Head (252) 441-6315, (800) 334-3302 The Comfort Inn South, a seven-story oceanfront hotel, is the tallest building on the Outer Banks. The light peach-and-teal exterior gives this hotel a clean, contemporary beach look. The 105-room hotel has deluxe oceanfront rooms with magnificent views from private balconies; oceanside and streetside rooms are available too. Each room has a cable TV, phone, refrigerator, and microwave. Nonsmoking rooms are available. A honeymoon suite with a hot tub is popular, as are rooms with king- size beds. One wheelchair-accessible room is available. Corporate meeting rooms accommodate groups of 350 people. The oceanfront pool and deck are favorite places. Other amenities include a game room and a playground. A complimentary continental breakfast is offered in the lobby. The Comfort Inn South is open all year. Whalebone Motel $$$$ NC 12, MP 17, Nags Head (252) 441-7423, (888) 685-9581 www.whalebonemotel.com The Whalebone Motel is open all year and has standard motel rooms and efficiencies in its three buildings. One efficiency has a king, a double, and two single beds. Three have king-size beds, and others feature one double and two single beds. Some units have two double beds. All rooms have stoves, refrigerators, and cable TV with HBO. Pets are welcome at $5.00 extra per day. Fin 'N Feather Waterside Inn $$-$$$ Nags Head-Manteo Causeway Nags Head (252) 441-5353, (888) 441-5353 www.finnfeather.com A small motel along the water's edge, the Fin 'N Feather is popular with anglers and hunters. If you're planning to come in the fall or spring, call well in advance for reservations. This motel's proximity to Pirate's Cove Yacht Club is convenient for anyone headed out for a day on the open seas. The motel also has its own boat ramp. Housekeeping units are available year-round at Fin 'N Feather and feature double-bed efficiencies. Each efficiency has a stove, refrigerator, and cooking utensils. Renters take care of their own needs. The rooms are clean and comfortable with blue and white decor. Large windows open onto the water from either side and offer stunning views of the sound. All rooms are nonsmoking, and dogs are welcome.
		Roanoke Island Manteo
		Island Motel & Guest House $$ US 64,US 64, Manteo (252) 473-2434 www.theislandmotel.com In the heart of Manteo, convenience is a hallmark at this neat little motel. Most of the 14 rooms have their own microwave or full kitchen, cable TV, air-conditioning, and two double beds. Foldaway beds are available for children. Daily, weekly, and monthly rates are offered. Amenities include courtesy bikes, fishing poles, other sports equipment, and surfing lessons. Nonsmoking rooms are available, and smoking is not allowed in the main house. Dogs are allowed for a nominal fee. This motel is open all year. The Island Motel also operates three theme cottages located 1 block away. In-season rates start at $200. These cottages are nonsmoking and do not allow pets.
		Island Motel & Guesthouse $$$ US 64, Manteo (252) 473-2434 www.theislandmotel.com In the heart of Manteo, convenience is a hallmark at this neat little motel. Most of the 14 rooms have their own microwave or full kitchen, cable TV, air-conditioning, and two double beds. Foldaway beds are available for children. Daily, weekly, and monthly rates are offered. Amenities include courtesy bikes, fishing poles, other sports equipment, and surfing lessons. Nonsmoking rooms are available, and smoking is not allowed in the main house. Dogs are allowed for a nominal fee. This motel is open all year. The Island Motel also operates four adorable theme cottages located 1 block away. In-season rates start at $200. These cottages are nonsmoking and do not allow pets. The Elizabethan Inn $$$ US 64, Manteo (252) 473-2101, (800) 346-2466 www.elizabethaninn.com The Elizabethan Inn is a year-round resort facility with spacious shaded grounds, country manor charm, and Tudor architecture reflecting the area's heritage. The hotel consists of three buildings providing more than 80 rooms, efficiencies, and apartments, plus conference facilities, a spa, and a gift shop. Nonsmoking and wheelchair- accessible rooms are available. All rooms have cable TV with HBO, refrigerators, and direct-dial phones. Rooms are available with a king-size bed or two queen-size or double beds, and two rooms have whirlpool baths. All have coffeemakers. The inn's Nautics Hall Fitness Center is available for guests (see our Recreationchapter). Guests may also use the outdoor pool and a heated, competition-size indoor pool. Roanoke Island Inn $$$$ 305 Fernando Street, Manteo (252) 473-5511, (877) 473-5511 www.roanokeislandinn.com With the sparkling Roanoke Sound and quaint Manteo waterfront just a stroll away, you'll find yourself easing into the relaxed village pace the moment you step up to this attractive inn. The distinctive white clapboard building with dark green shutters distinguishes a gracious, restored residence with the comforts of a small, well-designed bed-and-breakfast. The furnishings are handsome, reflecting the meticulous care of the owner, designer- architect John Wilson IV. Each of the inn's eight rooms features a private entrance, private bath, TV, and phone. Guests may choose to stay in the bungalow behind the inn, which is complete with an antique tub and furnishings, wet bar, and refrigerator. Browse through a collection of Outer Banks-related books and artwork in the lobby. A light breakfast is offered in the butler's pantry. The private grounds are landscaped with gardenia, fig bushes, and native plants. Relax by the picturesque pond complete with koi and sweet-smelling lotus plants. Dip nets are provided so guests can net crabs along the bay's edge. Bicycles are furnished for touring the town and nearby historic attractions, including the Elizabeth II and the Outer Banks History Center. For a more adventuresome vacation, guests may rent a house on their own private island in the sound. Guests must provide their own boat to make the 10-minute journey to the home, available May through September. Guests must provide their own cell phone. Reed Hill is another choice rental located on the oceanfront in historic Nags Head. The home can be rented by the week through Roanoke Island Inn. Roanoke Island Inn is open from April through October. The White Doe Inn $$$$ Sir Walter Raleigh Street, Manteo (252) 473-9851, (800) 473-6091 www.whitedoeinn.com In a restored 1898 home, The White Doe Inn retains its turn-of-the-century charm and offers guests an elegant escape in its rooms and hideaways. It is one of only two Dare County houses listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The inn offers eight guest rooms, each with a private bath and fireplace. Honeymoon suites are available. Lounge on the large, wraparound porches; guests also have full use of the library, formal parlor, foyer, and dining room of this stately old home. Afternoon tea, coffee, and desserts are served, as is evening sherry. The inn serves a full Southern-style, four-course breakfast every morning, a time for guests to read the newspapers, enjoy the fine food, and prepare for a day of exploring historic Manteo and Roanoke Island. This is a nonsmoking establishment, but smoking is allowed on the porch. Special events for up to 50 people, including weddings, reunions, or retreats, can be accommodated. Check the Web site for special-interest weekend packages. The inn is open all year, and offseason rates are available. The Cameron House Inn $$$$ 300 Budleigh Street, Manteo (252) 473-6596, (800) 279-8178 www.cameronhouseinn.com Comfort and elegance are the hallmarks at this well-appointed inn. Some rooms feature fireplaces, soaker tubs, or down- stuffed sofas, and all have luxurious tiled bathrooms. All rooms are nonsmoking and all have Internet access. A big breakfast is set out each morning, usually offering homemade muffins and breads, quiches, fresh fruit, granola, juices, coffee, and tea. Afternoon treats perk you up after a long day on the beach or visiting attractions, especially if you also take a moment to relax on the antique front porch swing or in the comfy wicker chairs. The inn is in historic downtown Manteo where restaurants, attractions, and shopping are all just a few minutes' walk away. The Cameron House Inn also offers some of the best advice on what to see and do while you are on the Outer Banks-advice not easily matched, considering that the owners of this inn masterminded and developed the Insiders' Guide series. The Cameron House is frequently the site for conferences, retreats, and business meetings.

Nags Head

Roanoke Island