The 5 Best Hotels in the Outer Banks

Roanoke Island Inn

The Outer Banks are a collection of barrier islands that have long been a popular holiday destination. Running 100 miles along the North Carolina shores and opening onto the Atlantic Ocean, expect miles of sandy beaches, villages steeped in colonial history, shipwreck sites ideal for diving, and particularly good seafood. Whether you want to simply experience nature or you would prefer an active stay, there is something for everyone here. Our hotel experts have complied a collection of the best hotels in the Outer Banks chosen on their amenities, design, and location. From activity packed resorts to charming inns perfect for a romantic break, there is something for all tastes and budgets. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next stay?

For great value

First Colony Inn

  • First Colony Inn is a charming small hotel set right on a beautiful stretch of beach. Individually styled rooms come with antique furnishings, wet bars and kitchenettes; the best have private porches and whirlpool tubs. Complete with an outdoor pool, this is a prime spot for families or couples who don't want to break the bank.

For a resort

Sanderling Resort

  • Sanderling Resort offers all the components of an ideal coastal stay. Contemporary rooms are comfortable with all the expected luxuries; however, it is the amenities that are the real draw including four restaurants, a spoiling spa, three pools, and endless indoor and outdoor activities to suit all ages.

For a couples' escape

White Doe Inn

  • White Doe Inn is an elegant inn situated in the heart of the idyllic coastal village of Manteo. Stunning rooms feature antique furnishings, fireplaces, two-person tubs and private balconies. With gourmet four-course breakfasts and in-room massages, this is perfect for a quiet break for two.

For families

Roanoke Island Inn

  • Roanoke Island Inn is a historic, boutique beachfront hotel in the quaint town of Manteo. Eight spacious guestrooms have luxe antique four-poster beds and waterfront or garden views. Both family and pet friendly, the inn also offers complimentary bikes, beach chairs and towels. A charming and intimate coastal stay.

For the activities

The Burrus House Inn

  • The Burrus House Inn is a luxurious adults-only waterfront Inn. Twelve charming and unique suites have kitchenettes, luxurious bathrooms and stunning views of Shallowbag Bay. Expect complimentary bikes, watersports gear (including kayaks and paddle boards), plus yoga classes. An ideal base for an active getaway.

Still not sure where to book?

  • Browse our list of the best places to stay in North Carolina.
  • Widen your search and look at the best hotels in Charlotte or the best hotels in Asheville or the best hotels for the Great Smokey Mountains.
  • Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
    • First Colony Inn Nags Head, North Carolina 26 rooms from €81

      Beach Life  -  Make use of the inn's complimentary towels and chairs. Follow the boardwalk to the beach
      Total relaxation  -  Lounge by the pool and watch a spectacular Outer Banks sunset from the deck
      Sights nearby  -  Spend an afternoon at the NC Aquarium in Manteo
      Whirlpool Bathtub  -  Some rooms come with jetted tubs
      Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenParking

      A charming inn perfectly located for an Outer Banks adventure. Luxurious individually designed rooms boast antique furnishings, wet bars and kitchenettes. Some come with private porches and whirlpool tubs. Plus there's a seasonal outdoor pool and evening social hour. Idyllic! See More

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    • Sanderling Resort Duck, North Carolina 120 rooms from €134

      Surfing  -  Surf lessons for the whole family, or check out the new craze - Stand Up Paddleboards.
      Kayaking  -  During the day or at sunset, kayak tours on the coastal marshes are a great trip
      Birdwatching  -  The Pine Island Sanctuary is home to more than 170 bird species.
      Sailing  -  Nor'Banks Sailing offers rentals or lessons.
      Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets
      Recommended by  -  Tablet

      Natural beauty and ocean meet at this luxury resort. Contemporary rooms are comfortable with all the expected luxuries. Rejuvenate in the Spa, plenty of unique treatments on offer. With four restaurants and three pools to tempt you, be sure to make time for some epic star gazing at night. See More

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    • Roanoke Island Inn Manteo, North Carolina 8 rooms from €214

      Local exploring  -  Downtown is walkable with its unique shops, art galleries, eateries, a lighthouse and waterfront boardwalk
      Beach Life  -  The hotel offers courtesy towels, chairs and umbrellas for the perfect beach day
      Sights nearby  -  Visit the historic site of The Lost Colony, Island Farm, and the NC Aquarium
      Views  -  Breathtaking water views
      Air conditioningGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

      A historic, boutique beachfront inn in the quaint town of Manteo. Eight spacious guestrooms have luxe antique four-poster beds and waterfront or garden views. Both family and pet friendly, the inn also offers complimentary bikes, beach chairs and towels and daily continental breakfast. Charming! See More

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    • White Doe Inn Manteo, North Carolina 8 rooms from €148

      Beach Life  -  The inn is just minutes from Nags Head’s beautiful North Carolinian beaches and offers guests beach equipment
      Romantic Break  -  Celebrate your loved one, with a special package including a cake, flowers and champagne
      Restaurant  -  The restaurant boasts a creative menu made using local-produce
      Sights nearby  -  Climb the tallest brick lighthouse in America at Cape Hatteras
      Air conditioningRestaurantGardenParking

      An elegant inn situated in the heart of the idyllic coastal village of Manteo on Roanoke Island. Stunning rooms with antique furnishings, romantic fireplaces, two-person tubs and private balconies. Enjoy a gourmet four-course breakfasts and in-room massages. Perfect for a romantic break. See More

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    • The Burrus House Inn Manteo, North Carolina 12 rooms from €247

      Beach Life  -  Miles of coastline, perfect climate and pristine innercoastal wetlands, the Outer Banks is a getaway location like no other
      Active Holiday  -  The Outer Banks is home to world class fishing, watersports and adventure
      Sights nearby  -  Take a drive to Nags Head lighthouse for a short trip or all the way to Cape Hatteras
      Restrictions on children  -  No children (under 18s) are allowed unless the inn is booked in its entirety
      Air conditioningDisabled accessViewsParking

      A luxurious adults only waterfront Inn on Roanoke Island. Twelve charming and unique suites have kitchenettes, luxurious bathrooms and stunning views of Shallowbag Bay. Plus there's complimentary bikes and watersports gear. A perfect base for discovering the fun and activities of the Outer Banks See More

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Written by Katie Harris

posted Monday, 24th May 2021