The Best Hotels in the Outer Banks

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 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 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 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 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 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.

The 5 Best Hotels in the Outer Banks

Sanderling Resort

North Carolina (North Carolina)

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.

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.

from AU$229 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

White Doe Inn

North Carolina

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.

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

from AU$254 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Roanoke Island Inn

North Carolina

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!

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

from AU$366 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

The Burrus House Inn

North Carolina

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

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

from AU$423 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

First Colony Inn

North Carolina

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!

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

from AU$138 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

The 5 Best Hotels in the Outer Banks

For great value

For a resort

For a couples' escape

For families

For the activities

Still not sure where to book?

The 5 Best Hotels in the Outer Banks

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