There’s a wide variety of Cape Hatteras hotels, so you’ll certainly find something to suit your taste. Cape Hatteras has about a dozen classic, old-school motels, some of which have been serving vacationers since the 1950s and 60s. Hatteras Island hotels are clean and comfortable and updated with new amenities, but they are infused with the flavor of Cape Hatteras hotels of yesteryear. They’re favored by fishermen, families on a budget and people who long for the simplicity of earlier times. You can expect to find a range of amenities in the newer Cape Hatteras hotels and motels, including a few bed and breakfast inns. A nice feature of the hotels, motels and inns is that most of them are locally owned, some by natives who’ve lived here all their lives. Staying in these Hatteras Island hotels gives you the chance to meet some very interesting people who are truly appreciative of your business, not to mention all the free recommendations they’re happy to offer on local attractions and activities. Note that there are no hotels or inns in Waves or Frisco. For information on vacation rentals properties, see our guide for Hatteras Vacation Rentals.
Thinking Outside the Box with Cape Hatteras Hotels
While some choose to stay in a Cape Hatteras hotel, it’s worth mentioning that camping on the island is an ever-popular move. There are more than a dozen campgrounds dotting Hatteras Island, from simple mom-and-pop establishments to full-blown resort-like camping experiences. Campers with their tent or trailer in tow will enjoy the no-frills National Park Service campgrounds at Buxton and Frisco or some of the smaller campgrounds. RV travelers seeking full hookups, swimming pools, game rooms, planned activities and the camaraderie of the RV lifestyle will not be disappointed with the Hatteras Island camping resorts.
Hatteras hotels and campgrounds offer year-round accommodation options on the island. Select establishments close in the winter, so always call ahead if that’s when you’re planning your visit. The summer season is when rates are at their highest, corresponding with the most demand for accommodations. Fall is also a busy season on Hatteras Island because of the excellent fishing. A good practice is to always make your reservations well in advance for either of those seasons.
Hatteras Hotels by Location or Category
Rodanthe, Waves & Salvo | Avon | Buxton & Frisco | Hatteras Village
In the heart of Buxton, you'll find the old-school but newly updated Swell Motel. The location is prime, close to the sound, beach, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse...read more
The location of these condominiums can’t be beat. They're next to the Hatteras Landing complex of fine dining, shopping and recreation and close to the...read more
Village Marina Motel has 12 rooms with great views of the harbor. The rooms have separate living areas and bedrooms and include a TV, small refrigerator,...read more
Winner of a recent Outer Banks Parade of Homes, Watermen’s Retreat consists of 14 high-end, luxury condominiums, located waterfront on the Pamlico Sound in...read more
