GoHotelly
2-star hotel

Hatteras Island Inn

Stay at Hatteras Island Inn, a 4.1-rated inn in Buxton, NC offering free Wi-Fi, outdoor pool, beach access, and close to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and National Seashore.

46745 North Carolina Hwy 12, Buxton, NC 27920 View on map
8.2/10
Very Good Based on 662 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free parking Accessible Outdoor pool Air-conditioned
What recent guests emphasize

A practical stay close to the beach with friendly service

Guests appreciate the clean, comfortable rooms and convenient location near the beach and Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, while noting some areas could use updating. The helpful and polite staff add to a pleasant, value-oriented experience.

Guests often praise

  • Clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities like microwaves and refrigerators
  • Kind, polite, and accommodating staff who enhance the stay
  • Great location within minutes of the beach and popular attractions
  • Outdoor pool that is well maintained and inviting
  • Reasonably priced accommodations offering good value for the area

Worth knowing

  • Some rooms show cosmetic wear and could benefit from updates or fresh paint
  • Occasional issues with smoke from other guests affecting room air when windows or AC units are open
  • Observation deck and certain amenities may have limited access or seasonal availability
  • Nearby beach access can be affected by flooding after rainstorms
  • Standard motel style accommodations—suitable but not luxurious

Best for

  • Travelers seeking a convenient, budget-friendly base near Cape Hatteras attractions
  • Beachgoers wanting quick access to shore and local landmarks
  • Families looking for kid-friendly amenities and a pool
  • Guests valuing friendly service over upscale lodging
  • Visitors in need of basic, no-frills accommodations with essential comforts
Compare booking partners

Open this hotel on the platform you trust.

GoHotelly doesn't process bookings — we open this property on each partner so you can compare live rates, cancellation rules and loyalty perks side by side.

Some links are affiliate — if you book, GoHotelly may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure.

About this property

Welcome to Hatteras Island Inn

Hatteras Island Inn offers low-key accommodation with practical amenities including free Wi-Fi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. The inn features an observation tower and a gazebo, providing guests with modest spaces to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Rooms come equipped with essentials like a microwave, mini-refrigerator, and air conditioning, though some guests have noted that certain areas could benefit from updates.

Located just a two-minute walk from the beach and about one mile from the historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, this inn is well positioned for visitors keen on exploring nearby attractions. The proximity to Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Buxton Woods Reserve adds to its appeal for nature lovers and beachgoers alike. Beach access and a kid-friendly environment make it suitable for families, while the absence of airport shuttles and fitness facilities suggests a focus on simpler, more laid-back stays.

Guest reviews highlight clean and comfortable rooms with polite, helpful staff, though some mention dated décor and occasional maintenance issues such as a short shower curtain or uneven appliances. The pool and outdoor areas receive positive remarks. The property appears well-suited for travelers seeking a convenient base for exploring the Outer Banks without the expectations of luxury accommodations.

With a 4.1 rating from over 650 reviews, Hatteras Island Inn balances affordability and practicality, making it an option worth considering for visitors wanting easy beach access and a quiet environment close to local landmarks. Nearby hotels with higher ratings provide alternative choices within a short distance along North Carolina Hwy 12.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Accessible
Outdoor pool
Air-conditioned
Beach access
Kid-friendly
Golf course
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pet-friendly
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

T
TAPKAC Apr 08, 2026
10

Although my experience was during the time when it's not "Tourist Season", the staff was very polite and kind, the room was clean and tidy. It included a microwave, mini-refrigerator, and even a clothes iron and ironing board. I definitely suggest it.

AD
angel d Apr 07, 2026
8.0

Room smelled fresh and was clean. Short walk to beach. Great location- Close proximity to ramps. Fish cleaning area. Pool seemed well maintained. Lost a star only due to cosmetic issues that make it look dirty when it's really not- needing some major updating in the rooms and paint, but we'll be back!

MF
Megan Fox Feb 27, 2026
8.0

For the price and location this hotel is a good value. The room was clean however there were some belongings left behind including a shirt an ice cream in the fridge. It is a standard motel but kept up well. I wish the observation deck was open.

GG
Grey Gordon Feb 12, 2026
10

We were trapped here in winter because of a storm. The manager opened it up for us and was very gracious, allowing us a super late checkout time to allow the roads to open. Rooms were clean and comfortable.

HP
Heidi Powers Feb 11, 2026
10

Stayed 2 nights for the OBX Jeep Invasion and to do some fishing. Room was clean and comfortable. Front desk attendant was very polite and pleasant to talk to. Only complaint is that another patron was smoking just outside of our window and the smell of the smoke came into our room through the AC, of course not at the fault of the Inn. Would stay there again.

LL
Linda Lovenstein Feb 09, 2026
10

Wonderful Stay — Highly Recommend! We loved our OBX vacation so much that we wanted to extend our stay. Unfortunately, our rental wasn’t available—so we searched for another option. As a Hilton employee, I always look for a Hilton first, but had no luck. Thankfully, we were able to book two additional nights at this hotel—and we were pleasantly surprised! The location is fantastic, the pool was clean and refreshing, and our room was large, updated, and spotless, with a refrigerator, microwave and other great amenities. Every staff member we met was kind, friendly and welcoming. The price was extremely fair, especially for what we received. There are several dining options within walking distance and the beach is just minutes away. Don’t hesitate to book here—we definitely plan to return!

MB
Mike Bray Jan 23, 2026
10

Stayed here last year it was a brilliant stopover we booked extra nights. Clean safe reasonable price and convenient on our road trip. Its not a 5 star hotel but its got everything you need. Actually went up in the lookout tower.

DI
Diane Ingle Jan 11, 2026
8.0

Good for the price, but a bit deceiving as far as the proximity to the beach and being as it's flooded on those entrances during any given rainstorm. Room was dated, dim, smelled moldy so bring some Lysol spray, bed was older but comfy if you like the softer side, pull-out sofa was nasty and broken down even as a couch, fridge was cold but very unlevel, carpet was clean, shower curtain was too short which caused a big mess, sheets and linens were clean, but very basic room all in all. Checked in by a kiosk which provided a live person on screen upon arrival, extra towels and supplies are kept in the office if you need any, small microwave and small pod coffee pot in room as well. Don't expect many TV channels if the weather is bad and you stay in. Parking is decent and well lit, felt safe. The pool area looks very nice although the 50° weather during the 2nd week of September, due to a storm that came in, knocked that out.. One note: eat early because Buxton "pulls the sidewalks in early" and there is no "fast food" or chain restaurant's nearby. My biggest complaint is the bedspreads should be washed/changed after EVERY guest and wash and/or replace those nasty, stinky, wornout pillows!!!

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Hatteras Island Inn

Buxton, North Carolina, USA

A 2-minute walk from the beach and 1 miles from the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which dates back to 1870, this modest hotel is 4 miles from the Buxton Woods Reserve.

  • Coastal Carolina Regional Airport 3 hr 22 Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in North Carolina. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse 6,224 reviews

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

46379 Lighthouse Rd, Buxton, NC 27920, United States

4.8 · Landmark
Cape Hatteras 261 reviews

Cape Hatteras

North Carolina, USA

4.8 · Peninsula
Cape Hatteras National Seashore 459 reviews

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

North Carolina, United States

4.9 · Nature Preserve
People also viewed

Similar Inns in North Carolina

Hand-picked alternatives with a comparable feel, size and price band.

192 Karl Hope Blvd, Lackawaxen, PA 18435, United States

Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain

Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain in Lackawaxen, PA offers 4.5star skiing for all levels, snowboarding ramps, tubing, accessible ...

4.5 (651) View
1981 Bailey Ml Rd, Ridgeland, SC 29936, United States

Almost Heaven Plantation

Enjoy a 4.9rated lodge experience at Almost Heaven Plantation in Ridgeland, SC. Ideal for events, fishing, hunting, and weddings ...

4.9 (22) View
251 N Spring St, Caliente, NV 89008, United States

Patty's Motel

Enjoy a 5star stay at Patty's Motel in Caliente, NV. Features free WiFi, parking, petfriendly rooms, and easy access to Kershaw...

5 (61) View
7007 Woodway Dr, Woodway, TX 76712, United States

Motel 6 Woodway, TX

Affordable motel in Woodway, TX offering free WiFi, parking, indoor pool, and petfriendly rooms. Close to Baylor University and ...

2.9 (512) View
12 Valencia Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, United States

Coral Reef Resort by Palmera

Experience Coral Reef Resort by Palmera in Hilton Head Island with free WiFi, outdoor pool, petfriendly rooms, and close to top ...

4.6 (157) View
87 Lakeshore Dr, Arnolds Park, IA 51331, United States

Fillenwarth Beach Resort

Relax at Fillenwarth Beach Resort on West Lake Okoboji with free WiFi, beach access, boat cruises, and familyfriendly amenities ...

4.6 (369) View
507 Co Rd 1550, Alba, TX 75410, United States

Mustang Resort Inc

Stay at Mustang Resort Inc in Alba, TX, a kidfriendly resort hotel near Lake Quitman and Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. Rated 4.8...

4.8 (64) View
100 Westview Lane I-75, Exit 135, Perry, GA 31069, United States

Travelodge by Wyndham Perry GA

Travelodge by Wyndham Perry GA offers free WiFi, continental breakfast, outdoor pool, and free parking, just 1.1 miles from Georg...

4.2 (518) View
Share your stay

Stayed at Hatteras Island Inn? Help the next traveler decide.

Short, honest notes are more useful than long ones. A few sentences about what worked, what surprised you, and who the hotel is best for will go a long way.

Your email is only used to verify the review — it won't be shown publicly.