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Swell Motel

2.0 star property
Motel with free parking, 6-minute walk to Outer Banks Beaches

Photo gallery for Swell Motel

Beach nearby, white sand
Reception
Lobby
Reception
Beach nearby, white sand

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Room service
  • Gym
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking included

Explore the area

View map
46854 NC-12, Buxton, NC, 27953
  • Place, Cape Hatteras National Seashore
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Lighthouse Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
    ‪5 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds No Pets

Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds No Pets

Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds No Pets

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(27 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Garden
Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Shower/bath combination
Private bathroom
Microwave
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Classic Room, 1 King Bed No Pets

Desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Classic Room, 1 King Bed No Pets

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(22 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Garden
Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Shower/bath combination
Private bathroom
Microwave
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Studio, 1 Queen Bed No Pets

Studio, 1 Queen Bed No Pets | Private kitchen

Studio, 1 Queen Bed No Pets

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Garden
Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Shower/bath combination
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Comfort Room (2 Queen Pet)

Comfort Room (2 Queen Pet)

Comfort Room (2 Queen Pet)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(12 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Garden
Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Shower/bath combination
Private bathroom
Microwave
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Comfort Room (1 King Pet)

Desk, laptop workspace, free WiFi, bed sheets

Comfort Room (1 King Pet)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Garden
Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Shower/bath combination
Private bathroom
Microwave
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Classic Double Room No Pets

Classic Double Room No Pets

Classic Double Room No Pets

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Garden
Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Shower/bath combination
Private bathroom
Microwave
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Bed

About the area

Buxton

Swell Motel places you steps from Uncle Eddy's Frozen Custard and 18-Hole Mini Golf and within a 10-minute stroll of Outer Banks Beaches. Highlights at this motel include in-room free WiFi and balconies. .Enjoy the gym and seasonal outdoor swimming pool as well as access to a playground. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, barbecues and a picnic area. Bring your pet along and take advantage of this property's pet-friendly amenities, such as an off-lead area. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .In proximity to this Buxton motel you'll find Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
View more Motels in BuxtonOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Uncle Eddy's Frozen Custard and 18-Hole Mini Golf - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Lighthouse Beach - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Buxton Woods Nature Trail - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Cape Hatteras Lighthouse - 5 min drive - 2.3 km

Getting around

  • Norfolk, VA (ORF-Norfolk Intl.) - 162 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tavern on 12 - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Diamond Shoals Restaurant - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Angelo's Pizza - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Mad Crabber Restaurant - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Orange Blossom Bakery & Cafe - ‬8 min walk

About this property

Swell Motel

Motel with free parking, 6-minute walk to Outer Banks Beaches
Swell Motel offers its guests a fitness centre and a seasonal outdoor pool. WiFi is free in public spaces. Swell Motel also features barbecue grills, a picnic area, and complimentary use of a nearby fitness facility. Self parking is free.

This Buxton motel is smoke free.

  • 31 guestrooms or units
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • No smoking on site
Swell Motel offers 31 air-conditioned accommodations, with coffee/tea makers. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Flat-screen televisions are featured in guestrooms.

Bathrooms include a combined bath/shower unit. This Buxton motel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is provided on request.

Similar properties

Front of property
Hatteras Island Inn
  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
4.4 out of 5, Excellent, 1,001 reviews
The price is AU$121
includes taxes & fees
18 Dec - 19 Dec
Hatteras Island Inn

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site

Things to do

  • Art gallery
  • Gym
  • Playground
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • Mini-fridge
  • Playground
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Direct access to the beach
  • Dock
  • In a nature reserve
  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Hardwood flooring in room
  • No lift (single-level property)

More

  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge
  • Room service

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Laptop workspace

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; check-in end time: 8:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 7:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between 13 November and 8 February.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets: USD 20.00 per accommodation, per day
  • An off-lead area is available
  • Certain rooms only
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
    • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 20.0 per stay.
  • Cots (infant beds) are available for USD 20.0 per stay.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Pet fee: USD 20.00 per accommodation, per day
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Crib (infant bed) fee: USD 20.0 per stay
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 20.0 per stay

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Pets are welcome in specific rooms only, which can be requested by contacting the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation (please see the Fees section for related charges).

Property is also known as

Swell Motel Buxton
Swell Buxton
Motel Swell Motel Buxton
Buxton Swell Motel Motel
Swell
Motel Swell Motel
Swell Motel Motel
Swell Motel Buxton
Swell Motel Motel Buxton

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Swell Motel?

Swell Motel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at Swell Motel?

Yep, Swell Motel has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Swell Motel?

Yep, Swell Motel is a short 6-minute walk from Outer Banks Beaches. Fun beach activities include fishing.

Does Swell Motel have a pool?

Swell Motel has a seasonal outdoor pool. The pool is open 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Swell Motel?

No, Swell Motel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Swell Motel?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Swell Motel?

Furry friends are welcome at Swell Motel, with dog exercise areas on offer.

Reviews

Swell Motel Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 336 out of 488 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 116 out of 488 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 20 out of 488 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 488 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 488 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Christa

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great stay!

Very clean motel! The owner is also extremely helpful and friendly. Would definitely stay again!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

THERESA, Mineral Springs

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This has to be the best place in Buxton! The staff was awesome they have clean comfortable we arrived early and were welcome to put our things in the room and go enjoy the beach. Loved having use of the kayaks, crab cages, fire pit, outdoor games, bicycles! Amazing place definitely would go again.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Corey

Travelled with pets, Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Cockroaches, used towels, poor ventillation. All of my belongings smell of mildew. Will not be returning.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

John

Liked: Staff & service
Motel is very dated and had many areas that needed attention. Room was clean, with no bugs and beds were comfortable but one was very short.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tanya

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I adore this place! Love the quirks. Not only are they pet friendly, they are people friendly too! I think I’m going to make the Swell a tradition. Very much looking forward to returning next year, that will be my 3rd time.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Alicia

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I made reservations for four adults, three kids and one infant. When we arrived, after a seven hour drive, we get our room and it’s a room with a queen size bed and a full size bed. So we ask the lady at the front desk how this room sleeps 8 people and she said I don’t know I didn’t make the reservation. My husband had to speak to the owner about our situation and she finally suggested rolling 2 cots into our room which then left us packed in like sardines. There’s no way that was safe under the fire code. The next day we are loading up to go get some lunch and my oldest daughter steps off the porch and into a crack in the parking lot and scrapes her shin and breaks her foot. Their parking lot has huge cracks all over it which they instantly started acting like they were going to have fixed now that someone got hurt. Needless to say this will not be a place we stay at again or recommend for anyone else.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Raquel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

This is what a 6 STAR stay would look like!

This facility was extremely spotless inside and outside. The amenities were unlimited and the staff were very friendly and knowledgeable about the surrounding areas. We are grateful and thankful for the opportunity to stay here at this location. We are already booking again in the fall to stay again. We are giving this establishment a 6 star rating! Is has the whole package plus more.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brenda K

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

David

Business traveller
The property was closed due to Hurricane Erin and we were turned away by the owner. We need a full refund.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Jacob

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It would have been nice if the bedding was cleaner. Fantastic beach vibe and great location!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great place!

Staff were great and attentive, and the rooms were really nice, especially for a renovated old motel! We only stayed here for two nights on our way south to Ocracoke with more family, but would absolutely stay longer. Great vibe with the live music Friday and Saturday. We’ll probably be back next year!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sabrina

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jorge

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Ai

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great outer banks motel!

This is a great option when staying in the outer banks. It is exactly what you need out of a beach motel. It's affordable, clean, and has friendly service.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Timothy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I enjoyed our stay and the staff was very frendly.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brandi

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Island vibes

Wonderful family owned classic style motel. Very relaxed and laid-back atmosphere giving off island vibes. Pool was very clean and inviting. The two outdoor kitchens were very nice to be able to cook any of our meals on. The available bicycles and kayaks were great, and free to use. This is a perfect vacation stop if staying around Buxton.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kerry

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was very comfortable, the cleaniness of the pool, unique gift shop, friendly staff Enjoyed the use of the picnic pavilion & even received a copy of a patern to make unique campfire chairs as a project as we returned home. Thank you for an enjoyable stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

jonathan

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Relaxing stay

The staff was very friendly. There was everything we needed for a family trip with kids. We could walk to many restaurants and shops. We will definitely come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Melissa

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice room very nice manager
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sherry

We absolutely loved our stay at the swell hotel. Located in a small town, everyone was very friendly. For our first trip to OBX we were very pleased and are looking to go back for 2 weeks next year.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sonja

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The owners of the Swell Motel were extremely friendly. They greeted us personally for our evening check-in. The amenities at the property are fabulous. They thought of everything. The outside kitchen areas, equipped with all the necessary utensils, were easily accessible. They also offered bikes and kayaks to use during your stay. The rooms were new in design and had everything you would need for a few-night stay. We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025