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Pirates Cove

2.0 star property
Hotel with free parking, a short walk to Carolina Beach

Photo gallery for Pirates Cove

Fireworks light up the night sky in a lively public square.
Dine al fresco in a casual outdoor setting with tables, chairs, and a bar area.
Welcome to The Drifters Reef Motel, where a charming nautical theme greets you at the entrance.
Enjoy casual dining and social gatherings in our shaded outdoor space with tables, chairs, and a bar area.
Relax in the LAZY PIRATE's cozy bar area, featuring a bar, stools, and tables for dining or socializing.

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Bar
  • Laundry
  • Air conditioning
The current price is AU$221
includes taxes & fees
3 Aug - 4 Aug

Explore the area

Map
701 North Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC, 28428
  • Carolina Beach
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Carolina Beach Boardwalk
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Carolina Beach Fishing Pier
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.)
    ‪32 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed (Pet Friendly)

Room, 1 King Bed (Pet Friendly)

Room, 1 King Bed (Pet Friendly)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
Cable channels
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
2 bedrooms
Private bathroom
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
Cable channels
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 King Bed

Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Pet Friendly)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
2 bedrooms
Private bathroom
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
Cable channels
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Double Beds and 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms

Suite, 2 Bedrooms

Suite, 2 Bedrooms

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
2 bedrooms
Private bathroom
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
Cable channels
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Double Beds and 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Room

Deluxe Room

Deluxe Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
Cable channels
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Double Room

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
Cable channels
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Room, 2 Double Beds (Pet Friendly)

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Room, 2 Double Beds (Pet Friendly)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
Cable channels
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Room, 1 King Bed

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(12 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
Cable channels
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the area

Carolina Beach

At Pirates Cove you'll be within just a 15-minute stroll of popular places like Carolina Beach and Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Highlights at this hotel include a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and free self-parking. .The restaurant, Lazy Pirate, is open for lunch and dinner. At the hotel's own lounge bar, you can stop for a drink. Additionally, you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas and laundry facilities. There's also the convenience of limited parking. .Attractions within a 20-minute drive of this Carolina Beach hotel include North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher and University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

What's nearby

  • Carolina Beach - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Carolina Beach Boardwalk - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Carolina Beach State Park - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Carolina Beach Fishing Pier - 5 min drive - 2.9 km
  • Freeman Park - 5 min drive - 3.3 km

Getting around

  • Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪El Cazador Carolina Beach - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Britt's Donut Shop - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Seawitch Cafe & Tiki Bar - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪The Fat Pelican - ‬10 min walk

About this property

Pirates Cove

Hotel with free parking, a short walk to Carolina Beach
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. WiFi is free in public spaces. An outdoor pool, barbecue grills, and a vending machine are also featured at Pirates Cove. Limited free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Carolina Beach hotel.

  • 58 guestrooms or units
  • Built in 2007
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Pirates Cove offers 58 accommodations with coffee/tea makers. Fridges and microwaves are provided. Bathrooms include a shower.

This Carolina Beach hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. 32-inch flat-screen televisions come with cable channels. Housekeeping is offered on request and hairdryers can be requested.

Languages

English

Similar properties

Guests can enjoy an entrance with a planter and seating area.

Carolina Beach Motel

  • Pool
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
4.3 out of 5, Excellent, 131 reviews
The price is AU$201
includes taxes & fees
2 Sept - 3 Sept
Carolina Beach Motel

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site parking (max 1 space per unit)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Lazy Pirate

Things to do

  • Beach volleyball
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • 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.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • Built in 2007
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 3 per cent for credit card payments
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: USD 30.00 per pet, per day
  • Maximum 2 (weight limit: 25 lb per pet)
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • 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 not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

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 30.00 per pet, per day
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 3 per cent

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 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; cash is not accepted
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit 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 accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. Cash is not accepted. 

We should mention

  • Pets are welcome in certain rooms only; other restrictions apply (please see the Fees section for related charges). To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Drifters Reef Motel Carolina Beach
Drifters Reef Motel
Drifters Reef Carolina Beach
Drifters Reef
Drifters Reef Hotel Carolina Beach
Pirates Cove Hotel
Drifters Reef Hotel
Pirates Cove Carolina Beach
Pirates Cove Hotel Carolina Beach

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Pirates Cove?

Pirates Cove offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Pirates Cove?

As of 2 Aug 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Pirates Cove on 3 Aug 2025 start from AU$220.81, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Pirates Cove?

Yep, Pirates Cove has a free self car park. Onsite parking is limited (max 1 space per unit).

Are there any beaches close to Pirates Cove?

Yep, Pirates Cove is a short 9-minute walk from Carolina Beach. Fun beach activities include volleyball and fishing.

Does Pirates Cove have a pool?

Pirates Cove has an outdoor pool.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Pirates Cove?

No, Pirates Cove does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Pirates Cove?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves lunch and dinner.

What time are check-in & check-out at Pirates Cove?

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

Pirates Cove Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 164 out of 431 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 115 out of 431 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 75 out of 431 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 40 out of 431 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 37 out of 431 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Jasmine

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leigh

Travelled with family, Travelled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent and quiet area for my family and dogs for a weekend beach trip. The staff went above and beyond for us. The pool was clean and well taken care of. We will return to Pirates Cove, Carolina Beach!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Room comfort

Okay

It was okay, flies were in the room and were a little annoying, bed wasnt the comfiest but the bathroom was good for the most part
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Travelled with family and small children, Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had reservations through Expedia. Got there just for them to say they canceled it. Charged me $200 more than what I was told and found out they lied about Expedia canceling. Bed was full of eggs and bedbugs and was refused a refund or another room.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Donna

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

10/10 Excellent

Cathy

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Douglas

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Karen

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dorothy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Had to cancel had a emergency to come up
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

J

Business traveller
Thin walls and a holiday weekend makes for not a lot of sleep. Lots of kids running up and down the wood plank stairs and balcony pretty late into the night . I could hear the conversations (and other noises) from the couple next door , and the music from the bar and restaurant across the parking lot is loud and goes pretty late as well. However ,I have stayed in this same spot In the off season and noise wasn’t as much of a problem. Positives : great location. Lots of food shopping and entertainment are walkable distance. The staff are always kind and helpful. Pool is always clean during the warm seasons , and it’s one of the more affordable spots on the island . Negatives: it’s loud , thin walls , floors are kinda gross , I bring bedroom slippers everywhere I go so I wasn’t super concerned ( it was also a busy holiday weekend , I think lots of people were coming in from the pool and beach and housekeep just overlooked mopping) Positives: Kind staff . Place seems safe. Location is convenient. Pool is clean . Free parking and you can usually get fairly close to your room, beds and linens seem clean and fresh despite the floors being sticky. Shower was fine , heat and air were loud , but they worked and that’s most important. All in all , I think it’s a great place for an affordable visit to the beach , if you are mostly going to be at the beach and pool and just need a bed in a safe convenient spot.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Kristina, Greensboro

Liked: Staff & service
Staff is always pleasant and accommodating. Hotel is older and could use updating but is centrally located to all the nightlife and easy walk to the beach. Pets are allowed - big plus
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Briana

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

Pet friendly & no frills

I would absolutely stay here again. It fit my needs for the night. My room was clean comfy and quiet. Each room has a bench outside if you're a smoker or if you just like being outside. They are super pet friendly with a restaurant on site that's pet friendly as well. The pool is small and clean. I forgot to get a name, but the lady as the frot desk was very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janet, Long View

Travelled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Close enough to walk to the Boardwalk, pool is very clean
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janet, Long View

Travelled with pets
Liked: Amenities
Pet friendly, great location, clean and safe
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tyler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

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

Hotel Motel

This location is more like the “Motel” of hotels in this area. We had 2 rooms, the beds were sizable (2 king beds), but they were NOT comfortable. Basic spring mattress, we were so sore upon waking up lol! The rooms were VERY basic, microwave, refrigerator, the bathroom and shower/tub were nice and clean. Very basic room. It is NOT A BEACHFRONT, which the website said, I was so disappointed! The beach is about 3 blocks away, 5 min walk. I’d book it again if I were absolutely desperate for a place to stay. Not the worst, but far from the best.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Courtney

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
It served its purpose. I literally only slept there but the room smelled like wet dog as soon as I opened the door. I didn’t have the energy to make a big deal about it as it was a last minute
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Dominic

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Audra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
There is a restaurant/bar on site with lots of entertainment. Small dog park behind the building. Close to the beach and shopping. Great price.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darrin

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

2/10 Terrible

Brian

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Probably the most disgusting place we have ever stayed. If it weren’t after 10pm we would have left.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Jamie

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gracie

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025