For postcard-perfect long weekends, or full week stays that have exceptional access to indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants, and amenities, there's nothing quite like the convenience of a stay at a local Southport hotel or motel.
With just a few clicks, guests can effectively view room photos and locations, area maps, featured amenities, and availability online.
Several small inns and motels may not have full-service websites available, but they do have friendly staff on hand virtually all day and evening to answer questions and accept reservations over the phone.
Be prepared to have a credit card handy to secure the reservation, and pay careful attention to the hotel or motel's cancellation policies. While most regions of the country generally accept cancellations up to the day of arrival, many Southport lodgings, due to their locale, may require at least 24 hours advance notice in the event of a cancellation.
Several hotels and motels may also require that summer weekend guests stay for two nights, with a Friday check-in and a Sunday morning departure. However, most Outer Banks vacationers do not find this to be an issue, as a long weekend can be a complete breath of fresh air.
Unlike vacation rentals, campgrounds, and even Bed and Breakfasts, a hotel stay can often be booked just a few weeks from your expected vacation. That said, a number of the premier rooms, (i.e., rooms with the best oceanfront views, or with special amenities such as handicapped friendly facilities), may fill up quickly, so potential guests who are looking for a particular location or feature should call as far in advance as possible. Generally rate changes can potentially occur with the start of the year, but are usually advertised well in advance for the convenience of guests.
In addition, guests that are planning to vacation on popular long weekends, (like Memorial Day, Labor Day, or 4th of July Weekends), or who intend to stay for a full-week, should also consider booking well in advance, to ensure their Outer Banks accommodations.
Winter and shoulder season months, (typically recognized from late September until early May), and mid-week stays do not fill up as fast, and patrons will find plenty of accommodations available in all areas of the Outer Banks within these parameters, regardless of when they book. In fact, day trippers who decide to spend the night will likely spot plenty of "Vacancy" signs during the cooler spring, winter and fall seasons.
The amenities available for Southport hotel and motel guests are varied and can include the basics, such as a comfy bed and cable TV, or the elite, such as spa services and a world class breakfast in bed. Basically, with the wide selection of accommodations available, an OBX vacation stay can be as simple or as elite as a vacationer desires.
Many of the hotels and motels in Southport offer private pools to their guests, and / or direct beach access for a quick, refreshing dip in the ocean. Guests should note that with the exception of hotels that feature indoor pools, the majority of pools are only open from late spring until early or mid-fall, when the water temperatures are refreshing and not too chilly. Obviously, vending machines and snack bars are readily available, and the more elite or strategically located hotels and motels offer on-site or neighboring restaurants as well, making an evening dinner out a breeze.
A number of hotels and motels offer special packages to lure their guests into enjoying an extended beach stay. These packages can include tickets to locally renowned events, discounts on spa services, or complimentary amenities such as free breakfasts, premier cable channels, or free Wi-Fi.
Large parties, such as wedding parties, will find even deeper discounts with many hotels happily opening their doors to guests of a Southport destination wedding. Be sure and ask in advance if your hotel or motel of choice has any special promotions or packages available, and don't forget that typical hotel discounts, such as AAA rates.
Rates may go down significantly in the off-season, and weekend vacationers will enjoy plenty of privacy and all the attractions Southport has to offer. Still need your summer fix? Then plan a stay mid-week vacation, from Monday - Thursday. A number of hotels and motels offer slightly lower rates for mid-week stays, even in the prime summer season.
