We are planning a getaway in June or July to Ocracoke, on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Any recommendations for a hotel, motel, or B&B? We don't need a house.

I have enjoyed the Ocracoke Harbor Inn, but it's on the sound.

If you plan on taking the ferry, you might want to lock down your dates and make reservations.

Thanks, Suewoo. That's good advice regarding the ferry. The sound side would be fine, as we'll be taking bikes.

If you look at a map, you'll see it's a sand bar! It's really great. Hope you enjoy it.

There is and Anchorage Inn & Marina which is a four-story hotel. http://theanchorageinn.com/ near the entrance to Silver Lake Harbor. While I haven't stayed there, it has to have great views and it's fairly new. From what I've heard the view from the fourth floor rooms with the balconies is great. It has an elevator, so that shouldn't be a problem.

There is also the Ocracoke Harbor Inn http://www.ocracokeharborinn.com/ which is a little older though not really old. It's 3 story, I believe. It has some nice views too as some of the rooms open onto Silver Lake Harbor and there's a front porch to enjoy the view too. I've heard that the rooms are a bit small though.

If you like B&Bs, there's the Cove B&B It's decorated tastefully and has en suite facilities and private balconies. http://thecovebb.com/

The last one that I know about there is the Thurston House Inn. http://www.thurstonhouseinn.com/ It's a B& B in a historic house. The rooms have been updated and are spacious with en suite facilities. It's rather elegant. It's just off the town's main road. They do have free airport pickup too. It's moderately priced so that's pretty good.

Hope that helps.

Very helpful, 1Caroline. Thanks so much for going to the trouble to provide the links as well as the descriptions. Now I just have to hope they aren't all booked! This is rather a last-minute idea, to pack up and head to the Outer Banks.

You can probably find a place if your dates are flexible. Just make sure you reserve the ferry, depending on where you are coming from.
http://www.ncdot.gov/ferry/

You can drive down from Manteo, and you'll sit in line for the Ocracoke ferry from there if you don't want to take the long one. I actually enjoy it, but it makes for a long day. Be there early.

I have stayed in Anchorage Inn and the Silver Lake Inn. Both are OK and fine for my purposes. Silver Lake was run by a family but they are leasing it out now the father who bought passed away. If you have never been to Ocracoke, understand that Hotels there are not fancy at all. It is part of the allure of Ocracoke. All things are very close and if you rent a bike or golf cart, you can get anywhere. I always find the early ferry has space but make a reservation just to be safe.

Exactly. It will never be fancy.

Caroline1 googled you a bunch of choices, my guess is she's never stayed at any of them. You said you'll be bringing your bikes, so, you'll be fine. Have big fun.

Re the route: there are two ferries, one from Cedar island, the other from Swan Quarter which MUST be reserved. However, there is a free ferry which runs frequently and does not require reservations from Hatteras Village that is easily reached on Route 12. The drive down 12 can be quite nice.

suewoo- I'm not really sure what your concern is. I'm a native of North Carolina and I've lived here my entire life though I've traveled extensively around the world. I know my state and many other places well, so I thought it appropriate to help the gentleman obtain the information that he needed. I said that I hadn't stayed in the hotels although that wasn't necessary and he seemed to appreciate the information. That was the mission. I notice you live in Greensboro. You probably have a lot of information on the state too if you've lived here long. Have a nice day.

TTT

I appreciate everyone's input. I live in Asheville and am a native North Carolinian, too, although it's been a long time since I visited Ocracoke, and I know things change over time. I'll check out all these sites, and I'm grateful for the help. It's a long haul from the mountains to the Outer Banks! I'm looking forward to the road trip and the stay in such a spectacular part of our state.