I had the opportunity to take atrip to NC's Outer Banks last Easter. It was a pleasant trip except for 2 items. 1. Most hotels will not let you book one night on a holiday weekend. This is a pain if you came to visit most of the Banks - it is about 3 days to drive through all of it. This was especially inconvenient since Easter weekend it was not very booked up. Also, do not stay at the vacationer Inn at Nag's Head. Even though it was recommended by the tourist bureau, it is a dump...

Let's be fair here. Most resorts and hotels have some type of minimum for holiday weekends. It's certainly not a reason that should influence people to go here. While there is a certain touristy bent in the Kill Devil Hills area, the Outer Banks still has some beautiful areas. You do need some time to enjoy it all, but even Hatteras is an easy day drive from Duck or Kitty Hawk. So is Ocracoke Island. The nicest beach I've seen anywhere in the continental US is on Ocracoke.

Maybe the real message is to be sure that you pay attention to minimum night requirements when booking on a holiday.

I don't know of many beach areas where hotels will let you book only one night on a in-season weekend much less on a holiday weekend. Easter/Spring Break is a big holiday for the Outer Banks. I've lived the last 30 years on the East Coast and that's pretty much standard practice from the Hamptons through Ocean City, Maryland on south through the Outer Banks, Hilton Head, Sea Island, St. Simons's, etc. Now, sometimes if you just show up and they have rooms you will be fine. But most are hesitant to take a reservation for one night if they know they are likely to get someone else who will stay for two...

How about racing season in Saratoga Springs NY? (home of the Travers - oldest stakes race in the U.S.). During the five week "season" the better hotels have a FIVE night minimum and typically triple prices from the low season (and still sell out). My pet peeve is the plcase that demand three night minimums for special weekend events in which most folks have to leave late Sunday evening in order to be at work on Monday.

Agree completely about the Nags Head Inn.. pool area run down.rooms very modest. not the best beach either. won't stay there again.

It's definitely true that many accomodations require two-or more nights minimum stay in season and over holiday weekends. If a place can expect to be fully booked with long-weekenders, it surely would not be prudent to let a room go for one night that could be sold for several. HOWEVER, I've had very good luck calling around a few days before leaving home and finding a room for one night, regardless of this policy. Most of the time, I've been able to find a choice place with a room available the night I'd like to stay, because it's booked the three days before and the three days after but not that particular night. I do make a reservation (making note of the cancellation policy) elsewhere, just to be sure of a room.