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Swell Motel

2.0 star property
Art lovers find inspiration at the on-site gallery, while adventure seekers can explore the nearby nature reserve for outdoor experiences

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Photo gallery for Swell Motel

A beach at sunset with people fishing. - Swell Motel (Buxton)
Beach nearby, white sand - Swell Motel (Buxton)
A black cat sitting by a window, looking outside. - Swell Motel (Buxton)
A porch with various potted plants and flowers. - Swell Motel (Buxton)
A reception area with a counter displaying various items, a window with decorations, and a wall with painted skulls. - Swell Motel (Buxton)
Swell Motel combines creativity with recreation through its art gallery, playground and fitness center. Guests enjoy in-room WiFi and can cool off in the seasonal outdoor pool. The staff receives consistent praise from travelers for their helpful service.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Room service

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 9 of 9 rooms

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

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a microwave, and a chair.

Classic Room, 1 King Bed No Pets

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, a painting on the wall, and a door.

Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds No Pets

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Comfort Room (1 King Pet)

A hotel room with a bed, two bar stools, a chair, a wooden headboard, a wall-mounted coat rack, and a framed picture.

Comfort Room (1 King Pet)

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

A hotel room with two beds, a kitchenette, a bathroom, and a large window.

Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds No Pets

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(33 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 28 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

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

A bedroom with a bed, a desk, a chair, and a small table.

Classic Room, 1 King Bed No Pets

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(22 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Studio, 1 Queen Bed No Pets

Studio, 1 Queen Bed No Pets | Private kitchen | Coffee/tea maker, mini-fridge, microwave

Studio, 1 Queen Bed No Pets

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Comfort Room (2 Queen Pet)

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, chairs, and a lamp.

Comfort Room (2 Queen Pet)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(13 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 28 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Comfort Room (1 King Pet)

A bedroom with a bed, a desk, a chair, and a small table.

Comfort Room (1 King Pet)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Garden view
  • 28 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Classic Double Room No Pets

A hotel room with two beds, a wooden headboard, a nightstand, a wall-mounted lamp, and a window with curtains.

Classic Double Room No Pets

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(12 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 26 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Located in Buxton, Swell Motel is near the beach. Uncle Eddy's Frozen Custard and 18-Hole Mini Golf and Frisco Mini Golf and Go Karts are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Buxton Seafood and Surf's Up. Hatteras Island Boardsports and Frisco Native American Museum are also worth visiting. Fishing offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and horse riding nearby. Visit our Buxton travel guide
View more Motels in Buxton
Map
46854 NC-12, Buxton, NC, 27953

What's nearby

  • A beach with a row of houses along the shore.
    Outer Banks Beaches
    4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • A beach with a lighthouse in the distance, under a cloudy sky.
    Lighthouse Beach
    5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • A wooden boardwalk through a dense forest with various tropical plants.
    Buxton Woods Nature Trail
    10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • A lighthouse with a spiral design, surrounded by a grassy field and trees.
    Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
    6 min drive - 1.9 miles
  • Uncle Eddy's Frozen Custard and 18-Hole Mini Golf
    1 min walk - 0.1 miles

Getting around

  • Norfolk Intl. Airport (ORF)
    162 min drive

Restaurants

  • Tavern on 12
    12 min drive
  • Tico Taco
    10 min drive
  • Oceana’s Bistro
    10 min drive
  • Orange Blossom Bakery & Cafe
    8 min walk
  • Angelo's Pizza
    2 min walk

Similar properties

Front of property
Hatteras Island Inn
Buxton
  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, 1,000 reviews
Hatteras Island Inn
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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Things to do

  • Art gallery
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Family friendly

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

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • 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 elevator (single-level property)

More

  • Smoking not allowed

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 available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 11:00 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 November 13 and February 8.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 20.00 per accommodation, per day
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Specific rooms only; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
An off-leash area is available

Children and extra beds

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

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • 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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Pool access available from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Frequently asked questions

Does Swell Motel have a pool?

Yes, this property has a seasonal outdoor pool. Pool access is from 8:00 AM–9:00 PM.

Is Swell Motel pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. There's a fee of USD 20.00 per accommodation, per day. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Swell Motel?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Swell Motel?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Swell Motel located?

Situated near the beach, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of Uncle Eddy's Frozen Custard and 18-Hole Mini Golf and Outer Banks Beaches. Buxton Woods Nature Trail and Lighthouse Beach are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Swell Motel Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.4

Cleanliness

9.4

Location

9.6

Staff & service

8.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 379 out of 549 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 130 out of 549 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 23 out of 549 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 549 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 9 out of 549 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stay here whenever we are in town for surf competitions great hospitality and convenient location to restaurants and sweet treats
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Small, quiet place, newly renovated. Staff was friendly and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great owners, good people, relaxed environment, safe. Always a great stay!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Morgan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I haven’t stayed in a motel in over 15 years, this place was WONDERFUL. Super clean, WONDERFUL, friendly staff, and everything you need! Would definitely recommend!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Nice amenities AC was terribly loud and shaking had to turn it off and then the temperature was rising fast, not a good night sleep. Great location and staff
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Lucy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
While the first impression of the outside of this hotel was that it’s a bit rundown once in the room it was neat, clean and comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Renee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The only complaint we had was the noise level after 10PM. There was a man that played his guitar with amplifiers off and on all night. The only interaction I had with a staff member was handled excellently. She was so nice!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Veronica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, friendly staff, great location
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Annette

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean rooms
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tyler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms clean, bathrooms nice. Access to bicycles and kayaks was a nice amenity.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melvin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean very well thought out motel. I would recommend this motel to anyone I know and those that I have just met. Super friendly staff and owners! Do not hesitate to book the Swell Motel in Buxton.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Hotel rate was bit high compared to other hotel .It doesn’t have beach access, which is why I was willing to pay the additional price.It was clean and quiet.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carrie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Swell was just what we needed! Clean, inviting, pet friendly, large outdoor kitchen with grills and sink, has a friendly campground/motel atmosphere. Plenty of supplies in the room to fix a full meal. Bed in D1 needs to be replaced. Linens clean and fresh. Bathroom could use a makeover but plenty of towels and hot water. We will definitely return!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christa

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dale

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
always a great place to stay. Great people
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Excellent place to stay. The room was clean and comfortable, the staff is very friendly.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was very unique. Cats in and around the check-in office first building of rooms converted into art gallery gift shop. I did enjoy petting the cats Lulu and Peaches... And I bought a piece of artwork in the shop that reminded me of my cat that had just passed last year. Rooms were very spacious bathrooms look like they were updated very recently and very nice... Including a Marge built in shelf in the shower for wife and kids to put all there hair care products! Woman at front desk and woman at the art gallery were extremely hospitable and friendly. It is in the middle of everything ...gift shops around, tackle shops around, sushi/seafood very nice restaurant with salad bar right across the street. Right near entrance to the lighthouse beach access area the motel itself has free bike/kayak rentals... many other items around like horseshoes. basketball court, volleyball, pickle ball, baseball, next door, ... Even a really neat cement full skateboard park! Definitely go do some local shopping at Connors and bring back some meats to prepare on the grill very nice outdoor area two of them. I believe they have live bands on Saturday on the stage and I saw poetry readings I Believe on Wednesday.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Helen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great Location. Updated and well-maintained. Friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Jessie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Cute location and friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Theresa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean, very friendly, easy check-in, will be staying again!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place is amazing. We have stayed there a few time, the amenities they have on hand is by far the best on the island.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ruth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The person who checked us in for a last minute booking when we got stranded on the island without any personal items was so courteous and helpful. Our room was clean and lovely. I would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lou

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
All the amenities that the motel has to offer
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025