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Swell Motel

Property class: 2

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Photo gallery for Swell Motel

A beach at sunset with people fishing. - 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)
A black cat sitting by a window, looking outside. - Swell Motel (Buxton)
A porch with various potted plants and flowers. - Swell Motel (Buxton)
A marina at sunset with boats docked and a pier extending into the water. - Swell Motel (Buxton)
Swell Motel provides an art gallery on site and more. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Room service

Off-peak, on budget: 30% or more off select hotels in our fall sale

Skip the crowds, keep the savings. AARP members save more after Labor Day. Book by Oct 7, 2026.

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

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

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

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
(34 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 28 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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
(24 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Studio, 1 Queen Bed No Pets

A compact kitchen with white cabinets, a stove, a microwave, and a refrigerator. There is a wooden dining table with chairs.

Studio, 1 Queen Bed No Pets

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

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
(14 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 28 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

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

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 horse riding and hiking/biking trails 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
  • Dirty Dick's Crab House
    7 min drive
  • Diamond Shoals Restaurant
    2 min walk
  • Angelo's Pizza
    2 min walk
  • Oceana’s Bistro
    10 min drive

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  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
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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

9.8

Staff & service

8.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 399 out of 574 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 135 out of 574 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 23 out of 574 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 574 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 9 out of 574 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fun little place with nice grill area and very easy access to restaurants. Clean room and well equipped for travel at beach with our dog!! I would stay again in a heartbeat.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Victoria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had an amazing stay. So close to the beach, family friendly, and accommodating. Would recommend to any family with little kids.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

ross

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Close to beaches and town. Well maintained rooms and very professional staff. Plan to stay there next time we are on the Outer Banks.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Shannon

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was very clean, the staff were very nice, and property was pet friendly. We had a great stay there.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Leticia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff super nice. Very clean. Pool was awesome: very clean and well maintained. I will come back for sure.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My third time staying. The location is excellent, I walked the dog on the path to the lighthouse. Easy trip across the street to excellent beach access. I love that I can bring my greyhound. They have all the necessities and the AC worked, so not one complaint from me.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Mo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Pet friendly places the room was equipped with complementary dog blanket and towel is nice touch
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is our 2nd stay at The Swell and we will be back. Great place, staff, and location. Saturday night live music and free ice are a few items worth mentioning.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The motel was as advertised. Very clean and functional. Friendly staff. Comfortable large room, not fancy, but very efficient. I’d stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

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 review

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was very friendly and incredibly helpful with rearranging dates for our stay. The room was incredibly clean and the extra amenities (fish cleaning station, ice machine) were wonderful additions. Kids loved the pool!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

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 review

10/10 Excellent

Robin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is excellent for families. Location in walking distance to local eateries, mini golf, ice cream trucks and beach. This location offered free kayaks, paddle boats, and lots of toys at pool side. Access to grills, ice machines, washer and dryer and fish cleaning station. We enjoyed our trip and shared with family!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lorie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Check in was easy and fast. The room was updated and clean. We used the pool and visited their shop at the motel. Everything was great!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

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 review

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice recently remodeled room with kitchen, has everything you need to enjoy your visit to Cape Hatteras.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Brigitte

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It felt like staying at a friend's house. I arrived Sat eve, and found out they have music "most" Saturdays. I had a room with a kitchenette, stocked with coffee, creamer and sugar, the air-conditioner kept the room comfortable. The hot water never ran out. Everyone was lovely and I felt welcomed in like family. I'm planning on returning
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

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 review

10/10 Excellent

Veronica

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

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 review

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 review

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 review

10/10 Excellent

Christy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
They offered kayaks, paddle boats and bikes to all the guests. They have live music and provide food every Saturday night.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Annette

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

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