Swell Motel

2.0 star property
Motel near Outer Banks Beaches in Buxton

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Photo gallery for Swell Motel

Beach nearby, white sand
Beach nearby, white sand
Reception
Exterior
Exterior

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Room service
  • Gym
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking included

Explore the area

View in a map
46854 NC-12, Buxton, NC, 27953
  • Place, Outer Banks Beaches
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, Buxton Woods Nature Trail
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
    ‪5 min drive‬

Room options

Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds No Pets

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(27 reviews)
  • 300 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Classic Room, 1 King Bed No Pets

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(22 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Studio, 1 Queen Bed No Pets

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

Comfort Room (2 Queen Pet)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(12 reviews)
  • 300 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Comfort Room (1 King Pet)

  • 300 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Classic Double Room No Pets

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 reviews)
  • 285 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Bed

About the neighborhood

Buxton

Walk to the beach.At this motel, you'll be steps from Uncle Eddy's Frozen Custard and 18-Hole Mini Golf and within a 10-minute walk of Outer Banks Beaches. Also, Buxton Woods Nature Trail is within half a mile (1 km) and Lighthouse Beach is within 2 miles (3 km).

What's nearby

  • Uncle Eddy's Frozen Custard and 18-Hole Mini Golf - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Outer Banks Beaches - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Lighthouse Beach - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Buxton Woods Nature Trail - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Cape Hatteras Lighthouse - 5 min drive - 1.5 miles

Getting around

  • Norfolk Intl. Airport (ORF) - 162 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tavern on 12 - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Angelo's Pizza - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Diamond Shoals Restaurant - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Orange Blossom Bakery & Cafe - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Mad Crabber Restaurant - ‬10 min drive

About this property

Swell Motel

Motel near Outer Banks Beaches in Buxton
Swell Motel offers its guests a fitness center and a seasonal outdoor pool. WiFi is free in public spaces. Swell Motel also features barbecue grills, a picnic area, and complimentary use of a nearby fitness facility. Self parking is free.

This Buxton motel is smoke free.

  • 31 guestrooms or units
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • No smoking on site
Swell Motel offers 31 air-conditioned accommodations with coffee/tea makers. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Flat-screen televisions are featured in guestrooms.

Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations. This Buxton motel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is provided on request.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

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

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
  • Gym
  • Playground
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

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)

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

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 - 8:00 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

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between November 13 and February 8.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets: USD 20.00 per accommodation, per day
  • An off-leash area is available
  • Certain rooms only
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

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

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • 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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
  • Pets are welcome in specific rooms only, which can be requested by contacting the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation (please see the Fees section for related charges).

Property is also known as

Swell Motel Buxton
Swell Buxton
Motel Swell Motel Buxton
Buxton Swell Motel Motel
Swell
Motel Swell Motel
Swell Motel Motel
Swell Motel Buxton
Swell Motel Motel Buxton

Frequently asked questions

How close is Swell Motel to the airport?

Swell Motel is 171.4 mi (182-min drive) away from the Greenville, NC (PGV-Pitt-Greenville) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Swell Motel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Swell Motel.

How close is Swell Motel to the beach?

This motel is a short 6-minute walk from Outer Banks Beaches and 0.4 mi (1-min drive) from Lighthouse Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Swell Motel offer free breakfast?

Swell Motel does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Swell Motel?

No, there is no casino at this motel.

What time is check-in at Swell Motel?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Swell Motel?

This motel offers free self parking.

Does Swell Motel have a pool?

Swell Motel features a seasonal outdoor pool. Guests can enjoy pool access from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Does Swell Motel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is Swell Motel to downtown Buxton?

Swell Motel is 1 mi away from Buxton.

Reviews

Swell Motel Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 334 out of 486 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 116 out of 486 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 20 out of 486 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 486 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 486 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Brandi

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Island vibes

Wonderful family owned classic style motel. Very relaxed and laid-back atmosphere giving off island vibes. Pool was very clean and inviting. The two outdoor kitchens were very nice to be able to cook any of our meals on. The available bicycles and kayaks were great, and free to use. This is a perfect vacation stop if staying around Buxton.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kerry

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was very comfortable, the cleaniness of the pool, unique gift shop, friendly staff Enjoyed the use of the picnic pavilion & even received a copy of a patern to make unique campfire chairs as a project as we returned home. Thank you for an enjoyable stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

jonathan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Relaxing stay

The staff was very friendly. There was everything we needed for a family trip with kids. We could walk to many restaurants and shops. We will definitely come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Melissa

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice room very nice manager
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sherry

We absolutely loved our stay at the swell hotel. Located in a small town, everyone was very friendly. For our first trip to OBX we were very pleased and are looking to go back for 2 weeks next year.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sonja

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The owners of the Swell Motel were extremely friendly. They greeted us personally for our evening check-in. The amenities at the property are fabulous. They thought of everything. The outside kitchen areas, equipped with all the necessary utensils, were easily accessible. They also offered bikes and kayaks to use during your stay. The rooms were new in design and had everything you would need for a few-night stay. We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stacey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is my favorite place to go !! It’s such a welcoming place and the perfect spot for a getaway, I just wish I could have stayed longer. I had a very peaceful, relaxing experience as always and I definitely can’t wait to go back !!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leskie

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Lots of provided activities and equipment, right next to everything... Very laid back!!!! 😎
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dennis

Nicely renovated
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christopher, Wildomar

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great assistance from the office…Friendly Staff.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Payton

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Louis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Its has easy access to the beaches and access to the sound
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robin

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Adorable little property that really caters to needs of travelers. Highly recommend ❤️
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Liz, Starkville

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quite and comfortable with great beach near by.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tucker

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
LOVED this motel! Laura was amazing, we got To meet Jorge & Angel who were helping Ms Laura remodel the other buildings; they were amazing as well! Loved everything about this place and already planning my next stay here!!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Swell little spot!

Amazing little motel. The room was very nice. Staff were very helpful!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Brian

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cute little motel on island, just what you Would expect. Friendly staff, offer free kayaks and bicycles to get around town, although we were Just here for One night as we headed down the outer banks. Clean inside and freshly remodeled.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barry

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
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

8/10 Good

Todd

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The owner was super nice and she was very easy to talk to. She seemed to really care about her property.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lara

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely love it. This was our second time staying at the Swell and we were impressed with how they seem to be constantly improving the property for their guests. Love the fact that they offer to switch out the towels every day and you can even have them do a quick room refresh (beds and bathroom, sweeping...) every day if you wish. That is the kind of thing you usually only find in places that cost a lot more money.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025