Pirates Cove

2.0 star property
Hotel near Carolina Beach Boardwalk in Carolina Beach

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Pirates Cove

View from property
Lunch and dinner served
Lunch and dinner served
Lunch and dinner served
Property entrance

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Laundry
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
701 North Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC, 28428
  • Carolina Beach
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Carolina Beach Boardwalk
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Carolina Beach Fishing Pier
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.)
    ‪32 min drive‬

Room options

Room, 1 King Bed (Pet Friendly)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 King Bed

Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Pet Friendly)

  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Double Beds and 1 King Bed

Suite, 2 Bedrooms

  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Double Beds and 1 King Bed

Deluxe Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Double Room

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Room, 2 Double Beds (Pet Friendly)

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Room, 1 King Bed

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(12 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Carolina Beach

Close to the beach.Within a 15-minute walk of the hotel, you'll find Carolina Beach and Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Odysea Surf and Kiteboard School and Carolina Beach Arcade are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Carolina Beach - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Carolina Beach Boardwalk - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Carolina Beach State Park - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Carolina Beach Fishing Pier - 5 min drive - 1.9 miles
  • Freeman Park - 5 min drive - 2.0 miles

Getting around

  • Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪El Cazador Carolina Beach - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Britt's Donut Shop - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Seawitch Cafe & Tiki Bar - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪The Fat Pelican - ‬10 min walk

About this property

Pirates Cove

Hotel near Carolina Beach Boardwalk in Carolina Beach
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. WiFi is free in public spaces. An outdoor pool, barbecue grills, and a vending machine are also featured at Pirates Cove. Limited free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Carolina Beach hotel.

  • 58 guestrooms or units
  • Built in 2007
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Pirates Cove offers 58 accommodations with coffee/tea makers. Refrigerators and microwaves are provided. Bathrooms include showers.

This Carolina Beach hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. 32-inch flat-screen televisions come with cable channels. Housekeeping is offered on request and hair dryers can be requested.

Languages

English

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite parking (max 1 space per unit)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Beach volleyball
  • 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.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 3 percent for credit card payments
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: USD 30.00 per pet, per day
  • Maximum 2 (weight limit: 25 lbs per pet)
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • 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 not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

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 30.00 per pet, per day
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 3 percent

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 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; cash is not accepted
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit 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 accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Cash is not accepted. 

We should mention

  • Pets are welcome in certain rooms only; other restrictions apply (please see the Fees section for related charges). To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Drifters Reef Motel Carolina Beach
Drifters Reef Motel
Drifters Reef Carolina Beach
Drifters Reef
Drifters Reef Hotel Carolina Beach
Pirates Cove Hotel
Drifters Reef Hotel
Pirates Cove Carolina Beach
Pirates Cove Hotel Carolina Beach

Frequently asked questions

How close is Pirates Cove to the airport?

Pirates Cove is 17.8 mi (27-min drive) away from the Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Pirates Cove?

As of Jul 24, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Pirates Cove on Jul 27, 2025 start from $126.49, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Pirates Cove have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Pirates Cove.

How close is Pirates Cove to the beach?

This hotel is a short 9-minute walk from Carolina Beach and 19.6 mi (30-min drive) from Wrightsville Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Pirates Cove offer free breakfast?

Pirates Cove does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Pirates Cove?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at Pirates Cove?

Check-in start time: 4 PM; Check-in end time: midnight.

Is there free parking at Pirates Cove?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does Pirates Cove have a pool?

Pirates Cove features an outdoor pool.

Does Pirates Cove have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does Pirates Cove have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is Pirates Cove to downtown Carolina Beach?

Pirates Cove is 0.3 mi away from Carolina Beach.

Pirates Cove Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 160 out of 424 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 112 out of 424 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 75 out of 424 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 40 out of 424 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 37 out of 424 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Douglas

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Karen

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dorothy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Had to cancel had a emergency to come up
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

J

Business traveler
Thin walls and a holiday weekend makes for not a lot of sleep. Lots of kids running up and down the wood plank stairs and balcony pretty late into the night . I could hear the conversations (and other noises) from the couple next door , and the music from the bar and restaurant across the parking lot is loud and goes pretty late as well. However ,I have stayed in this same spot In the off season and noise wasn’t as much of a problem. Positives : great location. Lots of food shopping and entertainment are walkable distance. The staff are always kind and helpful. Pool is always clean during the warm seasons , and it’s one of the more affordable spots on the island . Negatives: it’s loud , thin walls , floors are kinda gross , I bring bedroom slippers everywhere I go so I wasn’t super concerned ( it was also a busy holiday weekend , I think lots of people were coming in from the pool and beach and housekeep just overlooked mopping) Positives: Kind staff . Place seems safe. Location is convenient. Pool is clean . Free parking and you can usually get fairly close to your room, beds and linens seem clean and fresh despite the floors being sticky. Shower was fine , heat and air were loud , but they worked and that’s most important. All in all , I think it’s a great place for an affordable visit to the beach , if you are mostly going to be at the beach and pool and just need a bed in a safe convenient spot.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Kristina, Greensboro

Liked: Staff & service
Staff is always pleasant and accommodating. Hotel is older and could use updating but is centrally located to all the nightlife and easy walk to the beach. Pets are allowed - big plus
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Briana

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

Pet friendly & no frills

I would absolutely stay here again. It fit my needs for the night. My room was clean comfy and quiet. Each room has a bench outside if you're a smoker or if you just like being outside. They are super pet friendly with a restaurant on site that's pet friendly as well. The pool is small and clean. I forgot to get a name, but the lady as the frot desk was very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janet, Long View

Traveled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Close enough to walk to the Boardwalk, pool is very clean
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janet, Long View

Traveled with pets
Liked: Amenities
Pet friendly, great location, clean and safe
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tyler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

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

Hotel Motel

This location is more like the “Motel” of hotels in this area. We had 2 rooms, the beds were sizable (2 king beds), but they were NOT comfortable. Basic spring mattress, we were so sore upon waking up lol! The rooms were VERY basic, microwave, refrigerator, the bathroom and shower/tub were nice and clean. Very basic room. It is NOT A BEACHFRONT, which the website said, I was so disappointed! The beach is about 3 blocks away, 5 min walk. I’d book it again if I were absolutely desperate for a place to stay. Not the worst, but far from the best.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Courtney

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
It served its purpose. I literally only slept there but the room smelled like wet dog as soon as I opened the door. I didn’t have the energy to make a big deal about it as it was a last minute
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Dominic

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darrin

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

2/10 Terrible

Brian

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Probably the most disgusting place we have ever stayed. If it weren’t after 10pm we would have left.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Jamie

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gracie

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Had a great time properties very clean people staff is very friendly
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Timothy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
A fine spot for an economic nights stay
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

4/10 Poor

Glen

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Mackenzie

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
I didn’t like that the building looked old and rubbed down. The shower didn’t work well either. The lady at the front desk was nice and the bed in my room was very comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

JAMES

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
THERE WAS NOTHING UNIQUE, DIRTY FLOORS, NO WASHCLOTHS, INSIDE WAS DATED, BUT PAINT AND DECOR WAS USED TO COVER UP THE AGING. SHEETS HAD STAINS, BATHROOM SINK HAD SCRATCH MARKS. WHEN PEOPLE UPSTAIRS WALKED THE CEILING CREAKED, RESTAURANT NEXT DOOR HAD 60-90 MINUTE WAIT TIME. WE LEFT.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great area love the hotel
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025