Nestled on the pristine shores of Ocean Isle in the Brunswick Islands of North Carolina, the Ocean Isle Inn is a charming boutique hotel that stands as a beacon for travelers seeking a tranquil coastal retreat.
It’s one of the few beachfront hotel options, as most accommodation options in the Brunswick Islands region are mostly vacation rentals and condos.
But the benefit of staying at a boutique hotel is you have a more intimate experience, are waited on by the friendly staff, and can slip into relaxation mode knowing you don’t have to do anything.
We’ve personally stayed at Ocean Isle Inn twice now: for a friend’s wedding on Sunset Beach back in 2008, and then for a family vacation in 2021.
We were lucky to get beachfront accommodation at the Ocean Isle Inn for four nights. Here is our complete review of Ocean Isle Inn based on our stay there…
About the Ocean Isle Inn
Ocean Isle Beach is one of the barrier islands in the Brunswick Islands and is famous for its family-friendly beach vibes, pristine white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and amazing sunsets.
Ocean Isle is the most family-friendly beach vacation area in the Brunswick Isles with its access to miles of coastline, acres of marshlands, mini-golf and arcade games, museums, zip line adventures and options for eating and drinking with waterside views.
The Ocean Isle Inn was one of the first hotels to open on this idyllic island. It’s a cozy waterfront property that effortlessly blends modern comfort with classic beachside charm. It’s the perfect oasis for leisure travel, beach weddings, golf outings, family reunions or even business.
What’s special about Ocean Isle Inn is that each room type has panoramic ocean or island views, so whichever room option you go for, you’ll have views for days.
There are two types of clean comfortable rooms – a spacious King or a standard Queen room, which comes with two Queen beds and can sleep four adults. Each room comes with the usual hotel amenities such as refrigerators, microwaves, coffee maker, cable television, and private bathrooms with towels, toiletries, as well as being air-conditioned.
There is also an oceanfront pool, indoor pool, large oceanfront sun deck, fire pit, free wifi throughout, and an onsite restaurant serving continental breakfast.
What we loved about Ocean Isle Inn
The hotel offers a range of amenities that cater to both leisure and business travelers. Each room allows for a panoramic view of the ocean or island views to help relax and put you in the vacation spirit.
With popular dining, shopping, and activities within walking distance, Ocean Isle Inn is located perfectly to allow you and your family more time to enjoy your vacation.
Here’s what we loved about it…
Ocean front location
The hotel’s prime beachfront location provides stunning views and easy access to the ocean, creating a truly immersive coastal experience.
One standout feature of the Ocean Isle Inn is the private beach access.
A short stroll from the hotel takes you to a pristine stretch of sand where you can bask in the sun, collect seashells, or take a leisurely short walk along the shoreline.
I was surprised at how quiet Ocean Isle Beach was in comparison to the other Brunswick Island beaches we were visiting during the fall, which was quieter anyway.
The water was the perfect temperature and we had gentle surf for some bodyboarding. It’s safe to swim as the waves are usually gentle and the currents are soft. However, visitors should note there are no lifeguards.
Roll out bed for sunrise
You cannot take a beach vacation and not watch the sunrise each morning.
The NC beaches have some of the best sunrises I have seen around the world, and the most amazing thing is you’ll have it mostly all to yourself.
It’s that slow, gentle start to the day that sets the tone for the rest of the day of one of spectacular beauty and endless surprises.
With the beachside location of this hotel, you can just roll out of bed and onto the sand in two minutes. You could even sit on your balcony or terrace with a cuppa and watch it from there.
Don’t be fooled into thinking once is enough either. No two sunrises are alike. On our last morning we watched the sunrise from the comfort of our balcony at the Ocean Isle Inn in pajama pants and messy hair.
Rooms with a perfect view
Do your best to book an oceanfront room as the expansive views up and down the island are gorgeous.
Our room featured a balcony with rocking chairs making it the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring or wind up for the day’s adventures.
Either Craig or I would walk down to Drift to grab coffees and enjoy a slow morning on the balcony admiring the view.
It was a beautiful spot for sunset as well. Even though the sun sets on the other side of the hotel (over the Sound) you still get beautiful colors in the sky.
It was calming to leave the balcony door open at night to feel the ocean breeze and fall asleep to the gentle sound of waves crashing.
We stayed in an oceanfront room with a balcony and one of the rooms overlooking the Intracoastal Waterways.
While different views of the salty marshlands, they were also serene and beautiful. So, if you can’t book an oceanfront room, you can rest assured you’ll enjoy the Sound facing rooms as well.
Great outdoor pool + firepit
If you want a break from the salt and sand, there’s an oceanfront pool waiting for you – still with views and a lovely tropical feel with the gardens and gazebo.
Our girls loved swimming in the pool and would pull us away from the ocean earlier than I would have liked! There are showers on the beach access walkway to rinse your feet before coming back to the pool, or your room.
There are plenty of pool chairs to relax on with uninterrupted panoramic views of the ocean so you’re never too far away no matter where you relax.
There is also a heated indoor pool with a hot tub, which we did not use. We preferred to be outdoors.
We also did not use the firepit, but I can imagine that would be another amenity of the hotel to love.
Comfortable rooms
The Ocean Isle Inn offers two room options, each tastefully decorated with a beachy aesthetic.
I believe the hotel had some upgrades in March 2024, which was after our visit, so enjoy a new refreshing look!
We had a room with two queen beds that were very comfortable with lots of pillows. The rooms and hotel were quiet, making it easy for sleeping. I was also pleased with the cleanliness.
I liked how the room had Italian tiled floors instead of carpet – looks better, but also better to deal with all that beach sand. I didn’t really like the decor but I believe the rooms have a different look now with the upgrades.
You also have large ocean or sound view windows, table and chairs, wet bar, mini fridge, microwave, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. All rooms are smoke-free. Read more reviews and check availability here.
Walking distance to many places
Another reason to love a stay at the Ocean Isle Inn is its location in the center of Ocean Isle Beach. The convenience of walking to most of the attractions on the island is not lost on me.
We could easily walk to various restaurants, bars, and cafes on the island. You could park your car (there is free parking but not a lot of spots) and not need it for your entire beach vacation, unless you wanted to explore other areas of the NC Brunswick Islands.
The Ocean Isle Inn is located right near the Ocean Isle Beach Pier, which is the closest landmark to the hotel. It’s the perfect proximity for those who love fishing, or just a place to grab a scenic view of the beach.
Right near the Salt Marsh Waterways
Ocean on one side, salt marsh playground on the other. You couldn’t ask for a better place to stay in Brunswick Islands.
You can paddle board or kayak all over the waterways, salt marshes, rivers, and ocean shoreline of the NC Brunswick Islands region. It’s a fantastic way to see a different side to the island.
We took our stand-up paddle boards out on the marshland area of Jinks Creek just behind our hotel, the Ocean Isle Inn. I loved the tranquil experience paddling with just the birds and a silence you normally wouldn’t find in a beach destination.
There are outfitters across the islands that rent kayaks, paddle boards, or offer guided tours.
Sunset here is also beautiful! Be sure to go to Jinks Creek for it, maybe arrive a little early to secure a prime seat to watch the magic happen!
Other guests like the free breakfast
The Ocean Isle Inn has a free continental breakfast. It’s pretty much the standard USA hotel breakfast – waffles, bagels, cereals, yogurt, juice, and coffee.
For Craig and me, it wasn’t an appealing part of our stay, and we ate at the local Drift Coffee & Kitchen and dined out in the main food area of the island. We chose to do this because this area is known for delicious seafood.
We rarely eat hotel breakfasts and prefer to eat locally. I’m gluten free and we’re both quite fussy about eating healthy, nutritious meals and we don’t feel hotel breakfasts do this well.
However, I would have eaten the bagels, if I wasn’t gluten free.
The girls were happy to grab a bagel and waffles for breakfast though, which was great for saving money!
FAQs about staying at Ocean Isle Inn
Is Ocean Isle Inn pet friendly?
No, unfortunately you will have to leave pets at home to stay at Ocean Isle Inn.
Is there free parking at Ocean Isle Inn?
Yes, parking is free, but the parking lot is small so you need to get there early.
What is the most expensive day to stay at Ocean Isle Inn?
The most expensive day to stay at Ocean Isle Inn is Tuesday or Wednesday, with cheaper rates at the weekend. The cheapest price of a room is on Friday, according to Kayak.
What is the most expensive month to stay at Ocean Isle Inn?
The most expensive month is in the high season, which is the summer season, with June being the most expensive month. The cheapest month is November.
What time is check-in/check-out?
Check-in time is from 4pm, check-out time is before 11am.
The Verdict: Would we recommend Ocean Isle Inn?
Due to its location, oceanfront views, family friendly amenities, and comfortable rooms, we recommend the hotel as a great option as a place to stay on your Ocean Isle vacation.
The Ocean Isle Inn is a coastal haven that captures the essence of relaxation and seaside charm.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a quiet retreat, this hotel provides a welcoming oasis where the sound of the ocean waves becomes your daily soundtrack.
With its scenic views, attentive staff, and comfortable accommodation, the Ocean Isle Inn is a top choice for those seeking a memorable coastal escape. Don’t forget to book your stay in advance as it’s a popular Ocean Isle Beach hotel.
With its friendly atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and endless activities, Ocean Isle Beach offers a relaxing and fun-filled vacation experience that you will never forget.
More NC Coast Travel Tips
While you’re looking up Ocean Isle Beach, here are some helpful guides to help you with your research:
- Things to do in Ocean Isle Beach including places to eat.
- Our highly recommended Kindred Spirit Mailbox Hike on Bird Island.
- A 4 -Day Brunswick Island vacation itinerary
- More vacation ideas for the North Carolina coast
- Things to do on Carolina Beach
- Things to do in Wilmington
- Things to do in Myrtle Beach
- Top beaches closest to Raleigh
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