6 Top Places to Stay in Carolina Beach, NC

Ready to trade your work suit for sunglasses and flip flops? The quaint coastal town of Carolina Beach is one of our favorite destinations for an escape from the hustle and bustle of life in Raleigh.

It’s a small town where mornings begin slowly with a craft coffee and where days are spent surfing the waves or seashell hunting, before retiring to your hotel balcony. Although a small town, Carolina Beach has plenty of options for places to stay, and narrowing down the field can be a daunting task. 

So we’ve selected our top five places to stay in Carolina Beach, from budget to high-end luxury, because even beach bums need a good bed to fall into after a hard day of doing nothing!

Best overall place to stay – Hampton Inn & Suites Carolina Beach Oceanfront

One of our favorite places in Carolina Beach is the bustling boardwalk, which is always alive with activity. The Hampton Inn and Suites is right on the boardwalk, close to the fishing pier, putting you right in the thick of the action as well as being close to the Atlantic shoreline.

It features hotel rooms and suites, many with balconies overlooking the ocean, and comes with seating areas, a working area, and a good-sized bathroom. All guests can benefit from free Wifi, a free hot breakfast each morning, and access to the outdoor pool and fitness center. See prices and availability here.

Best budget place to stay – Carolina Beach Motel

This locally-owned boutique hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the ocean and the boardwalk, and has just 30 individually styled rooms.

It also has a seasonal outdoor pool, free wifi, and free parking. While it doesn’t offer breakfast, many rooms come with a kitchenette with a microwave and mini fridge so you can prepare simple breakfasts in your room. See prices and availability here.

Best affordable place to stay for families – Seabirds Motel at Kure Beach

For a quieter coastal retreat, head further along the coast to Kure Beach. Families will love the affordable luxury offered by Seabirds Motel, which has just 26 individually styled rooms with a beach-themed decor. There’s also complimentary wifi, a seasonal outdoor pool, free onsite parking, and lots of eateries nearby. See prices and availability here.

Best mid-range place to stay – Golden Sands Oceanfront Hotel

It’s hard to miss the iconic white cube of the Golden Sands Oceanfront Hotel, complete with a retro orange wave painted into its facade. Part of the Hilton collection of hotels, this boutique gem offers a combination of brand-level amenities but with a local, laid-back beachside character.

Most rooms at the Golden Sands come with ocean views and a private balcony to enjoy them from. Some rooms also come with kitchenettes with a stove, microwave, and utensils, so you can cook for yourself.

However, if you prefer to eat out, the Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar has a menu focused on seafood cuisine, and also has live music on summer weekends. There’s also free parking, a gift shop, an outdoor saltwater pool with a whirlpool, and a heated indoor swimming pool. See prices and availability here.

Best high-end place to stay – Courtyard Carolina Beach Oceanfront

The stylish Courtyard Carolina Beach Oceanfront Hotel is a resort by Marriott, the only Marriott property in Carolina Beach.

It has both rooms and suites, set over ten floors, and is kitted out with luxurious touches such as private balconies, whirlpool baths (spa king rooms only), high-speed WiFi, and plush Marriott signature mattresses.

It also offers two swimming pools, a heated indoor pool and a seasonal outdoor pool, a 24-hour gym, and two restaurants – The Bistro, serving regional cuisine, and Ohana’s Ocean Breeze Tiki Pool Par, which offers light bites and cocktails. See prices and availability here.

Best vacation rental – Flat w/ Direct Beach Access

Why not choose a home away from home in this calm, oceanfront apartment that’s just steps away from the beach. There’s a gorgeous deck with a seating area where you can watch the waves with a coffee or cocktail, or just head downstairs, walk past the pool, and you’re right on the beach!

The complex also has a BBQ area and free parking, and the board walk is just 1.5 miles away.

The condo itself has one bedroom and a sofa bed, plus a fully equipped kitchen. See prices and availability here.