The Inn on Pamlico Sound
49684 NC Highway 12, Buxton, Hatteras Island, NC 27920
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Dining (74)
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About
5.0
#1 of 6 hotels in BuxtonLocation
Cleanliness
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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
A casually elegant waterfront boutique hotel on the Pamlico Sound. Accommodations range from soundfront queens to premium kings with private decks and large whirlpool spa tubs. Amenities include gourmet breakfast, fresh baked goods, kayaks, bicycles, pool, home theater, library, 2,200 DVDs, complementary beverages and snacks, beach chairs, beach towels, and high speed internet. Gourmet waterfront fine dining; fresh, organic and local. Weddings and catering. We provide the experience of an honored guest in our casually elegant hotel.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Bicycle rental
Bicycles available
Books, DVDs, music for children
Meeting rooms
Electric vehicle charging station
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast in the room
Special diet menus
Canoeing
Canoeing offsite
Fishing
Board games / puzzles
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Picnic area
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Room service
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Flatscreen TV
Complimentary toiletries
Room types
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Great View
Family
Languages Spoken
English
Location
49684 NC Highway 12, Buxton, Hatteras Island, NC 27920
Getting there
Norfolk Intl Airport
190.2 km•
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Rental Cars
36 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
Reviews
5.0
1,583 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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The Inn on Pamlico Sound receives high marks for its cleanliness, with many guests lauding the pristine conditions and diligent cleaning staff. Its excellent value is highlighted by the affordable breakfast and guests consistently commend the top-notch service that enhances the hotel's intimate and charming atmosphere.
The array of complimentary amenities such as bicycles and kayaks is a big hit, as are the comfortable and well-appointed rooms, despite occasional noise concerns. The tranquil location offers scenic views and easy access to nearby attractions, rounding out the hotel's appeal.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Reasonable
Cleanliness
Meticulous
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Abundant
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Detailed Reviews
We thoroughly enjoyed our two night stay at the Inn on Pamlico Sound (once we found the property). The signage from Rt 12 is a little hard to spot, but that is the only drawback we encountered during our stay. The reservation process and check-in were well handled and we felt very comfortable with the COVID protocols. As an example, check in is 4 PM and check out is 11 AM to allow the cleaning staff to thoroughly clean everything. The TV remote control had clear wrap and they even had alcohol cleaner and wipes available should a guest want to be doubly safe.
We ate one dinner and two breakfasts in the attached restaurant and the food was good. The breakfast was included in the room rate, but there was a $5 per person charge for each breakfast to provide for the tip. Breakfast was ordered from the menu and was delicious. The dinner we had was a bit too strong on the seasoning for our tastes but I overheard another diner compliment the flavors. We decided to eat elsewhere for our second dinner and were very pleased with that experience.
We stayed in the Sea Oats room and enjoyed a terrific view of the sound and sunset. The room also had an ensuite bathroom with a jetted tub big enough for two and a very comfortable queen sized bed.
Should we decide to make the 50+ mile drive from Manteo to Buxton again, we would definitely stay at the Inn on Pamlico Sound and ask for the Sea Oats room. It was a terrific respite.
We ate one dinner and two breakfasts in the attached restaurant and the food was good. The breakfast was included in the room rate, but there was a $5 per person charge for each breakfast to provide for the tip. Breakfast was ordered from the menu and was delicious. The dinner we had was a bit too strong on the seasoning for our tastes but I overheard another diner compliment the flavors. We decided to eat elsewhere for our second dinner and were very pleased with that experience.
We stayed in the Sea Oats room and enjoyed a terrific view of the sound and sunset. The room also had an ensuite bathroom with a jetted tub big enough for two and a very comfortable queen sized bed.
Should we decide to make the 50+ mile drive from Manteo to Buxton again, we would definitely stay at the Inn on Pamlico Sound and ask for the Sea Oats room. It was a terrific respite.
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Date of stay: April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I recently returned from our first stay at the Inn on Pamlico Sound and were very pleased with our entire visit. We stayed in the Magnolia room which is a very nice size and has a lovely covered deck with beautiful views of the Pamlico Sound. The room was very clean and the building was quiet during our stay. The not-too-loud live music from the outside dining area during the evenings was an added bonus when sitting out on the deck in the Adirondack rocking chairs! The front desk staff was very accommodating and gladly provided buckets of ice for our cooler upon request in addition to being very helpful in making dinner and breakfast reservations at their onsite restaurant which is serving outdoors only during the current covid situation. The option to have the included breakfast either in the outdoor restaurant area or delivered to the room was much appreciated. On the days we ordered it to be delivered, it was delivered on time, hot and delicious. We had dinner twice at the hotel and each time it was very good. The servers were attentive and the meals were well-paced so you could relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the sound. The food quality was also top notch from the appetizers through dessert. My favorite dishes were the fried green tomato appetizer and the Thai curry with vegetables and shrimp. During the current pandemic, they are limiting housekeeping services but if you request your room to be serviced, it will be taken care of without issue. The owner, Steve, was very present on the property and helped us out when we unexpectedly had to return home a day early. We would stay there again without hesitation!!
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Date of stay: September 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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My husband and I were looking forward to a brief stay at The Inn next week. Unfortunately, because of the current health threat, and being senior citizens, we decided to cancel our reservation, knowing that we were within the two week cancellation policy and would have to pay for the room anyway. When I called to cancel, the gentleman on the phone asked why we were cancelling and when I said we were seniors and the travel health risk too high, he explained their revised cancellation policy and, because we were in the high risk age group, we wouldn’t lose any money but would be issued a voucher that could be used at anytime with no expiration date. What he said at the end of our conversation was the most meaningful: “This is a Republic and we need to support each other”. We can’t thank him and The Inn enough for their understanding and support!
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow! I wasn't even aware of all of the amenities here, as I booked a one-night stay on our way to Ocracoke. There were kayaks, paddleboards, a pool, beach chairs, bikes, and even an on-site private theater. We stayed in the Sea Oats room, which had its own deck that offered a fantastic view of the Pamlico Sound. We had a wonderful breakfast in the on-site cafe, which was included in our stay but there is a $5 fee for each guest, which is essentially a tip for the waitstaff. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. I highly recommend this charming Inn, especially if you have the time to take advantage of all it has to offer.
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Date of stay: March 2021
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: The Sea Oats room has its own little deck with a great view
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a fun getaway, at what felt like a home away from home! You truly feel like you are friends with the staff. Steve, the owner, was so incredibly friendly from the moment we met. He is probably one of the most hilarious, kind people I have ever met.
We stayed in the Sea Oats room which is one of their premium king rooms. It's so spacious, clean, and has a beautiful deck with a sound view. The property is so beautiful. Gardens of herbs and vegetables all over the place. A pier to walk out to and sit by the water. They have kayaks, knee boards, beach chairs, life jackets, etc that you can borrow. If it's a rainy day, they have a movie theater and hundreds of movies that you can pick from. If you want something more romantic you can sign out DVDs and watch in your room. They have games, books, a guitar, home baked cookies, fresh coffee roasted on site. You will not miss a thing from home while being here! The breakfast is absolutely wonderful and included in your stay. I enjoyed the breakfast sandwich 3 days in a row. Heheh. I couldn't get enough.
Some advice I will give to those who like their stays extremely quiet and are light sleepers, make sure you bring some ear plugs, sound machine, or whatever helps cover noises because the rooms are definitely not 100% sound proof. You will hear doors shutting, and people walking, sometimes. It's not anything that happens during late hours but if you tend to go to bed at 9pm then definitely bring something to help you with potential noises.
We stayed in the Sea Oats room which is one of their premium king rooms. It's so spacious, clean, and has a beautiful deck with a sound view. The property is so beautiful. Gardens of herbs and vegetables all over the place. A pier to walk out to and sit by the water. They have kayaks, knee boards, beach chairs, life jackets, etc that you can borrow. If it's a rainy day, they have a movie theater and hundreds of movies that you can pick from. If you want something more romantic you can sign out DVDs and watch in your room. They have games, books, a guitar, home baked cookies, fresh coffee roasted on site. You will not miss a thing from home while being here! The breakfast is absolutely wonderful and included in your stay. I enjoyed the breakfast sandwich 3 days in a row. Heheh. I couldn't get enough.
Some advice I will give to those who like their stays extremely quiet and are light sleepers, make sure you bring some ear plugs, sound machine, or whatever helps cover noises because the rooms are definitely not 100% sound proof. You will hear doors shutting, and people walking, sometimes. It's not anything that happens during late hours but if you tend to go to bed at 9pm then definitely bring something to help you with potential noises.
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Date of stay: August 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I’m giving this property five stars, but I should let you know I am grading on a curve. We stayed in the Periwinkle room. There are not a whole lot of choices for lodging in this area unless you’re renting a vacation home for an entire week. The inn had the feel of a charming bed and breakfast. It has some age on it but, it’s well maintained. It’s very clean. There are a surprising number of amenities included (check out their website). The staff are very friendly and very helpful. The beds are firm and comfortable with decent pillows. I like that the windows in the room open, so I can fall asleep listening to the breeze and the sound of the water lapping up against the shore. This room is situated right above a large deck next to the pool and what looks like a bar set up - the perfect venue for a wedding reception/ party. Thank heavens we had the place almost to ourselves so there were no events to interfere with this old guy’s early bedtime. The café that’s part of the inn is closed Sunday and Monday nights (not sure if that’s an all year thing so confirm this for yourself) so we only had a chance to have breakfast which was included with our lodging. The quiche and the grits w/Gouda were a little disappointment, but the fruit bowl and the eggs over easy with hashbrowns and bacon hit the spot and the coffee is very good too. I really like the quiet undeveloped feel of this area versus the OBX beaches to the north and recommend this lodging. It’s a great find for a couple looking for a short getaway.
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Date of stay: April 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We booked 2 nights at The Inn on Pamlico Sound to celebrate our anniversary and to experience the OBX for the first time. To mention the positives first: the staff were all very friendly and welcoming, the room was clean, and we enjoyed our dinner with live music at the Inn’s restaurant both nights. The complimentary breakfast was good and we enjoyed it on our balcony with a lovely view of the sound. The negatives for us are similar to what other reviewers mentioned: at over $300 per night (even for a Monday and Tuesday!) the room was VERY plain/sparsely decorated and poorly furnished (scratched up and cheap, not antique and quaint!). Also, the ceiling of the balcony, and the partition between our balcony and the next door balcony, were cheap-looking particle board, without any attempt to disguise or “beautify” them. Unfortunately, these things made it disappointing to return to our room in the evening, instead of the romantic atmosphere we had hoped for. P.s. we were in the Jasmine room.
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Date of stay: June 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Steve Nelson, Owner at The Inn on Pamlico Sound
Responded Jun 21, 2021
Howard, we were surprised and disappointed to read your and Sarah's review from your June 7th stay. The professionally decorated Jasmine room is EXACTLY as it appears on our website where you booked it on March 23rd. The partitions between balconies are NOT made of cheap particle board. They are professionally constructed of SmartLap / OBX Board painted in top of the line Sherwin Williams SuperPaint, and were repainted early this year. The ceiling of the balcony is also not cheap particle board, but cedar underpinning. Both SmartLap and cedar are top of the line products meant for a heavy salt, wind and water environment. It is interesting you can so flippantly make a statement so inconsistent with easily demonstrable reality and marine environment construction. We're not sure how to respond to your comment on our $300 nightly waterfront premium king room rate when an affordable motel here midweek in peak season sells for over $250 a night and does not include anything like the amenities which came with your room, including: Gourmet Breakfast Coffee Maker w Locally Roasted Coffee In Room Snack Baskets Walking & Boat Dock Kayaks & Stand Up Paddleboards Beach & Pool Gear Bicycles Commercial Pool Bonfire Pits Horseshoes & Cornhole Print Library & Board Games Gilchrist & Soames Bath Products Guest Bathrobes 14 Seat Home Theater Over 2,200 Movies on DVD In Room Direct TV & DVD Players Guest Use Computer & Printer Highspeed Wifi We understand this was your first trip to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Federal park From your comments and staff interaction, it appears you may be more comfortably familiar with commercial hotels and affordable destinations. We wish you best in your future travels. Steve Nelson, CEO The Inn on Pamlico Sound and Cafe Pamlico
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our third stay at the Inn on Pamlico Sound only confirmed our conclusions from our past two visits: this is the place to stay. The location in Buxton, NC couldn't be better. If you are driving on the beach, the ramp is only minutes away, as is the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. This visit we stayed in the Magnolia room and have decided it will be the room we will always choose for future visits. It's a corner room on the north end of the complex and is very quiet and private. The deck (facing the Sound) is covered, so provides protection from the sun and weather. The room is beautifully appointed and very comfortable. Even though there was live music and a social gathering at the restaurant, we could not hear any noise when we wanted to fall into the soft sheets after a long day on the beach. In these times of Covid, this establishment honors those of us who feel particularly cautious by offering room service for meals. This was the feature that pushed us over the edge to keep our reservations, even with an uptick in the Delta variant. We felt completely safe while we were visiting. If you don't want to go out and about, everything is right there: besides a luxurious and comfortable room, there is exquisite food and beverage, a boardwalk with soundfront deck and chairs, kayaks, morning coffee and a completely laid back feeling. Total relaxation. As usual, the most important feature is the friendly and helpful staff - every one of them. If you're looking for laid-back luxury in every sense of the word, this is the place for you! We'll be back!
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Date of stay: September 2021
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: The Magnolia room is your room if you're looking for the quietest room in the house!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This boutique hotel is everything you'd love about a boutique hotel! From the moment we pulled up and saw the beautiful gardens out front everything was just perfect. The owner and staff are all lovely people. We stayed in the Magnolia Room which had a corner balcony and a gorgeous view of the sound. It was very comfortable and I loved relaxing in the jet tub on of the rainier day we were there.
They have a great little beach and dock. Floats, kayaks, and SUPs are included for use! You don't get that everywhere. We floated around on the sound the first afternoon we were there and it was the perfect start to relaxation. I believe bicycles are also available for use. The pool was closed due to Covid19 regulations, but it looks amazing and we can't wait to come back and relax in it. The hotel is also in a great and more relaxed location near the lighthouse and some very nice beaches.
The Pamlico Café attached restaurant was closed for dining but they did room service the entire time we were there. Breakfast is included in your stay and OMG! This is not your average hotel breakfast. Everything my husband and I had (including quiche and a perfect shrimp and grits). Really really excellent! Like the title says: Liege Waffles! So good and so hard to find. If you have never had a liege waffle, you won't know why I'm raving about them (hint: pearl sugar for one thing). If you do know what a liege waffle is this just speaks to the extra effort they put into everything at this hotel. And it wasn't just breakfast. Dinner was also excellent. We had almost every meal from the restaurant instead of getting take out some place else because the food is just that great. We've been lucky enough to travel to some really nice destinations and I think the Pamlico Cafe is definitely top of the line!
The fact that we enjoyed our stay so much when we were there for a tropical storm and during Covid19 social distancing/safety measures speaks to just how wonderful this hotel is. We will absolutely go back and can't wait to see the IOPS in all it's glory when the virus situation is over.
Thanks to Steve and all the Staff for a wonderful stay, and please give our compliments to the chef!
They have a great little beach and dock. Floats, kayaks, and SUPs are included for use! You don't get that everywhere. We floated around on the sound the first afternoon we were there and it was the perfect start to relaxation. I believe bicycles are also available for use. The pool was closed due to Covid19 regulations, but it looks amazing and we can't wait to come back and relax in it. The hotel is also in a great and more relaxed location near the lighthouse and some very nice beaches.
The Pamlico Café attached restaurant was closed for dining but they did room service the entire time we were there. Breakfast is included in your stay and OMG! This is not your average hotel breakfast. Everything my husband and I had (including quiche and a perfect shrimp and grits). Really really excellent! Like the title says: Liege Waffles! So good and so hard to find. If you have never had a liege waffle, you won't know why I'm raving about them (hint: pearl sugar for one thing). If you do know what a liege waffle is this just speaks to the extra effort they put into everything at this hotel. And it wasn't just breakfast. Dinner was also excellent. We had almost every meal from the restaurant instead of getting take out some place else because the food is just that great. We've been lucky enough to travel to some really nice destinations and I think the Pamlico Cafe is definitely top of the line!
The fact that we enjoyed our stay so much when we were there for a tropical storm and during Covid19 social distancing/safety measures speaks to just how wonderful this hotel is. We will absolutely go back and can't wait to see the IOPS in all it's glory when the virus situation is over.
Thanks to Steve and all the Staff for a wonderful stay, and please give our compliments to the chef!
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Date of stay: May 2020
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Absolutely perfect for a weekend getaway! Steve (owner) and all staff were very welcoming and responsive. We stayed in Magnolia - the room was spotless, comfortable, and with an unbeatable view of the sound. Fantastic restaurant on premise - everything you need for a memorable experience is right there. We will definitely be returning!
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Date of stay: February 2021
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Options for breakfast included and for purchase. Common area fridge with lots of space.
Hi! This Inn is on the sound. The actual beach access is appx. 10 mins.
I am not sure if that side of the water is good for swimming. There are water activities at this location. I have seen pictures of people wading in at the waters edge but beyond that I am not sure.
"You never know how the weather/wind is going to be in the OBX, but this place is beautiful in any weather!"Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
C$261 - C$475 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
the inn on pamlico sound hotel buxton
LOCATION
United StatesNorth CarolinaNorth Carolina CoastOuter BanksHatteras IslandBuxton
NUMBER OF ROOMS
12
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Inn on Pamlico Sound
Which popular attractions are close to The Inn on Pamlico Sound?
Nearby attractions include Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (3.9 km), Frisco Beach (7.9 km), and Scotch Bonnet Fudge & Gifts (3.1 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The Inn on Pamlico Sound?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
What food & drink options are available at The Inn on Pamlico Sound?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at The Inn on Pamlico Sound?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Inn on Pamlico Sound?
Conveniently located restaurants include Buxton Munch Company, Cafe Pamlico, and Diamond Shoals Restaurant & Seafood Market.
Are there opportunities to exercise at The Inn on Pamlico Sound?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Are there any historical sites close to The Inn on Pamlico Sound?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (3.9 km).
Does The Inn on Pamlico Sound have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the harbour view available here.
Is The Inn on Pamlico Sound accessible?
Yes, it offers reduced mobility rooms. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.