6 Best Hotels in Carolina Beach, NC

An unforgettable stay at Carolina Beach.
Building view of Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Carolina Beach Oceanfront
Building view of Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Carolina Beach Oceanfront
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Are you in the midst of planning a beach getaway to Carolina Beach? Are you looking for the perfect hotel that provides all the amenities you need at an affordable price? Look no further! We’re here to help with our guide on the best hotels in Carolina Beach.

With lodging options ranging from family-friendly resorts to cozy oceanfront lodging, there is something for everyone. Get ready to relax and enjoy this beautiful coastal town while soaking up some sunshine!

Hampton Inn & Suites Carolina Beach Oceanfront

Bedroom view of Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Carolina Beach Oceanfront
IcePortal
*Prices are as of the time of writing/updating this post.

Set on Carolina Beach along the North Atlantic Ocean, Hampton Inn & Suites Carolina Beach Oceanfront is a relaxed hotel off Highway 421 is a 3-minute walk from the Carolina Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park. It's also located near the Cape Fear River and offers rooms with free Wi-Fi and LCD TVs. The hotel also features a fitness center and a pool. The hotel has a handful of amenities, but it seems to lack in the quality department. One of the biggest cons is its location, with the hotel only a block from the beach.

You also need to pay for parking, which costs $20 a day. There's also a gym, but it's tiny. On the other hand, the Hampton Inn and Suites Carolina Beach Oceanfront does have an outdoor pool, which is a nice touch. In addition to its beachfront location, the hotel also has a number of perks, including complimentary Wi-Fi and a full-service breakfast. This is an impressive feat, especially since the hotel only has about 100 rooms. Among the other features, the hotel also provides a business center, a fax machine and a photocopier. There's even a small terrace, but you can't use it to watch the sunset.

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Golden Sands Oceanfront Hotel

Building view of Golden Sands Oceanfront Hotel
Expedia Group

Overlooking Carolina Beach, Golden Sands Oceanfront Hotel is a relaxed, 5-story oceanfront hotel off Highway 421 is a mile from the Carolina Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park and 15.7 miles from downtown Wilmington. This family-friendly beachfront hotel offers two dining options, both of which are tucked on the pier, as well as free Wi-Fi, and a well-equipped fitness center. This property is a beach vacation destination. In addition to the beach, the property is less than eight minutes from Fort Fisher. This 3-star hotel has a variety of rooms available. There are standard and superior rooms.

The rooms are equipped with a flat-screen television, mini-fridge, and microwave. There is also a sleeper sofa. Some rooms have a private balcony overlooking the ocean. The bathrooms feature bath linens, showers, and hairdryers. Some rooms also offer climate control. The hotel provides complimentary bottled water. The hotel also features an on-site bar and restaurant, as well as a pool. There is also free parking. The pier at Golden Sands Oceanfront Hotel has a Tiki bar that serves tacos and sandwiches. There is live music on weekends during the summer season. It is also within walking distance of the Carolina Beach Center.

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The Windstar Hotel at Carolina Beach

Pool view of The Windstar Hotel at Carolina Beach
Expedia Group

The Windstar Hotel at Carolina Beach offers a taste of the good life with amenities such as free Wi-Fi and private parking. Located in the heart of Carolina Beach, the hotel is close to the boardwalk, the pier and the Odysea Surf and Kiteboard School. It is also only a short drive from the nearby town of Brunswick. This quaint coastal enclave is the quintessential beach bum's paradise. The hotel offers six rooms, a full spa and a seasonal outdoor pool. For a small price, guests can enjoy a relaxing retreat.

Other amenities at The Windstar Hotel at Carolina Beach include a free newspaper and a microwave and refrigerator in the room. The best part is the friendly and knowledgeable staff that goes out of their way to make their guests feel right at home. The best time of year to visit is during the summer, as the hotel is a stone's throw away from Carolina Beach's best attractions. If you have your own vehicle, the Windstar is conveniently located near several local restaurants. The Windstar's best-kept secret is their staff. Unlike other hotels in the area, the front desk is manned 24 hours a day. They can also arrange for airport transfers at a small fee.

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Courtyard by Marriott Carolina Beach Oceanfront

Building view of Courtyard Carolina Beach
Leonardo

Courtyard by Marriott Carolina Beach Oceanfront is a modern oceanfront hotel positioned a 4.6-mile drive from Fort Fisher and a minute's walk from Carolina Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park. This 3-star hotel boasts 144 rooms with free high-speed Wi-Fi and some rooms have balconies and jacuzzi tubs. Other amenities include a well-equipped fitness center and an on-site bistro. The hotel also has a well-stocked souvenir shop.

This beachfront resort features modern and contemporary rooms with modern decor, a small but tasty restaurant and an on-site souvenir shop. The Courtyard Carolina Beach Oceanfront has many perks including a complimentary breakfast, free parking and a 24-hour fitness center. The pool is also open during the warmer months. The best part is, if you don't like the ocean, there's plenty of parking nearby. Moreover, the hotel's pet-friendly policy is a plus. The front desk can recommend activities to help you get the most out of your stay.

Pirates Cove

Living room view of Drifter's Reef Hotel
Expedia Group

Pirates Cove is a colorful, clapboard-fronted motel on Highway 421 situated about a 9-minute walk from the Carolina Beach boardwalk and 7 miles from the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. With 61 rooms, Drifter's Reef Hotel caters to a range of preferences, from King rooms to Double Suites and even a 2 Bedroom Full Apartment. Previously named Drifter's Reef Hotel, each room is equipped with Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, cable TV, and a coffee maker. You can enjoy the convenience of in-room minifridges and microwaves, perfect for those late-night snacks or storing beach picnic supplies.

Imagine yourself lounging by the large outdoor pool, soaking up the sun on the sundeck, or grilling up a feast at the charcoal grills. No need to venture far for dining and entertainment. The on-site Lazy Pirate restaurant serves legendary wings and a vibrant atmosphere with live music. As a guest of Pirates Cove, you'll receive a 10% discount on food purchases at The Lazy Pirate, making your stay both enjoyable and economical. Engage in a friendly game of volleyball on the court or explore the nearby attractions. With the hotel's central location, you're within easy walking distance to charter fishing, cruise boats, shopping, and fine dining.

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Spark by Hilton Wilmington Carolina Beach Rd

Bedroom view of Best Western Plus Wilmington Carolina Beach
IcePortal

Spark by Hilton Wilmington Carolina Beach Rd is a top-notch hotel in the North Carolina area. It has a number of modern amenities and is conveniently located in many area attractions. Previously known as Best Western Plus Wilmington/Carolina Beach, the hotel also has one of the better locations in the city, right next to the US Battleship and the ILM airport. It is only a short drive to downtown Wilmington, where you can find some of the area's best restaurants, breweries, and stores. The hotel is also within a short distance to a number of cool coastal attractions south of the city. Some of the highlights include the aforementioned US Battleship, the NC Aquarium, and Corning Incorporated.

The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi and on-site laundry. The most impressive feature of the hotel is its location. It is conveniently situated right next to the ILM airport, making it easy to get to and from your vacation destination. It is also close to local beaches, including Kure Beach, which is known for its fishing charters. The other attractions of Spark by Hilton Wilmington Carolina Beach Rd include a hot tub, free on-site parking, and an outdoor pool. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant. While this may not be a luxury, it is a nice perk for those who can't afford to splurge on a meal at a fine dining establishment.

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