Bask in the sun at Dolphin Oceanfront Motel, where beachfront living meets laid-back vibes. Enjoy surfing and fishing right outside your door, or take a break from the action with a refreshing dip in the seasonal outdoor pool and relax on the terrace. Stay connected with WiFi, fire up your grill for an evening barbecue and park your car conveniently. The helpful staff has left a lasting impression on previous guests.
Reviews
8.28.2 out of 10
Very good
Popular amenities
Air conditioning
Free parking
Free WiFi
Main amenities (7)
On the beach
Seasonal outdoor pool
Terrace
Picnic area
Barbecue grills
Limited hour front desk
Surfing/body boarding
Feel at home (6)
Children stay free
Microwave
Private bathroom
Television
Terrace
Yard
Room options
Available filters for rooms
Showing 2 of 2 rooms
View all photos for Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Courtyard View
Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Courtyard View
Highlights
Yard
Porch/lanai
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
TV
Private bathroom
Microwave
Sleeps 2
1 Queen Bed
View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Courtyard View
Manteo, NC (MEO-Dare County Regional) - 11 min drive
Norfolk Intl. Airport (ORF) - 109 min drive
Greenville, NC (PGV-Pitt-Greenville) - 130 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 7 min drive
Blue Moon Beach Grill - 6 min drive
KFC - 4 min walk
Sonic Drive-In - 4 min drive
Duck Donuts - 4 min drive
About this property
Dolphin Oceanfront Motel
Dolphin Oceanfront Motel puts you within a 15-minute drive of Outer Banks Beaches and Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Guests can enjoy the seasonal outdoor pool, along with onsite surfing/body boarding. Fellow travelers say great things about the helpful staff.
Languages
English
At a glance
Hotel size
43 rooms
Arranged over 1 level
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Express check-out available
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out time is 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 21
Children
Children (18 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
No cribs (infant beds)
Pets
Pets allowed (2 total)*
Service animals welcome
Restrictions apply*
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
Parking
Free uncovered onsite self parking
Onsite parking includes off-street options
Other information
Designated smoking areas
Property amenities
Food and drink
Barbecue grills
Traveling with children
Children stay free (see details)
What to do
On the beach
Surfing/body boarding
Fishing
Ecotours nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horse riding nearby
Kayaking nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Pool umbrellas
Facilities
1 building/tower
Built in 1952
Picnic area
Terrace
Seasonal outdoor pool
Accessibility
No elevator (single level property)
Room amenities
Be entertained
43-inch TV
Cable TV channels
Streaming services
Home comfort
Air conditioning (climate-controlled) and heating
Coffee/tea maker
Sleep well
Bed sheets provided
What to enjoy
Porch or lanai
Yard
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Shower only
Free toiletries
Towels
Stay connected
Free WiFi
Food and drink
Refrigerator
Freezer
Microwave
Fees & policies
Pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Pet deposit: USD 10 per night
Pets are allowed for an extra charge of USD 10 per pet, per day
Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)
The seasonal pool is open from May to October
Policies
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have elevators.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Also known as
Dolphin Motel
Dolphin Oceanfront
Dolphin Oceanfront Motel
Dolphin Oceanfront Motel Nags Head
Dolphin Oceanfront Nags Head
Dolphin Oceanfront Hotel Nags Head
Dolphin Oceanfront Nags Head
Dolphin Oceanfront Motel Hotel
Dolphin Oceanfront Motel Nags Head
Dolphin Oceanfront Motel Hotel Nags Head
Frequently asked questions
Is there a pool at Dolphin Oceanfront Motel?
Yes, there's a seasonal outdoor pool.
Are pets allowed at Dolphin Oceanfront Motel?
Yes, pets are welcome, with a limit of 2 total. There's a charge of USD 10 per pet, per day, and there's also a deposit of USD 10 per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.
Is parking offered on site at Dolphin Oceanfront Motel?
Yes, there's free self parking.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Dolphin Oceanfront Motel?
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM. Express check-out and contactless check-in and check-out are available.
What is there to do at Dolphin Oceanfront Motel and nearby?
Have fun with onsite activities like fishing and surfing. Additional recreation nearby includes ecotours. Enjoy amenities like a seasonal outdoor pool and a picnic area.
Does Dolphin Oceanfront Motel have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a porch or lanai and a yard.
What's the area around Dolphin Oceanfront Motel like?
Dolphin Oceanfront Motel is located on the waterfront in South Nags Head, a short 12-minute walk from Outlets Nags Head and 3 minutes' walk from Outer Banks Beaches.
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Dolphin Oceanfront Motel Reviews
Reviews
8.2
Very Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
8.4/10
Cleanliness
9.0/10
Staff & service
8.0/10
Amenities
7.8/10
Property conditions & facilities
8.4/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 27, 2024
Staff is fantastic, better than a big chain, and the beach access is great!
Robert
Robert, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 20, 2024
We LOVE to stay at The Dolphin. It has become our go-to place to stay when we come down to the Outer Banks. The staff is very friendly! It's right on the beach and so close to everything else. Plus, the very kind and relaxing vibe will bring us back time and time again!
Tanya
Tanya, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 4, 2024
Great vacation
Great staff and beautiful location. Easy access to beach. Safe parking, staff constantly updating building and chairs on front porch of room
Patricia
Patricia, 5-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 22, 2024
We upgraded on the advise of staff and couldn't be happier that we did-- woke up to the most amazing ocean view and sounds ever. Friendly, clean and the renovations look great. Will stay again!
Christine
Christine, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 15, 2024
Great place to go to
Bj
Bj, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 6, 2024
Love that It was dog friendly and right on the beach !!!
Brittany
Brittany, 5-night trip
8/10 Very good
Aug 12, 2024
Nice place to stay. Clean and well maintained. Right on the beach and near a few good spots to walk to.
Haw
Haw, 4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 2, 2024
Great spot
Lyndsey
Lyndsey, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 30, 2024
Been staying there 14 years. Always have enjoyed my stay. Clean rooms and the staff always pleasant.
Tammy
Tammy, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 15, 2024
Only a 2-night so didn't have a chance to interact with the staff other than check-in & check-out at which Jim was very friendly :) A very nice motel on the beach which led to a very relaxing stay!!!
Lee
Lee, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 28, 2024
older hotel, clean, convenient, reasonably priced, and dogs welcomed
LouAnn
LouAnn, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 11, 2024
Excellent beachfront Iocation. Pet friendly!
Naomi
Naomi, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 30, 2024
Nice clean reasonably priced motel right on the beach! Staff is friendly and you can tell they care about the motel. Older motel but kept up really nice and updated. Perfect for a trip to the beach.
Andrew
Andrew, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 8, 2024
Dolphin Hotel Nags Head Nc
Wonderful hotel oceanfront and nice quiet hotel with wonderful owner who makes you feel like you’re at home will definitely be making this our future vacation hotel
Michelle
Michelle, 7-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jul 8, 2024
This place is old and the rooms are small, but the staff is friendly, and the rooms are clean. It is a great beach trip motel. I would stay again and i would recommend to others.
David
David, 4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 8, 2024
Dolphin hotel Nags head Nc
Beach vacation hotel was oceanfront owner of the hotel is so wonderful and makes the place feel like home will be making it our hotel for future vacation stays
Michelle
Michelle, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Aug 17, 2024
Oldie but goodie!
This is an old, basic motel, BUT it was quiet and very clean. The beds were comfortable and it was nicely decorated. The price and convenience to the beach was perfect. We would definitely stay again.
r
r, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 7, 2024
Great atmosphere!
Padonna
Padonna, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 24, 2024
It’s the place to be if you are a beach person
Salvador
Salvador, 4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 29, 2024
Everything was perfect. Very clean. Have been coming here for years. Love it and you are right on the beach.
christine
christine, 5-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 7, 2024
Everyone was so accommodating. The BEST pet friendly spot. Being right on the beach was so ideal and easy.
Verified traveler
3-night trip
2/10 Poor
Sep 3, 2024
Nice
Sandy
Sandy, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 18, 2024
Beachfront Motor Lodge
Well-maintained older Motor Lodge style motel. Very friendly and accommodating grounds and pool very clean. Walkway directly onto beach behind hotel walking distance to Jeanette pier and several restaurants. Only complaint would be a lack of parking and the AC units in the room need to be bigger.
Kevin
Kevin, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 13, 2024
Great retro motel
Literally on the beach. Clean, cozy and great location to restaurants, brewery and a pier. Staff was great. Took this trip with my wife to celebrate our birthdays. Would definitely go back!