Swell Motel

2.0 star property
Motel in Buxton with a fitness center and a seasonal outdoor pool

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Swell Motel

Beach nearby, white sand
Exterior
Reception
Beach nearby, white sand
Exterior

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Room service
  • Gym
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking included

Explore the area

View in a map
46854 NC-12, Buxton, NC, 27953
  • Place, Outer Banks Beaches
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, Buxton Woods Nature Trail
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
    ‪5 min drive‬

Room options

Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds No Pets

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(27 reviews)
  • 300 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Classic Room, 1 King Bed No Pets

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(21 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Studio, 1 Queen Bed No Pets

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Comfort Room (2 Queen Pet)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(12 reviews)
  • 300 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Comfort Room (1 King Pet)

  • 300 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Classic Double Room No Pets

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 reviews)
  • 285 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Bed

About the neighborhood

Buxton

Swell Motel places you next to Uncle Eddy's Frozen Custard and 18-Hole Mini Golf and within a 15-minute walk of Buxton Woods Nature Trail. This 31-room motel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi, free self parking, and a gym.

What's nearby

  • Uncle Eddy's Frozen Custard and 18-Hole Mini Golf - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Outer Banks Beaches - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Lighthouse Beach - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Buxton Woods Nature Trail - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Cape Hatteras Lighthouse - 5 min drive - 1.5 miles

Getting around

  • Norfolk Intl. Airport (ORF) - 162 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tavern on 12 - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Angelo's Pizza - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Diamond Shoals Restaurant - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Orange Blossom Bakery & Cafe - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Oceana’s Bistro - ‬10 min drive

About this property

Swell Motel

Motel in Buxton with a fitness center and a seasonal outdoor pool
At Swell Motel, guests have access to a gym, free WiFi in public areas, and a seasonal outdoor pool. Free parking is included with your stay. Friendly staff can provide front-desk service during limited hours, and also offer advice about sightseeing. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers an off-leash area. Additional amenities include a picnic area and barbecue grills.
Guests can expect free WiFi and flat-screen TVs. Balconies or patios, private yards, and microwaves are other standard amenities. Housekeeping is available on request.
Recreational amenities at the motel include a fitness center and a seasonal outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Things to do

  • Art gallery
  • Gym
  • Playground
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • Mini-fridge
  • Playground
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Direct access to the beach
  • Dock
  • In a nature reserve
  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Hardwood flooring in room
  • No elevator (single-level property)

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge
  • Room service

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Laptop workspace

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 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
If you are planning to arrive after 7:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between November 13 and February 8.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 20.00 per accommodation, per day
  • An off-leash area is available
  • Certain rooms only
  • Guests can request a pet-friendly room by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 20.0 per stay
  • Cribs/infant beds are available for USD 20.0 per stay

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Pet fee: USD 20.00 per accommodation, per day
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Crib (infant bed) fee: USD 20.0 per stay
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 20.0 per stay

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Pool access available from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
  • There are no elevators.

Property is also known as

Swell Motel Buxton
Swell Buxton
Motel Swell Motel Buxton
Buxton Swell Motel Motel
Swell
Motel Swell Motel
Swell Motel Motel
Swell Motel Buxton
Swell Motel Motel Buxton

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at Swell Motel?

Swell Motel provides free cancellation on certain room rates. For additional details, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What's there to see near Swell Motel?

Based on positive ratings, guests enjoy the motel's walkable location in Buxton, and it's just steps from Uncle Eddy's Frozen Custard and 18-Hole Mini Golf. You'll also find Lighthouse Beach and Buxton Woods Nature Trail within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at Swell Motel?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel.

Does Swell Motel include a casino at the property?

No, Swell Motel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Swell Motel?

No, this motel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool. Guests have pool access between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM.

Is Swell Motel a good place to stay for couples?

Couples staying at this motel will appreciate amenities like a nature reserve plus some guestrooms include kitchenettes and garden views.

Does Swell Motel have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this motel.

Does Swell Motel have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

No, Swell Motel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Swell Motel allow pets to stay for free?

Although they can't stay for free, pets are welcome at Swell Motel for a fee of USD 20.00 per accommodation, per day. The property also provides an off-leash area.

Does Swell Motel have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this motel.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Swell Motel?

Yes, every guestroom at Swell Motel comes with a balcony with some featuring garden or courtyard views.

Swell Motel Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 327 out of 479 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 116 out of 479 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 20 out of 479 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 479 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 479 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Christopher, Wildomar

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great assistance from the office…Friendly Staff.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Payton

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Louis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Its has easy access to the beaches and access to the sound
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robin

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Adorable little property that really caters to needs of travelers. Highly recommend ❤️
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Liz, Starkville

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quite and comfortable with great beach near by.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tucker

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
LOVED this motel! Laura was amazing, we got To meet Jorge & Angel who were helping Ms Laura remodel the other buildings; they were amazing as well! Loved everything about this place and already planning my next stay here!!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Swell little spot!

Amazing little motel. The room was very nice. Staff were very helpful!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Brian

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cute little motel on island, just what you Would expect. Friendly staff, offer free kayaks and bicycles to get around town, although we were Just here for One night as we headed down the outer banks. Clean inside and freshly remodeled.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barry

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place is amazing. We have stayed there a few time, the amenities they have on hand is by far the best on the island.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Todd

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The owner was super nice and she was very easy to talk to. She seemed to really care about her property.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lara

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely love it. This was our second time staying at the Swell and we were impressed with how they seem to be constantly improving the property for their guests. Love the fact that they offer to switch out the towels every day and you can even have them do a quick room refresh (beds and bathroom, sweeping...) every day if you wish. That is the kind of thing you usually only find in places that cost a lot more money.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Clare

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
TL; DR: Quiet rooms, friendly but not intrusive people, affordable, very pet-friendly, would be great for fishermen and women. Will be back! The Swell is a classic motor lodge with friendly staff and helpful amenities for folks planning to stay for a while. There are fish cleaning stations, a grassy and shaded picnic area, two (!!) big gas grills, cornhole boards and bikes to borrow. The room was surprisingly quiet at night given how many people were around! Only drawback (to me) is that the bathroom could have used a bit of a refresh as the tub was dingy, but it seemed clean enough. We were just there for a couple of days so didn’t use all of the amenities, but we appreciated the central location for using the Ocracoke ferry and visiting my favorite beach ramps. I also liked talking with the friendly staff and people who come every year — I didn’t grow up going to the Outer Banks so it’s fun to be able to learn about the place from people who did!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erika

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jordan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jordan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Everything was great
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Raven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cristen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place was adorable. It feels retro but has adorably updated rooms. Kayaks, paddle boats, and bikes to borrow. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

DANIEL

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Jessie

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Cute location and friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Excellent place to stay. The room was clean and comfortable, the staff is very friendly.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Louis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Everything
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jann

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was very nice and and clean beads were comfortable
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lyndsi

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

John, Casselton

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in May 2025