Well located base to explore the Outer Banks. This motel reminded me of old beach houses I have stayed at. I hadn't been in this area for over 40 years but I remember taking long walks on the beach day and night and seeing old hulks of shipwrecks along the way. Alas, the shipwrecks have been moved to the Graveyard of the Atlantic museum, but the walks were still pleasant especially at night. The motel is located right on the beach although many of the rooms don't have much of an ocean view. The elderly lady behind the counter was a trip and very nice.

My wife and I stayed in top-floor, ocean front kitchenette during July 2010 and enjoyed a quiet week at the beach. The motel is on the South end of National Park land so the beach below us was never crowded. Buxton isn't the hectic beach scene you find farther up the coast in Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills - we spent several days beachcombing for shells and didn't have to weave through the crowds. The view from the third floor shaded balcony is enchanting - I could sit there for hours watching the surf and birds in the constant breeze. The beach is sandy and the waves were gentle - great for kids and old duffers like me.
Granted, the building has seen better days but one must understand it endures a constant onslaught in its oceanside environment. The exterior is weather worn but the room was very spacious, clean and the beds comfortable. The bathroom was also clean and roomy. The kitchen is small but functional and we had fun creating meals from provisions we bought at the well-stocked Conner's Supermarket nearby using their eclectic assortment of kitchen utensils. The motel doesn't provide maid service for their kitchenettes so you'll have to make your own beds and exchange your soiled linens at the main office across the road. Sounds deplorable for a vacation but it wasn't that bad.
There was no curtain for the front window, only venetian blinds. So, the sun woke us up very early the first morning. We hung an opaque tarp over the window before retiring the next night and overslept the next morning.
Yes, the place could use a facelift but with the ocean advancing on the property, why would the owner invest serious money in the structure? The owner says they lost two bungalows and a row of single story rooms in a decade of storms so improvements to the surviving buildings wouldn't make economic sense. Eventually, as has happened up and down the Banks, the property will erode slowly into the surf. This place isn't fancy but it is hopelessly romantic. We plan to go again before the place disappears. Take books, binoculars and a few bottles of wine.
The motel is quiet and bypassed by the hustle-bustle beach crowd flowing up and down Rt.12. Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a minute away, the Ocracoke ferry landing (free ride to the island) is about 20 minutes Souh and there are several nice restaurants and breakfast places in Buxton and nearby villages.
A word of warning: One evening we strolled up the lonely, undeveloped beach at sunset thinking how wonderful it was to have the seashore all to ourselves. As night descended, so did legions of hungry, salt-marsh mosquitoes on our bare skin. We had to run back to the safety of the motel room. Oh, so that's why we had the beach to ourselves. It was another reminder that we weren't at a resort but in a very natural area.
The Cape Hatteras isn't a resort or spa but a nice quiet place to relax and enjoy some time on the beach. It isn't fancy but it's the only property where I've stayed next to undeveloped East Coast oceanfront. If you appreciate uncrowded beaches and a quiet place to stay, you'll enjoy this place.

We just got back from our first stay on the Outer Banks…it won’t be out last!

The motel was perfect. The location is to die for! Our room was on the 3rd floor facing the ocean. What a view! The sound of the waves was so relaxing. The beach is sandy, clean, and not crowded at all. The room had all the amenities that you could need (small fridge, microwave, coffee maker, toaster). We would go to the grocery store and buy food for breakfast and lunch. The bed was very comfortable. It’s not a five star hotel but it’s perfect for a beach vacation.

The staff (owner and his assistant) were very helpful and personable.

We loved this place so much we ended up staying an extra day. I would highly recommend it.

This hotel is absolutely wonderful! The view is the best in the OBX and the rooms are perfect! Being able to walk out your door and be overlooking the ocean is well worth the money. The people are so welcoming and very friendly! Check out all the local places-Fatty's and Burger, Burger are great! Take a kayak tour from Fatty's as well! You won't just get a wonderful kayak trip but a great history lesson! Buxton is definitely the place to be and the Cape Hatteras Motel is everything you are looking for and more! Great for couples, families, or singles! It offers large rooms, huge bathrooms abd beautiful views! I can't wait to come back!!

-Laurel C., Minnesota