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This was our third time staying at the Islander Motel. Reasons to say here: 1. It’s right on the beach. You can’t get any closer. Our 3rd floor room has an ocean view. 2. The cleaning staff is amazing. The rooms are very well attended to. It is an older motel with older fixtures, but it has been very clean with every stay and they make improvements each year. This year, there was a new fridge! 3. It’s a bargain. I don’t know that there’s a better rate for an ocean front room in the Outer Banks. 4. It’s quiet. Up until this latest stay, my only complaint has been the enclosure that they have installed on the balcony. I understand why they have it, but it really compromises the ocean views. It ends up being more like an enclosed porch with a window that you can open. The big change this year, was the amount of cigarette/weed smoke throughout the place. Our room itself did not smell of smoke, but our balcony reeked of stale cigarettes. There was an ashtray out there, so apparently smoking on the balcony is allowed by the motel. The glass enclosure only makes it worse, because there’s so little air flow. We did not experience this on our balcony with previous stays, so I’m not sure if there were really heavy smokers in that room just before us, or if over time, the smell has just been absorbed into the area. In any case, it was enough to make me not want to be out there. In addition, there were many smokers in the outdoor common areas, as well, along with all the ashtrays. We also smelled weed being smoked on multiple occasions this trip. These things might be a non-issue for some people, but it’s enough to make me seriously consider staying somewhere else next year. Which is really a shame, because otherwise, it’s a great place to stay. …
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
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Service
Trip type: Traveled 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 liked the motel because it was clean, had a comfortable bed, and the maid did a fantastic job with keeping our room tidy and refilling supplies. We could hear the roar of the waves while we laid in bed. I often saw the owner working outside keeping things nice and neat, considering the wind that was blowing. I would recommend this place to others.
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Date of stay: May 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:The ground floor may have a sand dune blocking the view from the back window. There's a wood...
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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! This is one of the cleanest places we have ever stayed, if not the cleanest! Very friendly staff. Good parking, great location for a small motel on the beach. Rooms were extremely clean even though nothing fancy, we would definitely stay here again.
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Date of stay: October 2021Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Even though there was no elevator in the 3 story motel, there was a luggage lift if it was...
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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 is a great family motel. Not a slick chain motel but a very friendly family motel. The staff were friendly and helpful. The rooms are clean. Nice pool and only a few steps over the dune to the beach. We will definitely stay here next time in Nags Head.
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Date of stay: July 2021
Value
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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.
This is our fourth year for July 4th at Islander Motel and as always did not disappoint. Comfortable rooms, ideal location, helpful staff to say the least! Highly recommend the best view room! Will be staying here again.
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Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Traveled 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 stayed at the Islander Motel the weekend of Labor Day 2019. We were on the second floor, room 206. Staff: Very friendly, welcoming and worked with our anticipated late arrival! Facility: Clean, welcoming. There was a pool, we didn't get to use it on this visit. There are a washer and dryer on-premises. It was $1.50 for a load of clothes. There is a peaceful area to sit on the swings, and a grill to use. Room: It was clean and roomy. There was a microwave, mini-fridge and coffee maker in the room. The mini-fridge was cold, but there is a note that states that it will take 3 days for a case of sodas to get cold, so you may want to bring drinks down in a cooler and use the mini-fridge to keep things cold. Balcony: The balcony is on the smaller side and not completely open. They have large sliding plexiglass type windows that open. Overall: We had a very pleasant stay and currently planning our next trip back! …
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Date of stay: August 2019
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.
Originally we planned a 3-night stay, and Laura was great in finding a room perfect for us. But due to not-so-great accommodations in Virginia Beach, we called, and the Islander was able to help us at the last minute to arrive a day early. Ashley was so friendly and willing to help in any way she could. We cannot say enough great things about our stay...from the family feel of the motel, to the nice people we met at the pool, to the extremely clean and comfortable rooms. We also loved how close to the beach we were. This Florida family will definitely be back, and we will also recommend the Islander to our family and friends!
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Date of stay: July 2019Trip type: Traveled with family
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.
Obviously we love the Islander....it's like coming to our beach home! The staff is as friendly and responsive as ever. Clean, well-maintained...not easy when it's on the ocean. Lovely gardens, wonderful quiet pool. Love to stay just after Labor Day when crowds are gone..convenient location. Good beds, new carpet again this year.Flatscreen TV. Close to Manteo bridge.Close to several great restaurants. Small and charming. Priced well for oceanfront . Hate to leave...cannot wait for next year!
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Date of stay: September 2018Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Three floors, no elevator. Upper floors have ocean view but balcony is enclosed.
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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 was my second visit and will be the only place I stay when I'm in The Outer Banks. The hotel rooms are small but everything else makes up for that. Our last visit we had the 2 bedroom apartment. It was perfect for 4 woman. It was bright, clean and comfortable. The staff that works there are the best. The grounds are beautiful. You feel like you're on an island. Hint, "The Islander Motel"
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Date of stay: August 2018
Value
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Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip:Stay in the 1 or 2 bedroom apartment
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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 NEVER travel during season, ever! OBX, N.C. is our Favorite, we plan to retire there soon. We called The Islander @ last minute mid August & got a great rate & room, can't wait to stay there again!
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Date of stay: August 2018
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.