The Breakwater Inn

The three-story Breakwater Inn sits on stilts to prevent flooding and has parking on the ground floor. The shingle-covered building features gambrel rooftops and marina views from balconies or patios. Guests typically laze away their vacation on the property chatting with locals at the marina and watching fishing vessels come and go. The hotel's location and boat slips attract fisherman and budget-minded families or couples. Due to it being a two-pearl property, travelers can expect dated and sometimes weather-worn interiors. Benches and Adirondack chairs are found in outdoor hallways. There’s no elevator here, but a dumbwaiter is useful to transport luggage upstairs and a ramp is on the first floor. The small lobby has books and magazines for borrow, and occasional treats such as cookies, but there’s no lounge space.

This Hatteras Village property is on the marina and has views of the Pamlico Sound. It's in a great location for fisherman or travelers who want to relax and watch boat traffic from their patios or balconies. Boat slips are also available. Beside the hotel is the Breakwater Restaurant, a seafood eatery under the same ownership. This hotel is on the two-lane Highway 12 with other value hotels and residences, a few restaurants, and a gift shop across the street. The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau is a five-minute walk away. The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum takes 20 minutes on foot to reach. Frisco Beach is a seven-minute car trip. Guests recommend driving 25 minutes to Avon to buy groceries at Food Lion, but there are closer markets for provisions; Burrus Market is a minute drive or five-minute walk.  The Hatteras Ferry Terminal is a five-minute car trip, while the Ocracoke Ferry Terminal takes an hour.

Rooms are either in the main three-floor hotel or in the more rustic Fisherman’s Quarters. The main building's rooms and suites feature homey, marina-style decor -- think floral touches, wicker furniture, and neutral carpeting -- and wooden balconies or patios with Adirondack chairs facing the marina. Decor can be a bit dated and while some rooms have flat-screen TVs, most are tube-style TVs. The Deluxe Rooms have kitchenettes with microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and wet bars, while Deluxe Suites have full kitchens, living rooms with sofa beds, and whirlpool tubs. The pet-friendly rooms in the Fisherman’s Quarters -- as one might suspect from the name -- are geared toward fishermen and include tile floors, microwaves, and mini-fridges; but these have some wear and tear and lack patios. Bathrooms across the board have shower/tub combos or showers and basic toiletries. There is free Wi-Fi. 

The decent-size outdoor pool has an attached shallow section for kids and a wooden deck lined with white plastic loungers and rocking chairs. It's surrounded by a white fence for privacy. A free continental breakfast is served every morning in the office and includes danishes, muffins, oatmeal, fruit, and coffee and tea. Water and treats are also on supply in the office throughout the day. Free parking includes uncovered and covered spaces that can accommodate boat trailers.