Located in Buxton, Swell Motel is near the beach. Uncle Eddy's Frozen Custard and 18-Hole Mini Golf and Frisco Mini Golf and Go Karts are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Buxton Seafood and Surf's Up. Hatteras Island Boardsports and Frisco Native American Museum are also worth visiting. Fishing offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and hiking/biking trails nearby. Visit our Buxton travel guide
Swell Motel provides an art gallery on site and more. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
Additional perks include:
A seasonal outdoor pool
Free self parking
Smoke-free premises, barbecue grills, and a nature reserve
An off-leash area and a dock
Guest reviews say great things about the helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms at Swell Motel boast thoughtful touches such as laptop-friendly workspaces and air conditioning, in addition to amenities like free WiFi and room service. Guest reviews highly rate the clean rooms at the property.
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 - 11:00 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Renovations and closures
The property is closed between November 13 and February 8.
Access methods
Front desk (limited hours)
Pets
Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 20.00 per accommodation, per day
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Specific rooms only; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
An off-leash area is available
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
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
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
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may 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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
We should mention
This property does not have elevators
Pool access available from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Frequently asked questions
Does Swell Motel have a pool?
Yes, this property has a seasonal outdoor pool. Pool access is from 8:00 AM–9:00 PM.
How much does it cost to stay at Swell Motel?
As of Sep 19, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Swell Motel on Oct 1, 2026 start from ¥21,833, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Swell Motel pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property. There's a fee of USD 20.00 per accommodation, per day. Service animals are exempt from fees.
How much is parking?
Self parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at Swell Motel?
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.
What time is check-out at Swell Motel?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Swell Motel located?
Situated near the beach, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of Uncle Eddy's Frozen Custard and 18-Hole Mini Golf and Outer Banks Beaches. Buxton Woods Nature Trail and Lighthouse Beach are also within 1 mi (2 km).
Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?
Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Reviews
Swell Motel Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
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
Fun little place with nice grill area and very easy access to restaurants. Clean room and well equipped for travel at beach with our dog!! I would stay again in a heartbeat.
My third time staying. The location is excellent, I walked the dog on the path to the lighthouse. Easy trip across the street to excellent beach access. I love that I can bring my greyhound. They have all the necessities and the AC worked, so not one complaint from me.
This is our 2nd stay at The Swell and we will be back. Great place, staff, and location. Saturday night live music and free ice are a few items worth mentioning.
The staff was very friendly and incredibly helpful with rearranging dates for our stay. The room was incredibly clean and the extra amenities (fish cleaning station, ice machine) were wonderful additions. Kids loved the pool!
The property is excellent for families. Location in walking distance to local eateries, mini golf, ice cream trucks and beach. This location offered free kayaks, paddle boats, and lots of toys at pool side. Access to grills, ice machines, washer and dryer and fish cleaning station. We enjoyed our trip and shared with family!
I haven’t stayed in a motel in over 15 years, this place was WONDERFUL. Super clean, WONDERFUL, friendly staff, and everything you need! Would definitely recommend!
Surprisingly charming little motel. Checkin staff was super friendly and helpful - offered us free bike and kayak rentals which was unexpected. It sits right on a little creek with pretty quick access to the sound.
Apparently it was someone’s birthday and they were throwing a little party on the grounds - there’s a small stage, they had live music, free food. We had plans so we didn’t go but it was nice to be invited. :)
It’s clearly been around for a long time but seemed to be pretty recently renovated inside. Everything was clean and comfortable.
Just about as convenient as Buxton gets - directly across from the lighthouse road. Walk to the beach is just a few minutes.
It felt like staying at a friend's house. I arrived Sat eve, and found out they have music "most" Saturdays. I had a room with a kitchenette, stocked with coffee, creamer and sugar, the air-conditioner kept the room comfortable. The hot water never ran out. Everyone was lovely and I felt welcomed in like family. I'm planning on returning
Nice amenities
AC was terribly loud and shaking had to turn it off and then the temperature was rising fast, not a good night sleep. Great location and staff
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review
8/10 Good
Lucy
Jun 15, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
While the first impression of the outside of this hotel was that it’s a bit rundown once in the room it was neat, clean and comfortable
The only complaint we had was the noise level after 10PM. There was a man that played his guitar with amplifiers off and on all night. The only interaction I had with a staff member was handled excellently. She was so nice!