Crystal Coast Hotels You Can Book With Points (Yes, Even Oceanfront & Pet-Friendly!)

Looking for an affordable way to stay at one of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast hotels—maybe even an oceanfront or pet-friendly hotel? You’re in the right place.

What Is the Crystal Coast—and Can You Really Stay There With Points?

North Carolina’s Crystal Coast (also called the Southern Outer Banks) is home to beach towns like Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, and Salter Path. With clear water, wide beaches, and a family-friendly vibe, it’s one of the best and most beautiful coastal areas in the state.

But beach hotels here can get expensive—especially if you’re after oceanfront or pet-friendly getaways.

The good news? You can book several Crystal Coast hotels using points from Hilton, IHG, Wyndham, or Choice. Some even offer beachfront rooms, indoor pools or for you to bring your furry companions!

Some links and maps in this post are affiliate tools from partners like Stay22. I may earn a commission if you book through them, which helps support this site—at no extra cost to you.

Hilton Honors Hotels on the Crystal Coast

How to Earn Hilton Points:

• Hilton paid stays
• Open a Hilton co-branded credit card or
• Transfer American Express Membership Rewards or Bilt points to Hilton to book.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Atlantic Beach Oceanfront

Location: Atlantic Beach, NC
Expect To Pay: 55,000–70,000 points per night (2 Queen Rooms are also available)

This is hands-down the nicest hotel you can book with Hilton points on the Crystal Coast. It’s one of the few true oceanfront hotels in Atlantic Beach, NC where you’ll also find a beachfront bar, a 300-foot fishing pier, and direct access to a beautiful stretch of sand.

Guests can enjoy both an indoor and outdoor pool, but most will want to soak up the sun on this quiet section of beach. It’s also just a short drive to one of the best local attractions—the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Oh, and don’t forget your free warm cookie at check-in!

My Advice: This hotel is located at the section of Atlantic beach near Pine Knoll Shores and Indian Beach. If you’re looking for a quieter, less crowded and beautiful location, this is it. This would be a great weekend beach trip hotel for a romantic getaway!

 🐠 North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores Review

Hampton Inn Morehead City

Location: Morehead City, NC
Expect To Pay: 45,000 points per night

This hotel is located on the mainland but still close to the beach—just a short drive from Atlantic Beach. It’s also one of the most affordable Hilton options and comes with free hot breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi. You’ll be near restaurants, shopping, and waterfront views in downtown Morehead City.

Budget Tip: For travelers looking for cheap hotels in Atlantic Beach with solid value, this is a great pick.

Hampton Inn & Suites Swansboro Near Camp Lejeune

Location: Swansboro, NC
Expect To Pay: 39,000 points per night

While this hotel is about 20 minutes from Emerald Isle, it’s located in charming downtown Swansboro—perfect if you’re into antique shops, good restaurants, or want to avoid the crowds. Rooms include free breakfast and Wi-Fi, and it’s an excellent base for exploring the least crowded beaches on the Crystal Coast.

Tip: Swansboro is a great location to visit Hammock Beach State Park, just minutes away. Ride the Ferry to Bear Island and experience water activities like swimming, paddling, canoeing, and camping on a largely undeveloped island. On other days, don’t forget to check out Carolina Home and Garden plus Grace Adventure Park (with kids).

IHG Hotels on the Crystal Coast

How to Earn IHG Points:

• IHG paid stays
• Open an IHG co-branded credit card (this hotel would be bookable with free-night certificates) or by
• Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards or Bilt points to IHG to book. 
  

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Morehead City

Location: Morehead City, NC
Expect To Pay: 27,000 points per night

This recently renovated hotel sits right off the highway. It’s one of the few pet-friendly hotels near Emerald Isle that you can book with points and features an indoor pool—great for rainy days. Every room comes with a microwave, fridge, and Keurig, plus you’ll get free breakfast and Wi-Fi.

Bonus: It’s a solid choice if you’re searching for pet-friendly hotels near Pine Knoll Shores or cheap hotels in Morehead City.

Wyndham Rewards Hotels on the Crystal Coast

How to Earn Wyndham Rewards Points:

• Wyndham paid stays
• Open a Wyndham co-branded credit card or
• Transfer Capital One Miles or Citi Thank You points to Wyndham to book.

Days Inn by Wyndham Cape Carteret near Emerald Isle

This pet-friendly hotel offers an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, coffee, and parking. It’s one of the most affordable points options and gives you access to the beach and Bogue Inlet Pier in about a 20 minute drive.

Great for those searching hotels near Emerald Isle NC or budget-friendly options on the Crystal Coast. 

Atlantic Beach Resort, a Ramada by Wyndham

Location: Atlantic Beach, NC
Expect To Pay: 30,000 points per night + $12/night resort fee

A rare oceanfront, pet-friendly hotel in Atlantic Beach you can book with Wyndham points. If you’re looking for indoor pools and on-site guest laundry, this is your place. Be aware of added resort and parking fees, even on reward stays.

Ideal if you’re set on staying on the beach with pets and don’t mind the extra fees for the beachfront experience. For those specifically looking for Crystal Coast hotels with indoor pools, the DoubleTree and Ramada both fit the bill.

Choice Privileges Hotels on the Crystal Coast

How to Earn Choice Privileges Points:

• Choice Privileges paid stays
• Open a Choice Privileges co-branded credit card or
• Transfer Capital One Miles, Wells Fargo Rewards or Citi Thank You points to Wyndham to book.

Econo Lodge Crystal Coast

Location: Morehead City, NC
Expect To Pay: 12,000 points per night

If you’re after the absolute lowest redemption on this list, this is it. This budget hotel in Morehead City offers basic but useful amenities like free breakfast, parking, cable TV, and in-room coffee. It’s not on the beach, but you’re just a short drive from Bogue Banks and Atlantic Beach.

This is one of the cheapest hotels near Atlantic Beach and a solid base for exploring the entire Crystal Coast on a budget.

Other Booking Options

Well what’s not a points redeeming opportunity can always be a points earning opportunity. Take advantage of travel portals that offer additional properties for either rare points redemptions or cash purchases with elevated points earning (for your next trip)!

Frequently Asked Questions

What beach has the clearest water in North Carolina?

Many travelers say Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach have some of the clearest, calmest waters on the Crystal Coast, but you can’t really go wrong at any Crystal Coast beach. 

Which Crystal Coast hotels bookable with points offer Oceanfront rooms?

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Atlantic Beach Oceanfront

Which Crystal Coast hotels bookable with points have Indoor Pools?

1. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Atlantic Beach Oceanfront
2. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Morehead City
3. Atlantic Beach Resort, a Ramada by Wyndham

Days Inn by Wyndham Cape Carteret near Emerald Isle (Outdoor Pool only)

Which Crystal Coast Hotels  bookable with points are Pet-friendly?

1. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Morehead City
2. Days Inn by Wyndham Cape Carteret near Emerald Isle
3. Atlantic Beach Resort, a Ramada by Wyndham

What’s the closest hotel to Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium that you can book with points?

The DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach is only minutes away from the Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium and can be booked with Hilton points.

What’s the cheapest hotel near Atlantic Beach NC I can book with points?

The Econo Lodge Crystal Coast in Morehead City starts at just 12,000 Choice points per night.

What’s the quietest beach on the Crystal Coast?

Indian Beach and Salter Path are considered the most peaceful, less crowded beaches along the Crystal Coast.

Is Indian Beach, NC nice?

Yes, Indian Beach is a peaceful stretch on Bogue Banks known for its quieter vibe and beautiful views, near Pine Knoll Shores, right around Salter Path.

Are there any hotels near Indian Beach NC that accept points?

While there are no hotels directly in Indian Beach that take points, several nearby options like the DoubleTree Atlantic Beach provide easy access.

Packing It Up: Beach Stays on the Crystal Coast That Can Be Booked with Points!

There aren’t many hotels on the Crystal Coast where you can stay for free using points, especially if you’re looking for oceanfront, pet-friendly, or hotels with indoor pools. But these options in Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Swansboro, and Cape Carteret offer great value for budget-conscious travelers using Hilton, IHG, Wyndham, or Choice points.

Whether you’re looking for the clearest water in North Carolina, trying to find the most secluded beach, or planning a day trip to Indian Beach, NC, this guide should help you get there for less.

How Do You Get Points to Book These Hotels? Beginner’s Guide to Transferable Credit Card Points

See all the best Things to Do and Places to Eat here: Crystal Coast NC Vacation Guide for Families: PKS + Salter Path

Don’t Miss one of the Best NC Aquariums (located in Pine Knoll Shores): North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores Review