Crystal Coast NC Hotels: Oceanfront, Pet-Friendly & Points Options
Looking for the best Crystal Coast NC hotels — whether you want oceanfront views, pet-friendly stays, or a way to book with points? 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 (or your flexible bank points) — and if you don’t have points, I’ve included live cash rate links so you can compare and book the best deal.
🐚 Whether you’re booking with points or paying cash, this guide covers the best Crystal Coast hotel options — including oceanfront, budget-friendly, and pet-friendly stays. 🏖️
Quick Reference Guide
Cash rates shown via our partner booking tools.
Oceanfront (Best for Couples): DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Atlantic Beach Oceanfront Check Points Availability / See Cash Rates
Lowest Points Option (Best Budget Pick): Econo Lodge Crystal Coast Check Points Availability / See Cash Rates
Pet-Friendly Options (Best for Families with Pets):
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Morehead City Check Points Availability / See Cash Rates
Days Inn by Wyndham Cape Carteret near Emerald Isle Check Points Availability / See Cash Rates
Atlantic Beach Resort, a Ramada by Wyndham Check Point Availability/ See Cash Rates
🩴Planning Your Trip? Read my Crystal Coast NC Vacation Guide for Families: PKS + Salter Path for top attractions, dining, and family trips.
Compare Live Cash Rates on the Map Below
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.
🐾 Pet Tip: If you’re bringing your dog to the Crystal Coast, a long leash is a game-changer. We use [this one on Amazon] — it gives our pup Ellie freedom to roam on the sand without wandering too far. See it in the photo below. It’s three years going strong!
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
Location: Cape Carteret, NC
Expect To Pay: 15,000 points per night
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)!
Still Deciding on a Hotel or Vacation Rental?
Compare live cash rates across Crystal Coast hotels and rentals on the map below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Crystal Coast 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 with points have Indoor Pools?
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Atlantic Beach Oceanfront
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Morehead City
- Atlantic Beach Resort, a Ramada by Wyndham
- Days Inn by Wyndham Cape Carteret near Emerald Isle (Outdoor Pool only)
What are the best pet-friendly hotels on the Crystal Coast (bookable with points)?
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Morehead City
- Days Inn by Wyndham Cape Carteret near Emerald Isle
- Atlantic Beach Resort, a Ramada by Wyndham
Which Crystal Coast hotels include free breakfast?
Several of the points hotels include free breakfast, which can save you money on your trip:
- Econo Lodge Crystal Coast
- Hampton Inn Morehead City
- Hampton Inn & Suites Swansboro
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Morehead City
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 Crystal Coast hotel near Atlantic Beach, NC that you can book with points?
The Econo Lodge Crystal Coast in Morehead City starts at just 12,000 Choice points per night.
Does Emerald Isle NC have hotels on the beach?
Emerald Isle itself doesn’t have many chain hotels that take points. Most oceanfront hotels are clustered in nearby Atlantic Beach near Pine Knoll Shores. If you’re set on staying oceanfront with points, the DoubleTree Atlantic Beach is your best bet.
What’s the quietest beach on the Crystal Coast in NC?
Indian Beach and Salter Path are considered the most peaceful, less crowded beaches along the Crystal Coast.
Is Indian Beach, NC worth visiting on the Crystal Coast?
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 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
Whether you’re booking with points or paying cash, these Crystal Coast hotels give you great value for oceanfront, pet-friendly, and budget stays. Don’t forget to check both the points availability and live cash rates — sometimes one option saves much more than the other.
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.
🐾 Bonus: Pet-Friendly Packing Essentials for the Crystal Coast
Traveling with your pup? A few items make beach days easier:
- A sturdy long leash (ours has lasted 3 years and makes walks more relaxing with less pulling)
- A collapsible water bowl with lid to keep the sand out.
- A washable cooling pet blanket that doubles as a car seat cover after a hot beach day (especially helpful if your dog loves the sand but avoids the cool water, like mine!)
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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
