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.
This article is part of my Trip Planning & Redemptions series, where I share real-world destination guides, family-friendly itineraries, and practical ways to plan trips without overcomplicating things.
What Is the Crystal Coast and Can You Really Stay There With Points?
North Carolina’s Crystal Coast (sometimes referred to as 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.
Many visitors also plan a day trip to Shackleford Banks, a ferry-only barrier island near Beaufort known for wild horses and undeveloped beaches. Where you stay on the Crystal Coast can make ferry access and day trips like this much easier to plan.
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). 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. 🏖️
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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
🩴If you’re still deciding where to stay and what to do, this Crystal Coast NC Family Vacation Guide pulls together attractions, dining spots, and realistic itinerary ideas.
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
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)!
If you’re new to booking hotels with points, here’s a simple beginner-friendly guide on how transferable credit card points work and when they’re worth using.
Still Deciding on a Hotel or Vacation Rental?
Compare live cash rates across Crystal Coast hotels and rentals on the map below.
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 as 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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For more Crystal Coast planning resources, see my complete Crystal Coast NC travel guide
Your Next Read
Crystal Coast NC Family Vacation Guide: Best Things to Do & Eat
North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores Review
Visiting Shackleford Banks: Wild Horses, Ferries, and What to Know Before You Go
