The Holiday Inn Express Nags Head Oceanfront is a family-friendly hotel on the beach in the middle of the Outer Banks. The property page lists the property in Nags Head, and the page we read mentions fitness facilities, an indoor pool and 24-hour coffee machines, along with breakfast and ocean views. The indoor pool is a strong selling point in a destination where spring and autumn can be breezy and cool, because it lets children swim when the Atlantic is too cold. The hotel is in a good central position, a short drive from Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Bodie Island Lighthouse and the Roanoke Island sights, and within reach of the northern attractions at Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills. It is a sensible base for travellers who want to explore the whole region without moving hotels.
Rooms and layout
Expect oceanfront and ocean-view rooms, standard double-queen and king rooms, and suites for larger groups. Oceanfront rooms with balconies are the most popular, so request one early and expect to pay a premium in summer. Hotels directly on the beach are exposed to wind and salt, and the building may look weathered outside, but interiors are generally modern.
Ask about parking, which is typically free, and about elevator access if you have mobility needs. The beach is a few steps from the rear of the property, and chairs and umbrellas can often be rented nearby.
Food and amenities
Breakfast is typically included at Holiday Inn Express properties, and the page confirms breakfast at this hotel, so you can fuel up before a day at the dunes or the lighthouse. The 24-hour coffee machines are a small but welcome detail for early risers heading out to catch the sunrise.
The fitness room and indoor pool give you alternatives on rainy days. For dinner, Nags Head has a wide range of seafood restaurants, casual beach bars and family spots within a short drive. Groceries are easy to find, which helps families on a budget.
Who it suits and tips
Families, groups of friends and couples will find the hotel comfortable and practical. Reserve early for July and August, and look at shoulder-season rates in May, September and October for the best value and the mildest weather. The hotel is close to the Nags Head Fishing Pier and the beach access points, and it is only a short drive to the causeway for Roanoke Island and the Lost Colony play.
If you want to ride the wild horses’ beach or climb the Currituck lighthouse, plan a day trip north, which takes about an hour each way, and treat the hotel as a central hub for the whole region.
Why stay here
- ✓Oceanfront location
- ✓Indoor pool
- ✓Fitness facilities
- ✓Breakfast
- ✓24-hour coffee machines
- ✓Ocean views
- ✓Family and king rooms
- ✓Near Jockey’s Ridge
Good questions
Does the hotel have an indoor pool?+
Yes. The property page describes an indoor pool, which is handy when the weather is cool.
Is breakfast included?+
Breakfast is described on the property page, so check the rate details when you book.
How far is Jockey’s Ridge?+
It is a short drive away in Nags Head.