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Everybody loves week-long vacations with luxurious accommodations, fancy meals and endless amenities. But, sometimes, you just need to get away for some quick R&R without breaking your bank account. And if you’re in the North Carolina area, you’re in luck. Because the Tarheel State has plenty of cheap weekend getaways that will get your mind off of the hustle and bustle back home, without leaving you in debt at the end of it.
Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk, Kitty Hawk
Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk is a budget-friendly hotel that s between numerous Outer Banks attractions and has great beach access. Every room has a balcony at the Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk. Guests can enjoy the outdoor seasonal pool, year-round indoor pool, and all-day restaurant. From the hotel, the Wright Brothers Museum is 10 minutes away and The Lost Colony is 35 minutes away. Other things that this hotel offers are a fitness center, business center, pet-friendly rooms, and room service. To help you stay within your budget, there are free Wi-Fi and free parking. The pet fee is $75 for one to four nights and $125 for five or more nights for up to two dogs or cats.
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Nags Head Oceanfront, Kill Devil Hills
Another idea for a cheap weekend getaway is the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Nags Head Oceanfront. This hotel offers oceanfront views of Nags Head and is located just off Highway 12 in Kill Devil Hills. It’s a top spot for a family vacation and beach getaway. When you stay here, you’ll have an indoor pool, restaurant, and rooms with balconies available. There are also pet-friendly rooms and rollaway beds and cribs available for small children. The parking and laundry facilities are free at the Ramada Plaza, and kids aged 17 and under stay free with an adult.
Unscripted Durham, Durham
Unscripted Durham is situated in a historic location in Durham, North Carolina and in the place where the Jack Tar Hotel operated in the 1960s. It has 74 boutique hotel rooms, plus an all-day restaurant, a seasonal rooftop pool, and a cocktail lounge. Travelers can plan a cheap weekend getaway at the Unscripted Durham and explore all that the city has to offer. There’s a staycation package for locals that includes complimentary parking and deals at local businesses.
Lambuth Inn, Lake Junaluska
Lake Junaluska is a magical place to stay in North Carolina and a top choice for cheap weekend getaways. It’s a retreat center in the western North Carolina mountains and includes a historic inn, lakeside hotel, vacation rentals, trails, cruises, gardens, a golf course, and stunning views. A great way to experience this area is to stay at the Lambuth Inn, which is a historic inn that was built in 1921. There are seasonal lodging specials here to help you save money at certain times of the year. Lakeview rooms are available, plus access to the onsite fitness center and seasonal outdoor pool.
The Terrace at Lake Junaluska
A beautiful Lake Junaluska lodging option for your cheap weekend getaway is the Terrace Hotel. This is a contemporary hotel by the Harrell Center, Rose Walk, and Stuart Auditorium. Hot breakfast is included with your stay here. You’ll also have access to an outdoor pool, tennis and pickleball courts, a walking trail, gardens, an in-hotel fitness room, a larger fitness center, and 24/hour convenience center. The upgraded rooms have king-size and queen-size beds, as well as refrigerators, Wi-Fi, and TVs.
Comfort Inn South Oceanfront, Nags Head
A great way to save money during your North Carolina travels is to book a room at the Comfort Inn South Oceanfront when you want to visit Nag’s Head, Manteo, and elsewhere on Roanoke Island. The hotel offers modern guest rooms that have refrigerators and microwaves. You’ll have free hot breakfasts each morning, plus a fitness center and seasonal outdoor pool. When you stay here, you’ll be just three miles from fishing charters, nine miles from the North Carolina Aquarium, and 19 miles from Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Blockade Runner Beach Club, Wrightsville Beach
For over 50 years, the Blockade Runner Beach Club has been one of the most popular hotels on Wrightsville Beach, thanks to its charming boutique style and its long list of amenities, including a beachfront bar, an indoor/outdoor pool, sauna, hot tub, fitness center, oceanfront dining, and the Aquarium Bar, where you can unwind with your favorite cocktail while watching colorful fish and overlooking the hotel’s lush gardens. Keep your eyes peeled for the bunnies that like to hang out there too!
Lakeview at Fontana - Soaking Cabana Resort, Bryson City
If you’d love a seaside escape to the Mediterranean but you don’t have the time or budget for it, check out Lakeview at Fontana, a rustic chic inn and spa in Bryson City. Nestled on a forested property in the Great Smoky Mountains, this beautiful property offers everything you could want in a relaxing getaway – lake views, a full-service spa, daily yoga classes, and even a Treetop Soaking Cabana. There are luxury spa services available, as well as yoga classes and unique amenities like Aveda bath products, wine hour each evening, and French-press coffee with pastries each morning.
Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club, Southern Pines
For an affordable golf getaway option, check out the Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club in Southern Pines, where you can play a championship course that was designed by famous golf architect Donald Ross and was the first in the country to host four U.S. Women’s Open Championships. If you’re new to the game, you can also take lessons or just relax at one of the multiple on-site restaurants while your better half takes to the green. Guest rooms in the chalet-style lodge are affordable yet comfortable and feature amenities like free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and private terraces or balconies.
The Islander Inn, Ocean Isle Beach
The Islander Inn is an oceanfront hotel that looks out to one of the most pristine beaches in North Carolina. The Islander Inn is a peaceful and quiet place to stay when you want to escape the crowds and have your own private area along the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a fun place for both romantic getaways and family vacations. Perks of staying here are the oceanfront pool with sun deck, tiki bar with poolside service, heated indoor pool with jacuzzi, fitness room, daily complimentary breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. To save money on your vacation, take a look at the package deals offered for extended stays of five nights or more
Ocean Isle Inn, Ocean Isle Beach
Get away for the weekend without straying from your travel budget with a stay at the Ocean Isle Inn. This hotel is an oceanfront hotel with rooms that have views of the ocean or island. You can access shops, dining, and activities within walking distance of the hotel. To help you save money on your trip, the hotel offers continental breakfasts, free Wi-Fi, and indoor and outdoor pools. The outdoor pool area has sundecks, and the indoor pool area has an attached spa. You’ll be just steps from the sand and ocean when you stay in a clean and cozy room at the Ocean Isle Inn.
John Yancey Oceanfront Inn, Kill Devil Hills
The John Yancey Oceanfront Inn is a family-friendly weekend getaway destination that is at Milepost 10 in Kill Devil Hills. It offers direct beach access and pet-friendly rooms. To help you stay within your trip budget, the hotel will provide you with free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, HD cable, and other resort amenities. The rooms have been renovated recently. There is a pool, playground and barbeque picnic area for guests to enjoy. Meanwhile, the Kill Devil Grill Restaurant is onsite. You can stay active with the free passes to the Outer Banks YMCA, which offers a fitness center, sports courts, exercise classes, skate park, outdoor water park, and free babysitting. There’s even a dog run area at the hotel if you bring your pet along.
Courtyard Carolina Beach Oceanfront, Carolina Beach
Courtyard Carolina Beach Oceanfront is located in a quaint little beach town – Carolina Beach. This beach is full of nostalgia and charm and features miles of beachfront, as well as a state park with hiking trails and an old-time style boardwalk, complete with restaurants, shops, amusement park rides, live music, and a giant Ferris wheel. This hotel is the perfect place to stay if you want to be in the middle of it all. From the oceanfront rooms with private balconies to The Bistro restaurant and on-site Starbucks, there are plenty of upscale amenities but at affordable prices.
Historic Tapoco Lodge, Robbinsville
Adventure is just around the corner when you book a cheap weekend getaway to the Historic Tapoco Lodge. There are often promotions offered here, such as booking two nights and getting the third night free. The lodge is located on 120 acres in the Nantahala National Forest region and along the banks of the Cheoah River. When you stay here, you can get outdoorsy and adventurous with kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, rafting, and fishing. The Tapoco Tavern is onsite for pizza and beer after your exciting days out in the wilderness.
Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, Wrightsville Beach
No matter what time of year you’re looking to get away, the quaint seaside town of Wrightsville Beach is always a great choice. Not only are there miles of beautiful beaches to enjoy, but also lots of restaurants, local shops, and plenty of opportunities for some (free!) outdoor recreation, including “The Loop” – a 2.5-mile path that’s perfect for walking, biking, and running. The Holiday Inn Resort, located right on the oceanfront, provides comfortable guest rooms and amenities like a fitness center and swimming, while quaint cafes and restaurants offer delicious eats that will be easy on your wallet.
Waynesville Inn & Golf Club, Waynesville
The small North Carolina town of Waynesville is located about 30 miles southwest of Asheville in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains. And if you’re looking for a quick mountain getaway with plenty to do, Waynesville Inn & Golf Club is the place to go. This historic resort has been an area favorite since 1926 and offers everything you need in one spot. In addition to relaxing rooms with beautiful mountain or golf course views, there are also 27 holes of championship golf right on-site, as well as a full-service spa and Tap Room restaurant.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Asheville Downtown Tunnel Road, Asheville
Save some money while you enjoy a quiet retreat at this Country Inn & Suites hotel. It is three miles from the Biltmore Estate and close to downtown Asheville too. Guests enjoy the free hot breakfasts in the morning and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. There’s an indoor saltwater pool that you can swim in, plus a hot tub, and free cookies in the lobby. The rooms have mini-fridges and microwaves so you can stock up on a few easy groceries and spend less going out to restaurants for every meal.
The Sea Ranch Resort, Kill Devil Hills
You can enjoy an affordable weekend getaway at the Sea Ranch Resort when you want to visit North Carolina’s Outer Banks. This hotel has a prime oceanfront location and is a family-friendly place where travelers come year after year. Among the accommodation options, the main building guest rooms tend to be cheaper than the oceanfront guest rooms or Sea Ranch condos. Enjoy a meal at the Beachside Bistro, which has a menu focusing on American coastal cuisine. Property amenities here include an enclosed and heated pool, fitness center, YMCA amenities, easy beach access, and pet-friendly rooms.
Islander Hotel & Resort, Emerald Isle
The Islander Hotel & Resort is a wonderful getaway destination for an affordable North Carolina vacation and right along the coast. It is an oceanfront resort with a relaxing atmosphere and 102 guest rooms. The rooms have complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and upscale bath amenities. With your stay here, you’ll have private beach access, an oceanfront pool, and adjacent volleyball courts to play on. Guests can also take advantage of complimentary bike rentals and beach chairs to cut down on travel costs during a beach trip.
The Pepperberry Inn, Elizabeth City
The small northeastern North Carolina town of Elizabeth City is located right on the Pasquotank River and is often referred to as the “Harbor of Hospitality.” Stay at The Pepperberry Inn in the middle of the historic district and enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast each morning and a relaxing front porch with rocking chairs and porch swings. Then, take a short walk to the waterfront, where you can take a self-guided walking tour and then learn about the history of the area at the Museum of the Albemarle, all free of charge.
