After reading what everybody said about the Tar Heel Motel, my wife and I stayed there for the second time and everything was GREAT! Everyone was friendly including the housekeeping staff. It was neat and clean. We saw NO PROBLEMS whatsoever. They are also Biker friendly. I recommend you give them a try and see for yourself.

The Blankenship's

Taking a quick glance on the outside, it doesn't look all that bad. But from the moment we turned the lock with the old key, stepped into the room and took a deep breath, we knew we had made a BIG mistake. The room smellled dirty,musty and old, with just a hint of cheap air freshener, to top it off. It must be a pet friendly place, since my wife and I spent the first hour swatting flies. The rooms has seen very little in the way of renovations since it was built 50 some odd years ago. The bathroom fixtures were worn out, with rust in both sink and tub. While the room and bed sheets seem to be clean, the mattress and pillows stunk! All the furniture was old, cheap and tacky. On the brighter side, the A/C was newer and worked well. We had planned to spend 3 nights here, but checked out the next morning, checked into another hotel, and took a shower, then washed all our clothes. Yes, the room rate is cheaper than most Outer Banks lodging, but life is too short to spend any money on a dump like this! If you can't afford to pay more for lodging, bring a tent and camp out of the beach..The beach smells better!!

I decided VERY last minute to take my 2 youngest children for a short beach vacation before the start of school, and most places I called for room availability laughed at me. After all, it is the Outer Banks, during "season" , including weekend nights. All other vacancies on the OBX were $150-$320 per night. Way out of our range. I had never heard of or visited the Tar Heel Motel, but they were able to accommodate us, and for only $85 a night. Upon calling the motel back the next day (just 3 days before check in) to request an additional night's stay, they were able to shuffle things around to make room for us for the additional night. I'm no idiot, and for $85/night, I'm not expecting the Ritz Carlton! If you are, then don't go to the Tar Heel, or you will be sorely disappointed. All I wanted was a clean room, and a cold air conditioner- everything after that is just a bonus! I was pleasantly surprised. Our room and bathroom were beyond clean. Beds were comfortable. Air conditioner was awesome. Housekeeping staff was incredible. Pool area was clean and well kept. Location is top-notch. Beach access just across the street, the Dunes restaurant practically in the back yard, and tons of shopping and restaurants just a short drive away. The office staff were pleasant and helpful whenever I needed directions to places at the beach. Check in and check out were quick and simple. Yes, the motel is older and has the expected flaws that go with age. Yes, I probably would have decorated differently. No, there wasn't a phone, hairdryer or coffee pot in our room; but for the rate I was paying, I didn't expect those things. After all, who doesn't have their own cell phone with them- plus, I like my hairdryer better than a hotel's anyway! The other guests were friendly and with plenty of outside seating near the rooms and at the poolside, it provided a great opportunity to meet others and enjoy being outdoors at the OBX. Yes, this was our families first stay here, but it is not our last. We will certainly return to the Tar Heel Motel, as often as our schedule allows.