More about Surfside Hotel
surfside good choice in central location
by TripAdvisor Member katzj
just returned from a first time trip to the outer banks with my kids ages 8 and 14. surfside hotel was a fine place to stay. our room was nice and the
location was excellent for first time visitors with school age kids as it was centrally located with short dirves to national park ranger programs, roanoke island, kittey hawk and mini-golf. we used the national park beach with lifeguard supervision although the hotels beach was also nice. breakfest was okay standard hotel fare-cold cereal, yogurt, generic waffles for toasting....
Disappointed by Surf Side
by TripAdvisor Member jarat5
Our family stayed at the Surf Side Hotel in Nags Head, NC in July 2005 because we read several positive reviews on this site. We were disappointed to say the least. The room we had was not well maintained. It was clean overall, but the wood door had pieces chipped off of the bottom of it, (perhaps from years of suitcases or rollaways hitting it?) the bathroom door hinges were rusty looking and in need of painting, the carpet had a stain and was worn thin in the spot where the stain was, the box spring had several stains, our blanket was dirty (it appeared to have small particules of food stuck to a portion of it,) and there was not air conditioning in the hallways of the building we were in (they had windows open). In addition, the overall grounds were in disrepair. The first thing you see when you go to park your car in the parking lot is an 8-10 foot propane tank sitting in the grass. There are stairs that lead up to the pool deck which had safety tape on each to either bring the stairs to your attention, or to prevent people from slipping. Well, it can't be doing either of those things right now because it is hanging off on several steps. The pool area was pretty worn in the general area where people hose off (not with a shower of any kind, but with a hose with a squeeze sprayer on the end like we have at home.)
Also, be aware that the indoor pool is tiny and could not possibly accomodate more than two families at a time. Also, know that this area of the beach did not have life guards on duty, which we do not hold Surf Side accountable for, but I wanted to mention it.
The one positive to the Surf Side is a young man named Ryan who we made our reservations with, and who we interacted with briefly during our stay. He was very friendly and helpful.
We believe there are positive reviews because there must be rooms which were renovated more recently than ours had been, and perhaps when it comes to the grounds, people are forgiving because it is a beach environment. I will admit, when I am paying over $150 a night for a room, I am particular. So, if you are picky like we are- consider yourself warned.
Good Reviews Very Accurate
by A TripAdvisor Member
Just returned from a 3 night stay at Surfside Hotel in Nags Head (08/08-08/10). Booked it specifically because of reviews on this site. Want to say we were so glad we had. All elements were outstanding. My wife and I had one of the side rooms with a king bed. It was spotless and each day was made up no later than 12:00!. We have been in many places where after a long day of touring, being at the beach or what have you an unmade room late in the afternoon would bring your good mood to a crashing halt. This was not the case at the Surfside. The staff in our opinion went above and beyond to provide friendly service. On our second day there we had a maintenence problem in our room which was responded to within about 20 minutes. Other plusses included a more than adequate complementary continental breakfast, a free afternoon wine and snack serving, a great location in the midst of most everything Nags Head had to offer from beach access to restaurants and shops. In addition if you wished to go to Roanoke Island and its attractions the bridge accross the sound was but a few minutes drive away. All in all as the cliche goes two thumbs up.
Best Hotel on the Outer Banks
by A TripAdvisor Member
I am fortunate enough to live just over an hour from this great weekend getaway. We have been visiting the Surfside for many years and it has never failed to impress with the friendliness of the staff and the cleanliness of the rooms.
I feel sorry for the previous poster who complained of such things as no a/c in the hallways and the bottom of a door that was chipped. C'mon - how much time do you spend in the hallways, anyway? Enjoy the sea air coming in those windows while you walk to the elevator. And who checks the bottom of a door either? This place is not the Four Seasons. It is a clean, resonably priced, family-driven hotel with attentive service and a beautiful beach.
I also must take issue with the complaint of the grounds and pool area being in disrepair. Having spent some time here I can attest that I see workmen regularly cleaning/mowing the grounds as well as someone checking the pool chemical levels in the early a.m. The grounds are IMMACULATE and the pool area is PRISTINE. In fact, the pool is one of the reasons we keep returning to the Surfside.
Having stayed all over the Outer Banks, I can say the Surfside has no equal in the level of service it provides. It is a much better bargain than some of the snobby resort or bed and breakfast properties further north. Places that do not return phone or e-mail requests will never get my business. We will continue to stay at the Surfside. Special thanks to Deborah who is ALWAYS very helpful when making reservations here.
NICE HOTEL,WILL RETURN
by A TripAdvisor Member
I had read other reviews before making reservations, and every one recommended it. Our room was clean, right on the beach (you could hear the waves with your window open). Nice staff too. Better looking than other small, older motels there. Good location
Mediocre room but nice ocean view!
by TripAdvisor Member LauLet
Just came back from Outer Banks--first visit there. Had to cancel previous week because of the hurricane, and although the policy was to charge one night, we rebooked, so we were not charged. I agree charging $20 for any cancellation is ridiculous! Read all the reviews beforehand, but I guess after reading them, I expected a nicer room and not so run down motel. The elevator practically closes on you, rugs all over none too clean. Just an overall rundown look to the motel. Bathtubs old and need new fixtures in bathroom--no fan.
However, the room we had was on the side and nice view of ocean. The maid service was efficient--at least they came early. We were surprised to receive only one towel each and requested more and did receive it. This motel was great location on the beach, but if I went in season, I would never pay a couple of hundred dollars to stay here. Unfortunately, due to the hurricane, beach was very filled with shells and stones and made walking difficult. Overall, it was nice enough and fairly quiet.
I would be curious to see how this motel compares to the other highly rated one Blue Herono
A Comfortable Stay at the Surf Side
by TripAdvisor Member MarciaS
We enjoyed our two nights at this motel. The staff was very friendly and Jackie gave us great restaurant recommendations. (A lot of restaurants were still closed for the winter season.) Our room was very clean and we could watch the big waves - it was very windy and cold - from our room. There are lots of options to choose from at breakfast and there is plenty of room to sit and enjoy the free newspaper. I think it must be a great place for families.
Friendly, clean, right on the beach
by TripAdvisor Member nile,DC
This was my first trip to Nag's Head, I had no idea what to expect, when I first saw the hotels, I noticed they were not the glamorous sort of high rise seen in some beach resorts, but was soon in love with our choice, the Surf Side, we had an ocean front balcony, overlooking both the beach and the pool. I would recommend that, because the other side would have overlooked the parking lot. There are also full ocean front and corner rooms available, that would provide great views . Of course the main attraction is that you are just a few steps from the beach, which was not too crowded , even in early July. The location is central to many other area destinations too, ie The Wright Bros. Memorial, and also a short drive to Hatteras Island and beyond. The pools are not large, but are in pleasant settings, indoor and out. I did wish for some shaded areas around the pool, but the seating was plentiful and comfortable. I really enjoyed the generous continental breakfast each morning, served in a nice little dining area, self serve, but many choices available. There is also a computer available, in a nice sunny corner of the lobby. Another big point in making this a good stay, was the cleanliness. I felt that all of the staff took pride in their jobs and in the hotel.
Great Stay!
by TripAdvisor Member 3day*walker
Just spent 4 nights at Surfside. Great location. Room was very clean and spacious. Enjoyed the continental breakfast that was included. Outdoor pool was very clean. Indoor pool is small, but our daughters enjoyed it. Will stay there again.
third time back still love it !!!!!!
by TripAdvisor Member cwill
This is my familys third year comming here and will not be are last. rooms are kept clean great staff and a wonderful view of the ocean we stay in the ocean front superior which has two balconys one overlooking the pool and one overlooking the ocean. If you are looking for a spot to kick back and relax this is it lots of great restaraunts to enjoy localy so. I would suggest hurricane mo's great spot.
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