Days Inn Oceanside at Kill Devil Hills

Days Inn Oceanside at Kill Devil Hills at milepost 8.5 on North Carolina’s Outer Banks is my favorite place to stay when I go to the beach. It’s location is central to the expanse of islands that line the upper coast of the state between Corolla and Hatteras, both places I like to visit while I am there. Nestled in between hwy 12 and the Atlantic Ocean, it offers all the amenities one would expect at the beach and the hominess of a small town establishment even though it is part of the Days Inn chain of hotels.

Off-season rates are a steal. On my last trip, the weekend after Thanksgiving, I paid $55 per night with an off-season coupon for a suite that included kitchenette, dining area, two beds and the bath. The room was very attractive, clean and comfortable. It had an entrance into the hall and another opened outside to the parking area. It is a short walk to the beach from any room. A boardwalk leads across the dunes.

The lobby is paneled in a warm pinewood and has a big fireplace on one side. Visitors are welcomed to a comfortable sitting area and served refreshments every afternoon. There is a guest computer with Internet connection for those of us who still do not have a laptop; for those who do they have wifi. The staff are very friendly and ready to give directions and make recommendations for eating and shopping and sights to see.

The breakfast room is a new addition. An expanded Continental Breakfast includes pastries, bagels, fruit, cereal (hot and cold) and waffles from the DIY waffle machine. Coffee, tea, milk and juice and any condiments necessary were provided. Guests can sit and enjoy the sunrise over the dunes while they get their day started, provided they are early risers, perhaps on the way to the surf for some of that good fishing.

I can’t make any guarantees, but I have been to the Outer Banks on Thanksgiving weekend several times and always had lovely weather. This last time it rained some, but the temperature was in the 60s and even in the evenings I was comfortable wearing a light jacket. On one night my daughter and I did some night fishing. The breeze was light, the moon was full and we could not have asked for anything better. Well, catching a fish or two might have added to the perfection, but for me enjoying the peaceful evening was reward enough.

Fall and spring are said to be some of the Outer Banks best fishing time. I love the beach in winter, too. The solitude, watching the waves, seeing the migratory birds that make the islands and protected waterways of the Outer Banks a stopping place, the slow pace and affordable rates are all good reasons for a winter visit.

For summer visits the Days Inn Oceanside is a great place to bring the family on vacation. Since it is literally Oceanside just a step out the backdoor and a short walk over the dunes and you are on the beach. But if you prefer not to swim in the ocean they have a beautiful swimming pool. Behind the hotel is an outdoor fireplace and picnic tables for cookouts. The oceanside rooms have a balcony complete with rocking chairs for enjoying the view.

Check out the website http://www.daysinnoceanfrontobx.com/. Be sure to look at the coupons and specials and plan a stay on your next trip to the Outer Banks.