Located on the beach, Sea Foam Motel is in Whalebone, a neighbourhood in Nags Head. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Outer Banks Beaches and Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Full Throttle Speedway, or consider a night out at Miller's Waterfront Restaurant. Visit our Nags Head travel guide
Check-in start time: 5:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Minimum check-in age - 21
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Access methods
Front desk (limited hours)
Pets
Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Payment types at the property
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
The seasonal pool will be open from 23 May to 26 September
Frequently asked questions
Does Sea Foam Motel have a pool?
Yes, this property has a seasonal outdoor pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Sea Foam Motel?
As of 18 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sea Foam Motel on 12 Oct 2026 start from £54, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Sea Foam Motel pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
How much is parking at Sea Foam Motel?
Self-parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at Sea Foam Motel?
Check-in start time: 5:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime.
What time is check-out at Sea Foam Motel?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Sea Foam Motel located?
Nestled on the beach, this Whalebone motel is within a 10-minute walk of Nags Head Beach and Outlets Nags Head. Whalebone Junction and Miller's Waterfront Restaurant are also within 15 minutes.
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Reviews
Sea Foam Motel Reviews
8.4
Very good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
The hotel was as nice as it could be for an old place (1948 old). However, the place was clean and perfect location. Rumor has that renovations are to start this fall. I would definitely come back to see how Sea Foam looks after an upgrade.
Staff is great. Rooms are clean. There are plenty of great shops nearby and many within walking distance of the motel. The beach is just steps from your back door, with a great view. I love the back porch of the rooms.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review
6/10 Okay
Barbara
6 Jun 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
This is a definite step back in time motel! Location was good and room was clean. Bed was very hard, pillows not good, no central ac-loud window unit, no hairdryer.
Loved the flashback style of the motel, and especially the old-fashioned key with the plastic room number key! The wood-paneled room was cool, and since it was a two-bed room it was very large. And I was able to park right in front of my room, although no need for a car to get on the beach, or to a cool stop like the legendary Sam & Omies.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review
6/10 Okay
Brenda
12 Apr 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
It was nice ocean front..wish the patio was more private..not enough chairs for each room outside..view was amazing..rooms are dated..beds were very comfortable that was a plus..the staff was very nice and very helpful..we did not have hot water the first night..but they fixes it as soon as i Emailed the office..
This place needs more than updated, it needs actual repairs. There were roaches, I even saw one in the room. The pool wasn’t open for the entire week we were there, which was one reason we booked this place. They didn’t even tell me at check-in, I found out through other guests.
The cleaning staff was wonderful and so was the location. That was about it. Wouldn’t recommend or stay here again.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review
6/10 Okay
Gail
15 Jun 2026
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
This is a very old property so we understand not being modern or in tip top shape, but broken tiles in the floor or around the sink should be replaced quickly. Bathroom floor has not been scrubbed or mopped in some time. Location ocean front is perfect. Request the second floor for ocean view as dunes block the bottom view. Permit to open pool had not come through, so we were extremely disappointed that it wasn’t open.
I cant in good faith give 5 stars for a motel that is severely dated however...I will say this place is "clean" on the inside, the grounds need some love. (Theynare currently doing renovations snd I am excited to return to see the updates). This little gem is hands down the best little hole in the wall motel that is ON THE BEACH and allows fur babies. Check in was a breeze and I love how connected they are to their history. They have coffee cups for every year the motel has been open - since 1948!!
Thank you for a wonderful stay! We look forward to visiting again very soon!
We had an ocean front room with the historic wood paneling. It was charming and comfortable. I loved having the ocean access.
The only complaint came from my teenage companion. She was surprised at the lack of outlets for charging her many electronic devices. Myself, this was to be expected and I didn't stress over it!
I will definitely stay here again when visiting the OBX. Thanks so much!
Our entire reason for choosing Sea Foam was being on the beach with a pool. Well the pool was closed when we got there and remained closed the ENTIRE time, and still closed when we left. We had grandchildren who really looked forward to the pool. We were offered that we could drive down to the sister hotel but that completely missed the point of paying for a motel with a pool.
The motel was cute but desperately in need of repairs. Doorknobs falling off/very difficult to turn. Peeling doors. Just generally not well maintained.
Definitely clean, and the office staff and housekeepers were very kind and pleasant.
We had a wonderful stay at the Sea Foam Motel! One of the best parts was being able to walk straight onto the beach from our room. Having both a front and back door made it so convenient, and we loved relaxing on the patio with the ocean just steps away.
Waking up to an incredible ocean view every morning was the perfect way to start the day. The beds were comfortable, the room had plenty of space, and there were more than enough outlets for all of our devices!
If you’re looking for a clean, comfortable, beachfront stay in the OBX with easy beach access and beautiful views, we definitely recommend the Sea Foam Motel. We’d happily stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review
6/10 Okay
ASHLEE
16 Jun 2026
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
I know it’s an older hotel but she needs some upgrades. Front and back door doesn’t shut all the way. No ventilation in the bathroom. Bathroom is really really old. The view was beautiful no doubt. Parking isn’t the best- narrow spots and limited spaces. Lamps are really old in the room. The ones in the wall aren’t stable and the lamp shades look 20 years old. Good place to lay your head if you plan on spending more time outside the room than in. Beach access is directly behind you if reserving a patio ground floor room. Convenient to walk right to the beach.
The Sea Foam Motel is a hidden gem. It's our favorite place to be when we visit the OBX. The staff are very personable, friendly, and down to earth! Their rates are very affordable to be right on the beach and includes a pool! We love that they are pet friendly. Our little fur babies absolutely love it there! We are hooked and will be life-long quests! Our next trip is already booked!
We had a king bed with an ocean view. We had the best experience. This place is not fancy, but it's everything this new married couple needed. Plus, we loved playing cornhole by the pool and waking up to the sunrise.
We loved how cozy and homey everything felt. The metal keys were a sweet touch. Only knowing one star because our bottom level oceanfront was blocked by a sand dune and we couldn’t see the ocean.