DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Atlantic Beach Oceanfront

The modern lobby of this chain hotel has a hint of style, with rich wood paneling at reception and a lounge with attractive, designer-inspired mid-century modern furniture, and vibrant accents. The spacious outdoor pool is a popular summer spot, as is Molly’s, the bar and grill that leads out to the beach pier. Picnic tables in neon colors are fun areas to enjoy the sand and surf while sipping a drink or munching on a hot dog. This is a primarily a relaxed, family-oriented property, but the hotel also draws business travelers, as there's a large inventory of meeting and event space. 

The DoubleTree is centrally located on the beach in Atlantic Beach. It’s a relatively quiet setting that’s surrounded by other hotels and vacation condo complexes. A couple of restaurants are within a two-minute walk, but there’s little more to see and do that doesn’t require a car. Approximate driving times to area attractions are: North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores (seven minutes), Morehead City (10 minutes), Fort Macon State Park (10 minutes), Indian Beach (10 minutes), Emerald Isle (15 minutes), Michael J. Smith Field Airport (16 minutes), Beaufort (18 minutes), and New Bern (55 minutes).

When we visited, guest rooms were beginning a partial refurbishment that will add new furniture (but not carpet) by late summer 2017. The two rooms that we saw were dated, sparsely decorated, and definitely in need of an upgrade. They had matching, light-wood furniture, white walls, and old-style “popcorn” ceilings. Two-tone brown-patterned carpet made spaces feel dark despite ample light from sliding doors leading out to small, “stand-up” balconies facing the ocean. However, all units are spacious, with the Standard King we saw offering plenty of room for a large desk with office chair, and an armchair with matching ottoman. The Double Queen Suite we saw had a separate living room with sleeper sofa and small dining table with chairs. 

Housekeeping and maintenance reviews from past guests were decidedly mixed, with some praising the rooms for being clean, while others complaining of loud air-conditioning units and other issues. We noticed areas that needed improvement, from stained grout to nicked-up walls. Bathrooms are on the small side, but they have wide, granite vanities and shower/tub combos, and some Suites have whirlpool tubs. Standard amenities include coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and safes; mini-fridges and microwaves are free upon request, based on availability (renovations will make them standard in all rooms). Wi-Fi is free only to Hilton Honors members.

This full-service hotel on the beach features two restaurants during high season. 1079 Prime is a casual steakhouse that serves breakfast (fee), lunch, and dinner with a focus on quality steaks and fresh seafood. Open seasonally, the beachfront Molly’s Beachside Bar and Grill offers drinks and casual American fare, such as hot dogs and burgers. Room service is available, and the lobby gift shop sells soft drinks, snacks, and sundries. 

The quiet beach right outside the hotel has a 300-foot-long pier, and there are two generously sized pools -- an outdoor pool and an indoor pool with a whirlpool -- and both are surrounded by loungers. The fitness center is on the small side, but it has four pieces of Precor cardio equipment, as well as a weight-training machine. 

For business travelers, the 24-hour business center has two computers and printers, and the hotel’s 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space includes a ballroom that can accommodate up to 800 people. Valet dry cleaning and laundry services are among the concierge services. Parking is free, and pets are welcome with a surcharge. Wi-Fi is free for Hilton Honors members only.