Oceanview Inn

Due to its proximity to the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier, this two-pearl inn is used frequently by people who come to the area to fish or otherwise enjoy the pier and other waterfront attractions. With no pool or sitting area in the lobby, there is no hub for guests to gather and mingle. And aside from seating, there isn't much to the lobby, just a granite-topped front desk and an adjacent freezer with ice for sale. Various brochures promoting deep-sea fishing, sightseeing cruises, and local restaurants are on hand just below the front desk, which also displays shells and other treasures of the sea. This clearly is a hotel where guests check in and go about planning their adventures in the Emerald Isle area without much lingering or mingling with other guests. 

The Oceanview Inn overlooks the beach and the 1,000-foot-long Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier. There is not a direct route to reach the pier, so it takes a five- to seven-minute walk to get there. Several restaurants and shops are within a walk of five minutes or less or a drive of a minute or two. There is a grocery store within a six-minute walk as well. An RV park is adjacent to the hotel, and a campground is nearby. 

• 11-minute drive to Swansboro and Star Hills Golf Club 
• 13-minute drive to Indian Beach 
• 18-minute drive to Hammocks Beach State Park 
• 23-minute drive to North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores 
• 30-minute drive to Morehead City
• 30-minute drive to Atlantic Beach
• 30-minute drive to Fort Macon State Park 
• 50-minute drive to New Bern 
• 75-minute drive to Topsail Beach 
• 90-minute drive to Wilmington International Airport 

These budget rooms make a good enough first impression, and many past guests praise them for being spacious and clean. But upon closer inspection, some of the rooms are lacking general maintenance and upkeep. Tile grout and caulk that is missing or in need of a good scrubbing, stains in bathtubs, nicked up furniture and walls, and even rusted shelves in mini-fridges are noticeable in some rooms. As a hotel with both smoking and nonsmoking rooms, some past guests have reported lingering musty smells including cigarette smoke. The quality of furnishings in rooms is inconsistent -- which is especially evident in the bathrooms. Some bathrooms have walk-in showers that are framed in tile that appears clean and fresh while others have dated acrylic shower inserts or shower/tub combos with rust stains. Some have simple wall-mounted sinks or small pedestal sinks, while others have larger vanities outside the bathroom. Some suites sport a granite-topped vanity. Generally, bathrooms are rather small and dated. 

The bedrooms tend to fare better and come in several configurations including options with king-size beds, queen-size beds, and double beds. Some suites have two-person jetted tubs, while efficiencies have kitchenettes that include full-size refrigerators, stoves, ovens, sinks, and utensils. All rooms include mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, daily housekeeping, and free Wi-Fi (though the signal can be spotty). Decor can vary somewhat by room but the dominant style is brown carpet, light yellow painted walls, light wood furniture (which doesn’t always match), and brown drapes. Either solid brown comforters or white duvets are used on the beds. Most rooms have a small table with two upholstered chairs, and some rooms have distinctive wood paneling on the ceiling. Only second floor rooms offer ocean views, while others have views that are at least partially obstructed by surrounding buildings or vehicles at the adjacent RV park. 

Features are fairly bare-bones at the Oceanview Inn. Parking is free and except for the second-story rooms, it is directly in front of guest rooms' doors. Some of the parking spots are large enough to accommodate boat trailers or RVs. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the property, though the signal can be spotty. The lobby sells ice, and displays brochures for various attractions and restaurants, some of which deliver to hotel guests. This property does not have a restaurant or breakfast service. It also lacks a pool or any other common spaces for guests.