Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Nags Head Oceanfront

Perched on grassy dunes overlooking Nags Head beach, the Ramada Plaza Nags Head Oceanfront is a laid-back, family-friendly property. The bright lobby has tall ceilings, a faux fireplace, exposed brick details, and free coffee, plus modern albeit worn furnishings. A friendly parrot named Sabrina lives in a cage beside the dark wooden front desks with mosaic-tile detailing. The space has a beachy vibe with large sand dollars mounted on the wall, a colorful rug with fishes, and dolphin-etched water feature. Outside facilities are weather-beaten with rust visible ins certain areas, as is the case in most beachfront hotels. Wood-planked walkways lead to the beach and to the oceanfront deck, where there are lounge chairs. There are also a grassy lawn that’s used by pet owners and swings for families with children. Dolphins and whales are often spotted from the property.

This hotel is located in Nags Head, with direct beach access from the rear of the property. A few blocks from the hotel is Highway 158, which offers tons of fast-food restaurants and there are a Walgreens and CVS nearby. Many Outer Banks attractions are a close drive from this hotel; the Wright Brothers National Memorial is a 10-minute drive and the hiking trails at Jockey’s Ridge State Park is seven minutes away by car. Bodie Island Lighthouse is a 19-minute drive and the Currituck Beach Lighthouse is a 50-minute drive away. Guests get free access to fish on Kitty Hawk Pier and passes are available to the Outer Banks Family YMCA, which is a three-minute drive. The Lost Colony is a half-hour drive, while getting to the North Carolina Aquarium takes 25 minutes. There's free outdoor parking on-site.

The traditional rooms have an earth-tone design scheme typical of a chain property, with some furnishings that could use updating. Rooms feature green carpeting, green chairs, pale-yellow walls, wooden headboards, and framed beach artwork. All rooms come with mini-fridges, built-in safes, coffeemakers, microwaves, 37-inch flat-screen TVs, irons, and hairdryers. Every room has a furnished balcony -- some of which overlook the ocean, while others face the parking lot or dunes. The best ocean views are from the third floor or higher. Bathrooms have basic toiletries and either shower/tub combos or walk-in showers, while some King Rooms also have whirlpool tubs beside the beds. Pets are allowed (for a fee) in first-floor rooms during certain months. Kids under 17 stay for free.

The crowning feature of the hotel is the beach, of course. At the rear of the hotel is a wide stretch of sand where there are beach chairs and umbrellas available to rent. An oceanfront deck with lounge chairs is also available. A skylit room has a year-round heated indoor pool and an adjacent hot tub. The on-site gym offers basic equipment, including free weights, an elliptical machine, treadmill, and weight machines. There’s also a minimarket selling sundries and microwaveable meals and the hotel has coin-operated laundry machines.

The on-site Peppercorns restaurant serves American fare in a casual space with windows overlooking the ocean. Breakfast is included in some room rates. In the warmer months, the Dragonfly Deck serves beer, cocktails, and light meals on the beachfront terrace. The hotel also has plenty of meeting space, including a ballroom that fits up to 260 people and offers ocean views. The lobby business center has two PCs, plus copying and printing services. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.