Tips from Your Innkeeper

2018 vacation planner refresher course - Cape Hatteras Motel

Vacation Refresher Course 2018

The summer season is officially upon us here at Cape Hatteras Motel, and all along the Outer Banks. This is probably a good time for a “vacation refresher course” to make sure you make the most of your time with us, and your experience is the best it can be. I have covered all of this in previous blog posts, but here it is again. There is no doubt about it, an informed guest is a happier guest.

About a week or so before your vacation give us a call if you have any questions about your room type, dates of stay, etc. We do send out e-mail confirmations but sometimes those get lost in your inbox, so it never hurts to refresh your memory. Also — if you feel you might want to extend your stay or make any other changes, we are more likely to be able to accommodate your requests if you contact us in advance. We can also give you recommendations on restaurants, shops, day trips, surf fishing reports, etc. so that you can plan your stay. That’s all part of the fun!

Be patient when driving to your destination. Nearly everyone else on the roads is on vacation too. For some visitors, this is their first time on the island and there are a lot of distractions. Watch out for last minute turns. DO NOT pull into the sand shoulders unless you have four-wheel drive and you know it is permissible to do so. You don’t want to get stuck and it happens. A lot.  Mind the speed limits. In the villages on Hatteras Island they are 35 and even 25 in Buxton and Hatteras. You will get pulled if you speed. Fair warning.

Early check-ins and late check-outs are something many people desire. We try to accommodate those requests, but when it is very busy it may be impossible to do so as we have other guests coming in who want the same. It is very difficult to give someone a late-checkout and then another guest an early check-in to the same room!  We consider cleanliness to be sacred and it takes a while to clean a room well. We know in the end you’d take cleanliness over getting into a room a few hours earlier. If you drive overnight, you can park in our lot, have breakfast, and enjoy the beach and pool. We will try to get you in as quickly as possible.  When you do checkout please leave the keys in the drop box outside the office door (if you leave before we open), or come in and return the keys to us during regular business hours. This helps with the cleaning situation immensely, and it also gives you time to give us a little feedback.

The ocean is to be respected. No matter how good of a swimmer you are, the ocean will beat you. If there are rip current warnings, please heed them. If you have children with you, make sure they have on life preservers. Always watch them if you aren’t in the water with them.  If it is extremely rough, don’t go in. Take a walk, watch the waves from the beach or porch, or use the pool.  There are fish and crabs and shells in the ocean.  The beach is sandy. That’s what this island is all about.

The sun is intense through the summer. Please wear sunscreen and cover-up as needed. Re-apply as necessary. A bad sunburn has ruined many a vacation and can be dangerous. Don’t let that happen to you.

We generally have wind on the island. Rare are the days when we have no breeze at all. The breeze helps cool you on the beach, but it can get sandy at times. The prevailing winds in summer are from the southwest but cooling fronts can shift the wind to the north. You can see variations in the colors of the sound and sea depending on the wind direction. That’s something fun to watch, along with all of the clouds and other weather systems that move by. With our views you can learn a lot about weather patterns and get some great photos. Remember, we have sunrises and sunsets to enjoy!

And speaking of the weather, please don’t let it ruin your stay. We know that everyone wants days and days of blue skies and sunshine and no wind or rain, but we have weather here just like you do at home. It changes quickly and can be unseasonably warm/wet/hot/cool. Seasonal averages are just that — averages. Also — do not rely on any forecast more than three days out. It is just not valid. No matter what the weather,you are still at the ocean and it’s still a wonderful place to be. We do have a fairly long “rainy day list” of activities if you do hit a wet spell. Of course, when we are monitoring tropical systems, we will keep you informed of what’s happening and advise you on when and if you need to change your plans.

And one last note on weather. Please do not use the air conditioner and leave the doors or windows of your unit open at the same time. It wastes energy, pushes our electric bill sky high (which could impact future rates), and it contributes to condensation inside the room which sometimes makes that “musty” smell for the next guest.

If you encounter an issue — any issue — bring it to our attention — don’t tell us at check-out or write it up in a review after the fact when we can’t assist you. We will bend over backwards to remedy any issues you have while you are on the property. We care.  Your satisfaction matters. We take it personally as this is our property. That’s one big advantage of working with a Mom and Pop shop — Mom and Pop are here.

And one final thought. This island is not exactly like your home. It’s a remote island, rustic, and it’s not big city living. People either love this place or they find it is not to their liking because there isn’t enough to do for their lifestyle. It’s your hard earned money. Do you research and make sure Hatteras Island, or any part of the Outer Banks, is a good fit for you and your family. When there’s a match of expectation to reality, it’s a win/win, and everyone is happy.

We look forward to seeing you in the summer of 2018!

Sincerely,

Jan, Dave, Suzy, Ramy, Andy, Karen and the CHM Team

 

Check out our new CapeAttitude (TM) Gift Shop

 

Cape Hatteras Motel recently topped 14,243 fans on Facebook!

We Got pumped T-shirts - Cape Hatteras Motel

Exclusive “We Got Pumped” T-Shirts By Cape Hatteras Motel

When life serves you lemons and big yellow machines, what should you do? Have FUN, of course! … Especially when you are on vacation along the Outer Banks.

Cape Hatteras Motel has been actively involved in keeping you informed about the progress of the Buxton beach re-nourishment which is happening throughout the summer. And while the work is still located north of the motel (and will be for several more weeks), it’s a fascinating project to watch and experience first-hand, and we would like to commemorate it in a way that’s fun for the entire family.

We’re pleased to announce that Cape Hatteras Motel is your exclusive location for purchasing “We Got Pumped” t-shirts!  With an original design and a bit of whimsy thrown in, (who doesn’t love a crab with binoculars?), the shirts are a great way to show your Cape Attitude™ and tell the world you were here when sand was being pumped at a whopping 17,000 gallons per hour!

The shirts come in three colors – black, tropical blue and safety green; and are available in Kids sizes M and L and adult sizes S,M,L,XL, and XXL. Children’s sizes are $17.99 plus tax, and adults are $21.99  plus tax.

You can purchase them during your visit here at the office, or you can order by calling the office at 252-995-5611 with your credit card information and we’ll send your order to you with a small shipping charge added.

These shirts will not be sold anywhere else, and this is a limited run so they will become a collector’s item.

Having an expanded beach means a more stable and viable Highway 12, so the project is long-awaited! Join in on the fun and order your shirts today – they’ll make great gifts for all the OBX lovers in your circle of family and friends!

Beach Safety Tips - Cape Hatteras Motel

Tips For Keeping It Safe At The Beach This Summer

Yeah, everyone gets anxious for fun at the beach, but it’s a good idea to slow down just enough to consider safety … starting with responsible, courteous driving and a keen awareness of pedestrians [who have the right of way at crossings].

 

Visit NC provides Tips for Staying Safe at the Beach This Summer and Beaches with Lifeguard Stands as valuable tools for those traveling to the Coast.

 

Cape Hatteras Motel in Buxton wishes everyone a safe, fun and memorable Hatteras Island OBX beach vacation!

 

Beach Safety Tips - Cape Hatteras Motel

Buxton Beach Nourishment Video - Cape Hatteras Motel

Special LIVE VIDEO Beach Nourishment Update For Buxton

Jan Dawson at Cape Hatteras Motel provides live beach nourishment coverage while recording Patrick with seismic survey team. He’s installing a layer of solar/battery powered monitoring devives every 500ft along the active nourishment zone for guiding large equipment while protecting private property.

See the VIDEO ON FACEBOOK

More Beach To Love Re-Nourishment - Cape Hatteras Motel

Beach Nourishment VIDEO Update For Buxton & Duck

Below are links to the latest video update for the beach nourishment projects in Buxton and Duck NC.

 

The video does an excellent job of providing a visual explanation of which way construction will progress for both projects.

 

YouTube

 

Facebook

 

Call Cape Hatteras Motel at (252) 995-5611 for additional questions regarding your reservations.

Circle of Life - Cape Hatteras Motel

The Circle of Life at Cape Hatteras Motel in Buxton

Because we interact with the public on a daily basis at Cape Hatteras Motel, we tend to see all facets of life played out here as our guests bring all their joys, hope, and sometimes sorrows with them to the beach.

For many people, Cape Hatteras is an integral part of their lives and they want to share their most special moments at the beach. Most times the occasions are the happy ones. We love to find out that someone popped the question on a beautiful moonlit night on our porch or along the beach at sunrise. We are delighted to witness weddings – some planned and some spontaneous – with the waves, the birds, and the sea providing an incredible backdrop to a marriage ceremony. We mark many anniversaries – from the first to the 50th and beyond – and often times we’re the same motel that hosted the honeymoon. There are birthdays and graduation celebrations and annual family reunions. We have conversations with our repeat guests and we watch their children become young men and women who in turn begin bringing their families as their parents become grandparents.

Today in the space of 30 minutes we were reminded of the wonderful circle of life. We welcomed a young couple with their 6 month old son. They remarked that they love the beach and they want him to learn to love it as well. He may not recall this first visit, but no doubt there will be more visits in years to come.

Just a few moments after that, I witnessed a small gathering of guests, my assumption is family and friends, who were engaged in the very moving and meaningful gesture of spreading ashes in the surf. Clearly this was someone’s end of life wish – to become a part of the sand, sea and surf here at Cape Hatteras near our motel. There isn’t much that is more touching than to know we played such a huge part in someone’s life that they would want us to play a role in this final act.

We realize that a motel is just a backdrop to many important memories. But for us, being here for you is why we do what we do and we’re grateful that even in the background we are a part of your lives.

We look forward to creating and sharing many more special days with you!

More Beach To Love Re-Nourishment - Cape Hatteras Motel

Buxton Beach Nourishment Update – May 8, 2017

Weeks Marine, the contractor for the Buxton beach nourishment project, has announced the first day of pumping has been postponed from the originally projected date of May 21 to sometime within the last week of May.

The starting point for the project, where the offshore pipes connect with the onshore pipes, will be located at the oceanfront approximately 1000 feet north of the northern boundary of the village of Buxton. Weeks Marine has announced project construction will initially proceed to the north of the starting point.

The whole project is expected to be completed within 90 days under normal conditions – approximately 55 days for the project area north of the starting point and approximately 35 days for the southern portion.

For more information about beach nourishment projects taking place in Dare County in 2017, please visit MoreBeachtoLove.com

More Beach To Love Re-Nourishment - Cape Hatteras Motel

Buxton Beach Nourishment Update – April 24, 2017

Weeks Marine, the contractor for the Buxton beach nourishment project, plans to begin mobilizing equipment and pipes in early May. Equipment and pipes will be stored near the south end of the project area at the decommissioned US Coast Guard Base.

The first day of pumping sand is anticipated to be around May 21. The starting point for the project, where the offshore pipes connect with the onshore pipes, will be located at the oceanfront approximately 1000 feet north of the northern boundary of the village of Buxton. Weeks Marine is coordinating with the National Park Service to finalize their plan regarding whether pumping will initially proceed to the north or to the south.  The whole project is expected to be completed within 90 days under normal conditions – approximately 55 days for the project area north of the starting point and approximately 35 days for the southern portion.

 

Link to the release on the Dare County website.

Easter new update - Cape Hatteras Motel

What’s NEW For 2017 At Cape Hatteras Motel

Easter is almost here and that means the 2017 Beach season is upon us. We are looking forward to a season filled with happy vacation memories for our guests. It’s time to review a few items as you prepare for your visit, and also update you on a few changes at the motel.

As always, it’s a good idea to take a look at our website before your arrival, especially if you are a first-time guest. Give us a call at the motel [(252) 995-5611] if you have any questions about your reservation, room type, or activities here on Hatteras Island or nearby.

While traveling here you will note the work ongoing at the two bridge sites — one at Oregon Inlet and the other on Pea Island. Depending on the time and day you arrive there may be some lane closures so allow for that in your schedule. These bridges are extremely important to the life and vitality of Hatteras Island so we hope you will not let the minor inconvenience of slower traffic burden you. We will be here at the end of your journey! The construction is truly fascinating to see.

This summer beach re-nourisment will be ongoing in the Buxton area frm June 1- August 31, but we do not yet know from the contractors about the time-frame the work will be done in front of our motel. Please take a look at our previous blog-post about the “More Beach to Love” project and if you are vacationing with us during June, July or August stay tuned to the website or Facebook for more information. We are planning several family-friendly fun activities for the 5-6 days when we will experience the work. We want to make it a special time for all our guests, one that you can say upon reflection quite happily “I was there when they grew beach in 2017.” It will be an interesting process, and the end result is a more stable beach that you and your family and friends can enjoy for years to come. It also means Highway 12 is a bit more secure and less vulnerable, which is a very good thing!

During the winter we moved our office! So when you arrive please look to the end units on the lower level of the soundside. The office is clearly marked and we now have a ramp to the office as well. We’re excited about this new space and we think it will make your check-ins and check-outs go even more smoothly. What’s more, we’ve added some gallery space to the office and we are featuring not only artwork but also some local products that you can enjoy here or take home, include “Hatteras Sea Salts” and “Skeeter Beater.” The Clifford Morrow portion of the gallery celebrates the life and art of a man who made Hatteras Island his retirement home and whose work captures the essence of the natural beauty here. You’ll find great ideas for special Christmas, birthday or anniversary gifts.

We look forward to welcoming you in 2017! Don’t hesitate to call us at [252-995-5611] if you have questions or need additional information. See you soon!

The Cape Hatteras Motel Team

Easter new update - Cape Hatteras Motel

Easter new update - Cape Hatteras Motel

Buxton Thanksgiving - Cape Hatteras Motel

Giving Thanks At Cape Hatteras Motel

Cape Hatteras Motel has taken a few hits this year. Mother Nature was not always kind. But there have been so many other positives to celebrate, we felt this week more than ever was the right time to express our thanks!

First, we want to thank all of our guests. We thank our loyal guests who have returned year after year, sometimes over generations, because our motel holds special memories for you and your family. We thank our new guests who decided to give us a try and found a real love for our beach, our sunrises, and even our rocking chairs. We are grateful for every guest who came to our motel and indeed, traveled to Hatteras Island, because of who we are and what we have to offer, and did not complain because of what we don’t have or what we don’t offer. It is true that Hatteras isn’t for everyone. We are grateful for all of our guests who “get OBX” and wouldn’t go anywhere else!

We are thankful that beach re-nourishment will finally be on the way for 2017. We are thankful for a wonderful staff who are complimented regularly by our guests on how they go the extra mile to make someone’s vacation extra special, or how they handle problems and work to make things right.

We are thankful for our Facebook audience which has grown by leaps and bounds this year and has provided us with tremendous support during Hermine and Matthew. We know you really care about what happens to us way out here! We are thankful for guests who visit with us in the months from September through May, and have the opportunity to experience the Outer Banks in all of the seasons of the year beyond the summer.

We thank the local businesses who we support and who in turn support us. In a small community this reciprocity is vital. And we thank all of our service providers and vendors who work with us during the year, and who, in the midst of a busy season, we sometimes forget to thank.

We wish you all a very safe and Happy Thanksgiving, and we look forward to hosting you again very soon.