Manteo takes its name from a Croatan native. Manteo the person had been westernized by the English during a trip to London in 1584 where he became a liaison between his tribe and the Roanoke Colony of settlers. After his christening, Manteo became known as Lord of Roanoke, making him the first Native American to receive a nobility title.
The area now known as Manteo was where Virginia Dare, the first American-born English child, was born. When the colonists disappeared, it also went down in history books as the site of The Lost Colony's last known location. Today, visitors can discover this mysterious history at various historical sites and events, including the annual outdoor musical about the Lost Colony.
Whatever your reason for visiting Manteo and Roanoke Island, it's important to find the right hotel to serve as your home away from home.
When is the best time to visit Manteo, NC?
The best time to visit the Outer Banks is during the spring and fall shoulder seasons. Summers are ideal as far as activities and events, but hotel rates skyrocket from June through August, and many accommodations are booked solid. If you do manage to score a room during the summer, you'll have an opportunity to experience The Lost Colony musical, the Outer Banks Food Truck Showdown, OBX Watermelon Festival, and the Outer Banks Pirate Festival.
From March through May, hotel rates remain low even as local activities kick into high gear. If you're trying to stick to a budget during your trip to Manteo, spring provides the perfect chance to soak up the sun and attend Taste of the Beach, the Annual Duck & Wine Festival, the Bluegrass Island Festival, and other key events. The only downside, however, is that spring break attracts families and college students looking for a seaside getaway, so you may have to contend with crowded beaches.
With fall ushering in a new academic year, beaches throughout the Outer Banks are less crowded and quieter from September through November. High temperatures tend to remain in the low 80s in September, but hotel rates drop considerably. Key events to look forward to this time of year include the OBX Triathlon, the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, and the Duck Jazz Festival.
Don't discount a trip to Manteo and the Outer Banks in the winter. Most of the area's outdoor activities remain open year-round, and hotel rates hit rock bottom, making your getaway easier on your checkbook. Keep in mind, however, that some area restaurants and small shops close for the winter. Even so, you can enjoy a lovely vacation in Manteo no matter the season.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Manteo, NC:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average rate trends by star rating class in Manteo, NC. Analyze these line graphs to evaluate the best dates to book a room in Manteo for upcoming travels.
What about luxury hotels in Manteo, NC?
4 Star Average Prices: $181.04
Manteo certainly has more upscale accommodations for those who prefer to splurge on their OBX vacation.
The Burrus House Inn Waterfront Suites is an exceptional property near Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse. Each guest can enjoy a complimentary welcome basket, a delicious continental breakfast, a pool, a soundfront hot tub, an on-site bar, a towel service, and complimentary use of bike and water sports equipment. Each guest suite features a kitchenette, a king or queen bed, a luxurious bathroom, and a private deck. Concierge services are also available to help you make dinner reservations or discover the area's best attractions.
Roanoke Island Inn is another excellent option in Manteo. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, concierge services, and a complimentary continental breakfast served daily. Other amenities include private parking, access to a private garden, free bike and beach chair rentals, and free snacks and drinks in the 24-hour Innkeeper's Pantry. Guest rooms feature cable TV with Roku for streaming service access, comfortable bedding, wood furnishings, and homey decor. Pet-friendly rooms are also available.
If you don't mind staying in nearby Nags Head, consider RelaxInn Bed & Breakfast. This highly rated accommodation features an outdoor pool, a therapeutic hot springs spa tub, free parking, beach chairs, buckets and shovels, sun decks, and a complimentary full breakfast. With only three guest rooms, the exclusive property is quiet and tranquil, giving you the perfect opportunity to enjoy a romantic getaway. Each guest room features a flat-screen TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, a private bathroom, a hair dryer, a mini fridge, air conditioning, and a ceiling fan.
Are there any budget-friendly hotels in Manteo, NC?
3 Star Average Prices: $164.53
Finding an affordable hotel in Manteo can be a challenge, but expanding your search to neighboring communities and visiting outside peak tourist season can help you book the most budget-friendly option.
Owens' Motel in Nags Head is just 4 miles from Manteo, placing you within 15 minutes of the Wright Brothers National Memorial. The straightforward accommodation features a seasonal outdoor pool, a picnic area, barbecue grills, and free parking. There's also an on-site restaurant to satisfy your dining needs. Guest rooms are a bit smaller than average, but they feature everything you need to enjoy your stay, including complimentary wireless internet access, microwaves, coffee makers, and cable TV.
Located near Nags Head Fishing Pier, Colonial Inn Motel is another affordable option. As with most family-owned hotels in the area, the front desk is staffed during limited hours. Featured amenities include an outdoor pool, a terrace, barbecue grills, a picnic area, complimentary Wi-Fi, and ample parking. Guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs with cable, private patios, mini refrigerators, showers, and complimentary toiletries.
If you prefer to stay in Manteo, check out the Elizabethan Inn during the off-season. Located in Manteo's historic district, the inn features an on-site restaurant and bar, a 24-hour front desk, a business center, express check-out, event facilities, free parking, a picnic area, barbecue grills, a health club, a sauna, and an indoor swimming pool. Inside your guest room, you'll enjoy a TV with satellite programming, an iPod docking station, free Wi-Fi access, a hair dryer, a well-lit work desk, and a safe to store your valuables.