The weather has been hot but pretty much dry except for the occasional thunderstorm which wanders by. The crowds are still here despite many schools both north and south of us going back this Monday. The traffic was "average" this weekend, that is to say, not more backed up or slow than in years past. The evenings are pleasant especially near the water.
Last evening we had the occasion to visit with some friends who were staying in an oceanfront hotel in Kill Devil Hills for the weekend. We sat by the pool until after dark and the bugs were not bad, the breeze was pleasing, the children enjoyed the pool until we drug them out. My friends' opinion was interesting on the subject of staying in the oceanfront hotel. They won't be doing it again. This was their first time here in season and they thought THAT'S where IT was at. The kids didn't enjoy the beach at all, wanted to stay in the pool ALL the time. The attractions they wanted to see were elsewhere requiring a drive. Downtown Manteo was their favorite. The dad summed it up with his comment, "I don't understand why anyone would want to spend $300 a night on an oceanfront hotel!"
I realize it is just one opinion, but he went on to say that he has been told many small motels on the oceanfront south of the Outer Banks (near Sunset beach, etc) are just not making it either. He indicated that they had found it no problem whatsoever to get a reservation for four nights, including a weekend here oceanfront, even with short notice. It is no wonder the developers are so easily talking those owners both here and there into selling out.
I did find their perspective on the oceanfront stay quite eyeopening. Not every family who comes to the Outer Banks craves those old mom and pop motels. Not everyone wants to be oceanfront. I suppose it is a good thing that diversity in accommodations exists to serve all who want to be here.
1 comment:
I like the oceanfront hotel experience. It's the easiest way for our famly to have the primo location on our budget. We usually cannot stay a full week. We don't want to travel with other people. We want to be footsteps away from the beach. We want a pool. We do not want to cook or clean, or be tempted to think we should. I know you are in the rental biz. Many people prefer renting a home and/or condo, most people in fact I would say. But a hotel is the way to go for us.
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