From the lush mountains to the blue seaside, there’s a variety of unique places to stay in North Carolina that are bound to entice you to visit. We love exploring all the different landscapes that NC has to offer, and supplementing adventures with a unique stay is simply the cherry on top – trust us, we’ve tried a few of these properties ourselves!
Below, we’ll cover our favorite charming bed and breakfasts, oceanfront beach clubs, and even a tower in the middle of the ocean (that’s the first one below – it’s VERY unique).
Whether you’re seeking cool boutique hotels in Asheville or fun places to stay in North Carolina by the oceanside, we’ve got them right here. Keep reading for romantic getaways, family vacation hotels, and natural escapes in the mountains that will suit just what you need.
Frying Pan Tower: Exclusive Unique Stay 32 Miles off the Coast of North Carolina
The Frying Pan Tower offers not only one of the most unique stays in North Carolina but an all-around adventurous experience. In fact, you have to go 32 miles off the coast to get here and then up 135 feet over the Atlantic. It’s our top pick if you want something truly unique.
Built in 1964, the Frying Pan Tower was constructed as a light tower to guide ships through the area known as the Frying Pan Shoals, or the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” Abandoned in 2004, it was auctioned off, and the new owner, Richard Neal, restored it as an eco-tourist site!
Although the Frying Pan Tower doesn’t offer average accommodations, as it’s a restoration project, guests can buy an adventure package for the weekend, including accommodation, fishing, golfing, and even snorkeling when the water is suitable. There are also volunteer trips which cost about half the price of the adventure package.
Trailborn Surf & Sound (Prev. Blockade Runner Beach Club): Trendy, Fun Beach Hotel
It’s giving bold, beach, and boutique — it’s the Trailborn Surf & Sound at Wrightsville Beach! A perfect destination for friends, families, and couples, the hotel offers everything you need for a comfortable and adventurous stay. It actually closed down in 2024 and opened up in early 2025, totally rebranded and refreshed, so everything is super new and fresh. We love what they’ve done with the place!
Here you can enjoy in-room meals, oceanfront dining, or even a poolside drink. But, of course, the activities offered must not be passed up, including adventures such as surfing, kayaking, and sailing.
The accommodations are a delight, with no two rooms featuring the same design. They have over 10 different types of rooms and suites to book. With bright color pops, charming patterns, and stand-out furniture, whichever room you end up in, you’ll be delighted. Rooms also may include an oceanfront balcony, harbor, or oceanfront view, each offering a spectacular sight to enjoy.
The Butterfly House: A Unique NC Vacation Rental With Amazing Architecture and a Waterfall
Hidden in the mountains of Blue Valley, The Butterfly House is one of the most fun places to stay in North Carolina. With floor-to-ceiling windows, a balcony, and deck spaces, it’s easy to enjoy the endless views of nature — including the mountains and the waterfall just next to the house. For something remote and private, this is our pick.
The home includes three bedrooms, four bathrooms, four fireplaces, a kitchen, and a living room — indeed, it’s pretty spacious and the perfect setting for a group getaway with a capacity of 6! With plush furniture and a cabin-like interior, guests who have stayed here claim the architecture is a marvel and amazing to experience.
Chetola Resort: A Luxurious Natural Escape for Everyone
The Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock is one of the coolest places to stay in the mountains of North Carolina, as the array of activities and enjoyment is seemingly endless. Enjoy a trip to the spa, swim in the pool, take a yoga class, or paddle board along the lake — these are just a few of the things you can do while staying here (& many are inclusive of the resort fee!)
The accommodations feature contemporary and rustic interior designs inspired by nature, with no two rooms the same that are sure to impress. The Chelota Resort is a friendly place for everyone, from families, friends, couples, and even dogs. Not only are they dog-friendly, but there’s a package just for your furry friend that includes treats, a patio dining area, and easy access to natural spaces.
Princess Anne Hotel: Charming Unique Hotel in North Carolina for Enjoying Local Attractions
Located in the heart of Asheville, the Princess Anne Hotel is a quaint bed and breakfast that wants to help you create the best memories on your trip. There’s a restaurant and garden on site, and the hotel offers complimentary afternoon wine and hors-d’oeuvres!
Voted on TripAdvisor as a 2022 Traveler’s Choice, Princess Anne is an easy choice. The rooms and suites are minimal yet weave in patterns and pops of color to brighten and add cheer to the unique spaces.
There’s also a variety of specials available, such as a birthday special, non-refundable discounted rooms, and tourist passes. From your stay in the hotel to your experiences around Asheville, they’ll aim to make your trip one to remember! This isn’t all for Asheville, however – check out 13 more unique Asheville stays here!
High Hampton Resort: Luxurious Boho Unique Hotel in NC Mountains
Nestled among nature, the High Hampton Resort is one of the most luxurious and unique places to stay in the NC mountains. Take a trip to Cashiers and get away from it by enjoying the lake, the mountains, golf, and other outdoor resort activities like pickleball and tennis. With three restaurants at the Inn (and breakfast and dinner included!), It’s easy to hunker down for your stay without going far — it’s all there for you.
The High Hampton Resort also offers a charming variety of accommodations, from inn and cottage rooms to full suites and cottages. The accommodations are decorated with a combination of rustic and, dare I say, boho cabin design that gives off 70’s vibes with a modern twist.
Omni Grove Park Inn: One of the Best Resort Spas in the US
The Omni Grove Park Inn has to be one of the most fun places to stay in North Carolina on this list. Located in the mountains of Asheville, the Inn offers a variety of experiences, from health and wellness to culinary and outdoor adventures.
For those who love a good spa getaway, the Omni Grove Park Inn was titled by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the “top resort spas in the U.S.” and features spa experiences such as body treatments, wellness pods, and massages. This is our pick for a wellness getaway!
There are various accommodations to suit your tastes, from corner rooms with panoramic mountain views to balcony suites. With over 100 years of experience serving guests, the Omni Grove Park Inn is sure to ensure your stay is so incredible that you want to come back.
The Cardinal Hotel: Best Hotel in Winston-Salem with Stunning Design
The Cardinal Hotel in Winston-Salem has got to be one of the coolest places to stay in North Carolina with its wicked interior design. Awarded a 2022 Traveler’s Choice by TripAdvisor and as the number one hotel in Winston-Salem by U.S. News & World Report 2023, do we need to do any more convincing?
The rooms and suites at the Cardinal Hotel include plush bedding, cool colors, and minimal yet charming decor. With on-site features such as bowling, a social hour, and a spa, it offers the perfect space to wind down how you live after a day of travel. In addition, the hotel offers wedding packages and business meeting spaces.
The Aerie: Romantic and Unique Bed & Breakfast in New Bern
Built in 1882, this B&B was formerly known as the Samuel Street Home until its official beginning as the Aerie Bed and Breakfast in 1985. The Aerie is located in New Bern and has an interior, exterior, and soul that will charm you.
The bed and breakfast includes rooms and suites that combine various historical and modern interior designs to retain its historic vibe and make it — a vibe! Your stay here always includes breakfast, and there are seven rooms and suites (some of which have whirlpool tubs!) The inn also offers services such as wine delivery, flower arrangements, and in-room massages, perfect for couples looking to escape here.
The Caboose at Station 451: Rural Getaway Built into a Caboose
If you’re looking for unique places to stay in the mountains of North Carolina, we have got something for you — a 1926 Train Caboose ting house at Station 451. Located just outside Asheville, the home can host a maximum of four guests, including a kitchenette, firepit, deck, and outdoor bathhouse. So if you’re a train, history, and nature lover, don’t pass up this experience.
Nearby, it’s easy to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and tubing. You may also have some wild visitors while staying here, such as deer, turkey, raccoons, and elk — wow!
Inn on Biltmore Estate: Stunning Estate on 8,000 Acres
Featured in Forbes 2023 travel guide, the Inn of Biltmore Estate is one of the most unique places to stay in the mountains of North Carolina. The estate impresses from the first look – from the gardens, the views, and the beautiful architecture. The estate features three options of where to stay, including the Village Hotel, the Inn, and the Cottages. Of all options, the Inn offers one of the most charming amenities with mountain views, pool and hot tub access, and robes and slippers.
A stay at the estate also includes many things, such as enjoying the spa, immersing yourself on a nature hike, or floating down the river in a raft. With 8,000 acres of grounds, the possibilities are endless, and you can enjoy relaxing by the pool or learning how to fly fish.
Dunhill Hotel: Historic and Charming Hotel in Downtown Charlotte
The Dunhill Hotel is one of the most unique places to stay in North Carolina when you want to explore the charming city of Charlotte. The 60-room hotel is within walking distance of the best of Charlotte, including nightlife, museums, and business centers, making it an ideal place to stay for various visitors.
The boutique hotel rooms are simple, with pops of blues and colorful complimentary art for a calming but fun energy. They also feature desks, marble bathrooms, and a seating area. Aside from a comfortable place to stay, the Dunhill Hotel offers a wine social every Wednesday, complimentary tea and coffee cart, and an on-site restaurant, The Asbury.
Inn on Pamlico Sound: Unique + Boutique Oceanside Inn
Located along the waterfront of Buxton in the Outer Banks, the Inn on Pamlico is here to bring you comfortable accommodations, relaxing views, and moments to celebrate. The rooms are spacious, with charming beachy decorations and colors, with spectacular sound front or garden views. Some even include a private deck perfect for enjoying during an evening sunset or paired with a morning coffee.
The Inn’s restaurant, Hettera’s Island, features locally sourced seafood and produce, as well as herbs from the Inn’s garden, making for an exceptional local culinary experience. Known for being a wedding destination and even offering wedding packages, the Inn also includes romantic add-ons to stays here, such as chocolate-covered strawberries, wine delivery, and cheese boards.
The Sunset Inn: Chill Beach Inn with a Charming Ambience
With busy summers along the East Coast beaches, The Sunset Inn is nestled away in a quaint, uncrowded area of Sunset Beach, North Carolina, between Myrtle Beach and Wilmington. The bed and breakfast offers an on-site pool, relaxing porch views, and continental breakfast.
With only 14 rooms, the Sunset Inn offers a cozy environment perfect for families and friends.
The rooms are individually decorated with vibrant and welcoming interiors that embrace the vibes of coastal living — and the porches are perfect for enjoying a morning coffee!
In addition, the inn offers specials such as mid-week discounts (enquire on their website!) and anniversary or honeymoon packages. The hotel also provides information on the best tours and activities in the area, such as golfing, water sports, and horseback riding.
Umstead Hotel and Spa: Luxury Stay near Raleigh, North Carolina
Located in Cary, the Umstead Hotel and Spa is an exclusive and cool place to stay in North Carolina. The hotel boasts its wellness, culinary, and stay experiences that guests want to return to! The variety of rooms and suites are perfect for enjoying garden or lake views and sipping a hot coffee from the plush bedding. The rooms also include a seating area, a table, and soaking tubs.
Beyond the accommodations, there are two on-site restaurants for fine dining and the spa, which includes body treatments, facials, and numerous massage therapies. The Umstead Hotel and Spa is also available for events such as business meetings and weddings.
Graylin Estate: Exclusive Estate Experience with Unique Amenities
Undoubtedly, the Graylin Estate is unlike any other unique place to stay in North Carolina on this list. Its architecture is stunning, the interior is charming, and the grounds are beautiful. The estate offers multiple buildings with accommodations, including the Manor House, the Mews, Bungalows, and the Bernard Cottage! Regardless of which you choose, expect to feel cozy and at home.
The estate offers unlimited ice cream, bicycles, lawn games, and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool. In addition, the Graylin Estate is home to an event center perfect for business conferences and weddings.
The Durham Hotel: Unique North Carolina Hotel with Retro Design
The Durham Hotel is one of the most unusual hotels in North Carolina, with its retro furniture, bold colors, and art-deco furniture. In addition, the hotel features an on-site restaurant serving American classics, a rooftop bar with shareable plates, and a cafe perfect for getting work done or fueling up your day.
The rooms feature mid-century designs with original artwork and special goodies such as a Burt’s Bees gift, Counter Culture Coffee delivery service, and a snack tray. They also include spacious wooden desks, zero-waste bath products, and floor-to-ceiling windows. In addition, the hotel can accommodate business meetings, events, and weddings, which will impress your guests!
That’s it for unique places to stay in North Carolina! Let me know which one you choose in the comments below.
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