If you’re planning a trip to Southport, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is, “Where should I stay?”
The answer really depends on the kind of trip you’re looking for.
After more than a decade as a travel advisor and years spent exploring North Carolina, I’ve learned that there isn’t one “best” hotel—only the one that’s the best fit for your trip.
When I evaluate a place to stay, I try to look beyond my own personal preferences. Of course I’ll tell you what I loved (and what I didn’t), but I also look at who the property is really designed for.
A hotel that makes an amazing romantic getaway might not be the best choice for a family with young kids. Likewise, a budget-friendly hotel that’s perfect for someone who plans to spend all day exploring could disappoint someone looking for a resort experience.
That’s the perspective I’m bringing to this guide.
During my recent visit to Southport, I stayed at the River Hotel of Southport while also taking time to research the area’s other hotels, inns, and vacation rentals.
My goal isn’t simply to tell you where I would stay—it’s to help you find the place that’s the best fit for the kind of vacation you’re hoping to have.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a family getaway, or using Southport as your home base to explore Bald Head Island, Oak Island, Caswell Beach, and the surrounding area, here’s everything you need to know about where to stay in Southport.
Quick Recommendations
Best Overall: River Hotel of Southport
Best Waterfront Location: River Hotel of Southport
Best Walkable Location: Riverside Motel
Best Historic Stay: Captain Newton’s Inn
Best Bed & Breakfast: The Carriage House Inn Bed & Breakfast
Best for Families & Longer Stays: VRBO Vacation Rentals
Best Budget-Friendly Option: Hampton Inn & Suites Southport
Why Stay in Southport?
Many visitors automatically book a hotel on Oak Island because they assume they’ll want to stay at the beach.
While that’s the perfect choice for some travelers, I actually think Southport makes an excellent home base.
You’re only minutes from Oak Island and Caswell Beach, but you also get something those beach towns don’t offer—a walkable historic downtown filled with locally owned restaurants, boutiques, museums, waterfront parks, and ferry access to Bald Head Island and Fort Fisher.
Evenings in Southport have a completely different feel than many beach destinations. Instead of crowded boardwalks and traffic, you’ll find people strolling along the waterfront, sitting on benches watching the boats, grabbing ice cream, or enjoying dinner overlooking the Cape Fear River.
If you like charming small towns with a slower pace, Southport is hard to beat.
My Favorite Place to Stay in Southport
After researching the different lodging options, I chose to stay at the River Hotel of Southport.
Overall, I was really happy with my decision.
It’s a comfortable waterfront hotel that gives you a peaceful place to come back to after a day of exploring.
Between the:
private beach,
fishing pier,
kitchens,
balconies,
pool
and river views,
it ended up being exactly the kind of relaxing atmosphere I was looking for.
Would I stay here again?
Absolutely!
But there are a few things I’d want friends to know before booking—both the things I loved and a few details that might help you choose the right room.
River Hotel of Southport Review
Location
The River Hotel sits along the Cape Fear River just a few minutes drive from historic downtown Southport.
Its location makes it easy to explore the shops and restaurants downtown, catch the ferry to Bald Head Island, visit Oak Island and Caswell Beach, or simply spend an afternoon relaxing by the water.
One of the things that surprised me most about the River Hotel was its private sandy beach and a pool!
Southport isn’t known as a beach town, so I wasn’t expecting to find a little stretch of sand reserved just for hotel guests.
I found myself walking down there to:
take pictures of the sunset,
watch the boats pass by on the Cape Fear River
and even look for shells.
The hotel also has its own private fishing pier, giving guests another peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the waterfront. Those two features are what really set the River Hotel apart for me.
If you’re looking for nightlife or a large beachfront resort, this probably isn’t your place.
If you’re looking for somewhere to unwind after exploring Southport, I think it’s a great fit.
Room Types & Choosing the Right Room
One thing that’s helpful to know before booking is that the River Hotel isn’t just one building filled with identical rooms.
The property is made up of three different buildings, with room categories ranging from more budget-friendly accommodations to premium river-view rooms.
That means you can choose the room that best fits both your budget and the type of stay you’re looking for.
I stayed in one of the Riverwatch Premium King rooms, and if I came back to Southport, I’d book that same room again.
The Riverwatch Premium rooms are located in the front building closest to the river.
What I liked most wasn’t just the balcony—it was the combination of the balcony and the wall of windows that face the water. Between the balcony, the windows beside the bed, and even the bathroom window, I had beautiful views overlooking the Cape Fear River, the hotel’s private beach, pool, and boats passing throughout the day.
When I originally booked the room, I pictured sitting on the balcony with a wide-open panoramic view of the river.
Because of the building’s layout, that’s not exactly what you get.
The balcony itself sits at more of an angle, so the best river views are from one side of the balcony rather than directly in front of you.
Even so, I still really enjoyed it.
Watching the sunset from my balcony was a highlight of my evening, and waking up to views of the river outside my bedroom windows was something I genuinely looked forward to.
Even the bathroom window overlooks the water, which was a nice surprise.
Knowing what I know now, I’d still choose this room again.
If having the best views is important to you, I think the Riverwatch Premium room is worth the upgrade.
If your budget is a little tighter—or if you simply plan to spend most of your trip exploring Southport rather than relaxing at the hotel—the other room categories can be a great value.
Not everyone needs a premium river view, and it’s nice that the hotel offers options for different budgets.
Amenities
One of the biggest surprises for me was the kitchen.
Depending on the room you book, you’ll have either a kitchenette or a full galley kitchen. My Riverwatch Premium room included a full-size refrigerator, stovetop, dishwasher, microwave, cookware, and utensils, which made it feel much more like a condo than a typical hotel room.
For families, couples staying several nights, or anyone who likes the flexibility of preparing breakfast or keeping groceries in the room, it’s a huge advantage.
The hotel also features:
- A private balcony with every room
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Private waterfront patio with tables and chairs
- Private fishing pier
- Private sandy beach along the Cape Fear River
- Covered carports beneath the buildings (first come, first served)
- Elevator access to all guest floors
One unexpected highlight?
The pillows!
This may sound like a funny thing to include in a hotel review, but they were honestly some of the softest, fluffiest hotel pillows I’ve ever slept on. After long days exploring Southport, I couldn’t wait to climb into bed each night.
What I Loved
One of my favorite things about staying here was how easy it was to enjoy the waterfront without ever leaving the property. Here’s some other things that stood out:
The pillows. They were honestly some of the softest, fluffiest hotel pillows I’ve ever slept on.
The private beach and fishing pier. This was easily my favorite feature. Southport isn’t known for its beaches, so having a private sandy beach where I could look for shells and watch boats on the Cape Fear River felt like an unexpected bonus.
The full kitchen. Having a full-size refrigerator, stovetop, dishwasher, and microwave made the room feel more like a condo than a hotel.
The waterfront patio. Even if you don’t book a river-view room, you still have a beautiful place to sit and enjoy the water.
Things to Know Before Booking
Overall, I had a great stay, but there are a few things I’d want friends to know before booking.
River-view rooms aren’t all the same.
If you’re paying extra for a premium river-view room, just know that not every room has exactly the same view. Because of the building’s design, only a couple of rooms on each floor have the most open river views. The higher you are, the more you’ll see.
Sunrise or sunset? Your room number matters.
One fun thing I discovered is that your room location changes the view you’ll have.
- Odd-numbered rooms generally have the better sunset views.
- Even-numbered rooms generally have the better sunrise views.
If you’re someone who enjoys sitting on the balcony with a cup of coffee in the morning or watching the sky light up in the evening, it’s worth keeping in mind when making your reservation.
The rooms aren’t completely dark.
The hotel uses slatted blinds rather than blackout curtains. They provide privacy, but they also let in a fair amount of morning light. If you’re someone who needs complete darkness to sleep, I’d recommend bringing a sleep mask.
Covered parking is limited.
The covered carports underneath the buildings are a nice perk, especially during the summer, but they’re available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Traveling with a pet?
If you’re bringing a pet, I’d recommend contacting the hotel directly before booking to confirm their current pet policy and which room types, if any, are pet friendly.
Be smart around the river.
The private beach is one of my favorite features of the hotel, but remember that this is the Cape Fear River, not the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s a beautiful place to relax, collect shells, or dip your toes in the water, but use common sense if you decide to get in. Like many coastal waterways in southeastern North Carolina, the river is home to a variety of wildlife, including fish, stingrays, and occasionally alligators.
Is the Riverwatch Premium Room Worth the Upgrade?
For me…
Yes.
But probably not for the reason you might expect.
When I booked the room, I was focused almost entirely on the balcony view. Once I arrived, I realized the balcony wasn’t the sweeping panoramic riverfront view I’d imagined.
What I hadn’t expected was how much I’d enjoy everything else.
I loved waking up each morning to the river outside the bedroom windows. I loved seeing the boats from the bathroom window while getting ready for the day. I loved sitting on the balcony in the evening, watching the colors change over the Cape Fear River as the sun began to set.
The experience wasn’t quite what I’d pictured—but it ended up being one I genuinely enjoyed.
If you’re someone who values having a view and plans to spend time relaxing at the hotel, I think the Riverwatch Premium room is worth the extra cost.
If you’ll mostly be using the hotel as a place to sleep while you’re out exploring all day, one of the standard rooms may be a better value.
Who This Hotel Is Best For
I think the River Hotel of Southport is a great fit for:
- Couples looking for a quiet waterfront getaway.
- Families who’ll appreciate having a full kitchen or kitchenette.
- Travelers planning to spend several days exploring Southport, Oak Island, Bald Head Island, and Caswell Beach.
- Anyone who wants the best of both worlds, the small coastal town and a sandy beach.
If you’re looking for a large beachfront resort with restaurants, bars, and lots of activities, this probably isn’t the right hotel.
But if you’re looking for a peaceful place after a day of exploring, I think it’s an excellent choice.
Would I Stay Here Again?
Absolutely.
Knowing what I know now, I’d still book the Riverwatch Premium King room.
Yes, my expectations for the balcony view were a little different than reality, but that ended up being such a small part of the overall experience.
I still loved having the views of the river, beach, and pool from the extra wall of windows. I loved ending the day watching the sunset from the balcony and from the private beach and pier.
And I loved how peaceful the property felt compared to many larger beach destinations.
When I look back on my stay, I don’t think about one specific view.
I think about making coffee in the kitchen in the morning before heading out to explore. I think about wandering down to the private beach to look for shells and take pictures of the sunset. I think about watching boats cross the river while sitting on the pier.
And yes…I even remember those amazingly soft pillows.
For me, that’s what made this hotel memorable.
Other Hotels in Southport
If the River Hotel doesn’t sound like the right fit for your trip, Southport has several other great lodging options to consider.
Riverside Motel
If location is your top priority, the Riverside Motel is hard to beat.
Located right on the waterfront next to Oliver’s on the Cape Fear, it’s within easy walking distance of Waterfront Park, the marina, restaurants, shops, and many of Southport’s most popular attractions. If you want to park your car and explore town on foot, this is one of the best options in Southport.
Captain Newton’s Inn
For travelers looking for historic charm, Captain Newton’s Inn offers beautifully restored accommodations in one of Southport’s historic homes. It’s a great choice for couples or anyone who enjoys the character and personal touch of a bed and breakfast.
Robert Ruark Inn
Named after author Robert Ruark, this elegant bed and breakfast combines historic character with modern comforts. Its location makes it easy to walk to many of downtown Southport’s restaurants and attractions.
They are open holiday weekends in Spring & Fall and for the entire months of May, June & July.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Southport
For travelers who prefer the consistency of a national hotel chain, Fairfield Inn & Suites offers modern rooms, complimentary breakfast, and convenient access to both Southport and Oak Island.
Hampton Inn & Suites Southport
Another reliable chain option, Hampton Inn & Suites is a good choice for families, business travelers, or anyone who enjoys familiar amenities like free breakfast and a fitness center.
Best Vacation Rentals in Southport
If you’re traveling with a larger family, planning an extended stay, or simply want more space than a traditional hotel room, a vacation rental may be your best option.
Southport has everything from cozy cottages tucked into quiet neighborhoods to waterfront homes with expansive views of the Cape Fear River. Many rentals include full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, outdoor living spaces, and amenities that make them feel like a home away from home.
Vacation rentals are especially popular for:
- Family vacations
- Multi-generational trips
- Couples planning a longer getaway
- Groups of friends traveling together
- Travelers who want extra space to relax
If that sounds like the type of trip you’re planning, it’s worth browsing what’s available before making your final decision.
👉 Browse Southport vacation rentals on VRBO here.
Which Place Should You Choose?
Still trying to decide where to stay? Here’s what I’d recommend based on your travel style.
Best for Couples
River Hotel of Southport
The peaceful waterfront setting, private balconies, fishing pier, and river views make it a great choice for couples looking to unwind together after a day of exploring.
Best for Families
River Hotel of Southport or a VRBO rental
The full kitchens at the River Hotel are a huge advantage for families, while larger vacation rentals offer extra bedrooms and more room to spread out.
Best for a Romantic Getaway
Captain Newton’s Inn
If you’re looking for historic charm, personalized hospitality, and a quieter bed-and-breakfast atmosphere, Captain Newton’s Inn is hard to beat.
Best for Walking to Everything
Riverside Motel
If your goal is to park your car and spend the weekend strolling downtown Southport, eating at local restaurants, and watching the boats from Waterfront Park, the Riverside Motel is in one of the best locations in town.
Best for Budget Travelers
Southport Inn
If you’re simply looking for a clean, comfortable place to sleep while spending most of your day exploring, Southport Inn is worth considering.
Best for Longer Stays
VRBO Vacation Rentals
If you’re planning to spend a week or more exploring Southport, Oak Island, Bald Head Island, and the surrounding area, having a full house or condo can make your stay even more comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southport a good place to stay for a beach vacation?
Yes—but with one important distinction.
Southport itself sits along the Cape Fear River rather than directly on the Atlantic Ocean. If your dream vacation involves spending every day on the beach, you may prefer staying on nearby Oak Island.
However, if you enjoy charming downtowns, waterfront restaurants, shopping, history, and easy access to multiple nearby beaches, Southport makes an excellent home base.
Is it better to stay in Southport or Oak Island?
It depends on the type of vacation you’re planning.
Choose Southport if you want:
- A walkable historic downtown
- Waterfront dining
- Boutique shopping
- Museums and history
- Ferry access to Bald Head Island
- A quieter atmosphere
Choose Oak Island if you want:
- Direct beach access
- Oceanfront accommodations
- More time on the sand than in town
Personally, I love staying in Southport and making short day trips to Oak Island whenever I want some beach time.
How many days should you spend in Southport?
I recommend spending at least two to three days.
That gives you enough time to explore downtown Southport, visit nearby Oak Island and Caswell Beach, take the ferry to Bald Head Island, enjoy a leisurely dinner on the waterfront, and still have time to slow down and appreciate what makes this town special.
If you really enjoy exploring small coastal towns, you could easily spend four or five days using Southport as your home base.
Does Southport have beachfront hotels?
Not in the traditional sense.
Southport sits on the Cape Fear River rather than the Atlantic Ocean, so you won’t find oceanfront hotels here.
The small beach at the River Hotel of Southport is the closest I’ve been able to find.
What you will find are beautiful waterfront accommodations overlooking the river, along with easy access to nearby beaches just a short drive away.
Are there pet-friendly hotels in Southport?
Some Southport hotels offer pet-friendly accommodations, but policies vary by property and room type.
If you’re traveling with a pet, I always recommend contacting the hotel directly before booking to confirm their current policy, fees, and availability.
Final Thoughts
One of the things I enjoyed most about Southport is that it never felt like it was trying to compete with the bigger beach destinations along the North Carolina coast.
It doesn’t need towering resorts, crowded boardwalks, or endless attractions.
Its charm comes from quieter moments.
Watching ferries cross the Cape Fear River.
Walking along the waterfront with an ice cream in hand.
Browsing locally owned shops that have been part of the community for years.
Watching the sunset while boats drift toward the horizon.
That’s the version of Southport I fell in love with.
As for where I’d stay?
I’d happily book the River Hotel of Southport again.
Knowing what I know now, I’d still choose the Riverwatch Premium King room. The balcony wasn’t quite the panoramic view I had imagined, but the extra windows overlooking the river, the private beach, the peaceful atmosphere, the full kitchen, and yes—even those unbelievably soft pillows—made it a place I genuinely looked forward to coming back to each evening.
At the end of the day, the best place to stay in Southport isn’t necessarily the fanciest hotel or the most expensive room.
It’s the place that helps you experience everything that makes this little coastal town so special.
Happy travels!