My wife and I recently spent a weekend at the Beaufort Inn, tucked away at the end of a quiet residential street in bucolic Beaufort, NC. Our stay began at the registration dest where we were chastened like sixth graders by the desk clerk, a thirty-something gentleman who acted as if we were at best a bother and at worst, a threat to Beaufort's security. We were admonished that lost room keys cost $20, that pets are not allowed in rooms or the parking lots, that pet violators would be asked to leave, that smoking was allowed only in designated areas, that violators of the no smoking policy would incur a $200 room cleaning charge, etc., etc, etc. This onslaught gives the room registrant the immediate and indelible impression that management is populated by control feaks. Look at each magazine in the pleasant lounge area and behold the adminition that magazines are not to be removed from the room. Similarly, over abundant morning newspapers are supplied in the breakfast area with the stern admonition that they are not to be removed from that area. I was spending $218 a night for my room and they begrudge me a fity cents newspaper? The last adminition I'll mention is the sign on the gate to the hot tub area which is embalzoned "Read and Adhere to Rules!". Or else, I guess.

Once past the phalanx of behavioral modifiers, we found our two room suite to be entirely serviceable. Recently decorated in basic unimaginative reds and blues, the room was quite clean and comfortable. The kitchenette was sporty with granite counter tops, nice cabinetry and, and recessed lighting. Despite abundant room, the bathroom was quite cramped - one could hardly visit the toilet and shut the door.

Breakfast is included and is OK. The quiche is bland and the croissants stale. However, the breakfast staff is honestly a group of the nicest, friendliest, and attentive ladies I've ever experienced as waitstaff. These folks rescued our impression of the Beaufort Inn. Perhaps overall managment responsibility for the Inn should be turned over to them as they do know how to put a smile on a customer;'s face.

We found this property to be somewhat depressing.
The decor seemed circa 1960 and the inn circa 1970?

Beaufort is a cute historical town with homes from the 1700-1800s but the decor of this inn (Early American) dark wood, very dark navy carpeting, yucky cheap sofa, slippery poly bedspread etc was kind of depressing. The bathroom, while clean, was tiny with a very low ceiling and stained wall paper.

Overall the room and property seemed clean and well cared for but an overhaul is in order. I would get rid of the dark jewel tone colors which seem inappropriate for a coastal property, rip out the little window and door and replace with large sliding glass doors to the balcony. Breakfast should also be overhauled with some drinkable coffee and get rid of the fake packaged croissants etc. The winter rate was 129 (?) which seemed excessive for such an old, unspiffy property- 89 might be more like it.

We walked past the Inlet Inn which looked nicer and newer on the exterior but I believe others that the interior needs work.

We had a second floor room with a water view and since it was on the corner of the bldg an additional window which added some more light. Our corner room was also quite spacious.
Bed was firm but reasonably comfortable.

All the middle rooms facing the water seem to be kitchenettes with a separate bedroom area which could be closed off. Carpeting and paint looked brand new but again, the decor and feeling was depressing. Some people probably genuinely like this place but we had no interest in spending any time in our room.

There are lots of good restaurant options in Beaufort. I would skip the Inn's breakfast and instead go to one of two good coffee shops in town- one is called Coffe and Chocolate (?) on a side street or Taylor's on the main drag.

In the evening, Front Street at Sweetwater has good food and a nice ambiance, Net House is good for fried seafood but avoid steamed or broiled. Next time we'll try Blue Moon and Aqua.

My husband and I spent a long weekend in lovely, historical Beaufort, NC. We stayed at the Beaufort Inn which was more like a bed and breakfast then a hotel. It is located on the water in the historic district which means you are within walking distance of many attractions. Our room was spacious, very clean, and had a small balcony with chairs and a table. Breakfast was free and served in a small dining room which looked out on the water. Most of it was home cooked with a sausage and cheese quiche being the main entree. Home baked cookies are served in the afternoon.

The staff was extremely helpful and friendly. They knew the area well and made some excellent suggestions for sight seeing excursions. There was free internet (wireless) also.

We will stay here again when we return to the area.

Our extended family stayed at this property from Aug 17-18, 2007. We were given two connecting rooms as requested. The front desk staff was friendly and helpful. This hotel sits on the water looking across to a commercial boat company. The docks at the hotel are best used at high tide but a group that was there was able to use a neighbors dock during low tide and I think the hotel helped to set this up.

The property is about 2 blocks from the main street in Beaufort where you'll find several coffee places and over a dozen restaurants. (Easily walkable and you could take your bike or rented bikes ($4 bike rentals available right from the inn) or walk a stroller along the sidewalks to the boardwalk.) There are some shops and 3-4 ice cream/dessert places, too. I highly recommend the Beaufort Grocery Co. on Queen Street for a delicious lunch or dinner. The closest accommodations to the Duke Marine Lab and NOAA which are on an adjacent island. UNC's marine lab is a quick 5 minute drive. Atlantic Beach, Fort Macon and the Aquarium are all easy trips from this location as is Camp Sea Gull and Seafarer (about 45 minutes depending on the Cherry Branch-Minnesott Ferry).

The rooms were clean. The bathrooms were fine although the shower head is geared towards more average height folks (so if you're 5'10 or taller, you may be bending a bit to wash your hair in the shower). The sink is outside the main washroom, so two people can be showering and getting ready at the same time.

There was a refreshment time from 3-6pm on Fri & Sat at which coffee, cookies, iced tea, cheese & crackers were served. The inn serves a continental breakfast which half of our party thought was more than enough.

This is a standard inn, so you can hear the footfalls in the room above you. Didn't hear too much through the walls. Nice balcony with rocking chairs for relaxing which can face the water or a side parking lot. Secure entries (the main entry and the door to the balcony both have deadbolts and chains).

Overall, would stay here again.