Frequently Asked Questions
The things first-time guests ask about the only inn in Engelhard — booking, breakfast, the birds and the drive. Still wondering something? Call us at (252) 925-2001.
Is Hotel Engelhard the only hotel in town?
Yes — Engelhard is a small fishing village, and we're the only hotel for many miles. That's exactly why we recommend booking ahead, especially in hunting season and around busy ferry weekends.
How far is the Ocracoke ferry?
The Swan Quarter–Ocracoke ferry dock is about a 15-minute drive west on U.S. 264 — we're the closest hotel to it. Stay the night, eat a hot breakfast, and you're first in line for the morning boat. See our ferry page for the full rundown.
How do I make a reservation?
By phone. Call the front desk at (252) 925-2001 and a real person will help you find the right room — no apps, no booking fees.
Do you serve breakfast?
We do — a hot breakfast cooked in-house each morning (grits, eggs, bacon, muffins, oatmeal and more) at a price that genuinely surprises people. Our kitchen also serves pizza and wings in the evening, from 5 to 9 p.m.
Can you take hunting parties and work crews?
Gladly — they're a big part of who stays with us. We're used to early starts and late arrivals, there's truck and trailer parking right at the door, and we can usually place a group close together. Give us a call and we'll sort it out.
Is there Wi-Fi and parking?
Yes. Wi-Fi is free throughout the inn, and parking is free right outside your door — with room for trucks, trailers and boats.
Do you allow pets?
Many of our guests travel with a hunting dog. Please call us at (252) 925-2001 to ask about our current pet policy before you book — we're glad to talk it through.
Do you offer weekly or extended-stay rates?
If you're here for a job and staying a week or more, call the front desk and ask — we work with crews and long-stay guests all the time and will do right by you. See our work stays page.
What time is check-in and check-out?
We're small and flexible. There's no rigid front-desk window — if you're arriving late off the road or need to slip out before dawn for the boat or the blind, tell us when you call and we'll work around your hours.
Is there a deposit to reserve?
No deposit and no booking fees. We hold rooms by phone and trust our guests — just call the front desk at (252) 925-2001 with your dates.
Is the inn open year-round?
Yes. Winter is waterfowl season and one of our busiest stretches, so we especially recommend booking ahead from November through January.
Do you have rooms with two beds?
Yes. Several rooms have two beds, which suit a hunting party, a two-person crew or a small family. Let us know how many of you there are and we'll match you to the right room.
Where can I eat nearby?
The easy answer is our own kitchen: a hot breakfast each morning and pizza & wings from 5 to 9 p.m. Out here the inn is the simplest bet for a meal — there's very little else for miles. More on the dining & supplies page.
What's the nearest airport?
Norfolk International (ORF) in Virginia is the nearest major airport, about 2½ hours north. You'll want a car for the trip — see our Getting Here page for routes and the drive.
Still have a question?
We’re a small, family-run inn and a real person answers the phone. Call us and we’ll talk it through — rooms, rates, breakfast, the lake, all of it.