New Bern is perhaps best known for being the birthplace of Pepsi, which was invented here in 1898 by a local pharmacist. It’s also a destination for art, music and theatre lovers with a rich history. Two downtown landmarks you must visit are the Athens theater and Masonic Temple, which gave it the name of “Athens of the South” when it was the state capital of North Carolina in the 18th century.
The Atlantic beaches are just 45 minutes away, and closer at hand outdoor enthusiasts can go kayaking in the Neuse river and explore the coastal world of the Croatan National Forest, with its pine forests, bogs, saltwater estuaries and diverse wildlife.
Foodwise New Bern is a great place to get your fill of seafood and southern cooking. Accommodations include a choice of luxury hotels, resorts and B&Bs full of character. These are the best cool and unusual hotels in New Bern, North Carolina (in no particular order)…
1. Meadows Inn – a charming, romantic and unique place to stay located in the heart of New Bern’s downtown
Only a few doors down from Hanna House, Meadows Inn is another historic home built in 1847. The home was turned into a bed and breakfast in 1980. Choose from one of eight unique suites. Each suite is named for a landmark in North Carolina.
The Croatan Suite is named after the Croatan National Forest. The Neuse River Suite is named after North Carolina’s Neuse River where locals and tourists go boating and fishing for food and entertainment.
Pick your favorite suite at Meadows Inn. No matter what, you will be inspired s and be inspired to explore local landmarks during your stay in New Bern.
Address: 212 Pollock St, New Bern, NC 28560
- To book, check prices or availability for Meadows Inn New Bern
2. The Sanderling – a quirky, fun and family-friendly resort set by the water
The Sanderling is a unique rustic-chic resort less than a mile from Snug Harbor with cute and cozy wooden cabins for a ‘glamping’ style experience.
Each of the cabins are well equipped with a well-fitted kitchenette, a sofa, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a shared bathroom with shower as well as free WiFi and air conditioning.
A great option for couples or families looking to stay amid gorgeous nature and by the water.
Address: 1461 Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949
- To book, check prices or availability for The Sanderling New Bern
3. Hanna House Bed & Breakfast – a unique travel-sustainable B&B with quirky chic decor that offers a complimentary airport shuttle
Hanna House Bed & Breakfast is stationed in a historic bed and breakfast home. It was recently renovated to maintain its Victorian charm. Rudolph Ulrich, a greengrocer from 1896, used to live in this home.
This is the only travel location that offers you Hauschka body care products that work wonders on your skin while being created with only all-natural ingredients.
Most hotels and bed and breakfast locations offer soap with parabens and harsh fragrances. Hanna House steps it up by finding a way to take care of their clients in more ways than a cost-effective bed and breakfast booking.
Address: 218 Pollock St, New Bern, NC 28560
- To book, check prices or availability for Hanna House Bed & Breakfast
4. Sandcastle Cove, a VRI resort – an apartment in a fun resort where guests can enjoy both indoor and outdoor pools
Feel right at home in Sandcastle Cove, which offers a condominium-style lodging experience. Barbecue on a sunny day at their barbecue facility or enjoy one of the many interactive games at their on-site games room.
When you are done with your day of fun, you can relax at the sauna or hot tub available to all guests. Focus on self-care and getting healthy by visiting the fitness center.
You can enjoy more than a shower in the apartment’s bathroom. Indulge in a spa bath that is available in one of the 2 full-size bathrooms.
Address: 1141 Broad Creek Rd, New Bern, NC 28560
- To book, check prices or availability for Sandcastle Cove, a VRI resort
5. Charming New Bern Log Cabin – a cozy rustic chic cabin that welcomes pets too
Enjoy a rustic and natural experience in the Charming New Bern Log Cabin. Made of natural wood, indulge in a holiday home that will make you feel like you are camping. While there are limited amenities, you will love walking through the surrounding forest.
Amenities include a fully furnished bedroom, a living room with a flat-screen television, and a DVD player. Enjoy free WiFi to hook up your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to surf the web or play games.
Bask in the fully stocked kitchen so you are ready to cook your favorite meals for yourself and your family.
Address: New Bern, 28560, United States (the exact address will be disclosed upon successful booking)
- To book, check prices or availability for Charming New Bern Log Cabin
6. Beautiful New Bern Studio Cabin with Fire Pit – an elegant cabin perfect for a romantic stay
Lodge in a cabin made with natural wood that will make you feel like you are on a Transcendentalist journey in this wooded area.
During warm nights, you and your family or friends can enjoy the fire pit outside with four wooden chairs you can sit in around the fire. It is like camping and staying in a vacation home simultaneously.
The studio apartment sleeps 4 people with a double bed and a bunk bed available. Barbecue ribs, hot dogs, and burgers with the on-site grill and enjoy the meal on the outside bench.
Address: New Bern, 28560, United States (the exact address will be disclosed upon successful booking)
- To book, check prices or availability for Beautiful New Bern Studio Cabin with Fire Pit
7. The Grey Goose Waterfront Home with Beach – a stunning holiday home that can accommodate a big group of guests
The Grey Goose Waterfront Home is a step away from a beach. Go kayaking, fishing, or swimming in between your other adventures while staying in New Bern.
The home comes with 3 fully furnished bedrooms, a kitchen with a microwave and dishwasher, and a washing machine so that you do not have to go to a local laundromat to wash clothes.
There are 2 single beds in one bedroom, an extra-large double bed in the second bedroom, and a large double bed in the final one. Hence, this vacation home rental can sleep four to five people depending on if you have small children accompanying you on the trip.
Address: New Bern, 28562, United States (the exact address will be disclosed upon successful booking)
- To book, check prices or availability for The Grey Goose Waterfront Home with Beach
8. Scenic Villa along Neuse River in New Bern – a modern and unique villa where children can benefit from a fun playground
The Scenic Villa offers one-bedroom apartments with scenic views of the Neuse River nearby. Sit on the patio to enjoy the sunrise, sunset, or sounds of the night. Talk a walk through the on-site garden for a meditation experience.
When you are inside, kick your feet up on the couch and watch a show on satellite television. Enjoy a delightfully warm shower in a bathroom fully furnished with linens and towels.
Take a dip in one of the two on-site swimming pools if you want to go on a water adventure. Walk down by the Neuse River to admire its scenery.
Address: 475 Broad Creek Road, New Bern, 28560
- To book, check prices or availability for Scenic One Bedroom Villa along Neuse River in New Bern
9. Cottage with Patio and Shared Waterfront Perks! – a trendy vacation home that features serene river views
Sit on the lovely patio and admire the waterfront view. You can jump into waterfront adventures with fishing, paddle boating, and swimming.
When you are not on the water, you can relax in the fully furnished bedroom with a good book. There are bunk beds and a double bed in the one bedroom. Watch cable television on the flat-screen TV in the living room. Cook up your favorite meal in the kitchen also equipped with a microwave.
Enjoy free WiFi to hook up your devices and enjoy the modern conveniences of home. If you have pets, they are welcome to join you in this vacation home.
Address: New Bern, 28562, United States (the exact address will be disclosed upon successful booking)
- To book, check prices or availability for Cottage with Patio and Shared Waterfront Perks!
10. Sandcastle Village II, a VRI resort – a great apartment that offers amazing facilities
Sandcastle Village II is unique because it is dedicated to guests who love the outdoors at its historic Tryon place location. Stay in one of the suites within the two-story townhomes onsite and bask in the views of the nearby riverfront.
Whether you are a tennis enthusiast or a boating connoisseur, you will love the amenities at Sandcastle Village II. If you have little ones, take them for a game of miniature golf before lunch or dinner. A playground and a game room are also on-site for little ones and kids at heart alike to enjoy.
Address: 1141 Broad Creek Rd, New Bern, NC 28560
- To book, check prices or availability for Sandcastle Village II, a VRI resort
We also have other posts on…
- Cool boutique hotels in Greenville
- Cool boutique hotels in Raleigh
- Cool boutique hotels in Nags Head
- Cool boutique hotels in Myrtle Beach
- Cool boutique hotels in Virgnia Beach
- Cool boutique hotels in Richmond VA
- Cool boutique hotels in Charleston
- Cool and Unusual hotels in Williamsburg VA
Born and raised in Brazil, Gaby has always had a taste for the intriguing, the off-beat and the far flung. After travelling around most of South America, living in Spain and Italy and then moving to England, her feet have stayed continually twitchy. Studying for a degree in Spanish translation and then learning five more languages only poured more fuel onto her travelling ardor.
Gaby likes nothing better than discovering new destinations and meeting the locals, tasting the cuisine and hearing about the local stories. Her other indulgences include French cinema, boxing, photography, colourful manicures and soaking up the rays on a sun-infused beach. She counts Rio de Janeiro, Rome, Barcelona, Lisbon and Cornwall as her most favourite places in the world.