The Sanderling

Overall, while our stay in the Outer Banks was a good one, the hotel was quite disappointing at best. We booked through Chase Travel and were supposed to get a room upgrade upon arrival, but were not offered that despite the hotel not being sold out . . . We were on an anniversary trip and were placed in the building right in front of the family/kids pool, which was not super relaxing and honestly frustrating not to have more peacefulness. Our room was annoying as the main door and the bathroom door were not set up properly and jammed when trying to open. The room and the hotel in general felt dirty, bugs were everywhere, cleaning of the room at times was sparse and lacking, and even the on-site restaurant had dead bugs all over the tables and windows, and felt super gross. The pools & "hot" tubs were also filled with dead bugs and were not cleaned. The hot tub was a big time bummer, only one was "functional," and it was cold the entire time. We and several other guests had asked for a fix, and we were told each time that someone was on it, but it never happened, which really just sucked, especially because the weather was cold and rainy our entire stay. Also, during our time in the spa, both my wife and I noticed black mold in the steam rooms and a gross smell that again showed us that the hotel was not clean and made our stay uncomfortable. At checkout, it was quite unorganized, clunky, and just not the warmest and thankful feeling that is expected for a "resort" that is supposed to be one of the best in the OBX. In all, the hotel was way overpriced for what you got, and that was just such a bummer based on how it is marketed. I would have a very hard time coming back and paying such a high price for a dirty and falling-apart hotel.

The rooms and public areas were all clean and well-maintained. The staff was always friendly and helpful. The food at the restaurants was very good and served by highly competent and friendly staff. The rooms were nicely decorated and the bathroom was large with good amenities. The beds were very comfortable. Beware of taxes and fees. NC has an occupancy tax (6%) and a sales tax (6.75%). The Sanderling charges a resort fee and a marketing destination fee ($53.49 and $3.49 per night respectively). Avoid room 341. It was excessively musty. We were offered a change of rooms but declined because we had already moved once. The first room (#166) was at the end of the hallway in the North building next to the door that went to beach. When people entered or exited that door, it was very loud.

Totally average experience. Did not feel like resort at all. Upon arrival in rainfall, I was asked to walk in rain with staff to get bags out of car and walk to seperate building. No one offered to valet park car in downpour. Upon entering room, air conditioning broken in room, no soap, no spring water bottles like my colleagues received, no glasses for water. Any buffets set up by staff were not thought through (food prep was out of order), no staff stepped in to check to see if we needed anything. Although buffet, it’s a resort, and if we want to request special sauce (ranch), we should have opportunity to. Also no ice provided entire week for beverages on buffet. No where to put dirty plates either. I had to hunt down a cart in hallway each day to help group have somewhere to place dirty dishes. Not even a cherry in my $20 old fashioned. Bartender at restaurant brought out martini instead of requested margarita, and a shot of bourbon instead of a proper old fashioned. Also cannot see beach at all, dunes cover view. No special views at all unless you walk to beach. Dark brown sticky gunk on room light fixture. Ew. No staff went out of way to provide ANY thing extra. Did not feel like resort, will not be back.

Second trip here to this beautiful resort! It’s elegant and relaxing at the same time. Rooms are beautiful and recently redone. The staff is accommodating and welcoming!

Truly love staying at this resort! Everybody’s wonderful resort is clean and the rooms are beautiful. We plan to come back again next year! It will be A yearly anniversary trip for us