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  5. Reviews of Whalebone Ocean Cottages by KEES Vacations

Reviews of Whalebone Ocean Cottages by KEES Vacations

8201 South Old Oregon Inlet Road, Nags Head, NC 27959, United States

#14 of 29 hotels in Nags Head

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 34 hotel reviews

7.9

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    7.5

  • Comfort

    7.5

  • Location

    9.1

  • Facilities

    7.7

  • Staff

    8.2

  • Value for money

    7.7

Verified guest reviews from real Bookers

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Showing 1 - 25

  • Reviewed: August 20, 2025

    9.0
    Quality stay even with flies and no pool for a day :)
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Apartment
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    There were definitely a few flies already residing in the house, ew but a lid of some sort on the trash bin would've been nice to help resolve the issue. Kitchen was very complete but note to self, pack coffee filter next time! I was told the refrigerator door didn't close properly and would be fixed while we were there .. guy came by even though it seemed fine to me and said a part needed to be ordered and so the fix would happen at a different time. The pool was also closed for our first full day there wah for cleaning I guess but maybe only one guy on duty because he did later apologize for getting held up with something else so I figured pool and maintenance guy are the same one?! Idk

    Location was just steps from the beach so super convenient and yay, designated parking for threeee cars right underneath the property! Beds were comfy and there were plenty of toilets. All areas incl closets were clean and with plenty of lighting options. Loved the outdoor seating area!

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: May 13, 2025

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Super comfortable space and private. 2 bathrooms was a huge plus for us as well

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: April 6, 2025

    8.0
    Great family location
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    We showed up a little too early in the season to get the full benefits of the beautiful location, lack of swimming pool being open this time of year and just cooler weather only downside otherwise beautiful place.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: September 21, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Apartment with Sea View
    • Stayed 12 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    There was no ventilation filter on the main floor & the 1 on the 2nd floor was in need of replacement - dust was hanging from it ! There were hardly any knives in the kitchen & they were very dull ! & a few light bulbs needed replaced - but overall not a really big deal !

    We have been staying at the cottages every year since they 1st opened & always have a great time 👍👍

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: July 13, 2024

    8.0
    Summertime.Fun on OBX
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The fold out couch bed was very uncomfortable. But the couch was passably comfortable to lay upon

    Excellent location off the beach in OBX. The unit was clean and as advertised.

    Stayed in July 2024

  • Reviewed: April 7, 2024

    7.0
    It didn’t last long enough
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Never had received a grill. We asked multiple times.

    The location was nice , it was quite and felt like our own little place

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: October 6, 2023

    9.0
    We stayed for four nights to attend my daughters wedding.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Three-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The sofas were pretty dirty and stained the shower drain was very slow, causing the tub to fill up. I tried using the plunger to get it clear, but it didn’t work.

    The place was nice. The location was good.

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: August 7, 2023

    7.0
    overall a very nice stay!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    When making reservations, I thought we were getting the cottage pool side. do to the pics we saw, need to specify what cottage for what price . a little disappointed about location of cottage. wifi didn't work. TV's were not working either, TV would turn on but roku router was not working.

    The cottage was nice. clean and quiet. steps from the beach. very close to alot of restaurants and shops.

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: August 3, 2023

    7.0
    Great location but too small for family.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The photos of the space in the Booking app were misleading. The house is VERY SMALL. The app said it sleeps 8, but it was almost impossible to open the sleep sofa without reconfiguring the space. The house needs mixing bowls: there were none. The coffee pot needs to be updated, as do the frig and dishwasher.

    Great location, nice pool, plenty of silverware. Large waffle iron, gas grill, and seafood pot were a nice plus.

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: July 24, 2023

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Apartment
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    ac couldnt keep up downstairs, needs new matress in downstairs master, no laundry.

    Close distance to oceanfront, spacious house, plenty of bathrooms

    Stayed in July 2023

  • Reviewed: August 1, 2025

    1.0
    Stay away.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Apartment
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Never used

    The company called the morning of check-in to let me know the HVAC wasn't working. They said they would install a windows unit. I asked to be moved to another unit, but none available. I never checked in and requested a refund. Ened up renting another house from another platform.They only offered 94.00 after I spent over 1000. I called booking and still couldn't get any help. I wouldn't recommend this property or any of Kees properties to anyone!

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: July 25, 2025

    10
    Cozy cottage with exceptional weather, will return
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    No laundry

    Location, parking

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: April 18, 2025

    6.0
    We did really enjoy our stay. I feel like there will always be mishaps on a vacation. We will be back!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I don’t like to complain but I do like to address situations so one can improve. We were given the wrong key pad code upon arrival and we had to wait outside for about a half hour. We called Kees and they gave us 4 different passwords before we could finally get in. Also, there was definitely not enough toilet paper, paper towels, garbage bags and dish soap. There wasn’t easy access to towels and washcloths although they did bring them within a few hours after we had requested. 3 times we got locked out of our unit due to the keypad not working. Someone did come but by the time they got there it suddenly began working again. This happened a few times, not sure if sand was stuck in it or it needed new batteries?

    My family really enjoyed the location (great neighborhood) and size of the 3 bedroom. It was very clean & was well supplied with dishes, pots & pans, silverware etc. everyone we spoke to at Kees was very nice.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: September 10, 2024

    6.0
    The location is great. Having 12 years in hospitality i understand the check in/check out policy. But, that being sa
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Rooms had previous guest items in them. Shirts, chip bags, etc. not a big deal just unwanted for the price

    The proximity to the beach and pool

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: July 22, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Kids room door locked when opened all the way and then shut with no key to unlock it. Need to install a door stop and have keys to all doors located in the cottage.

    Ocean accessibility and location

    Stayed in July 2024

  • Reviewed: July 20, 2024

    10
    Great place! We will be back for sure!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Apartment
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The bed could have been a little more comfortable. It was hard.

    The place was clean and spacious. Everything we needed with a pool and close to the beach.

    Stayed in July 2024

  • Reviewed: June 16, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Deluxe Apartment
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Close to beach and clean

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: April 7, 2024

    4.0
    Disappointing
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Apartment with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    There was a lot of sand the home, which made the floors very slick. The coffee makers kept making the breakers flip so my husband had to keep flipping the switch. The cottage wasn't very well stocked at all..had to spend a lot of extra money for things like dish soap, paper towels..most rental places are more well stocked. Also, I noticed that the comforters were nasty and dirty all the way around. Every toilet seat in the house was broken as well. I love the location but would not book with this place again.

    LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!!! Beautiful views and oceanside.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: October 29, 2023

    10
    We loved it and plan to come back again
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Apartment with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    A washer and dryer in every unit.

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: October 3, 2023

    10
    will do this again!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Apartment
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    roomy

    location

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: September 30, 2023

    5.0
    Location was excellent but the mattresses on the property were uncomfortable. Air conditioners needed more instructions
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 7 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Service was not acceptable, dishwasher did not work and with 6 people it was very inconvenient. Service was not available we needed some assistance and did not get any.

    Close to beach.

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: June 12, 2023

    6.0
    Pleasant
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Three-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The shower curtain was black on bottom with mildew, I bought one and replaced it. The breaker wouldn't reset due to moisture in the air, a little nerve racking to deal with on your first night there. The maintenence man who came was spectacular. I would stay again.

    Location, size. I would totally stay again. It was a nice little cottage.

    Stayed in June 2023

  • Reviewed: June 10, 2025

    7.0
    We had a good time that’s all that matters.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 7 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Front door need paint it is filthy. Master bedroom wall by tv needs cleaning.

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: July 27, 2025

    6.0
    It was a nice family vacation, other than what was mentioned above.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Apartment
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    1. Pool was closed the first two days we were here 2. I know where at the beach, but we didn’t expect there to be sand on the floors and sofa’s throughout the cottage when we first arrived. 3. Linens were dirty, fresh blood stains on the pillow cases and sheets in the front bedroom 4. Shower in the master bedroom does not drain, and the tub was very dirty, the shower curtains full of mildew. This was never cleaned. 5. No soap in the holder in the shower mentioned above. 6. Front door key pad, the keys are sticking, not every time, but very often had to put the code in several times just to get in. 7. The shared Toilet in the front room leaks constantly, 8. The trash can is missing pieces?? It is broken. The items above are not listed in importance to us but some were very concerning and did not make our stay pleasant. The linens with blood stains, we purchased a set from Target. Other than the family in cottage A smoking dope and arguing with their spouse the entire week the stay was in a nice location and my family made the best of it

    Location was nice, cottage was nice except for what was mentioned below

    Stayed in July 2025

Showing 1 - 25

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