Where to stay--two adults one six yr. old.

My family is headed to New Bern for a wedding the last weekend of June. The bride-to-be has reserved rooms at three local hotels (Springhill, Hampton, Hilton). We want to stay where we can walk around downtown easily or see marinas. I read that there is a bridge out so does that affect the easy downtown or water access of any of these hotels?

Also, maybe more importantly, we%26#39;d like to go to the ocean while we%26#39;re there (my daughter has never seen it). Where would you recommend? What town is best? We probably would stay Sun. thru Tues. I want clean, safe/good location and close to the water. I don%26#39;t need fru fru but I don%26#39;t want a dump, either. We can afford up to $130/night. Honestly, the whole crystal coast is a little confusing for us landlubbers. I%26#39;m having a hard time figuring out what is on the ocean and what is on an inlet/waterway. Also, how busy does this part of North Carolina get in the summer? We weren%26#39;t sure we were going to this wedding so we%26#39;re now just making the plans. Is it too late?

Where to stay--two adults one six yr. old.

We just returned from New Bern, stayed at the Comfort Inn, which was amazing. We left the Hampton Inn, as it was noisy, the free breakfast was nasty, and the pool was closed for renovation. It also was very far from downtown. Warn your sister about the Hampton, I think her guests may be disappointed.

Where to stay--two adults one six yr. old.

The summer season can be very busy on the Crystal Coast. This weekend starts the ';on season'; which last until Labor Day. Though if you are staying in New Bern, you will be fine. Finding a hotel in your price range at the beach may be a little more difficult.

As far as the hotel Springhill Suites and Hampton Inn are right beside each other, just off of the main highway going through New Bern. They are not in the downtown area, but beside our Wal-Mart and mall, so its not the prettiest section of town. The Springhill is brand new, just opened in March (I think). Again it is located right off of highway 70, so I could imagine you would be able to hear the traffic.

If you are looking to be in the downtown area in New Bern then I would suggest the Comfort Inn or a B%26amp;B check out The Comfort Inn is located on the river and is beside Union Point Park, a small park with swing sets and such that your daughter may enjoy.

Yes the draw bridge is out so you will have to drive a couple miles further to get to 70, its not bad. The bridge being out does not affect access to the downtown area or the hotels, other than you have to drive a mile or two to get on the bridge another way. Unless you stay at the Bridge Pointe Hotel and Marina then your access will be more frustrating as you will have to keep going all the way around to get to downtown.

The closest and easiest beach to get to is Atlantic Beach. You just get on 70 East and go straight for about 45 min. and you%26#39;ll see the sign for Atlantic Beach. At Atlantic Beach you will find Fort Macon, plenty of places to park and walk over to the beach, the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores which is small but very nice, and tons of beach shops.

Check out this website for more information: http://www.visitnewbern.com/

Hope this helps.

The B %26amp; B%26#39;s looked very inviting, another great option for the guests.

We drove to Atlantic Beach. Watch your speed, we saw alot of radar cops. Just beyond Atlantic Beach is a beach who%26#39;s name I can%26#39;t remember. There is a dock there with some restaurants, stores and an arcade. The 6 year old may enjoy this area, and the adults can relax, have lunch and a drink.

I would imagine this area is pretty crowded during the summer, parking may be tricky.