The Pearl Hotel of Manteo: Where history, elegance and vision meet
Published 1:44 pm Wednesday, June 25, 2025
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In the heart of downtown Manteo, where the pace is unhurried and the scent of the sound lingers in the air, The Pearl Hotel offers guests a singular experience: a stay that feels more like stepping into a thoughtfully curated home than a traditional hotel. With its artfully designed rooms, panoramic rooftop greenspace, and a story rooted in inspiration, The Pearl Hotel offers one of the most distinctive lodging experiences on the Outer Banks.
The Pearl Hotel is owned by the Hatchell and Owens families. The hotel is the vision of local entrepreneur and hotel co-owner Jamie Hatchell. Her idea for The Pearl was sparked during a sister trip to Italy. “I came home with lots of pictures,” Hatchell recalls. “I hired Vicki Horning with Tori & Todd Designs to help me recreate the look. We shopped for at least a year gathering unique things for the hotel.” What followed was an antique treasure hunt across the country, and a collaboration to bring the dream to life.
Horning and her husband, both with backgrounds in historical renovation, helped turn Jamie’s inspiration into a design reality. “Jamie wanted the hotel to be more authentic, and the owners love antiques and historical pieces, so we kind of start looking for inspiration from those,” Horning shared. The two spent a year and a half sourcing architectural elements and décor — corbels from old Victorian homes in Ohio, antique columns, mid-1800s tin for lighting niches, and salvaged art from all over.
No two rooms are the same, and intentionally so. “A couple of the rooms have a more masculine-vintage vibe, with dog-hunting portraits, whereas others are more modern. Whatever we found that fit her [Jamie’s] likes and colors, we went with those and started piecing out each room into themes, keeping in mind Italian feel.” She added, “We threw elements to keep it unique and fun.”
Manager Lisa Ayers oversees the 16 double occupancy rooms on the first floor, two spacious family suites on the second floor, and a third-floor honeymoon suite — each one uniquely appointed and elegantly styled. The hotel also includes nine year-round apartments on the upper floors, offering long-term residents the luxury of living in a space that feels like a boutique resort.
The Pearl Hotel offers a stunning rooftop venue perfect for intimate weddings, celebrations, private dinners and special gatherings. With sweeping views of downtown Manteo and the surrounding waterfront, it’s a one-of-a-kind backdrop that will leave a lasting impression. “The on-site event planner, Kim Stetson, is here to help you bring your vision to life and ensure every detail is thoughtfully handled,” says Ayers. To inquire about rooftop availability or begin planning your event, reach out to Kim at Events@ThePearlHotelManteo.com. “There’s nothing else like it in town,” Ayers adds.
That unique charm is also attracting weddings, baby showers and rehearsal dinners to the space. The rooftop can host up to 75 guests, and the hotel’s central location makes it perfect for events that spill into downtown’s restaurants, shops and bars.
Amenities at The Pearl blend luxury and convenience: smart TVs, high-end linens, Beekman toiletries, complimentary wi-fi and coffee service all day. Families will appreciate suites with full kitchens and coffee makers, while couples enjoy elegant touches like curated chandeliers and plush fabrics. The hotel also offers a golf cart shuttle to Roanoke Island Festival Park and nearby attractions, making exploration effortless. The Pearl Hotel is part of The Legacy Collective – learn more at thelegacycollectivemanteo.com.
“The feedback has been amazing,” says Ayers. “Five-star reviews across the board. Guests say the rooms are beautifully appointed, the staff is friendly and goes the extra mile, and that the entire experience feels personal.”
Whether you’re visiting the Outer Banks for a quiet retreat, a romantic escape, or a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, The Pearl Hotel offers something truly rare: a place where artistry, heritage and heartfelt hospitality come together under one thoughtfully curated roof.
For more information or to book a stay, go to thepearlhotelmanteo.com.
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