From sandy shores to historic districts and college towns and from luxury resorts and condos to boutique inns, the Carolinas have something for everyone.

NORTH CAROLINA

Ocean Isle Inn has everything you need for a beach vacation. Located in the seaside town of Ocean Isle Beach, the hotel’s oceanfront rooms have private balconies and large windows, plus conveniences like refrigerators, microwaves, and coffeemakers. Wi-Fi is free, as is the continental breakfast. There’s an oceanfront pool and sun deck and an indoor heated pool. Rooms regularly start at $79, but with the special HEROES rate, military members pay $63 — a 20% savings. Use code HEROES when booking online; then show your military ID upon check-in. Call (910) 579-0750.

The Hilton Durham, near downtown Durham and Duke University, offers military members a Military Family Rate when you show your military ID. The pet-friendly hotel is near shopping, dining, entertainment, and several museums — plus a complimentary shuttle is available. The hotel has a fitness center, a seasonal outdoor pool, and free Wi-Fi. Use plan code MFR/PGMFR1 when booking online. Call (919) 383-8033.

Sanderling, an oceanfront four-star resort on the Outer Banks, offers a Heroes Welcome discount to current and former military members, December through March of every year. The program offers discounted rates on accommodations, plus 20% off food, spa services, and retail purchases. Choose from vacation homes, guest rooms, or suites. Amenities include two pools, oversized fire pits, and a spa, plus outdoor activities including tennis and golf. Valid ID must be shown upon arrival. Call (888) 281-5413. 

The Ballantyne, a four-star, four-diamond Marriott hotel in Charlotte, offers active duty military members and anyone over age 62 up to a 15% discount. The hotel has 199 guest rooms, nine suites, and a four-bedroom cottage. Amenities include a spa, a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, golf, and tennis. Reserve online using the “Special Rates” dropdown menu or call (704) 248-4000 and ask for the Military or Senior special rate.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant is near historic downtown Charleston and a short drive to beautiful beaches, golf courses, and Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. Guests can relax in a cabana at the indoor/outdoor bar, a resort-style pool, and in-pool loungers. Wi-Fi is free; the hotel is pet-friendly; and the fitness center includes a space for yoga. At this writing, the standard rate is $129, but if you’re over age 62, you’ll get your best deal with the $120 Military Appreciation Leisure discount.  You’ll get the same low price with the hotel’s senior rate. Call (843) 884-6000.

King Charles Inn, a boutique hotel in downtown Charleston’s historic district, boasts easy access to the city’s best restaurants and shopping and offers military members free parking, free Wi-Fi, free health club access, a complimentary evening reception, and nightly tea and cookies. At this writing, regular rates start at $159, but active duty and retired military members get a 10% discount. Call (843) 723-7451 for reservations, and ask for the military discount.

OceanWatch at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach is a Marriott Vacation Club beachfront resort with two-bedroom villas, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, and a variety of children's and family activities. Veterans and active duty, reserve and retired U.S. servicemembers get a 15% discount off regular rates when you show your military ID upon check-in. Reserve online, or call (800) 228-9290 and ask for promotional code XYD.

Barony Beach Club, an oceanfront Marriott Vacation Club resort in Hilton Head, has a private beach and two-bedroom villas with kitchens and separate living and dining areas. Active duty, reserve, and retired U.S. servicemembers and veterans get a 15% discount when you show your military ID upon check-in. Reserve online, or call (800) 228-9290 and ask for promotional code XYD.

These additional Hilton Head resorts also qualify for the Marriott Vacation Club military discount. Reserve online, or call (800) 228-9290 and ask for promotional code XYD.

• Marriott's SurfWatch
• Marriott's Grande Ocean 
• Marriott's Harbour Point and Sunset Pointe at Shelter Cove
• Marriott's Heritage Club
• Marriott's Harbour Club
• Marriott's Monarch at Sea Pines

Deals are available as of March 16, 2020, and may be subject to change.

Maryann Hammers is a freelance author who regularly contributes to MOAA.