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When you’re rebranding a hotel, every detail matters, and that includes the signs. The Oceaneer Hotel, a Carolina Beach landmark since the 1970s, recently underwent a full transformation into a modern, boutique-style retreat just steps from the water. The goal was simple but ambitious: to create a refreshed, cohesive guest experience that reflects the hotel’s new look and its eco-friendly mission.

Our team at Port City Signs & Graphics was brought in to help the client’s designer bring his team’s vision to life. That included refining design details, fabricating, and installing a complete package of custom hotel signs that complemented the new identity and mission while standing up to Carolina Beach’s harsh coastal weather. The result is a collection of hospitality signs that blend style, durability, and sustainability.

This project was especially interesting because it featured a complex off-center circular cabinet sign, and zoning codes required that we utilize the existing interior sign structure. We also incorporated HDU, a durable wood-free material with a long lifespan, to align with the hotel’s environmentally conscious goals.

A Project with Purpose

When The Oceaneer’s renovation wrapped up this year, the transformation was remarkable. What was once a dated roadside motel became a bright, welcoming boutique hotel that embraces coastal charm with a modern twist. The design team emphasized sustainability throughout, using native landscaping, energy-efficient appliances, and eco-friendly building materials.

Our job was to extend that same philosophy into the signage, creating polished, long-lasting pieces that enhance the guest experience, withstand the coastal elements, and reflect the hotel’s commitment to sustainable design. Using low-waste materials and thoughtful fabrication methods, we brought all of those goals together in signage that looks great today, lasts for years, and tells the brand’s story at every guest touchpoint.

Signage Solutions that Told the Story

From the roadside to the guest rooms, this project included a wide range of custom hotel signs, each designed to be functional, fit its space, and stay true to The Oceaneer’s new brand and mission.

For several major elements, HDU proved the ideal choice. Its lightweight, rot-proof structure provides the strength and stability needed in a coastal environment while offering the flexibility to carve, shape, and paint intricate details that elevate the overall aesthetic.

Directional and Wayfinding Signs

For the hallways, stairwells, and outdoor areas, we crafted carved and painted HDU directional signs that complement the hotel’s coastal style. The goal was to make navigation intuitive for guests while maintaining the clean, cohesive look that defines The Oceaneer’s refreshed brand.

Hotel Room Number Signs

Inside, we designed ½-inch-thick custom-shaped PVC door plaques with digitally printed faces to add dimension and visual interest. ADA-compliant signage was used where required, while the rest allowed for creative freedom to match the hotel’s clean, modern feel. The result is room signage that blends seamlessly with the interior design rather than feeling like an afterthought.

Fire Plans and Safety Signage

Even the fire safety signage got a small design upgrade. We printed the required fire plans on lightweight, durable polystyrene and tied them into the hotel’s color palette and branding. It’s a subtle detail, but it helps everything in the space feel more intentional and connected.

Carved HDU Staircase and Logo Signs

To keep branding consistent throughout the property, we added carved HDU logo signs to the exterior staircase and near the lobby. These signs visually connect interior and exterior spaces while standing up to the coastal elements. They’ll continue looking sharp for years, even in salty air and changing weather.

The Roadside Sign

The roadside illuminated hotel sign quickly became one of our favorites. The design called for a circular cabinet stacked over a rectangular base, creating a bold look that stands out without feeling flashy. Fabricating a perfectly round aluminum cabinet required precision and teamwork, and our welding team built a custom jig to ensure every piece aligned seamlessly during construction.

The finished sign glows softly at night, featuring letter boards for custom messages and an illuminated address number. It’s now a recognizable landmark along the road and the perfect finishing touch for the hotel’s refreshed look.

Why Material and Design Matter

When you think about hotel signage, you might picture wayfinding, door numbers, and logos, but what they really represent is your brand’s story. The Oceaneer project shows how thoughtful design, materials, and craftsmanship can bring that story to life.

Choosing HDU was about more than durability. It aligned with the hotel’s eco-conscious mission and proved that sustainability and luxury can go hand in hand. Every detail, from materials to lighting, worked together to create a cohesive look that reflects the hotel’s modern coastal character.

The Results

When installation was complete, the Oceaneer’s new signage felt like a natural extension of the property. The circular roadside sign became a defining feature, while the carved HDU directional and logo signs tied everything together in support of the hotel’s environmentally responsible vision.This project pushed us creatively and technically and reminded us why thoughtful design and craftsmanship matter. If you’re planning a hotel renovation or new development, the right custom signage can do more than guide guests. It can tell your story. Reach out today, and let’s create signage that’s built to last and fits your vision.