Virginia Beach hotels

This elegant, English Palladian-style property is where history meets the future. The Cavalier harks back to 1927 and has hosted legends of the Hollywood golden age and 10 US presidents over the years. Having undergone a recent $82 million (C$113 million) renovation, it’s never looked better.

The stately lobby, with its Jeffersonian-style woodwork and original Verrazano floor, remains, but you also have a day spa, infinity pool and distillery (America’s first inside a hotel). The 85 guestrooms and suites have been enlarged and the beach is a short stroll or shuttle ride away, where you’ll find cabanas, chairs and umbrellas for a sun-filled day.

There are plenty of activities on offer, including wine tasting, movie nights and crafts for kids. This magnificent legend is so much more than just a place to lay your head; it’s hands down one of the best hotels in Virginia Beach.

If you’re looking for an upscale resort vibe, this is the place to come. One of the best hotels in Virginia Beach, the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort has 305 modern-luxe rooms and suites, each with oceanfront views. There are two restaurants to choose from, including the rooftop Orion’s Roof, which serves Japanese cuisine and has, in my opinion, the best sunset views in all of Virginia Beach.

At the beachside infinity pool, you can relax in the balmy waters in a mod chaise lounge. Then there’s the beach itself. Here’s how I like to do it: order a cocktail (cucumber basil with rum is my top pick) at the oceanfront restaurant, Tulu Seaside Bar & Grill, and walk just a few metres to the sand, where umbrellas and chairs await. At the resort you’ll also find an indoor pool, a fitness centre and a beach bar.

As one of Virginia Beach’s newer hotels, Hyatt Place evokes a fresh, modern vibe. Each of the 140 guestrooms has a private balcony, with your choice of oceanfront or cityscape view. One of the things I like best about Hyatt Place is the fact there’s no carpeting, only cool tile floors that fit right in with the hotel’s breezy, coastal feel.

Each room comes with a microwave and mini fridge for rustling up your own meals, or you can always order room service. Complimentary breakfast includes a bread station, scrambled eggs with toppings, and rotating treats such as French toast or waffles.

The boardwalk is just out back, and there’s an exclusive beach area that features a fitness park, making this one of the best hotels in Virginia Beach for location.

If you want to stay more than a few days, the Residence Inn by Marriott Virginia Beach Town Center is a good option.

Each of its 120 enlarged guest rooms and suites is equipped with modern furnishings, workstations and fully equipped kitchens. I loved the complimentary grocery service to help stock the stainless-steel fridge. That said, all guests enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast, served daily.

There’s also a fitness centre, an indoor pool, a dedicated meeting space and a comfortable outdoor space with a patio, a BBQ grill island and a picnic area. You’re in the heart of town, and the beach awaits an easy 16 km away.

There are several reasons why The Capes Hotel is one of the best in Virginia Beach for families. First off, there’s the enclosed oceanfront pool, which little ones will love splashing around in. Its spacious and modern guestrooms come with microwaves, refrigerators and private balconies. It’s also incredibly close to the boardwalk and some of the city’s most famous sites, including the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and Ocean Breeze Water Park.

All of these reasons combined make the Capes one of the best hotels in Virginia Beach. What I like most, however, is the Capes’ smaller size. With only 59 rooms, it feels cozier and more compact than some of the other larger hotels around town. The lobby is particularly charming, and you’ll also find a parlour, small café and bar.

With its first-class sea views, the Coastal more than lives up to its name. Every guestroom has a private terrace, where you could easily spend the whole day taking in the ever-changing panorama (keep an eye out for passing dolphins and whales).

You’re well taken care of here, with comfortable beds, friendly service and free breakfast every morning. I particularly love the yummy make-your-own waffles and mini pancakes, but you can also get eggs, cereal, bagels, fruit and more.

The hotel’s heated pool makes a welcoming alternative to the ocean’s chilly waters. But for me, it’s the location that makes this one of the best hotels in Virginia Beach. Set right on the bustling, action-packed boardwalk, the Coastal is within easy walking distance of lively arcades, trendy restaurants and mini golf, making this Virginia Beach gem particularly popular with families.

The plank-wood accent walls and red and pink plaid chairs may not be the typical look you’d expect at the beach, but Four Points is known for being one of the best hotels in Virginia Beach, especially for families. The kids won’t notice the lack of beachy décor when they’re heading off to the nearby amusement park, located at Virginia Beach’s southern end, or running to the beach just across the boardwalk.

There’s also an indoor pool with a separate kids’ pool, while parents will love the rooftop sun deck and two restaurants. The guestrooms are spacious, offering turndown service, mini-fridges and microwaves. All that said, it’s the balcony views that keep me coming back. Every single one of the 99 guestrooms overlooks the sun-drenched Atlantic Ocean; if you leave the balcony door ajar at night, the rhythmic sound of the waves will lull you to sleep.

You can’t beat the heart-shaped tubs for romance in the King Whirlpool rooms of the nautical-themed Schooner Inn, one of the best hotels in Virginia Beach. It also happens to be one of the most affordable. Overlooking the sea, with a glass of wine in hand, it’s a great spot for couples. But this hotel also offers plenty to keep families happy.

Several of the room types have kitchenettes where you can cook your own meals. Or you could buy some fresh seafood at the nearby marina to grill at one of the guests-only grilling stations. All the rooms come with flat-screen TVs, chests of drawers and balconies with chairs overlooking the ocean. The beach here is for surfers only, so you’ll have to walk about five minutes to find your space in the sand. But you get a front row seat to the thrilling surfing competitions from your hotel room balcony.

This funky, art-and-surf hotel located on the beach’s southern end is favoured by trendy couples and groups of friends. Murals, vintage lawn chairs and surfboards decorate the glassed-in lobby, while the central bar with waterfront views is a popular hangout spot. Another nice touch: the poker chip you’re handed with your room key that you can turn in at any time for a complimentary cocktail.

The 134 guestrooms have bleached wood floors and bright, minimalist interiors. Rooms are compact but have plenty of clever space-saving devices, like peg rails on the walls instead of closets and wall-mounted, pull-down desks. The attached Belvedere South Coffee Shop offers diner food for lunch, while the Kung Food Kitchen pop-up serves Asian fusion most evenings. I particularly like the public spaces here, which have comfortable seating for enjoying live music and chats with friends or fellow guests.

If you’re on the hunt for a lively city centre hotel rather than a beach retreat, the Westin Virginia Beach Town Center is the spot for you. Ranked as one of the best hotels in Virginia Beach, it occupies the state’s tallest building and is located around 16 km from the beach.

This four-star, 236-room property sparkles thanks to a lavish renovation, with contemporary chandeliers in the modern lobby, a lush living wall water feature and a floating glass staircase (one of only 10 in the country).

The guestrooms are serene, with splashes of aquatic blue in the carpeting and wall colours. Amenities, meanwhile, include an indoor pool, well-equipped fitness centre and on-site restaurant. There’s also an elegant ballroom, which has become a popular wedding venue over recent years. For nearby attractions, I recommend checking out the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts and Apex Entertainment.