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The 10 Best Hotels In Virginia Beach

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The 10 Best Hotels In Virginia Beach


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Latifah Al-Hazza, Contributor

Forbes Vetted


Virginia Beach has become a popular destination for an oceanfront vacation, and the best hotels in Virginia Beach have excelled at keeping up with the city’s growing popularity. Although most travel to Virginia Beach for its expansive beachfront and surfable waves, the city also offers a flavorful culinary scene, a vibrant nightlife and endless adventure sports. From oceanfront hotels to interesting historical hotels, guests of all ages can enjoy a variety of accommodations to choose from.

If you’re looking for an ultra-luxurious stay near the ocean, our top high-end recommendation is The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club. For kid-friendly amenities, the Embassy Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront offers plenty of activities for young ones. The Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront is home to one of the best rooftop restaurants in the city, while The Pink House is the perfect place to celebrate a milestone. Below, the best hotels in Virginia Beach for 2024.


Best High-End Hotel In Virginia Beach: The Historic Cavalier Hotel And Beach Club, Autograph Collection

The Historic Cavalier Hotel And Beach Club, Autograph Collection

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Who Will Love It: Couples; families; groups

All-Star Amenities: Access to the private beach club; an extensive garden and lawn; frequent entertainment; golf cart transportation

What Not To Miss: Afternoon tea in The Raleigh Room; lounging at the private Cavalier Beach Club; sipping your way through a bourbon tour and tasting at Tarnished Truth

The Cavalier has been a staple of Virginia Beach since the 1920s; the hotel was handed over to the U.S. Navy in 1942, when it was turned it into a radar training site. It later reopened as the original Cavalier in 1976, and underwent a four-year, multi-million-dollar renovation in 2012, when it was restored to preserve its original neoclassical style, seen in its pilasters and columns. Having taken inspiration from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, The Cavalier has welcomed prominent historical figures such as Muhammad Ali, Jimmy Carter, Dwight D. Eisenhower, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, JFK, Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor, to name a few. Today, the stunningly grandiose hotel remains the best luxury property in Virginia Beach and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It features three restaurants, a distillery, a spa, an indoor pool and a private beach club. The hotel also offers plenty of weekly entertainment, ranging from live music to movies on the lawn.


Best Hotel In Virginia Beach For Foodies: Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort

Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort

Who Will Love It: Marriott loyalists; couples; friend groups

All-Star Amenities: Bicycles are available for guests to cruise down the boardwalk

What Not To Miss: Sunset drinks at Orion’s Roof; indulging in ice cream from We Scream on the ground floor

The Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort is located across from The Historic Cavalier. Having opened in 2020, the hotel sits directly on the ocean, offering quick access to the vast, sandy beach. This is a great property for foodies, as the hotel offers one of the best restaurants in the city. Orion’s Roof offers phenomenal views of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, handcrafted cocktails, and an Asian fusion menu. Additionally, Tulu Seaside Bar & Grill serves fresh and local ingredients in its seaside dining experience.

The salty ocean air can be felt from all of the hotel’s rooms and suites. The ocean view rooms with balconies are by far the best rooms, but all rooms have limited, if not full views of the ocean. Guests can enjoy an indoor/outdoor pool or lounge at the beach in one of the hotel’s loungers. Bocce ball, fire pits and a terrace for entertainment are located directly in front of the ocean.

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Best Pet-Friendly Hotel In Virginia Beach: Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Who Will Love It: Pets; solo travelers; young creatives

All-Star Amenities: Skittles and drink vouchers upon check-in; a heated outdoor pool

What Not To Miss: The large foosball table on the second floor

Stylish with a minimalist yet beachy flair, Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront opened its doors in 2023. Located on the south end of the beach, near much of the oceanfront’s nightlife such as bars and clubs, it’s also within walking distance to putt-putt and mini golf courses. Attractions within a short drive include the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, an excellent excursion for a rainy day, and First Landing State Park, a perfect place to explore with your pup. Dogs are welcome at the hotel with a $50 fee and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. Water bowls can be found throughout the hotel.

The rooms are small, but the hotel has plenty of communal spaces to lounge around in. The lobby has TVs and a shuffleboard table, while the outdoor area offers a terrace and lawn games. The hotel is located right on the boardwalk allowing easy access for a sunrise or sunset stroll along the beach.


Best Hotel In Virginia Beach For Families: Embassy Suites By Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort

Embassy Suites By Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort

Who Will Love It: Families with children

All-Star Amenities: Complimentary breakfast and an evening reception

What Not To Miss: Aqua fit classes in the pool

Embassy Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront opened its doors in 2023 and became the city’s best family-friendly resort. There are no shortage of activities here that cater to young ones, such as kids’ crafting, mermaid meet and greets, pirate parties and beach metal detector usage. The resort is located next to the Marriott Oceanfront Resort and The Historic Cavalier, which allows for easy access to additional entertainment and happenings. The resort offers an indoor and outdoor pool and two eateries; an open-air Mexican restaurant that feels like dining at a tropical beach shack in Mexico and a 1920’s themed restaurant serving classic American fare and cocktails. Situated on the oceanfront, all rooms offer beach chairs and bicycles for guests who wish to bask in the sun or explore the boardwalk. Book an ocean-facing room and you may get lucky and see dolphins jumping in the air at sunrise.


Best Hotel In Virginia Beach For Shopping and Entertainment: Westin Virginia Beach Town Center

Westin Virginia Beach Town Center

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Who Will Love It: Friend groups; couples

All-Star Amenities: An excellent location close to all local entertainment

What Not To Miss: A comedy show at Funny Bone and enjoying the nightly activations

The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center is the perfect place to call home while exploring the city’s food and shopping scene. It is located 10 miles from the oceanfront and is where visitors can find boutiques unique to the area as well as chain shops like Bluemercury, Anthropologie, Nike, and Lululemon, to name a few. The hotel is ideally situated within a three-block walking radius to these shops as well as a variety of coffee shops, restaurants and cocktail bars like Town Center Cold Pressed, Twist Martini & Associates and Cantina Laredo.

Just across the street you’ll find the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, where theatrical and musical performances take place multiple times a week. Around the corner is Funny Bone Comedy Club which offers live performances along with dinner Wednesday through Sunday, and down the street there is a Drybar to pamper yourself before a night on the town. Apex Entertainment will keep the children occupied, and if you’ve brought your pooch along but don’t want to leave Fido alone, Dogtopia is a few minutes away and offers doggy daycare services. During the summer months, Town Center showcases movies in the plaza.


Best Budget-Friendly Hotel In Virginia Beach: Delta Hotels Virginia Beach Waterfront

Delta Hotels Virginia Beach Waterfront

Who Will Love It: Travelers who want to be near the water but away from the touristy part of town

All-Star Amenities: A private beach to relax on

What Not To Miss: Tides Pool Club for cocktails and the outdoor swimming pool

Away from the hustle and bustle of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront lies Delta Hotels, a waterfront hotel on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. The hotel offers panoramic views of the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States. The hotel’s private beach allows for an enjoyable beach day or lounge by the outdoor pool overlooking the water. The property is home to Tides Coastal Kitchen, a water view restaurant serving Chesapeake Bay oysters and crab cakes, fresh fish and Virginia Beach’s signature orange crush drink.

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Local attractions such as the Cape Henry Lighthouse, Ocean Breeze Waterpark, and Hunt Club Petting Farm are just a short stroll away. Bayville Golf Club is within a four-mile radius of the hotel, and Great White Water Sports offers exciting dolphin tours on jet skis. Nearby restaurant staples include Bay Local Eatery, CP Shuckers Café and Raw Bar, and Hot Tuna, which offers live music most evenings.


Hotel With The Best Views In Virginia Beach: Hyatt Place Virginia Beach / Oceanfront

Hyatt Place Virginia Beach / Oceanfront

Who Will Love It: Fitness enthusiasts; those seeking great views

All-Star Amenities: Complimentary breakfast; a guest laundry room; no resort fees

What Not To Miss: An ocean-facing room and the fitness center overlooking the outdoor pool

Located steps from the quieter side of the boardwalk at the north end sits the Hyatt Place Virginia Beach/Oceanfront. The hotel opened in 2022 and has become a go-to stay for those seeking epic views of the Atlantic Ocean (read as: watching dolphins play in the waters). As a new hotel, the rooms are fresh with a beachy vibe. Carpets have been removed and replaced with tiles to keep sand lingering from sandy toes at bay. The Hyatt Place offers stunning views of the ocean or picturesque views of the city, depending on the room chosen, from the private balcony.

The hotel’s backyard is home to Hillier Ignite Fitness Park, which is complete with rope climbing and monkey bars in the sand. Even if you don’t plan to workout, it’s worth watching the athletes show off their skills (or muscles). A block away is a beachfront playground, perfect for children. If you’re spending the day on the beach, a nearby café called Taste will deliver your delicious order to the sand.

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Best Bed And Breakfast In Virginia Beach: Barclay Cottage Bed & Breakfast

Barclay Cottage Bed & Breakfast

Who Will Love It: History buffs and couples looking for a quaint and romantic getaway

All-Star Amenities: A two-course breakfast and beach cruiser bikes

What Not To Miss: The memorabilia on display in the cabinets

Barclay Cottage Bed & Breakfast remains one of just two original beach cottages in Virginia Beach. Built in 1895, the original plan was to convert it into a golf clubhouse. In 1916, the property was sold to Christopher Columbus Barclay, the first treasurer of Virginia Beach, who had 11 children, 10 that didn’t live past infancy. The one child that survived, Lillian S. Clair Barclay, tutored children in 1922, leading to the guest house turning into classrooms. The school closed in 1972 and was turned into an inn in 1991. Staying at this charming cottage offers guests a glimpse into history. It’s ideally situated two blocks from the oceanfront and is next door to the Vibe District Creative District. The property offers five cozy guest rooms, a great room and a massage room.


Hotel With The Best Location In Virginia Beach: Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Who Will Love It: Couples; friend groups

All-Star Amenities: Its proximity to Virginia Beach hotspots

What Not To Miss: An evening drink at the hotel’s rooftop bar

Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront is situated in the most ideal spot on Virginia Beach’s boardwalk. Its location is significant because it is next to Neptune Park’s small outdoor arena, which often hosts live performances, food and art festivals, as well as the city’s notable King Neptune Statue. The hotel’s Catch 31 restaurant is situated on the ground floor with statue and ocean views from indoors and outdoors and offers large fire pits where guests and locals mix and mingle. Guests who want to relax and soak in the ocean breeze while people watching can unwind in one of the hotel’s many rocking chairs placed alongside the boardwalk. The 21st floor has a rooftop Sky Bar that transforms into a lively scene with a DJ on summer evenings and into igloo dining spaces during winter. The outdoor and indoor pool is also located on this floor, the highest floor. Must-visit nearby restaurants include Love Song for dinner, The Atlantic on Pacific for happy hour, Dough Boys for a quick pizza, Duck Donuts for a decadent sweet treat, and Beachside Social to enjoy a full bar with shuffleboard and bocce ball.


Best Rental Property In Virginia Beach: The Pink House

The Pink House

Who Will Love It: Lovers of pink

All-Star Amenities: Solo stove; outdoor gas grill

What Not To Miss: Utilizing the pink golf cart that comes with the rental

Virginia Beach’s The Pink House certainly stands out—it’s quite literally all pink. Its walls are decorated with art pieces from all over the world, while its kitchen is decked out with upscale Café and SMEG appliances. The bungalow has three bedrooms and two full baths, which allows up to seven guests to sleep. Sonos speakers, pool and beach towels, beach chairs, toys for children and four beach cruisers with locks and a pump all come with the rental to make any Virginia Beach vacation easy and enjoyable. The heated saltwater plunge pool, pool loungers and stylish umbrellas urge guests to stay and relax.

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The boutique rental takes on characteristics of original Virginia Beach homes with flare from the Playa Grande Beach Club in the Dominican Republic. A highlight of renting this property is that it comes with a pink golf cart to cruise around the oceanfront. It is located minutes from The Vibe Creative District, the city’s cultural arts hub. Nab a reservation at nearby restaurant The Pink Dinghy to pair well with your pink vacation theme.


About Latifah Al-Hazza, Your Los Cabos All-Inclusive Resorts Guide

I am an Emmy Award-winning travel journalist and documentary filmmaker who graduated with journalism degrees from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (BS) and the University of Southern California (MS). I enjoy writing about all things travel, whether it’s about a tribe in the Omo Valley or the latest luxury hotel opening in the Maldives. My first international flight was when I was three months old; since then I’ve traveled to over 55 countries. When I’m not writing, you can find me (still) traveling solo, with my parents, or with my 4 pound Pomeranian. In addition to Forbes Vetted, my work can be found in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Travel + Leisure, Fodor’s, INSIDER, CNN Travel, The New York Times, TimeOut, and more. I am also the co-founder (along with my mother) of Femscape Sojourns, a boutique women’s travel company. I currently reside between Virginia, Chicago, and Kuwait. Follow my adventures on Instagram @tifahtravels.





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Virginia Tech HC James Franklin Gives High Praise For Clemson’s Dabo Swinney

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Virginia Tech HC James Franklin Gives High Praise For Clemson’s Dabo Swinney


CHARLOTTE, N.C. —  In this world of college football, with the transfer portal and recruiting battles, bad blood is present more than ever before between head coaches. 

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That’s not the case between the Virginia Tech head coach and Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, however. In fact, Franklin revealed at ACC Kickoff on Thursday that the two are actually close friends, dating back to their time at the Nike trip that various coaches take over the summer. 

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“Dabo’s my guy,” Franklin said on Thursday. “We go way back. We’ve been on the Nike trip for a long time. His wife and my wife are friends.”

The long-time Penn State head coach is making the move to the ACC after being fired from the Nittany Lions in October. 12 seasons of being with the program had Franklin hold a 44-21 record against top 10 opponents, an impressive record for a new conference foe of Swinney’s. 

But when that trip comes around, there’s a camaraderie between Swinney and Franklin and both of their wives. In fact, the two hang out with each other instead of the other coaches at times. It simply comes to an “edgy” time in college athletics that raises tempers. 

“I’m going to be honest, I wouldn’t say we’re necessarily like the type of people that love a lot of other coaches and a lot of other programs,” Franklin said. “It’s hard when you just compete year-round.”

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On Swinney’s end, there are a few who could immediately come to mind among Clemson fans. Perhaps the most recent would be Ole Miss coach Pete Golding, who played the most significant role in the tampering of former linebacker Luke Ferrelli. 

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It’s a select list of coaches who make the good side of the Tigers’ head coach, and Franklin is certainly on that list. On the other hand, Hokies’ head coach has Swinney on his own shortlist. 

“Obviously, tremendous respect for what he has built at Clemson and what he’s done at Clemson, and what he’s done for the ACC,” he said. 

The two will see that close relationship face off at Memorial Stadium this upcoming season. Clemson will host the Hokies on Oct. 24 in what could be a potential title-eliminator for the ACC Championship. 

Of course, the last game that we’ve seen the Tigers play in was against Franklin’s former team in Penn State at the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl. That game ended in a 22-10 contest that saw a foundation of Franklin players end Clemson’s season in disappointment. 

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Swinney will see many of those players once again in October, including starting quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, in that contest. The anticipated Hokie starter recorded 260 yards and two passing touchdowns on the Tigers in the Bronx that day. 

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Although friends become foes, another ACC coach has given Swinney his flowers for what he’s been able to do for the conference. In the upcoming moments, Franklin will look to prepare his team to prove itself on one of the biggest stages in the ACC, while Swinney looks to put his team back at the top of a conference he’s dominated for over 15 years. 

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Drought emergency declared for parts of Virginia; governor warns of water restrictions

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Drought emergency declared for parts of Virginia; governor warns of water restrictions


Extreme drought conditions in parts of Virginia have prompted an emergency drought warning for a wide swath of the region, including Bedford, Campbell, Charlotte, Franklin, Halifax, Henry, Mecklenburg, Patrick, Pittsylvania and Roanoke counties, along with the cities of Danville, Roanoke, Salem and Martinsville.

The governor has warned that if conditions worsen, she will activate mandatory nonessential water-use restrictions.

In Martinsville, city leaders have issued a voluntary water conservation notice and are urging residents and businesses to cut back where they can. The request comes as local businesses that rely heavily on water say the drought is already affecting day-to-day operations.

SEE ALSO: Botetourt County residents adjust daily routines as voluntary water restriction continues

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John Hughes, owner of John’s Car Wash, said the dry conditions have hit his business hard in recent weeks. “For the last 3 weeks, it’s been hitting pretty hard. We done three yesterday and haven’t done anything today with the drought and hot weather. Yeah, I’m really concerned about it,” Hughes said.

Restaurants are also feeling the strain. David Kitzmiller, an owner of Be Wiched, said water is essential for routine tasks such as washing dishes and preparing some menu items.

“We use a lot of water for washing dishes and some of our recipes if they limit us in anyway defiently can’t produce and its a scary aspect,” Kitzmiller said.

Kitzmiller added that cutting back is not always realistic for businesses that must meet sanitation needs. “Not really feasible for a business that depends solely relies on water to wash their dishes, so that can’t definitely be an impact there,” he said.

City leaders emphasized that the conservation request is voluntary for now, but they are encouraging everyone to do their part by taking shorter showers, turning off the faucet when it is not in use, washing only full loads of laundry, and limiting outdoor watering whenever possible.

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Five charged after Virginia Beach Police conduct human trafficking operation

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Five charged after Virginia Beach Police conduct human trafficking operation


VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Five people were charged after Virginia Beach Police conducted a two-day human trafficking and vice operation on July 3, according to the Virginia Beach Police Department.

The department’s Special Investigations Bureau conducted the operation, which was aimed at identifiying human trafficking victims, reducing the demand for commercial sex and targeting individuals seeking to exploit or recruit children for prostitution.

Detectives used many investigative techniques to proactively identify individuals involved in criminal activity related to prostitution, human trafficking and offenses against children. The operation was conducted in Virginia Beach, involving personnel from all of the bureau’s squads.

As a result of the operation, five people were identified and charged with offenses ranging from solicitation of prostitution to sex trafficking and crimes involving minors. Two vehicles and U.S. currency were seized during the operation. Other people were connected to victim services through Samaritan House.

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The operation led to the following people being charged:

  • Shane Carter, 28, of Norfolk, was charged with solicitation of prostitution.
  • Robert Harris, 64, of Virginia Beach, was charged with solicitation of prostitution and assault and battery.
  • Larry Pittman, 53, of Portsmouth, was charged with sex trafficking and use of electronic devices to facilitaate certain offenses involving minors.
  • Kenric Frazier, 46, of Portsmouth, was charged with sex trafficking, use of electronic devices to facilitate certain offenses involving minors and solicitation of child pornography.
  • Cameron Lewis, 24, of Norfolk, was charged with solicitation of prostitution.

Investigators also developed leads about people who are suspected of trafficking and exploiting others for commercial sex. Those are now active and ongoing investigations. There may be more charges and arrests pending further investigation and consultation with the Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

If you’re a human trafficking victim or know someone who is, you can report it to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.



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