The Virginian Motel

We had a wonderful experience. The manager even runs a restaurant at the hotel, and the housekeeper was extremely helpful, going above and beyond, especially if you tip him. The rooms were very clean, and you can see the beach from the front of the hotel.

Our car was towed during the stay, and no one at the front desk had told us we needed a parking permit. When we raised it, they didn’t apologize or take responsibility, and instead blamed us for rules we hadn’t been told about. We were visiting from out of state, everywhere else was booked, and we had no other option. We had to pay another $180 in cash on top of our stay. It feels like a scam involving the motel and towing company. Other reviews describe similar cases, which makes it seem they may be keeping the permit information from guests so cars get towed and people have to pay. The motel itself wasn’t comfortable either. It wasn’t worth the money or the stress. Avoid it.

We stayed only two hours because there was no hot water. I told the front desk, and they said they’d send someone, but nobody came. When I went back, the doors were locked. I asked about a refund and they refused, so we left and got a room at another hotel. Awful stay.

For the price, I had a good room: clean and spacious, with two beds on the top floor, a new mini fridge and microwave, lots of granite counters, and tile floors. The A/C worked well. The bathroom was small but functional. The young woman at the desk was polite, spoke Arabic and English, asked if I needed anything, and made sure the room was ready on short notice. I’ve stayed in much worse places. The hotel is near public beach access and not too far down Ocean Boulevard from the main attractions. The outside of the Virginian could use the same kind of remodel as the rooms, but that would be quite a job. I’d rather pay for a good room than a good exterior. The other nearby hotels were being renovated or built, which made the area look dingy. There are also riff raff hanging around, and activity at night could bother some people. As an unfussy solo traveler, I had no concerns. Use common sense and trouble won’t find you. Those neighborhood issues aren’t the hotel’s fault. If you’re with family or a woman traveling alone, I’d look elsewhere. I’d still rate the hotel and staff positively.