Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort

We stayed in a corner room and had a balcony with chairs and an ocean view, plus a view across the street of the historic Cavalier, their “sister” hotel. The restaurant by the lobby, TULU, was delicious for drinks, dinner, and breakfast. The hotel felt modern, updated, squeaky clean, and had a luxe beach vibe I haven’t experienced in VaBeach for a while. There was also a hotel across the parking lot in their little compound, where I found toiletries and Tylenol in its convenience store area. We didn’t bring swimsuits, so we skipped the inviting zero-entry indoor pool with its sand-like texture. We’ll definitely come back in summer for the ocean-side pool, beach access, and rooftop bar and grill.

Simone, Calvin and Anthony at the front desk were welcoming and pleasant, and they really paid attention to what we needed. They even had great suggestions for local activities. Each time I called, someone picked up on the first ring. I had a short Thanksgiving getaway on the 12th floor, with a comfortable, immaculate modern room and a balcony facing the Atlantic Ocean. The fitness center was well lit, open 24 hours, and had everything you could think of. We had a blast and will definitely return soon.

The North-side view was incredible. We watched naval aircraft and merchant vessels go by all day, so binoculars might be worth bringing. Orion's Roof was delicious, and the staff treated my party really nicely. The Starbucks and ice cream shop together were a godsend. There’s a hidden resort fee, which nobody likes, but there was an impressive range of activities and amenities to use. This is an upscale, modern, well-kept hotel, with clean rooms, great restaurants, top-notch exercise and recreation facilities, and attentive staff. It costs a lot, but after dozens of Marriott stays around the country, including other disappointing “resort” properties, I was impressed. My only real complaint was the irritating scavenger-hunt lighting, with a separate switch for every light. This is how all Marriott properties should be run.

Dolphins were at the beach every morning, and the views were amazing. I booked five days to visit my siblings, who are stationed overseas, and managed to stop at Norfolk base. The hotel went above and beyond by letting me set up a small cake in the lobby to surprise my siblings when they arrived. Service and valet were so fast and attentive that things were often done before I even remembered asking. Someone snuck a dog into the hotel and I stepped in its poop, but housekeeping cleaned it up in under five minutes and offered to dry-clean my shoes. Great place. I’ll definitely stay again!