Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel

My room was large, with USB-A and C charging ports by the bed, a TV that worked perfectly, and streaming services. The bathroom fixtures looked newer, but the bathroom itself, furniture, walls, and drywall were worn and due for an update. I was expecting little based on the reviews and the fact it was on the beach, so the stay exceeded those expectations. I’d stay again. I usually choose the Cavalier Resort when visiting VA Beach, but picked this Sheraton to be near colleagues attending a conference. It sits right on the beach, attached to the VA Beach boardwalk and linked to nearby hotels by the walkway. The garage is diagonally across the street, a manageable walk, though you’re exposed to the elements at ground level. Check-in was quick and great, and I got in early. I like that Marriott properties accommodate me when I arrive early, unlike Hilton, where I’m always told the scheduled check-in time instead of being looked after.

The hotel and staff were excellent, and they did what they could to accommodate me, but the noise was unbelievable. I stayed two off-season nights with my toddler, who goes to bed early and is up and active by 6:00 am. On the first night, our room connected to another, and I could hear the neighbors’ quiet conversation and ordinary activity as if the doors were open. I moved to a non-connecting room for the second night so I wouldn’t be worrying about keeping him quiet in the morning. That room was good until the people next door played their TV insanely loud. I called the front desk, but it stayed loud enough that it felt like I was watching the movie with them. I tried waiting for them to turn it off, then at 1:00 am I’d had enough and asked to move again. We were put in another connecting room, and I could hear quiet conversations from next door the next morning, so I started shushing my toddler. We packed and left as soon as we could. I live in a condo, so I don’t expect total hotel silence, but this was crazy. It may be the hotel’s construction, not the staff.

Parking costs $25, and breakfast is extra, $17 plus taxes for a Fairfield-level or below-average meal. If you stay, a package with breakfast for two and parking costs more than the base rate but seems better than paying for them separately. The hotel looks renovated and the rooms are very clean, but the work was patchy and below par. The shower leaks into the bathroom, and water then runs from the bathroom into the room, which is really frustrating. The bathroom is also the smallest I’ve ever seen at a Marriott, easily the smallest among Marriott locations. I’d avoid this hotel. I chose it only for the oceanfront setting and ocean-facing rooms.

I called before traveling from Raleigh and asked them to keep my reservation. The GSR guaranteed it wouldn’t be cancelled, but when I arrived, it had been cancelled. I’ve worked for Marriott for 3 years, and this was my first time using my discount at one of their properties. I’m not impressed and definitely not satisfied. The customer service is trash.