Residence Inn by Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Bright, airy decor and lots of windows make the lobby and public areas of this Residence Inn feel especially welcoming. Typical clientele includes couples, families, and dog-lovers.The hotel bills itself as the only pet-friendly extended-stay hotel in Virginia Beach -- and they have the dogs to prove it.  During our visit we spotted numerous pet owners walking around with their dogs -- on the elevator, in the hallways, on the boardwalk; there are even free dog bones at the coffee station in the lobby. If dogs aren’t your thing, check out the Hampton Inn Oceanfront North, a few doors down, with similar amenities, minus Fido.

Located on the quieter, northern end of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, the Residence Inn is a good choice for those looking to avoid the crowds. A handful of shops and restaurants are within walking distance, and guests can easily stroll down the boardwalk to Neptune’s Park, which hosts free concerts in the summer. A bike path also runs along the boardwalk.

• Three-minute walk to Neptune’s Park
• Six-minute drive to the Virginia Beach Convention Center 
• Eight-minute drive to the Virginia Aquarium 
• Nine-minute drive to Ocean Breeze Waterpark 
• 12-minute drive to hiking trails at First Landing State Park          

Residence Inn’s one-bedroom suites (400 square feet) include one king bed or two queen beds, plus a sofa bed (maximum occupancy is six). Suites also have separate living and dining areas, flat-screen TVs, and private oceanfront balconies.  All rooms come with fully equipped kitchens (full-size refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, stovetop, coffeemaker), but only three of the 72 rooms have an oven. Red accents walls and sea-green sofa beds, coupled with light-colored wooden furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows, give the rooms a warm airy feel.

Hotel highlights include a free hot breakfast buffet served in a sunny dining room, an indoor pool with hot tub, and a small fitness center with three cardio machines. There are also a tiny convenience store, guest laundry room, outdoor barbecue grill, and a cozy lounge with a fireplace and computer station. Freebies include Wi-Fi, hors d’oeuvres twice per week, and a coffee station with cookies (and dog biscuits) every afternoon. Staff will even stock guests’ fridges prior to their arrival -- just supply a shopping list and pay for the items. Free parking is also provided, including valet service, although the parking lot was completely full during our Saturday visit.