Best Beach Hotels in Virginia Beach

Occupying a 21-story building that towers over its neighbors, the snazzy, 289-room Hilton Virginia Beach stands out from its hotel neighbors. The centrally located beachfront hotel has lots of amenities for leisure and business travelers. There are two pools, one of which is a rooftop infinity pool with great views, two upscale restaurants, and a bar. Most of the chain-like rooms have beach-facing balconies. That said, there are fees for Wi-Fi (unless guests are Hilton Honors members) and parking, both of which are free at most other hotels in town.

Renovated in 2013, this oceanfront property offers 72 spacious suites with private balconies and kitchens, plus plenty of free perks and amenities. Many guests take advantage of the pet-friendly policy, so look elsewhere if dogs aren’t your thing. Considering its prime location on the boardwalk and excellent ocean views, this Residence Inn is a solid value for those seeking a bit more space.

At the northern end of the Virginia Beach boardwalk, the oceanside Holiday Inn & Suites North Beach is a mid-range hotel with resort-style amenities. There are three pools (including a splash pool and a lazy river), three restaurants, a kids' club (with a resident African tortoise) -- even a a 48-seat movie theater -- making it a popular choice with family vacationers. Rooms are colorful and have a nautical theme; suites come outfitted with kitchenettes. 

This mid-range chain hotel sits on the beach in a strip of oceanfront hotels on the far north end of the Virginia Beach boardwalk, which is much quieter than the area farther south. The 160 rooms have dated design elements, but they're homey and have balconies with beautiful ocean views. The hotel features a long outdoor pool plus an indoor pool and hot tub. There are also meeting rooms, a business center, and a breakfast room. Most hotels in town all have a similar straightforward, slightly dated style.

Housed in a white concrete building and dwarfed by larger hotels on each side, the Belvedere looks like it belongs in the 1960s, at least from the outside. The inside is more consciously "retro" and charmingly quaint than dated, with pale-wood wall paneling that resembles driftwood, simple sky-blue and white furnishings, and 50 nautical-themed rooms with ocean views. The hotel is popular with families and couples on a budget vacation, and while there is free Wi-Fi, there's little else to attract business travelers. It's open only for seven months out of the year.

Like many chain hotels in Virginia Beach, the Hampton Inn has an institutional look, with row upon row of balconies facing the beach. It's more pleasant inside, with 120 rooms that have a slight nautical theme (as well as lap desks, microwaves, mini-fridges, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and the aforementioned balconies or patios looking out over the ocean). A modern fitness center and indoor pool with whirlpool are both open 24 hours. A hot breakfast is included in the room rate, and parking is free.

This renovated beachfront hotel sits right by the Virginia Beach boardwalk and offers 149 rooms that overlook the ocean. There’s a bright beachfront bar and grill where children under 12 eat free from the kids’ menu, though breakfast isn’t included in the room rate. Other amenities include a large indoor saltwater pool and an updated fitness center (that's tiny). Rooms have colorful decor and are outfitted with mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers, though noise from the beach can be an issue.

This mid-range Best Western Plus isn’t very exciting, but it does offer a solid range of features -- including two pools, a nice fitness center, game room, and restaurant with free hot breakfasts -- plus unbeatable views of the ocean. The decor is bland and some areas could use updating, but this hotel is a good overall value in a great beachfront location.

Overlooking the Virginia Beach boardwalk, the Four Sails Resort is a low-cost time-share property made up of condo-style units, each with its own whirlpool tub. There are an indoor heated pool, an exercise room with a sauna, and a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The hotel's central location and low room rates make it a good choice for budget travelers who want a full kitchen.