Virginia Beach Resort Hotel and Conference Center

Guests at the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel and Conference Center are greeted with a spacious lobby that's filled with natural light streaming through the large, glass-front entrance. Despite the bright first impression, the hotel has seen better days. Decor is dated, with flashy 1980s-style mirrored ceilings and columns mixed with older carpeting. There are several places for guests to sit and relax in the lobby, or elsewhere in the hotel, including pools, a private beach, and a cafe. TradeWinds restaurant has a generic vibe similar to the rest of the hotel, filled with tables topped with bright blue tablecloths, gray carpeting, and a couple of bright, seaside paintings on the wall -- it's popular for weekend brunch. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook a covered wooden deck furnished with plastic patio furniture where guests can dine alfresco. The hotel is a popular venue for a range of functions with its wealth of event space. Couples, families, business travelers, and groups of friends are all frequent guests.

The hotel sits on Shore Drive, which runs along the bayfront overlooking Chesapeake Bay. It’s a quiet area that's surrounded by condominiums and across the street from a strip mall. There isn't much for tourists in the immediate area, aside from the on-site beach, though there are a few dining options that are walkable from the hotel. Norfolk International Airport is 20 minutes away by car, as is the Virginia Beach boardwalk. Pretty First Landing State Park is a two-minute drive, or 20-minute walk for the ambitious, and has a beach as well as nature trails. The Virginia Beach Tennis and Country Club, where hotel guests receive free limited daily court time, is also a two-minute drive from the hotel. Shuttle services to and from the airport and to area restaurants and attractions are available for free.

The hotel's 295 suites are all spacious, with generous living areas that include separate bedrooms and granite-counter efficiencies with microwaves, refrigerators, and coffeemakers. That being said, the rooms aren't modern and the extra space combined with spartan decor makes them feel austere. Dated details include pastel floral linens, pullout couches with worn fabric, and old tube TVs. Artwork on the tan walls is similarly soft and floral, and all rooms are carpeted and outfitted with light wood veneer furniture. Living rooms open to large private balconies that overlook the water, plus all rooms have air-conditioning. Other amenities include irons and ironing boards and a good amount of closet space. Bathrooms are fairly standard, with sinks and ample vanity space located in a separate area from the toilets and shower/tub combos. Hairdryers and toiletries come standard.

The hotel’s private beach on Chesapeake Bay is only accessible to guests and surrounding residents and there’s also a large heated indoor pool which opens up to an outdoor pool in the warmer months. TradeWinds restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a popular Sunday brunch, plus there's also an on-site cafe that serves Starbucks coffee. Breakfast is not included in room rates. The hotel has a small gift shop that sells beach toys and souvenirs. There's also a fitness center as well as a sauna and hot tub, plus massage services are available. Guests receive free daily court time at the Virginia Beach Tennis and Country Club. Free bicycle rentals are available as well. The property is a popular spot for a variety of functions, offering 16,000 square feet of event space, including a ballroom and five meeting rooms. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.