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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Virginia, USA

Accommodation Types

Exploring Your Stay

  • Hotels

    Options range from budget-friendly motels to luxury resorts with extensive services, concentrated along the Oceanfront.

  • Hostels

    Dedicated hostels are very limited or non-existent; budget motels may serve as alternatives for low-cost communal lodging.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Apartments, condos, and houses popular for families or longer stays; find them on platforms like Vrbo or Agoda.

  • Cottages & B&Bs

    Charming historic inns and bed & breakfasts appear in less commercial areas, offering a personal and cozier stay.

Camping Choices

  • First Landing State Park

    Offers tent and RV sites for a nature-connected experience.

  • Commercial Campgrounds

    Like KOA, these frequently feature cabins and additional amenities beyond basic sites.

  • House/Pet Sitting

    Consider TrustedHousesitters for unique accommodation exchanges.

  • Urban Rentals

    Apartment options within the Town Center for city-style living.

Neighborhood Guide

Virginia Beach divides into several distinct neighborhoods, each presenting an unique character and appeal.

Oceanfront Resort Area

Highlights
  • Direct beach access, lively atmosphere.
  • Walkability to many amenities.
  • Entertainment and dining readily available.
Considerations
  • Crowded and noisy during peak season.
  • Accommodation prices higher.
  • Parking challenging or costly.

Sandbridge

Highlights
  • Seclusion and natural beauty.
  • Close to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
  • Ideal for nature lovers.
Considerations
  • Significant drive to main resort area.
  • Fewer amenities and dining options within Sandbridge.
  • Mainly vacation homes.

Town Center

Highlights
  • Modern amenities.
  • Diverse dining choices.
  • Good for business travelers or city life preference.
Considerations
  • Not near the beach.
  • Driving coastal attractions.
  • Mainly commercial and residential.

Safety Overview

General Safety

Most areas are safe and well-patrolled, especially tourist zones. Remain aware of personal belongings in crowded spots.

Specific Area Notes

Oceanfront areas are well-policed; residential areas like North End and Chic's Beach present a calm environment.

Booking Strategies

Timely booking secures desirable options and rates.

Booking Timelines

  • High Season (June-August): Book 6-12 months ahead for best selection, especially for larger rentals or oceanfront hotels.
  • Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): Book 2-4 months ahead. Flexible travel may find good deals closer to date.
  • Low Season (November-March): Book 1-2 months ahead, or last-minute. Rates typically lowest then.

Booking Resources

  • Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Use Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, and Kayak for wide options.
  • Vacation Rentals: Find properties on Airbnb, Vrbo, or local property management.
  • Hotel Chains: Direct booking on IHG Hotels, Hilton, Marriott websites often give loyalty points.
  • House/Pet Sitting: TrustedHousesitters for unique lodging.

Important Considerations

Negotiation Customs
  • Negotiating walk-in rates is uncommon and usually unsuccessful, notably during peak season.
  • Online booking typically offers better rates and transparency.
Price Fluctuations
  • Accommodation prices may double or triple from low to high season.
  • Weekends are generally more expensive than weekdays, especially in summer.

Deposit & Cancellation Policies

Policy Variability

Policies vary widely by property and booking platform. Always check specific terms before booking.

High Season Terms

High-season bookings frequently have stricter cancellation policies and may require larger deposits.

Review all terms to prevent unexpected charges or issues.

Accommodation Recommendations

This table compares accommodation types. Below, find specific recommendations for different traveler types.

Accommodation Type Insights Part 1

Luxury Hotel

Full amenities, concierge services, prime location, fine dining.

  • High cost.
  • Potentially crowded public areas.
Mid-Range Hotel

Good value, comfortable amenities, convenient locations.

  • May be busy.
  • Quality varies between properties.

Accommodation Type Insights Part 2

Vacation Rental

More space, kitchen facilities, privacy, local neighborhood feel.

  • No daily cleaning.
  • Less service.
  • Requires more personal planning.
Budget Motel

Low cost, basic amenities, practical for short stays.

  • Limited services.
  • Older facilities.
  • Less ambiance.

Top Picks by Category

  • Budget-Friendly

    Coastal Hotel & Suites Virginia Beach - Oceanfront; Days Inn by Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

  • Mid-Range Comfort

    Hyatt House Virginia Beach / Oceanfront; Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront; Courtyard by Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront/South.

  • Luxury Stays

    The Cavalier Virginia Beach, Autograph Collection; Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront; Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

Specific Traveler Needs

  • Family-Friendly

    Hyatt House with suites and kitchens; Virginia Beach KOA Holiday with cabins and activities; many oceanfront hotels and vacation rentals.

  • Solo Travelers

    Mid-range Oceanfront hotels for convenience; properties near ViBe Creative District for local art and cafes.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Vacation rentals offer better value, kitchens, and laundry. Some hotels feature extended-stay rates.

  • Historic Charm

    The Cavalier Virginia Beach, Autograph Collection, a restored historic hotel from 1927, hosted Presidents and celebrities.

Features by Category

Hotel Benefits

Hotels feature full amenities, concierge services, and often prime locations.

  • Luxury Hotels: Spa, fine dining, pools.
  • Mid-Range Hotels: Pools, fitness centers, on-site dining.
Rental Advantages

Vacation rentals include more space, kitchen facilities, and privacy.

  • Vacation Rentals: Multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, laundry.
  • Campgrounds: Outdoor space, communal facilities, cabins.

Additional prominent Stays

The Cavalier Virginia Beach

An upscale, full-service resort with a storied past and meticulous restoration.

Virginia Beach KOA Holiday

Offers cabins, RV, and tent sites, along with numerous family activities.

Local Vacation Rentals

Options like Siebert Realty for Sandbridge properties.