The 11 best hotels in Virginia Beach

A hotel with history, the Cavalier is as well known as its former guests – from Scott F Fitzgerald to Frank Sinatra. Originally opened in 1927 and fully renovated and restored 90 years later, it has retained original features and offers a day spa, a distillery, and high-end restaurants, all surrounded by beautiful gardens. With the reopening of the original Beach Club later this year (2018), the Cavalier will offer the perfect luxury resort complete with an infinity pool, live events, and cabanas to relax in.

Where is it? Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach. 

Time Out tip: From May through to September, you'll find a range of activities hosted by the hotel. Everything from wine tasting and Aqua Fit to movie nights and Craft Day for kids - don't miss out. 

A down-to-earth beach-side resort with an added dash of luxe, the Hilton offers the best of both worlds, sometimes literally. With a split indoor-outdoor pool and a separate balcony lounge area overlooking the beach, families and couples can both relax here. The ever-popular Lagerheads offers local craft beers on tap as well as great burgers, so you can try the best local produce on-site before you explore the boardwalk and beyond.

Where is it? Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach.

Time Out tip: Top perks at the Hilton Garden Inn include pet-friendly rooms, room service, and tucking into a decent fresh breakfast with an oceanview backdrop. 

Front row seats on the beach? Count us in. Just moments from the boardwalk, this hotel is in a prime spot for sunbathing, cycling, and piña colada-ing - you catch our drift. Rooms are spacious and modern, offering beachfront views and amenities like a microwave and a fridge. Now the debate over hot pockets is covered, you'll also have access to an indoor pool for a relaxing swim or you can soak in the hot tub if you prefer.

Where is it? Atlantic Avenue, right on the oceanfront.

Time Out tip: The complimentary breakfast is a no-brainer.

A smart beachfront hotel with some wallet-friendly perks, the Hyatt House offers the sea views of its neighbors and free breakfasts too. Relax on your private balcony and rustle up lunch in your mini-kitchen, which is ideal for longer stays and keeping costs down. There’s an oceanfront bar to settle into and an indoor pool, not to mention being right by Neptune Park and all the summer entertainment it has to offer.

Where is it? Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach. 

Time Out tip: Consider Neptune Park's picturesque oceanfront vistas your sign to give rollerblading a go during Spring Break or summer.

Located in the heart of the city, this hotel is within walking distance of the best entertainment and nightlife VA Beach has to offer. With local and big-name restaurants, comedy clubs, and trendy bars all close by, you can enjoy the perfect city break with trips to the beach in easy reach. There’s an indoor pool, fitness center, and restaurant serving up fresh breakfasts and fine dinners - ideal for a recovery day before heading home.

Where is it? Town Center Drive, Virginia Beach. 

Time Out tip: Like a slower pace? Take a day trip to the must-see Norfolk Botanical Garden for a romantic stroll among the roses and hydrangeas. 

Stroll through perfectly manicured English gardens at this luxurious four-star hotel, complete with a full spa, two pools and a fitness center. Located in the suburbs of Virginia Beach (handy for local sports and music venues and the airport) and designed in a Grand Georgian style, the hotel boasts impressive architecture and period furnishings that can’t help but add a little sophistication to your stay. Treat yourself at the spa and dine on local produce while overlooking the gardens before a sunset-stroll for maximum romance points. It’s surprisingly pet-friendly too, so you can even bring your pooch along.

Where is it? Indian River Road, Virginia Beach. 

Time Out tip: As it's not super close to any of the main attractions in Virginia Beach, the Inn is defo where you head if you're looking for a cozy staycation. 

Nothing says vacation like an infinity pool overlooking the sea, and Hilton has made it happen at its smart beachfront resort. Within walking distance of the popular/legendary Neptune statue on the Boardwalk, there’s no better location, especially with the boardwalk entertainment during summer. The newly renovated rooms are smart and there’s a definite couples vibe, with a Sky Bar and locally-focused Catch 31 restaurant boasting fire pits and a raw bar for your dream evening.

Where is it? Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach. 

Time Out tip: Enjoy monthly Lunch Specials like the Fig Jam Burger or the Shrimp Ceviche at Catch 31. 

One for the families, this hotel offers three swimming pools with a lazy river and splash lagoon, as well as a movie theater and kid’s club. Located in the quieter North Beach area, it’s still only a few minutes from the more central boardwalk area and is right across from the beach. Rooms are bright and come with everything you need, including a microwave and coffee maker – if you're lucky you can snag a room with a balcony and enjoy your morning coffee overlooking the ocean. Add in three restaurants to choose from and a hot tub to relax in after a day at the beach…perfection.

Where is it? Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach.

Time Out tip: For a family fun day out head Busch Gardens Williamsburg, considered the most beautiful theme park on the planet. 

One of the best value hotels in the area, the Surf Break offers the perks of the higher-end options but on a more affordable budget. The outdoor pool and beach views are enough to keep you in that vacation mood, and you’re close to the Oceanfront area for entertainment and restaurants too. The decor is smart and feels anything but budget, while the restaurant serves up great food and cocktails to enjoy as the sun sets.

Where is it? Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach. 

Time Out tip: With Virginia Boardwalk just 1km away, is the perfect excuse to rent a bike and enjoy panoramas of the oceanfront in style. And when it comes to seaside grub, Catch 31 is always an excellent choice.

The vacation starts when you step inside the tropical reception, and certainly puts you in the mood to take advantage of the four oceanfront pools… ideally with a cocktail in hand. Sharing facilities with Oceanaire Resort, there are plenty of family-friendly entertainment options as well as adults-only pool areas too. Poolside loungers and a gym with panoramic views will tempt you away from the beach, even if it’s not for long. The bright colors and palm trees thankfully don’t extend to the rooms, which are standard hotel decor.

Where is it? Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach. 

Time Out tip: While there's no breakfast in sight, it's the perfect excuse to visit Three Ships Coffee Roasters for a cold brew and a World Famous Beckyn sandwich. Spoiler: it's delish. 

Right next door to Norfolk International Airport, Fairfield Inn & Suite's cozy, rooms and suites are the perfect stopover for your trip to Virginia Beach. Whether you're here on business or for leisure, the hotel is equipped with all you need to get your stay off to a relaxing start, including flexible workspaces, desks, free Wi-Fi, and a calming design throughout. 

Where is it? Near Norfolk Airport.

Time Out tip: With breakfast included in your stay, it would be rude not to.