ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: After a short flight from Philadelphia to Norfolk, I enjoyed a 20-minute ride to my hotel in Virginia Beach. My driver took the scenic route so I could get a first glimpse of the area. At the hotel, friendly staff greeted me and took me to the front desk. My room wasn’t quite ready, so I spent a few minutes admiring the beach-chic lobby. The hotel called when my room was prepared, and check-in finished smoothly.
GUEST QUARTERS: My room was on the 22nd floor, the highest guest floor, and offered a striking view. Inside, there was ample closet space to the left and a well-appointed bathroom with a full walk-in shower to the right. The main area featured a king-sized bed and a smart TV displaying a welcome message. The room also included a desk, a comfortable chair, storage drawers and a coffeemaker with regular and decaf options plus tea. The balcony was the highlight, providing a sweeping view of the beach and ocean. Although I spent little time in the room, the smart TV made for pleasant evenings watching streaming shows before bed.
PHOTO: © MARRIOTT VIRGINIA BEACH OCEANFRONT
SERVICES/AMENITIES: The hotel is larger than it appears and offers a variety of amenities. Two adjacent pools include an indoor/outdoor option and an outdoor infinity pool facing the beach, surrounded by lounge chairs. Even on cooler days visitors were swimming; the water felt heated when I tested it. If you prefer not to swim, there’s a relaxed lounge area with turf and lounge chairs to soak up the weather and the atmosphere.
Connected to the lobby, Tulu Seaside Bar & Grill serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with cocktails, wine and beer. The restaurant is casual, with a menu of appetizers, burgers and more. For a refined evening, the 23rd-floor restaurant Orion’s Roof provides elevated dining with spectacular views of the beach and ocean — an excellent spot for a special dinner.
The hotel rents bikes, making it easy to explore the boardwalk and surrounding neighborhoods. Virginia Beach is a popular cycling destination, and biking is an ideal way to see the town and enjoy the seaside scenery.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
The hotel’s location is ideal — directly on the beach and within walking distance of the boardwalk.
Orion’s Roof serves excellent seafood in a pleasant atmosphere with panoramic views.
Across the street, guests can visit the historic Cavalier Hotel and see Tarnished Truth, the on-site distillery.
MARRIOTT VIRGINIA BEACH OCEANFRONT
4201 Atlantic Ave.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
tel 757 937 4200
marriott.com