ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: After a short flight from Philadelphia International Airport to Norfolk International Airport, I enjoyed a 20-minute ride to my hotel in Virginia Beach. When I told my driver I had never been there before, he decided to take the scenic route instead of the highway so I could see more of the destination. When we got to the hotel, the friendly staff greeted me and led me inside to the front desk to check in. My room wasn’t quite ready, so I took the time to check out the stunning beach chic-themed lobby. I received a call when my room was ready, and the rest of check-in went smoothly.
GUEST QUARTERS: My room was located on the 22nd floor, the highest floor of guestrooms. When I entered my room, I was in awe. To the left I noticed plenty of closet space, with a decent-sized bathroom with a full walk-in shower to the right. As I continued into the room, a king-sized bed sat to the right and a smart TV to the left with a screen saying,“Welcome, Mary.” Other amenities included a desk, a chair for relaxing, storage drawers and a coffeemaker with a selection of decaf and regular coffees and teas. Although the room itself was great, the main feature, the balcony, provided a stunning view of the beach and ocean. I didn’t spend much time in the room, but I was glad it had a smart TV so I could watch Netflix each night before I went to bed.
PHOTO: © MARRIOTT VIRGINIA BEACH OCEANFRONT
SERVICES/AMENITIES: The hotel, much bigger than it looks, offers plenty of guest services and amenities. Two adjacent pools include an indoor/outdoor pool (most of it indoors, but not fully enclosed) and an outdoor infinity pool located right off the beach and surrounded by lounge chairs. Although it was a little cool, people were swimming. I didn’t get a chance to take a dip, but I did test the water, and it felt like a heated pool. If you aren’t into swimming, a lounge area offers turf and lounge chairs where you can sit and relax and enjoy the warm weather.
Located off the lobby, Tulu Seaside Bar & Grill serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as cocktails, wine and beer. This restaurant is a laid-back place where you can order appetizers, burgers and more. For a more sophisticated dining experience, the 23rd floor features Orion’s Roof, where we enjoyed an amazing dinner our first night. Our table had an incredible view of Virginia Beach as well as the beach and ocean.
Guests can rent bikes from the hotel to explore the surrounding area and boardwalk. Virginia Beach is a big bike-riding destination where people cycle all over. It is the perfect way to explore the town.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
The location of the hotel is perfect — walking distance from the boardwalk and right on the beach.
Orion’s Roof offers delicious seafood dishes, a great atmosphere and stunning views.
Guests can walk across the street and visit the historic Cavalier Hotel and tour Tarnished Truth, the in-hotel distillery.
MARRIOTT VIRGINIA BEACH OCEANFRONT
4201 Atlantic Ave.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
tel 757 937 4200
marriott.com
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