Top 10 Hotels in Virginia Beach, United States: Best Places to Stay

Top 10 Hotels in Virginia Beach, United States: Best Places to Stay - F

If you are comparing the top 10 hotels in Virginia Beach, the biggest decision is whether you want historic luxury, a full oceanfront resort, easy Boardwalk access or a quieter waterfront setting. Most visitors stay along the Oceanfront, but the experience changes considerably between the lively central resort area, the more upscale North End and the Chesapeake Bay side.

This ranking focuses on location, character, convenience and traveler type rather than constantly changing nightly prices. From the landmark Cavalier to modern oceanfront resorts and family-friendly suites, these ten hotels cover some of the strongest choices for a Virginia Beach stay.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you make a booking through one of these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate relationships do not determine our hotel rankings or recommendations.

Quick Verdict: Top 10 Hotels in Virginia Beach

Best Overall: The Cavalier Virginia Beach

Best Modern Oceanfront Resort: Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Best for Families: Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort

Best Central Oceanfront Stay: Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Best for Longer Stays: Hyatt House Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Best Chesapeake Bay Stay: Delta Hotels by Marriott Virginia Beach Waterfront Suites

Top 10 Hotels in Virginia Beach, United States: Best Places to Stay

Virginia Beach Hotels at a Glance

Use this quick comparison to find the Virginia Beach hotel that best matches your location, atmosphere and travel priorities.

RankHotelBest ForAreaMain Strength
#1The Cavalier Virginia BeachBest OverallNorth EndHistoric luxury
#2Marriott Virginia Beach OceanfrontModern ResortNorth EndOceanfront resort experience
#3Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront ResortFamiliesNorth EndSpacious suites
#4Hilton Virginia Beach OceanfrontCentral OceanfrontOceanfrontBoardwalk location
#5Hyatt House Virginia Beach OceanfrontLonger StaysOceanfrontConvenience and space
#6Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach OceanfrontCouples & FamiliesOceanfrontDirect beach access
#7Courtyard by Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront North 37th StreetQuieter Boardwalk StayNorth OceanfrontBeachfront location
#8Moxy Virginia Beach OceanfrontModern Social StayOceanfrontPlayful design
#9Delta Hotels by Marriott Virginia Beach Waterfront SuitesChesapeake BayChesapeake BayBayfront suites
#10Holiday Inn & Suites Virginia Beach North BeachFamily Beach TripNorth OceanfrontFamily-oriented amenities

#1 The Cavalier Virginia Beach — Best Overall

The Cavalier Virginia Beach

BEST FOR: Luxury travelers, couples and special occasions
AREA: North End
POSITIONING: Historic luxury landmark overlooking the Atlantic
BIGGEST STRENGTH: Unique combination of history, resort facilities and refined atmosphere
MAIN TRADE-OFF: The hotel itself sits back from the beach rather than directly on the Boardwalk

The Cavalier takes our #1 position because it offers an experience that is difficult to duplicate elsewhere in Virginia Beach. The restored historic hotel dates to 1927 and anchors the larger Cavalier Resort, giving guests a more distinctive sense of place than a conventional beachfront tower while retaining access to extensive resort amenities.

Why We Recommend It

  • One of Virginia Beach’s most distinctive historic hotels
  • Excellent choice for couples, celebrations and luxury coastal breaks
  • Part of the broader Cavalier Resort with extensive dining, wellness and recreation options

WHO SHOULD SKIP IT? Travelers whose main priority is stepping directly from their hotel onto the oceanfront should compare the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Embassy Suites next door.


#2 Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront — Best Modern Oceanfront Resort

Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront

BEST FOR: Couples, resort stays and ocean-view trips
AREA: North End
POSITIONING: Modern upscale oceanfront resort within the Cavalier Resort
BIGGEST STRENGTH: Direct oceanfront setting combined with extensive resort facilities
MAIN TRADE-OFF: Less historic character than The Cavalier

Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront is our preferred choice for travelers who want a modern resort directly beside the Atlantic. Its North End location feels somewhat removed from the busiest part of the resort strip, while the hotel remains connected to the broader Cavalier Resort experience.


#3 Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort — Best for Families

Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort

BEST FOR: Families, longer beach stays and travelers wanting extra space
AREA: North End
POSITIONING: All-suite oceanfront resort within the Cavalier Resort
BIGGEST STRENGTH: Spacious accommodations combined with a high-quality resort setting
MAIN TRADE-OFF: Couples seeking a more intimate luxury atmosphere may prefer The Cavalier

Embassy Suites is one of the strongest family choices in Virginia Beach because it combines the extra space of an all-suite property with an oceanfront location. It is particularly appealing for families who want resort amenities without sacrificing room to spread out during a longer beach vacation.


#4 Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront — Best Central Oceanfront Stay

Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront

BEST FOR: First-time visitors, couples and Boardwalk sightseeing
AREA: Oceanfront
POSITIONING: Full-service oceanfront hotel in the heart of the resort area
BIGGEST STRENGTH: Central Boardwalk location with direct access to the beach
MAIN TRADE-OFF: The central setting can feel busier than the North End

Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront is a particularly practical choice for visitors who want the classic Virginia Beach experience. Its location puts the Boardwalk, beach and central resort attractions immediately around you, reducing the need to drive during a short coastal getaway.


#5 Hyatt House Virginia Beach Oceanfront — Best for Longer Stays

Hyatt House Virginia Beach Oceanfront

BEST FOR: Families, longer stays and practical beach vacations
AREA: Oceanfront
POSITIONING: Comfortable oceanfront hotel designed for convenient extended stays
BIGGEST STRENGTH: Useful combination of location, space and everyday convenience
MAIN TRADE-OFF: Less of a destination-resort experience than the top three hotels

Hyatt House Virginia Beach Oceanfront works especially well when you plan to spend several days at the beach and want a straightforward, central base. It provides convenient Boardwalk access while offering the practical feel that families and longer-stay travelers often value.


#6 Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront — Best Balanced Oceanfront Stay

Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront

BEST FOR: Couples, families and straightforward beach trips
AREA: Oceanfront
POSITIONING: Modern beachfront hotel along the Boardwalk
BIGGEST STRENGTH: Direct oceanfront access without requiring a full resort experience
MAIN TRADE-OFF: Fewer destination-style amenities than the Cavalier Resort properties

Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront is a sensible middle ground for travelers who want to stay directly beside the beach without making the hotel itself the focus of the vacation. It works well for both couples and families who plan to spend much of their time exploring the Boardwalk and shoreline.


#7 Courtyard by Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront North 37th Street — Best Quieter Boardwalk Stay

Courtyard by Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront North 37th Street

BEST FOR: Couples, families and visitors wanting a calmer Boardwalk location
AREA: North Oceanfront
POSITIONING: Oceanfront hotel near the quieter northern end of the Boardwalk
BIGGEST STRENGTH: Combines beachfront convenience with a location away from the busiest central blocks
MAIN TRADE-OFF: Fewer luxury and resort amenities than the nearby Cavalier properties

This Courtyard is particularly appealing if you want direct access to the beach while staying toward the northern end of the main resort strip. The location keeps the Boardwalk convenient but provides a different feel from hotels positioned farther south in the busiest central section.


#8 Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront — Best Modern Social Stay

Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront

BEST FOR: Couples, friends and travelers who enjoy lively design
AREA: Oceanfront
POSITIONING: Playful lifestyle hotel directly on the oceanfront
BIGGEST STRENGTH: Fun contemporary personality that stands apart from traditional beach hotels
MAIN TRADE-OFF: Travelers seeking quiet luxury or traditional resort service should choose another property

Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront offers one of the more distinctive contemporary experiences along the resort strip. Its playful design and social atmosphere make it particularly suitable for couples and friends who want their hotel to feel energetic rather than formal.


#9 Delta Hotels by Marriott Virginia Beach Waterfront Suites — Best Chesapeake Bay Stay

Delta Hotels by Marriott Virginia Beach Waterfront Suites

BEST FOR: Families, quieter waterfront trips and Chesapeake Bay stays
AREA: Chesapeake Bay / Shore Drive
POSITIONING: Suite-focused waterfront hotel away from the main Oceanfront resort strip
BIGGEST STRENGTH: A calmer waterfront experience with spacious accommodations
MAIN TRADE-OFF: You will need to drive to reach the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and central Oceanfront attractions

Delta Hotels is the most different choice in our ranking because it sits on the Chesapeake Bay rather than the Atlantic Oceanfront. That makes it particularly attractive for travelers who prefer a quieter waterfront setting and spacious suites over immediate access to the busy Boardwalk.


#10 Holiday Inn & Suites Virginia Beach North Beach — Best Family Beach Trip

Holiday Inn & Suites Virginia Beach North Beach

BEST FOR: Families and traditional beach vacations
AREA: North Oceanfront
POSITIONING: Family-oriented oceanfront hotel toward the northern Boardwalk
BIGGEST STRENGTH: Family-friendly setting with direct access to the beach
MAIN TRADE-OFF: Less upscale than the leading Cavalier Resort properties

Holiday Inn & Suites Virginia Beach North Beach rounds out our ranking as a practical choice for families who want a traditional oceanfront vacation. Its northern location provides easy beach access while keeping guests somewhat removed from the busiest central portion of the resort strip.

Where to Stay in Virginia Beach

NORTH END: The northern end of the Oceanfront is our preferred area for travelers who want a more upscale or relaxed beach experience while remaining close to the main resort district. The Cavalier, Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Embassy Suites form an especially strong concentration of high-quality hotels here.

CENTRAL OCEANFRONT: Stay along the central Oceanfront when Boardwalk access, restaurants and classic Virginia Beach sightseeing are the priorities. Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Hyatt House are especially practical for visitors who want to leave the car parked during much of their stay.

NORTH OCEANFRONT: Hotels toward the upper end of the Boardwalk offer direct beach access while generally feeling more removed from the busiest central blocks. Courtyard North 37th Street and Holiday Inn & Suites North Beach are useful choices in this part of the resort area.

CHESAPEAKE BAY: The Chesapeake Bay side provides a noticeably different beach vacation from the Atlantic Oceanfront. Delta Hotels by Marriott Virginia Beach Waterfront Suites is our preferred option when a calmer bayfront setting matters more than Boardwalk access.

SANDBRIDGE: Sandbridge is much quieter and more residential than the main resort area. It is better known for vacation homes than large hotels, so travelers specifically seeking a resort-style hotel will generally find stronger options along the Oceanfront.

Which Virginia Beach Hotel Should You Choose?

For the most distinctive overall experience, start with The Cavalier Virginia Beach. If direct oceanfront access is more important than historic character, Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront is our preferred alternative. Families wanting additional space should also compare Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort.

For a classic Boardwalk trip, Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront provides a highly convenient central base. Travelers who would rather escape the main resort strip should look closely at Delta Hotels by Marriott Virginia Beach Waterfront Suites for a very different Chesapeake Bay experience.

How We Chose the Top 10 Hotels in Virginia Beach

Location matters enormously in Virginia Beach because staying at the North End, central Oceanfront or Chesapeake Bay can create very different vacations. We considered not only hotel quality but also how useful each location is for beach access, sightseeing, families and different styles of coastal trip.

Our ranking of the top 10 hotels in Virginia Beach also considers character, convenience, resort facilities and which type of traveler each property serves particularly well. A historic luxury hotel and a spacious family resort can therefore both rank highly for different reasons.

Nightly prices vary substantially according to season, weekends, events and room type, so temporary rates do not determine the ranking. Always verify current facilities, policies and the exact room or view category that matters to you before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best hotel in Virginia Beach overall?

The Cavalier Virginia Beach is our best overall choice because it combines historic character, luxury and access to the extensive Cavalier Resort experience. Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront is the stronger option if staying directly beside the ocean is your top priority.

Which Virginia Beach hotel is best for families?

Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort is our leading family choice thanks to its suite-based accommodations and oceanfront resort setting. Hyatt House and Holiday Inn & Suites North Beach are also worth considering for family trips.

What is the best area to stay in Virginia Beach?

The Oceanfront is the easiest area for most first-time visitors because it combines the beach, Boardwalk, restaurants and attractions. The North End is particularly attractive if you want a more upscale and somewhat calmer experience, while the Chesapeake Bay side suits travelers seeking a quieter waterfront stay.

Which Virginia Beach hotel is best for couples?

The Cavalier Virginia Beach is our preferred choice for couples and special occasions. Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront is an excellent alternative for couples who want a contemporary resort directly on the ocean.

Should you stay on the Oceanfront or Chesapeake Bay?

Choose the Oceanfront if you want the classic Virginia Beach experience with Atlantic waves, the Boardwalk and easy access to resort-area attractions. Choose the Chesapeake Bay side if you prefer a calmer waterfront atmosphere and do not mind driving to the main Oceanfront.

Final Thoughts on the Top 10 Hotels in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach offers everything from landmark historic luxury to modern oceanfront resorts and practical family hotels. Choose the North End for a more upscale coastal stay, the central Oceanfront for maximum Boardwalk convenience, or the Chesapeake Bay when a quieter waterfront experience matters most.

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