Twenty miles of beaches adorn this popular vacation spot on the Chesapeake Bay, the largest and most populous city in the commonwealth of Virginia. To cement (or, er, bronze) its role as an aquatic wonderland, there’s a massive, 12-ton statue of King Neptune, ruler of the sea, stationed at one of the city’s popular beaches. With Neptune City as one of the locale’s monikers, there’s accordingly plenty to do seaside.
For travelers headed to Neptune’s realm, we’ve compiled five hotels for you, each relatively friendly for budgeting folk. A word of caution: prices surge during the summer, most noticeably on weekends.
The Oceanfront Inn
From $96/ night
Three minutes from the beach (and three miles from the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center), the Oceanfront Inn lives up to its name. Select rooms at this property have a balcony so you can enjoy the sea views. If you can’t get a balcony, that’s OK — each room comes with a TV, fridge, bathroom and coffeemaker. The on-site dining—Neptune’s Restaurant—is named after the city’s resident deity, serving up three meals a day at affordable prices. (Many breakfast and lunch entrees are around $10.) Looking to enjoy something more extravagant for dinner, like lobster tail or a Delmonico steak? This is the place, and you can indulge all that protein while overlooking the ocean.
The Barclay Towers Hotel and Resort
From $126/night
The Atlantic Ocean is close —really close, as in three minutes. Prepare for your (admittedly brief) trek to the beach with the included, complimentary breakfast. This smoke-free property includes balconies and ocean views with each suite, as well as a sofa bed and cable TV. There’s plenty to do outside the hotel, too. Adventure Parasail is within walking distance. The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, Mystery Dinner Playhouse, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and Neptune’s Park are all less than two miles away.
Sheraton Oceanfront Hotel
From $131 / night
This modern, slightly urbane Sheraton sits only two minutes from the beach. It boasts a fitness center, gift shop, “exclusive” Sheraton bedding and two sizable swimming pools. On-site, there are two restaurants to whet your appetite: the Cabanas Seaside Bar & Grill, and Fusion Restaurant & Lounge. The latter is open for three meals a day, and there you can enjoy wood fire grilled shrimp and grits or Sheraton seared scallops, served over a bed of crunchy arugula. Pet lovers, take note: your furry friends are not only allowed, but they can stay free of charge! Wifi and parking are offered gratis as well.
Belvedere Beach Resort
From $109 / night
Past guests have given high marks to this beachfront property. Close to Neptune’s Park and the Pacific Place Shopping Center, customers have raved about the staff’s helpfulness and friendly attitudes. As appealing as good service are the lux ocean views you can get from you private balcony, included with every room. The Belvedere Coffee Shop serves up breakfast and lunch daily, and offers another opportunity to gaze at the Atlantic, and contemplate. Maybe you could ponder where you’ll go with one of the resort’s free bike rentals?
Four Points by Sheraton
From $118 / night
At a whopping one minute’s distance from the shore, it’s hard to beat this property’s proximity to the ocean. An indoor pool and private balconies further this hotel’s aquatic offerings, while a 42” flatscreen, microwave, kitchenette and fridge complete the comfort in each suite. There are two dining options for you, both with piscine flavor: Fish Bones and Jumpin’ Shrimp, the latter of which sports a rather comprehensive menu, from burgers, comfort food and steak to bountiful seafood (such as a literal bucket of shrimp). Speaking of food, breakfast is included with certain rooms. Don’t worry; there’ll be plenty of opportunity to burn those calories: the fitness center is open 24-hours.