Howard Johnson by Wyndham Virginia Beach At The Beach

This hotel, with its direct access to the beach and boardwalk, is a memorable choice for budget travelers and beachgoers seeking an affordable stay right by the ocean. Its prime location makes it ideal for guests who prioritize easy access to sand, sea, and nearby attractions, including restaurants and shops. While the hotel offers a no-frills experience, many guests find it suitable for short stays where the primary goal is to enjoy the outdoors rather than spend extensive time indoors. The hotel is particularly well-suited for families and couples looking for a convenient base to explore the Virginia Beach oceanfront without breaking the bank. To make the most of your visit, it is highly recommended to bring your own towels and essential toiletries, and to manage expectations regarding the level of luxury and certain amenities.

Facilities & Amenities

Guest feedback on the hotel's facilities and amenities is notably mixed, with several areas frequently highlighted for improvement. The swimming pool, while present and sometimes described as clean, is often noted for being small or occasionally closed. Wi-Fi connectivity receives inconsistent reviews, with some guests reporting good service while others experience poor or non-existent connections. The elevator is a recurring point of concern, frequently described as dirty, slow, broken, or even "sketchy," with visible damage. Parking is consistently mentioned as being tight and often insufficient, leading to difficulties in finding available spaces. Furthermore, the ice machines are frequently reported as being out of order, and guests often find the common areas, including hallways and stairwells, to be dirty and unkempt, sometimes with unpleasant odors.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort

The cleanliness and comfort of the rooms receive highly polarized feedback. While some guests report their rooms to be clean, comfortable, and recently renovated with pleasant aesthetics, a significant number of reviews describe the rooms as filthy, disgusting, or sketchy. Common complaints include stained sheets, dirty floors (often leaving feet black), and unpleasant odors, particularly of smoke. Issues with bed bugs are also reported by a few guests. Room amenities are often found to be lacking, with missing coffee makers, remotes, or toilet paper holders. Bathroom conditions are frequently criticized for being dirty, having mold, hair, or broken fixtures like faucets and toilet seats. Noise levels are a significant concern, with many guests reporting being disturbed by loud neighbors and street noise, indicating poor soundproofing. Air conditioning units are sometimes reported as non-functional or problematic, and water pressure in showers is often described as very low or inconsistent, with some reporting issues with hot water availability.

Dining & Food Quality

Feedback regarding the hotel's dining options, particularly breakfast, is overwhelmingly negative. Many guests express disappointment, stating that the advertised breakfast is either non-existent or severely inadequate. Descriptions of the breakfast often include only a few pre-packaged items such as honey buns, muffins, or cereal bars, with no proper seating area. Some reviews explicitly state that the hotel has not offered a full breakfast since the pandemic began, despite it still being advertised. Coffee and juice options are also criticized, with reports of rancid juice or coffee being too watery. Overall, the food quality and variety are consistently deemed unsatisfactory, leading many guests to seek dining options outside the hotel, often at nearby establishments.

Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as its strongest positive attribute. It is situated directly across the street from the beach and boardwalk, providing guests with immediate and convenient access to the oceanfront. This prime position places guests within easy walking distance of numerous restaurants, shops, and other local attractions. The proximity to the beach makes it an ideal choice for those primarily interested in beach activities. While the parking lot is frequently described as tight and sometimes insufficient, its availability is still appreciated by many guests. The hotel's location is often noted for being on a quieter side of the oceanfront, which some guests prefer for a more relaxed atmosphere, despite occasional reports of noise from other guests or the street.

Staff & Service

Guest experiences with the staff and service are highly varied. While some guests praise the front desk staff and housekeeping for being friendly, helpful, and accommodating, a significant number of reviews describe the staff as rude, unprofessional, or unresponsive. Issues frequently mentioned include difficulties with check-in, staff being unavailable at the front desk, and a lack of willingness to address guest concerns or provide basic necessities like towels or toilet paper. Some guests report being denied services or having their requests dismissed. Housekeeping service is often criticized for being inconsistent or non-existent, with rooms not being cleaned daily and towels not being replaced unless specifically requested multiple times. There are also reports of staff being argumentative or unhelpful when issues arise.

Additional Information

Guests should be aware that the hotel often appears outdated and in need of significant repairs and renovations, with many areas showing signs of wear and tear. There are recurring mentions of broken fixtures and general disrepair throughout the property. Some guests report issues with room keys not working consistently, requiring multiple trips to the front desk. The hotel's pet-friendly policy is mentioned positively by some, though specific details are scarce. There are also reports of a destination fee or additional charges upon arrival that were not clearly communicated during booking. Guests frequently advise that the hotel's online pictures are often deceptive and do not accurately represent the current condition of the property.