I've just returned from visiting B&Bs in Virginia Beach, VA. I am amazed by the fact there are hundreds of hotels and motels there ... probably thousands ... and only four B&Bs. For B&B travelers, Virginia Beach offers four gems, but from July 4 through September, better book those rooms with plenty of notice! I visited during the shoulder season and had no trouble finding a room!
Of the four BedandBreakfast.com member B&Bs in Virginia Beach, two are just two blocks from the boardwalk and beach, and two have more rural locations. Sit in the lovely rocking chairs on the porch of Barclay Cottage, and take in the fireworks over the water on summer weekends. There are actually two porches here -- take your pick from the screened-in lower porch with colorful rocking chairs or the upper porch with a view to the water. Barclay Cottage feels like your home away from home. In fact, when you enter, the sign says "Welcome Home". A former school, the rooms are filled with reminders of its previous life. Colored pencils and writing tablets are offered for guest comments and drawings, and an Etch-A-Sketch is offered in the bath for those who wish to meander on the potty. Breakfasts are fabulous -- filled with hot entrees, fresh fruit and baked goods and great coffee, all served family style to encourage conversation with other guests. Best of all, though, are Steve and Marie-Louise. They are the consumate innkeepers -- friendly, helpful and interested in their guests. They really are what makes this a favorite of inngoers coming to Virginia Beach.
My next stop on the tour was to the Beach Spa B&B Inn, also just two blocks from the ocean and boardwalk. This purpose-built inn has more of a modern, cottage, feng shui feel to it. When I think of the Beach Spa B&B, I can't help but focus on the water features here. There is a fabulous built-in hot tub for guests with a waterfall and the most tremendous showers you've ever seen, filled with body jets, steam options, even AM-FM radios. I wouldn't be surprised if one of the buttons was dedicated to washing behind your ears! The calming colors and decor here give it almost a tropical feel. The rooms are inviting and large; perfect for romantic or spa getaways, yet also family friendly too.
While about seven miles from the ocean, Church Point Manor is an inviting complex of buildings offering a huge dose of history preserved with many new facilities for meetings, events and weddings, plus a restaurant and conference center. Located in the upscale Church Point neighborhood, this inn, restaurant and event venue offers the ideal place for larger gatherings. The rooms, unusually spacious, are all named after wine regions in France, and offer beautifully hand-painted murals, artwork and antiques. The grounds are wonderful. I particularly loved walking down the nicely maintained path to the river, where kayaks are available for paddling. I can understand why so many brides would choose this location for their special day.
The last B&B I visited was Country Villa B&B, about 15 minutes from the beaches and boardwalk. It's rural in nature, which offers those looking for a getaway that's far from the maddening crowds the option of a quieter setting, yet still within reach of Virgina Beach and other lovely smaller beaches nearby. There are two nicely appointed guest rooms here, each decorated with really interesting paint colors and techniques. Guests will enjoy wonderful breakfasts, served on a wide array of plates (no guest will eat from the same plate twice, no matter how long they stay!), a collection of the innkeeper here. I tried the home baked cookies, and they were yummy. Both an indoor and an outdoor spa, along with an expansive outdoor wedding location, are planned for this year, so tune in again next summer for extensive changes to the pool and grounds!
Why choose a cookie cutter hotel room when you can stay at these lovely B&Bs in Virginia Beach? They say Virginia Beach is for Lovers, so next time you go, stay at any of these romantic B&Bs for the perfect getaway.