Barclay Towers Resort Hotel

With its spacious suites and beachfront location, this mid-range hotel mainly attracts families seeking an easy beach vacation. Situated in an eight-story balconied building, the modest property reveals dated and chainlike interiors -- but the spaces are clean and pleasant enough. The lobby area is a mash-up of different styles, combining rough stone walls with a large shell chandelier and bright colors: vivid teal seating is paired with a cherry red coffee table, while colorful art adorns the walls. Other common areas, like the breakfast room, have the same kind of vibe. Though decor here is tired and uninspired, the location is convenient and the hotel offers a handful of perks and conveniences that makes it a good base for a Virginia Beach stay. 

The hotel is situated right across the street from the boardwalk and the beach in an area dotted with other hotels and lots of dining options. Area attractions include the Virginia Aquarium (five-minute drive), the First Landing State Park's lovely hiking trails (15-minute drive), and the Cape Henry Lighthouse (18-minute drive). Neptune's Park, which often hosts live music, is about a five- to 10-minute drive (depending on traffic), or a half-hour stroll along the boardwalk. Norfolk and its international airport is about a 25-minute drive from here. Chesapeake can be reached in around a half-hour.

The suites are uninspired and a bit dated in terms of decor, but they're clean, spacious, and full of amenities -- including kitchens -- that add convenience to a stay here. Simple wooden furnishings, brown patterned carpets, and off-white walls are brightened up by beachy framed prints and pops of light green hues courtesy of items like bed runners, bed skirts, sofas, and chairs. All suites have living rooms that are furnished with pull-out sofas, armchairs, and dining tables, plus they open onto small private balconies set with plastic chairs and ocean views. The kitchens are equipped with stoves, ovens, microwaves, fridges, coffeemakers, and cooking/dining-ware. Other standard amenities include flat-screen TVs (in both bedrooms and living rooms), electronic safes, irons/ironing boards, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms can be a bit of a tight squeeze, but they're clean and pleasant, with pale lime-green walls that brighten up the spaces. They're equipped with shower/tub combos and granite-topped sink vanities, plus toiletries are provided.

A handful of perks are offered at this modest hotel, including a heated indoor pool and a hot tub overlooking the beach outside. There's also a small fitness room equipped with a handful of cardio and strength-training machines. A continental breakfast of bagels, fruit, and cereal is included in rates and served daily in a dining space overlooking the beach. Other amenities include coin-operated laundry facilities and meeting/event space (including wedding facilities and services). Wi-Fi is free throughout, and limited parking is available for free -- but guests should note that the parking right in front of the hotel is limited, though there is more space across the street.