Crowne Plaza Hotel Virginia Beach -Town Center

In classic Crowne Plaza style, this hotel feels corporate and office-like both inside and out. Things can be busy here, especially in high season when crowds in town to visit the beach and large business groups compete for space. The massive lobby has a shiny floor and a lounge with black leather bench seats, low armchairs, and attractive framed photos on the dark-purple walls. This space received a few upgrades in 2016, such as a modern display behind the front desk. The lobby opens to a landing, which features several pairs of armchairs and small tables. There's a "health station" with a glass dispenser containing lemon water and a business center crammed into a narrow space with a couple of computers and a copy machine. The breakfast area is a bit dark and narrow and while the meeting and convention space is big and has numerous rooms of all sizes, there are no windows and very little natural light.

Situated directly off of the Norfolk Virginia Beach Expressway, this hotel is neighbored by the Candlewood Suites Hotel and large apartment buildings, condos, and town homes in what is considered the real estate district. It is a quiet and clean residential area. However, the beach is not within walking distance. The hotel is located directly behind Town Center, which is a mixture of specialty shops, cafes, malls, craft restaurants, and movie theaters. The area is about a 15-minute walk or three-minute drive from the hotel. The beach and boardwalk are a 15-minute drive away. Downtown Norfolk and Norfolk International Airport are both a 15-minute drive from the hotel as well.

There is nothing spectacular about the 150 rooms at this hotel, but they are mostly modern in a straightforward, chain-hotel way, featuring dark wood veneer cabinets, headboards, and nightstands. The striped carpet looks dated. Rooms feature either a pair of double beds or a large king bed, and all rooms offer several channels on modern flat-screen TVs plus mini-fridges and microwaves tucked into wooden cabinets. Rooms also have desks with rolling chairs and armchairs, and some King Rooms have larger living spaces with sofa beds. Bathrooms are on the smaller side, but are bright and have light tile floors and speckled granite countertops, all with shower/tub combos. Newspapers are delivered to rooms upon request and bathrooms come with nice packets of aromatherapy oils and creams. As the hotel can get busy with families seeking reasonable rates near the beach in high season, there's a designated quiet floor for those needing extra peace.

There's a typical array of offerings here for a suburban chain hotel. The restaurant serves a large hot and cold buffet breakfast, as well as breakfast items a la carte, though breakfast is not included in room rates. Dinner service includes typical American food like burgers and steaks, as well as local dishes. The fitness room is only equipped with a couple of pairs of treadmills and bikes, but they are modern and the room features a large window that makes it bright and welcoming. The indoor pool is also situated in a room with plenty of natural light pouring in from a long skylight and through a wall of windows that looks out onto some greenery. There is a full-service bar, a snack shop on-site, a small business center, and numerous meeting rooms and banquet areas available for special events. Pets are not allowed at this hotel. Wi-Fi and parking are free.