Four Points by Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront

With 99 rooms and suites spread over nine floors, this mustard-colored building is a relaxed, straightforward budget beach hotel. Formerly the Surfside Oceanfront Inn & Suites, the hotel re-opened in July 2016 as Four Points by Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The lobby received a much-needed renovation, and is now sleek and modern, though some guests complain that this space is nicer than the rooms. The hotel's proximity to the local amusement park makes it a good choice for families, who make up most of the guests here, although everyone here comes for the beach, just across the boardwalk. The buffet restaurant mostly attracts guests, as there are better restaurants within walking distance, and the indoor pool deck never gets too crowded. Jumpin' Shrimp restaurant, which serves breakfast and lunch, was added in 2016.

The  Four Points by Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront sits at the southern end of Virginia Beach, on the boardwalk, just south of the town's amusement park. It's in a fairly busy area surrounded by hotels, and there are plenty of restaurants and shops within walking distance. The hotel is a five-minute walk to the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier and a 15-minute stroll down the boardwalk to Grommet Island Beach Park. Neptune's Park, where concerts are held on summer evenings, is a 25-minute walk or five-minute drive. The Norfolk International Airport takes half an hour to reach by car.

The 99 rooms at the hotel eschew the standard blue-and-pale-yellow nautical decor common in Virginia Beach hotels; instead they have olive green walls, dark wood furniture, and peach-and-white bedding. While motel-like, the look is modern for a hotel of its category, although the real highlight is that each room is ocean-facing and has a private balcony. There are four types of rooms available: kings, double queens, two-room queen suites, and two-room king suites with whirlpool tubs. All rooms and suites have flat-screen TVs, kitchenettes, coffeemakers, and safes. Bathrooms are also modern, with black granite sinks and a separate toilet/shower area. Wall-mounted hairdryers and basic toiletries are provided. Some guests feel that the rooms could stand further renovations.

In addition to its beachfront location, the hotel has a top-floor, indoor pool with separated kids' pool, and an attached sun deck with lounge chairs that look out over the parking lot and the main drag. There's a gift shop on-site selling souvenirs, towels, and beach clothing, as well as beer and wine; guests can also rent bicycles here. The on-site Fish Bones Restaurant serves an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet in the afternoons and evenings, and has plenty of covered outdoor seating. Jumpin' Shrimp, which opened after our visit, serves breakfast and lunch. There's a small coin-operated laundry room for guest use and a computer station in the lobby. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Parking is also free (one spot per room). There's a small on-site gym and 5,800 square feet of meeting space.