Schooner Inn

The six-story Schooner Inn looks like a large condominium block from the outside, and has a similar look to many of the original hotels along the beach strip. Inside, the lobby is colorful and cheery, with a blue-and-turquoise color scheme, mosaic-tiled reception desk, orange-pleather chairs, and a few artificial potted plants. The back of the hotel features a parking lot and the small, fenced-off swimming pool area. The front of the hotel opens up onto the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, so all rooms face the sea. There's a small patch of lawn between the hotel and the boardwalk, which rooms on the ground floor have direct access to. Apart from that, there are no other common areas and guests mostly restricted to their rooms when at the hotel. It's a popular choice with budget travelers, low-key couples, and families. 

Schooner Inn has an ideal beachfront location, just a two-minute walk to the Virginia Beach and boardwalk. Situated on the quieter inlet side of the beach, it's also a two-minute walk to both Rudee's Inlet and Grommet Island Park. There are several restaurants, bars, and shops within close walking distance from the hotel, particularly along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk -- which also has a great bicycle track. Virginia Beach Amusement Park is a 20-minute walk or five-minute drive from the hotel. Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and Ocean Breeze Water Park are a six-minute drive. Neptune's Park, a popular summertime evening concert spot, is a 10-minute drive up the beach. The Atlantic & 2nd Bus Stop is just behind the hotel, less than a minutes' walk. It's a 28-minute drive to Norfolk International Airport and downtown Norfolk.

The 89 guest rooms at Schooner Inn are spread across six floors, each with a small balcony facing the boardwalk and beach. Rooms on the ground floor open up directly onto the lawn in front of the boardwalk, with no private terrace. Decor is kept simple: wooden furniture, patterned-carpeted floors, old-fashioned artwork, light green walls, and rather dated looking bed runners and bedspreads. While the rooms could do with a bit of refreshing, they are kept clean and well-maintained for the most part. All rooms include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs (with free HBO), telephones, iron and ironing boards, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Kitchenettes are equipped with mini-fridges, microwaves, sinks, utensils, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Efficiency Rooms include two burners and a toaster and the Two Room Suites' include a full stove with an oven. King Whirlpool and Kitchenette Deluxe Rooms include heart-shaped hot tubs (next to a mirror) overlooking the ocean. Bathrooms include shower/tub combos and come with hairdryers and basic toiletries.

Schooner Inn is noticeably lacking food facilities, with no restaurant or breakfast room available. There are two outdoor vending machines for beverages and snacks, and the boardwalk location means that there are ample food and drink spots nearby. There's a medium-sized heated outdoor swimming pool at the back of the hotel, with a limited collection of surrounding plastic chairs and sun loungers. The hotel can assist with beach umbrella and chair rentals, along with bicycle rentals. On-site parking and Wi-Fi throughout the property are free. A coin-operated laundry facility is available.