Virginia Beach

[Patty3]

DH is attending a conference in two weeks in Virginia Beach. The conference is being held at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront and that is where all of the attendees are staying. I was thinking of going with him. Today, while searching this hotel I saw on Expedia that there were numerous concerns about this hotel. Those range from theft out of the in room safe, dirty linens on bed, extremely poor service in most areas of the hotel, etc. I am not thinking that going may not be a good thing. Has anyone stayed there or in Virginia Beach? Thanks.

 

[KarenAylwood]

Haven't stayed there but am from the area. The Hilton opened relatively recently so they probably haven't gotten into the swing of things since all employees were new, etc.

Also with all the complaints I'm sure they are stepping things up now that the hotel has been open a while- Hilton is a good company overall.

Va beach isn't what you'd call... the safest area either. If the room is already paid for and he's going anyway I'd say go- theres a ton to do around the beach and it's right on the oceanfront which is nice. There are some nice shops and restaurants around it too.

Maybe some others that have stayed at the Hilton recently would give better advice.

 

[Patty3]

Thanks for your reply. The room is paid for and that is where he has to stay. Is the area around the hotel safe? If I go, I was hoping to walk the boardwalk while he is in the conference.

 

[isyne4u]

Having lived here for 25 years I can tell you that Virginia Beach isn't that bad. I would have no problem being out on the boardwalk at night by myself. The board walk is very nice (but don't expect a "board" walk...it is really concrete!!) There are some wonderful restaurants around Atlantic Ave. and some great ones just off of Atlantic. You also have museums along the boardwalk (the Lifesaving one is the only one I'm coming up with just now). We also have a Marine Science Museum (now called the Virginia Aquarium) and in Norfolk there are some other great Museums.

As for the hotel...I'd just inspect the rooms carefully when you get there. Since I live here...I don't stay at the hotels very often (usually for scrap booking or after hurricanes and they electricity and I don't!). I'd go for it and enjoy yourself!!

tara

 

[Patty3]

Thanks Tara. Would you please tell me the restaurants that you recommend?

 

[welovedisneyx4]

I don't live in Va Beach, but vacation there sometimes. There is a really good casual restaurant called The Raven. It is on Atlantic Ave, I can't remember the block-maybe 9th? They have sandwiches and burgers among other items.

I would reccommend the Duck-In, but unfortunatly, they closed last August. That place was the best!

We haven't had any security problems when we have been there, just be careful.

 

[isyne4u]

Thanks Tara. Would you please tell me the restaurants that you recommend?

IF you are looking for higher end then the "Isle of Capri" is an upscale italian rest. in the Holdiay inn at 39th street.

Another one I like is Laverne's. They have good food and a light airy atmosphere.

The third place I really enjoy is Waterman's Beachwood Grill. I couldn't find a website for it but there's is a dark interior that looks out onto the beach and has some great fried shrimp!

There are guides in the hotel rooms to tell you all about the different places there are to eat at the beach. Also try the Hampton Roads Dining Guide to get more information and do searches of places to eat while you are here!!

Hope you have a great trip!!
tara

 

[Patty3]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I would really like to go, I just had some concerns.

 

[KarenAylwood]

My mom's friend owns a very cute doll/collector's store right near the Hilton (less than a block- it's on Laskin Rd) and it's a nice area. Just like any city there will be bad parts and good parts. I'd have no problem walking around there alone.

And Mahi Mah's is one of my favorite restaurants on the beach. DBF took me there on our first date It's a bar and a restaurant and is attached to a hotel (the Ramada) - here's the site: http://www.mahimahs.com/ It's a seafood/sushi restaurant and soooooo good. Very classy inside too. You wouldn't think it'd be attached to a hotel (probably why they were voted best Ramada restaurant in the world!).

And the Virginia Marine Science Museum is right down the road (ok, Virginia Aquarium). It's a really fun place to look around even if you're alone and it only costs $14.95 for admission.

I'd say go and have fun.

 

[Patty3]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. We are leaving on Monday. I was just curious if anyone has eaten at Raggazzi's and did they like it. There used to be a Raggazzi's in Manassas and they had wonderful food. I was just wondering if this could be the same family and they just moved?

 

[isyne4u]

Where is the Ragazzais that you want to go to? There used to be one in VB and it closed. I can check for you to see if there is another one down here that I don't know about.

tara

 

[Patty3]

Tara, the address I have for Ragazzi's is 424 S Witchduck. Thanks for checking.

 

[isyne4u]

That's the address I thought you were talking about...that one's been closed for about 2 years now. it is now Senior Iguana's mexican cantina.
sorry...if you are looking for family fare we have lots of chain type restaurants on virginia Beach blvd. Applebees, Chilis, Ruby Tuesday, Macaroni Grill, PF CHang, smokey bones, Max and Erma's (those are all in a mile stretch on VB BLVD!)

tara

 

[ntburns22]

Thanks Patty for starting this thread. We are going to Va Beach for spring break in April to show DD around(she was born at Portsmouth Naval). We were in Norfolk when DH was in the Marines but that was 5and a half years ago so I am sure so much has changed.

 

[hiwaygal]

If you are down at the beach...you simply HAVE to try Tautog's restaurant!!!

They're on 23rd or 24th street right off Atlantic! OMG!! Amazing seafood! The place looks like a house, so you could miss it...but it's a great place!

There's also a place called "One Fish Two Fish" and I think it's at the Lynnhaven Marina...another fabulous place for dinner!

 

[Patty3]

Right now, the restaurants on my list, are One Fish, Two Fish, Tautogs, Mahi Mahs, II Giardino, Rudee's, Lynnhaven Fish House, Sal's for pizza and Hot Tuna. Since we only have 4 nights there, which of the 4 would you go to?

 

[ntburns22]

Sorry to hijack....

Which aquarium is nicer for a almost 3 and 6 year old the one in Norfolk or VA Beach?

How is the zoo in Norfolk? We went once but I really don't remember much.

 

[lbgraves]

I would reccommend the Duck-In, but unfortunatly, they closed last August. That place was the best!

.

Oh man! DH will be so sad to hear that. I grew up in Norfolk but we have been gone for 11 years now. That was a nice place!

 

[isyne4u]

Right now, the restaurants on my list, are One Fish, Two Fish, Tautogs, Mahi Mahs, II Giardino, Rudee's, Lynnhaven Fish House, Sal's for pizza and Hot Tuna. Since we only have 4 nights there, which of the 4 would you go to?

I've never been to One Fish or tautogs...so I can't say...but i've heard they are good. I went to Mahi Mahs one time and I thought it was incredibly over priced for what you got. I wasn't impressed...but then again...I'm a pretty plain eater. I LOVE Lynnhaven Fish House...tho it isn't on the beach drag you have to leave the beach a bit to go there. I like Rudee's also....great shrimp and view!!

Sorry to hijack....

Which aquarium is nicer for a almost 3 and 6 year old the one in Norfolk or VA Beach?

How is the zoo in Norfolk? We went once but I really don't remember much.

I prefer the one in VB because it actually has fish. The norolk one (Nauticus) is more dedicated to Maritime and has less animal exhibits. I haven't been there in a few years but i don't rememeber there being any animals to be truthful.

The norfolk zoo is very nice. But if you come from a place with a wonderful zoo then you may be dissappointed. It is is just recently (last 5 years) changing the exhibits to be like habitats versus cages. But it is nice and they are working on it. I'd say if you were here to check it out!

tara

 

[Blondie]

Thanks Patty for starting this thread. We are going to Va Beach for spring break in April to show DD around(she was born at Portsmouth Naval). We were in Norfolk when DH was in the Marines but that was 5and a half years ago so I am sure so much has changed.

I was born at Portsmousth Naval as well!

The Hilton you're concerned with just opened last year. It looks like a very nice place to stay, we had reservations there for last Augut, but had to cancel.

I've walked the "boardwalk" alone in the evening and it's never been an issue. Just like anyplace you go to, be aware of what's going on around you.

Have a great time!