Where to Stay in Norfolk, Virginia: Best Areas & Hotels
Determining where to stay in Norfolk can be challenging. With a thriving downtown, beautiful beaches, the largest naval base in the US, and a popular airport for nearby Virginia Beach, there are loads of options! Read on to learn about the top areas and the best hotels in Norfolk, Virginia for your trip.
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Best Downtown Norfolk Hotels
If you’re limited on time in Norfolk, you’ll want to stay in a hotel in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. This gives you prime access to many of the wonderful things the city offers so that you can make the most of your time in the city.
Other great reasons to stay in downtown Norfolk include if you’re visiting on business or want to be in the heart of it all. You’ll be able to walk to all of the restaurants and bars as well as many live music venues. Another perk of staying centrally is that you’ll find some of the most luxurious hotels in downtown Norfolk.
Glass Light Hotel & Gallery, Autograph Collection
The best hotel in Norfolk, the Glass Light & Gallery is centrally located in Norfolk, just steps from the Nauticus National Maritime Center and about half a mile from Waterside. If you’re looking for an upscale and central hotel, this is it!
As part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, you’ll find the same high standards of Marriott but with unique decor. In this case, there is incredible art spread throughout the hotel.
Check current rates at the Glass Light Hotel & Gallery.
Hilton Norfolk The Main
If you’re a loyal Hilton customer, the Hilton Norfolk The Main is for you! It’s centrally located on Main Street just a few blocks from Waterside and the Nauticus Maritime Center. You’ll find the hotel offers all the luxury you need with a terrace, fitness center, bar, billiards, restaurant, room service, and more.
Check current rates at the Hilton Norfolk The Main.
Norfolk Waterside Marriott
A popular downtown hotel in Norfolk, the Norfolk Waterside is just that, waterfront. You’ll find amazing views as well as being just minutes from the historic city center. Beyond just the convenience of the location, you’ll also have access to an indoor pool with a jacuzzi and a gym.
Tip: To maximize your stay, ask for a room with a panoramic waterfront view when you book it!
Check current rates at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott.
Best Hotels near Downtown Norfolk, VA
Want to stay close to downtown Norfolk, VA but without all of the hustle and bustle right outside your window? Shift just a few blocks from the central part of the city and you’ll find amazing hotels near Norfolk which offer a bit more personality, space, and even free parking!
While these hotels are located outside of the central downtown area, you’ll still be close enough to easily walk into the heart of downtown Norfolk, but you’ll also have the benefits of quieter and historic neighborhoods. If you’re looking for more “old town charm” these are for you.
The Inn at Four Eleven York
The Inn at Four Eleven York is a small bed and breakfast located in the Freemason Harbor neighborhood. This quaint B&B only offers four suites and is the pinnacle of luxury in Norfolk. With every attention to detail attended to, you’ll find a lovely terrace and garden onsite, as well as free parking in the area, something you’re unlikely to find in downtown.
Check current rates at The Inn at Four Eleven York.
Page House Inn
Located in the Ghent neighborhood, the Page House Inn is just 1.1 miles from the Nauticus National Maritime Center. This beautiful historic house has been turned into a 7 guest room luxury bed and breakfast in Norfolk. It offers modern luxuries mixed in with the original flair of the house which was built back in 1899. It is also on the National Register of Historic Places.
Beyond its beautiful architecture and modern comforts, you’ll also find other amazing perks. For one, you’ll wake up to a delicious breakfast, but also you’ll be dazzled by the helpful Innkeepers. You’re sure to remember your stay at the Page Inn fondly!
Check current rates at the Page House Inn.
Residence Inn Norfolk Downtown
This all-suite hotel is located just 5 minutes walking from the Chrysler Museum and about a half mile from the Nauticus National Maritime Center. One of the biggest advantages of staying at the Residence Inn is that you’ll have access to a full kitchen and sitting area in your room making it more comfortable for longer stays. They also have an indoor swimming pool and hot tub available.
Check current rates at the Residence Inn Norfolk Downtown.
Best Norfolk Naval Base Hotels
Headed to the naval station in Norfolk? Stay nearby to eliminate the traffic around downtown or the beach. You’ll find hotel options are a bit limited in the area, but the Hampton Inn is an awesome selection. You’ll be close to the base but in a hotel that feels like home!
Hampton Inn Norfolk Naval Base
Just a 5 minute walk to the base, the Hampton Inn Norfolk Naval Base offers everything you need for a wonderful stay in Norfolk with an indoor pool, modern gym, and a business center. As a bonus, it’s just 15 minutes to the beach and about 18 minutes into downtown Norfolk if you have time to explore the area.
Check current rates at the Hampton Inn Norfolk Naval Base.
Best Places to Stay near the Norfolk Airport
Just passing through town or have a really early flight? Stay near the Norfolk Airport! This airport is also the closest airport to the famous Virginia Beach. While it might seem a bit out of the way, the Norfolk Airport is actually only 3 miles from downtown making it a pretty prime location to stay in Norfolk.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Norfolk Airport
One of the best options for staying near the Norfolk Airport is the Delta Hotels by Marriott. Not only will you find free parking and a free airport shuttle, but they offer comfortable rooms with microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. You’ll also have on-site dining options in case you don’t want to venture into the city for meals.
Check current rates at Delta Hotels by Marriott Norfolk Airport.
Tru by Hilton Norfolk Airport
This simple 2-star accommodation is located just 1 mile from the Norfolk Airport and offers free parking, an onsite fitness center, and a complimentary breakfast. While being close to the airport, you’ll also be within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and the Norfolk Premium Outlets.
Check current rates at Tru by Hilton Norfolk Airport.
Hampton Inn & Suites Norfolk Airport
Another solid hotel option near the Norfolk Airport is the Hampton Inn & Suites. Here you’ll also find a free airport shuttle and free parking as well as other amenities like an indoor pool, business center, and fitness center. As a bonus, you’ll only be 15 minutes from the Virginia Beach oceanfront.
Check current rates at the Hampton Inn & Suites Norfolk Airport.
Best Beach Hotels in Norfolk, VA
The best beaches to visit in Norfolk are Willoughby Spit, Ocean View Beach, and East Beach. They are all located on one long strip of sand along Chesapeake Bay and are less crowded, expensive, and touristy than neighboring Virginia Beach. Best of all, they are only about 20 minutes from downtown Norfolk!
Best Western Plus Holiday Sands Inn & Suites
If you’re headed to Ocean View Beach, look no further than the Best Western Plus Holiday Sands. This beachfront hotel in Norfolk is located directly on Chesapeake Bay. From an outdoor pool to a sundeck overlooking the bay, you’ll love the amenities and beach location of this Best Western – plus, it’s one of the best pet-friendly hotels in Norfolk!
Check current rates at the Best Western Plus Holiday Sands Inn & Suites.
The Bay Inn Hotel
Located just a couple blocks from the beach, the Bay Inn Hotel is the best cheap hotel in Norfolk. This family owned hotel offers basic clean accommodations with a great location at a price you’ll love. From the Bay Inn, you can easily walk to the beach, restaurants, and a grocery store.
Check current rates at The Bay Inn Hotel.
Where to Stay in Norfolk on a Budget
Finding nice cheap hotels in Norfolk, Virginia can be a challenge. While there are quite a few affordable hotels in Norfolk, finding one that is also clean, safe, and comfortable is the hard part. Always check the reviews before booking to ensure you book someplace you’ll be able to call “home” while visiting Norfolk.
For budget hotels in Norfolk, the Bay Inn Hotel, located near the beach, is by far your best option. Otherwise, I highly recommend trying your luck on Airbnb. There are a lot of properties listed at reasonable prices that will give you the experience you’re looking for! (Just make sure to factor in all of the Airbnb fees to ensure you know what the true cost is.)
Search Airbnb for budget accommodations in Norfolk.
Why Visit Norfolk, Virginia
If you’re trying to decide which hotel in Norfolk is for you, you’re likely already planning to go to Norfolk, Virginia. Whether you’re going as part of a work trip, a naval assignment, or simply to get to Virginia Beach, you’ll want to make a few stops along the way to admire the beauty and history that Norfolk has to offer.
Top Things to Do in Norfolk
There are plenty of things to do in Norfolk to keep you busy! Even if your trip is tight on time, you’ll want to try to fit in some of the best of the best, like:
- Rent an electric bike to ride the Elizabeth River Trail that follows 9 miles of the waterfront through downtown Norfolk
- Explore the Nauticus Maritime Center and the USS Wisconsin Battleship, one of the largest and most iconic battleships of WWII and the Korean War
- Take a lunch cruise or dinner cruise on the Elizabeth River to admire key landmarks of Norfolk from the water
- Stop at the Norfolk Pagoda & Oriental Garden
- Try the numerous shops and restaurants in the Waterside District Market
- Visit the Virginia Living Museum (And skip the line with advanced ticket purchase!)
- Walk through the 7 miles of paved paths at the Norfolk Botanical Garden
- Shop at Selden Market in downtown Norfolk
- Admire the 30,000+ pieces of art at the Chrysler Museum of Art (Free admission!)
Learn More about Staying in Norfolk, VA
Determining where to stay in Norfolk is more than just finding the right hotel to stay at. It’s about knowing why you’re visiting, how long you’ll be in town, and what you plan to do with your time there. Here are some additional questions to help you plan your trip to Norfolk.
What is Norfolk, Virginia known for?
Norfolk, Virginia is best known as being home to the world’s largest naval base and the North American Headquarters for NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). (Did you know that?!)
How many days do you need in Norfolk?
Norfolk is a smallish city with a population of about 245,000 and an area of 96.4 square miles. However, it has plenty to do being a military hub as well as the main gateway to Virginia Beach.
How many days you decide to spend in Norfolk will depend on your purpose for the trip. The main attractions of Norfolk can be covered in about 2 – 3 days, but you’ll also want to spend a few days at the nearby beaches while you’re in town. You may even care to hook on some other nearby towns, like historic Yorktown or Williamsburg!
How far is Norfolk from Virginia Beach?
Norfolk is only 18 miles, about a 30 minute drive, from Virginia Beach. For this reason, it makes a lot of sense to combine these two awesome destinations into one trip. It helps bring diversity to your adventure with some city life and beach thrills.
Continue Exploring the Southeastern United States
Armed with knowledge of where to stay in Norfolk, Virginia, you’re ready to continue planning your adventures!
If you have the time, make your way to neighboring cities and states to get to know more of the incredible destinations that make up the southeastern part of the US.
- 20 Amazing Things to Do in Raleigh, NC
- Where to Stay in Raleigh: Top Areas and Hotels
- 10 Things to See in the Outer Banks for a Perfect Vacation
- How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Asheville
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