Escape to Paradise: Virginia Beach's Boardwalk Resort Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Virginia Beach's Boardwalk Resort – A Review That’s More Reality Than Brochure
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to take you on a rollercoaster ride through the "Escape to Paradise: Virginia Beach's Boardwalk Resort." Don't expect a polished, cookie-cutter review. This is my REAL experience, warts and all, because let's be honest, paradise is rarely perfect.
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First things first, that name is a blatant attempt to lure you in, right? "Escape to Paradise" – bold move! I mean, I did escape my mountain of laundry (victory!), so maybe they were right.
Accessibility - The Good, The Okay, and the "Hmm…"
Right off the bat, Accessibility is a big one for me. They say they're accessible, which is a good start. There’s an elevator (thank God, because who wants to try lugging luggage up the stairs after driving for hours?) and the facilities for disabled guests are supposedly there. I didn't personally need them, but I did a little peek around…and I’ll just say, it seemed adequate. The exterior corridors are nice and wide, which is always a plus. I saw a few folks using wheelchairs zipping around – looked okay, but I wasn't on a mission to scope out every single ramp. Maybe a more thorough exploration next time.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges – Well, that's the real test, isn't it? I didn't see anything specific that screamed "accessible ONLY this way," so it was probably, you know, "accessible" in the general, kind of vague sense. They do have a terrace, which is lovely for enjoying the ocean breeze, but again, I didn't specifically analyze its suitability for all.
Cleanliness and Safety – COVID-19 Times
Okay, COVID-19 – the uninvited guest that's crashed everyone's vacation. They were definitely trying – and I appreciate that. Lots of hand sanitizer stations everywhere, the staff trained in safety protocol (they seemed genuinely nice, even if a bit overwhelmed at times), and daily disinfection in common areas. They had anti-viral cleaning products… or at least they said they did! I saw them cleaning, repeatedly. The rooms were supposed to be sanitized between stays and I, for one, really appreciated that. I even noticed the hygiene certification plaque. It was like a badge of honor! The physical distancing felt a bit awkward at times, especially in the elevators, but hey, we're all trying to make it work.
However… the breakfast takeaway service wasn't exactly the most glamorous. It felt like a bit of a scramble, a little bit "grab and go and hope for the best." They did have individually-wrapped food options, which was a plus, but the whole experience lacked a certain… je ne sais quoi. More on the food later.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Let's Talk Food, Folks!
Alright, brace yourselves. This is where things get…interesting. The resort boasts several dining options, listed as: Asian cuisine in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant. Sounds impressive, right?
The reality? Well, let's just say I sampled the breakfast [buffet]. And… it was fine. Standard hotel fare. Eggs, bacon (a little too crisp, if I’m being honest), some sad-looking fruit. The coffee shop was a lifesaver in the mornings. I'm a coffee/tea in restaurant kinda gal and the coffee/tea maker in the room was a big plus, but there's a certain something about that first cup of joe that hits harder when you're in a slightly stressed-out, vacation mode.
The Poolside bar was a blessing. Happy hour was, well, happy. The drinks weren’t fancy, but they were cold and the view of the swimming pool [outdoor] and the ocean was just… perfect. That pool with view is a HUGE selling point, by the way. Just…amazing.
Here's the real kicker, and this is where the "messy" review comes in. I wanted to try the Asian cuisine in restaurant…but it was closed. And the vegetarian restaurant? Didn’t see one. My impression was that they advertised more than they delivered. This felt like a let-down, because I was particularly looking forward to a nice meal. The restaurants were there, but sometimes the selection was a bit weak.
They had a snack bar, but it was more like a glorified convenience store with a few sad sandwiches. I did see someone get room service [24-hour]… but it seemed a little… slow. Consider this a fair warning.
Spa & Relaxation – Trying to Find My Centre!
Okay, onto the good stuff! I had high hopes for the spa. The listing includes: Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, and Steamroom. Sign me up!
Guess what? I did manage to get a massage! It was… good. Not earth-shatteringly amazing, but good. The sauna and steamroom were both working (hallelujah!). The spa itself was clean and peaceful. The foot bath was a nice touch. I didn't spring for the body scrub or body wrap, because, frankly, I was too lazy (and maybe a tiny bit shy). So I'm giving this section a thumbs up! Needed it after the food situation, let me tell you.
For the Kids – Family Friendly or Family Frazzled?
They advertise being family/child friendly, kids facilities, and a babysitting service. I didn't travel with kids, so I'm going purely on observation here. There were lots of kids. Lotta kids. The pool and beach were packed. They seemed to be having fun. The parents? Well, let’s just say I saw a few weary eyes. The kids meal options seemed… pretty standard kid fare. My impression is, they certainly cater to families, but maybe pack some earplugs.
Rooms – The Sanctuary (Hopefully)
The rooms sanitized between stays were certainly the most important. I'm a clean freak, so I was happy to see that.
My room had:
- Air conditioning (essential!)
- A desk (where I could pretend to work while really watching the ocean)
- A refrigerator (thank you, fridge!)
- A coffee/tea maker (again, a lifesaver!)
- Free Wi-Fi (that actually worked! Woohoo!)
- Wi-Fi [free] (the main thing)
- Blackout curtains (blessed be!)
- A seating area (so I could sprawl)
- Bathroom phone (I never used it, but it was there in case of emergencies)
- Daily housekeeping (which was a godsend!)
It was basic but clean and comfortable. The extra long bed was a definite bonus. The slippers were a thoughtful touch. I did appreciate having a window that opens so I could fresh air. I’m a sucker for a desk and it felt good that I could still get some work done, which was a major plus.
Services and Conveniences – The Small Things
They offer: Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, a Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Terrace which is amazing for the ocean view, Front desk [24-hour], Car park [free of charge], is the highlight. I'm a fan of the Doorman and the Elevator, for real. I appreciate a hotel offering all of these.
Getting Around – Easy Peasy (Mostly)
Car park [free of charge] – HUGE win. Airport transfer was offered but I didn't need it. Taxi service is readily available. Don't expect to be wandering the streets late
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because Mama's about to plan a Virginia Beach trip that's less "smooth ride" and more "rollercoaster with a broken safety bar" (but hopefully, in a good way). We're talkin' Boardwalk Resort Hotel and Villas, baby! Pray for me.
Day 1: Arrival – And the Battle of the Luggage Begins
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Norfolk International Airport (ORF). Ugh, airports. They smell like sadness and overpriced coffee, but hey, we made it. First order of business: find the rental car. Pray to the gods of navigation I don’t get lost. I'm notorious.
- 1:30 PM: Okay, car acquired. And the trunk, you know, that mythical space that's supposed to hold everything? Turns out, "everything" doesn't include my mother's collection of decorative seashells or my brother's oversized inflatable flamingo. The packing was a disaster. We'll cram it in. It will fit. IT MUST FIT.
- 2:30 PM: Drive to the Boardwalk Resort Hotel and Villas. Ooh, the anticipation is killing me. I picture sun, sand, and maybe, just maybe, a functioning brain cell by the end of the trip.
- 3:00 PM: Check-in. Pray to the check-in Gods we get a good room. Preferably one that isn't next to the ice machine or a screaming toddler convention.
- 3:30 PM: Ugh, the room. It's fine, but… the view. It's… of another building. A very close other building. Okay, okay. Breathe. We're here. Beaches await! And maybe a little something to boost my mood. (Note to self: Pack emergency stash of chocolate.)
- 4:00 PM: Attempt to unpack. Catastrophic failure. My suitcase exploded. Socks everywhere. Time for a margarita. Maybe two.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Stroll the Boardwalk. Oh, man, the sights, the smells, the glorious chaos! The sounds of laughter and the incessant seagulls. People watching is prime here. Observe the locals, tourists, the tan-lines, the everything that can be observed under the setting sun.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a Boardwalk restaurant. Probably something fried, because, vacation, and no one's judging. Don't forget to tip!
- 8:00 PM: Evening walk on the beach. Feel the sand between my toes. Gaze at the (hopefully) gorgeous sunset. Reflect on the utter, beautiful mess that is my life. Get my mind out of the city and the constant stress of work. Feel so much better.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep. (Or maybe a late-night gelato run. Decisions, decisions…)
Day 2: Beach Bliss (and Unexpected Adventures)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up! (Or, more accurately, stumble out of bed because I forgot to set an alarm.) Quick breakfast, coffee, and a desperate prayer for sunshine.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Beach time! Swim, sunbathe, build a pathetic sandcastle that a wave will obliterate in minutes. Bring a book… and probably just end up people-watching or getting mesmerized by the waves.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a casual beachside diner. Probably a greasy burger or some seafood – gotta embrace the local offerings.
- 2:00 PM: Consider jet ski rental. (Or chicken out – I'm a terrible driver, so maybe water vehicles aren't my forte.)
- 3:00 PM: My brother convinces me that we can swim. I hate getting in the water but he insists. I get in screaming and panicking at the slightest wave but have fun in the end.
- 4:00 PM: The Pier Incident: Okay, so this might need its own paragraph. The pier is a must-do. So many people, so many food stalls, so many potential photo ops… I was happily snapping pictures when BAM! A rogue wave decided to befriend my camera. Water, everywhere. Panic. Trying to salvage what I can as everyone on the pier stares. Did the photo of a seagull make it? Probably not. Definitely a "talk about it for years to come" moment.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Vow to buy a waterproof phone case. Comfort food, need to recover from the pier incident.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Try some actual seafood this time. Hopefully, a place where I don't accidentally drop my napkin into my clam chowder. (It happened. More than once.)
- 8:00 PM: Stroll, take in the sea air. This is when I take a moment to reflect. I hate water but I love the ocean air. I get a feel for the place. I observe the world. I feel human.
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime. Sleep.
Day 3: Culture, Exploration, and the Quest for Relaxation
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Then, something cultural. I'm thinking of a visit to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. (Hoping for no interactions with giant squid. I'm still reeling from the camera incident.)
- 11:00 AM: Explore. See something new.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Something simple, so I can get back to exploring.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Finally, some relaxation. Massage? Reading on the balcony? (If the bird life spares me.) Maybe a nap. A very, very long nap. God, I'm exhausted.
- 7:00 PM: A fancy dinner, or at least a dinner where the waiter is less afraid of me than I am of the menu.
- 8:00 PM: Head back to the boardwalk. Get some ice-cream, people watch.
- 9:00 PM: Bed.
Day 4: Departure – And the Aftermath
- 8:00 AM: Pack. Realize I still haven't worn half the clothes I brought. Sigh.
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast, hopefully with less chaos than the previous mornings.
- 10:00 AM: Check out. Say goodbye to the Boardwalk Resort Hotel and Villas. It's been a mess, in the best possible way.
- 11:00 AM: Drive back to the airport. Hopefully, the rental car isn't a total disaster zone.
- 12:00 PM: Airport. More sadness and overpriced coffee.
- 1:00 PM: Flight home. Reflect on the trip. The good, the bad, the camera-eating waves. The memories. The tan lines. The utter, beautiful exhaustion. See you next time, Virginia Beach. And please, send me strength for the unpacking. Wish me luck. I will need it.
Escape to Paradise: Virginia Beach's Boardwalk Resort Awaits! (Seriously, Is It Paradise?) - FAQs from a Real Person
What's the deal with this "Boardwalk Resort" thing? Is it fancy?
Alright, look. "Resort" might be a *slight* overreach. Think... elevated motel. I mean, it's *on* the boardwalk, which is a HUGE plus. Sunsets over the ocean from your balcony? Beautiful! But don't expect marble floors and a butler. My room? Let's just say the carpet had seen some things. And the fridge? Rattled like a tiny spaceship taking off every time it cycled on. It was, in a good way, kinda like your grandmas house, but at the beach.
Is it kid-friendly? My kids are *a handful*.
Oh, honey, you've come to the right place. My kids once decorated the elevator with jelly (don't ask). The Boardwalk itself is a total circus – in the best way possible. Arcades, ice cream, street performers... They'll be occupied. The resort itself? Depends on the room. Some are more family-friendly than others. Ask for a room far from the pool if you value quiet evenings. Trust me.
What's the food situation like? Am I going to starve or am I going to have to sell a kidney to eat something decent?
It's Virginia Beach, so the food is a mixed bag. The resort's restaurant? Convenient. Not gourmet. Expect fried things and the occasional salad that *might* have seen a vegetable. BUT: the Boardwalk? Food *everywhere*. Cheap eats, overpriced tourist traps, amazing seafood shacks. My advice? Explore. Find the hidden gems. I almost didn't find this amazing crab cake spot, it was tucked in the corner and if I hadn't been *starving* I would have missed it. Also, stock up on snacks. Always.
Tell me about the Boardwalk. Is it as awesome as the ads make it seem?
Okay, the Boardwalk. This is where things get interesting. The ads are... well, they use a good filter. It's *busy*. Like, really busy. Especially in summer. Think shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, the smell of saltwater taffy and sunscreen, and a constant soundtrack of arcade music and seagulls squawking. But... it's also *alive*. There's an energy to it. Street performers are awesome, and the people-watching is A+. This is where I decided to sit on a bench and just *watch* one day for a couple hours. I got to see a proposal, a kid lose his ice cream, and a guy with a parrot on his shoulder. That parrot? Said "Pretty bird!" every five seconds. It was glorious. And exhausting, but if I had to pick one reason to go, it would be this moment. Plus I ran into the owner of the crab cake place, and got some extra crab cakes. Score!
Are there any downsides to staying right on the Boardwalk?
Oh, yes. Noise. Even with the windows closed, you can hear the arcade games at 2 AM. The parking situation is a nightmare. Seriously, pack your patience. And the seagulls? They're master thieves. Don't leave your fries unattended. This one time- I swear, I saw a seagull *actually* get in a car and steal a french fry from a kid. I laughed. I was hungry, I didn't care. But I had to give it serious props.
The beach! How's the beach? Is it clean?
The beach? Generally, yes, it's clean. They work hard to keep it that way. It's wide, sandy... perfect for building sandcastles and getting blasted by the sun. And the ocean itself? Gorgeous. Calm water. It's almost *too* calming, if I'm honest. I had to get out of the water to stay awake. The water is great for swimming, and it's safe. But the best part? Watching the sunrise over the ocean. Get up early. Do it. You won't regret it.
What about the pool?
The pool is a pool. It's there. Sometimes it's crowded, sometimes it's not. It's clean-ish. The pool bar makes decent cocktails, which is always a plus. My kids loved it. I mostly used it for a quick dip to cool off from all the sun. Bring towels, though. The resort ones? Thin. And if you're easily annoyed by splashing kids, maybe bring earplugs. Or just stick to the ocean.
What should I pack?
Sunscreen. More sunscreen. Then, even more sunscreen. A hat. Sunglasses. A swimsuit (duh). Flip-flops. Beach towels (again, the resort ones are a joke). Cash (for the arcades, street performers, and that amazing crab cake shack). A good book. And most importantly: Patience. You're going to need it. Oh, and pack an empty suitcase to bring back all the souvenirs cause you will buy souvenirs. You can't avoid it.
Is this place worth it? Seriously.
Look. It's not perfect. It's not luxury. But is it worth it? Yes. If you're looking for a classic beach vacation, with that boardwalk energy, the sun and sounds of the ocean, with all the mess and fun that goes with it, then yes. If you're looking for the perfect vacation, skip it. If you can handle the crowds, embrace the chaos, and are okay with a little bit of... let's call it "character"... then you might just find yourself having a blast. Just go with the flow, and maybe try the crab cakes.
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