OverviewOverlooking the ocean just off Route 60 in downtown Virginia Beach, the Econo Lodge Oceanfront is suitable for travellers who require a beachfront hotel with a free breakfast, an indoor pool and easy highway access.
Each of the hotel's air-conditioned guest rooms offers free Wi-Fi, cable TV, a balcony, a coffeemaker, a mini-fridge, a microwave, a desk and a hair dryer. Irons and ironing boards are available upon request, as are smoking, non-smoking and wheelchair-accessible rooms.
Hotel amenities include a heated indoor pool, beach access, a business centre, an elevator, a free continental breakfast and free parking. Pets are not permitted.
Birdneck Shopping Center is roughly a 5-minute drive from the hotel, while the Virginia Beach Boardwalk can be found 2 minutes away on foot. Virginia Beach Convention Center is about a 4-minute drive away and Norfolk International Airport (ORF) can be found 21 minutes away by car. (All distances and travel time estimates: Google Maps)
Verified with a front desk agent: Free Wi-Fi, free parking, no pets, wheelchair accessible. (Call Date: January 28, 2014)
The GoodThe majority of the reviews sourced for this analysis were positive, with praise going to the hotel's location, staff and rooms.
The hotel's location was praised by many lodgers, who described it as safe and close to the beach, shopping, restaurants, highway access and Virginia Beach Boardwalk. One patron noted, "Hotel is in a convenient location. Centered on the beach and at a main intersection for traveling the area".
Several reviewers were pleased with the level of customer service they received during their stay. They characterized the staff as friendly, attentive, accommodating and helpful with dining suggestions and directions, providing an efficient check-in service.
The hotel's accommodations were enjoyed by several travellers. They described their rooms as clean, spacious and well equipped, with great ocean views and comfortable beds. Some guests criticized their lodgings, however (see below).
The Bad
While the majority of reviews consulted for this analysis were positive, there were some common complaints about the free breakfast and the rooms.
Some reviewers were disappointed with the hotel's free breakfast. They reported a lack of fruit, protein and meat items, as well as a lack of variety and a crowded eating area.
Although several guests were pleased with their clean rooms and ocean views, some travellers were disappointed with their accommodations. They reported small-sized rooms, uncomfortable beds, poor Wi-Fi signals, dated decor and fixtures and musty odours.
Expedia.ca guest reviews rated the hotel 3.6 out of 5 with an 85% recommendation rate from 210 reviews.
TripAdvisor.com guest reviews ranked the hotel #51 of 114 Virginia Beach hotels with an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 from 96 reviews.
Booking.com guest reviews rated the hotel 7.6 out of 10 from 78 reviews.
The author called the hotel on January 28, 2014 to verify some information.
