Sheraton Oceanfront Hotel

I stayed at the Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront during the 2026 Virginia DECA State Leadership Conference, where I was serving as a judge. For anyone planning a trip to Virginia Beach in the so-called “off-season,” it’s important to know that the Virginia DECA State Leadership Conference is held here every year in late February to early March. So while the beach crowds aren’t around, the hotel absolutely fills up that weekend. Plan accordingly.

I have Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. It’s not flashy status, but it’s something, and I appreciate having it. I admittedly don’t stay at Marriott properties as often as some because most of my pleasure travel is international, and I generally use Accor Live Limitless for vacation stays while abroad. Accor just doesn’t have much of a footprint in the United States outside of luxury properties like Sofitel and Fairmont. So when I’m traveling domestically, Marriott is my preference. And for what it’s worth, I’m American — so yes, I’m going to use the brand that actually has a presence domestically, especially while on a business trip.

Whether the upgrade was tied to status or simple availability, I was upgraded to an oceanfront cabana room on the same floor as the front desk, and I’m genuinely grateful for that. That room location made the entire stay. This allowed me to walk in and out of the hotel very quickly on the day I had to judge events by Virginia’s finest students with business school aspirations in college, or go in and out before dinner, a workout, etc.

During a youth conference, the tower floors can be lively. Boys and girls aren’t allowed in each other’s rooms for obvious reasons. So the hallways become the gathering space. And from a chaperone perspective, that rule makes complete sense. In short, it is understandable why kids will congregate in the hallways during a field trip — but it’s also noisy when you are NOT a chaperone.

Being on the cabana level near the front desk meant my hallway was quiet. No late-night clusters of teenagers hanging out. No real time late night, last minute DECA role play preparations Just a peaceful oceanfront room with direct boardwalk views. That upgrade absolutely changed the tone of the weekend.

The view from the balcony is spectacular given where I was. Full Atlantic Ocean horizon, palm trees lining the boardwalk, the pool deck below. Even in February, it feels premium. In July, this exact room would easily command $300 or more per night without breakfast OR parking — ON A GOOD DAY. My rate was roughly $250 per night INCLUDING taxes, parking, and breakfast. For oceanfront Virginia Beach, that’s strong value.

There is a large screen television in the room and I was able to stream content from my phone or watch local TV comfortably from my bed. No complaints there.

The breakfast buffet is solid but simple. It covers the basics (eggs, meat, milk, cereal, bread) well enough and gets you out the door. My only real criticism is the weekend hours: 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. That feels tight for leisure travelers. Yes, it’s technically off-season. But the particular weekend I arrived was a guaranteed annual conference with hundreds of guests (even if most are high school students, business teachers who are DECA advisers, or parents who are chaperoning — and will have some bespoke breakfast, likely provided by the hotel on the weekends).

Beyond that, there are always people traveling for weddings, family reunions, funerals, or personal trips. Extending breakfast to 10:30 or 11:00 on weekends would make the experience feel more relaxed and guest-focused.

The hotel bar (located in the restaurant where the breakfast buffet was) was mostly closed during the conference. With hundreds of high school students in the building, you don’t want to create a situation where teenagers test boundaries or lazily attempt to pass themselves off as 21. If you want a beer, wine, or liquor, especially during Virginia DECA SLC weekend, go to Mellow Mushroom which is on the same block and building as the hotel. Just note that it is NOT the hotel restaurant — and Mellow Mushroom won’t let kids sit in the bar.

Overall, this was a strong stay. The upgrade was appreciated, the ocean view is outstanding, and the conference rate made it an excellent value. If you’re attending Virginia DECA SLC (this happens EVERY YEAR IN LATE FEBRUARY/EARLY MARCH) or any large youth event here (like if Virginia Beach hosted a state championship boys volleyball or girls basketball game for example), room location matters more than you think. Ask about cabana availability — or at least being in an area OUTSIDE of the high school student chaos. The Sheraton was aware of this from the beginning and the staff deserves a big kudos for that.

I’d stay again, especially at that rate. At peak July pricing, I’d think harder about it because I generally don’t go to Virginia Beach during summer vacation. but that view is hard to argue with.

I usually stay at the Cavalier Resort when I visit VA Beach, but this time I opted for this Sheraton to be closer to colleagues staying in the area as well for a conference. Checking in was great and quick and I was able to check in early too (which is something I love about Marriott properties, unlike Hilton, where I’m always told “what time check in is supposed to be” versus taking care of me since I’m there earlier). This property is right on the beach, attached to the VA Beach board walk and connected to adjacent hotels via that walkway. The garage is diagonal across the street, not too far of a walk, but you’ll definitely be exposed to the elements when walking via the ground level.

The room was decent… it was large, but then I was given a corner room facing the street, which I was fine with. The room had modern amenities, such as USB-A and C charging ports next to the bed, which was great! The TV worked perfectly and offered the streaming services too. The bathroom had newer looking fixtures, but the condition of the bathroom and furniture in the room, walls, drywall, etc were all very worn and needing updating.

Overall, it was a nice stay… It exceeded the very low expectations I had of it based on the reviews I saw and also based on it being on the beach. I’d stay here again!

The location worked well for us. The location of the room was nice, quiet and near end of hall. Room was clean. Bed was comfy.

The staff was great. Starting with the warm smile from Isabela at check in to the end. Check out was easy and just as nice. Views are amazing from the rooms with balconies and the conference area has some beautiful windows to gaze out of as well . Pretty much have the boardwalk to your self this time of year. Not as many shops open due to the season but those open were nice and within walking distance. Side note they must have attended to the elevators because they worked great ( had seen issues in other reviews)

Location

The view and location of the hotel was excellent. It was easy to locate and within walking distance to many different shops and restaurants.

Location

The room was fairly nice and large, and the hotel was in an excellent location.

The water pressure in the shower was great.

Room was pool/beach accessible which was amazing.

Very nice relaxing environment everyone was so nice

Oceanfront

Staff were great, pleasant and helpful

Senior Sheraton Management needs to take a good look at this place which is among the worst in decades in my experience. There was NO HOT WATER unless you ran the water in the tub for at least 1 0-15 minutes both morning and night. I had the water turn barely tepid halfway through the shower. Mattresses are worn out and mushy. Pillow over filled with hard foam. Room was not cleaned with old hair dust and debris despite staff cleaning. Mold in tub corner rotting wood on door jamb. Morning coffee ruined by sour half and half. Terrible experience

Property itself was nice and staff were friendly

the lobby

Front desk was super nice