Virginia Beach

Resort getaway 15 minutes from Virginia Beach, with a family-friendly vibe, tennis courts and a world-class spa. — Jetsetter

Although it's not directly on the beach and is open only during the summer for overflow guests, the original building has all the charm. — Frommer's

This 160-room mid-range chain property sits across from the beach on the quieter north end of the Virginia Beach boardwalk. — Oyster

Another reasonably priced, family-operated oceanfront hotel, the Breakers occupies a yellow boxlike nine-story building. — Frommer's

At the northern end of the Virginia Beach boardwalk, the oceanside Holiday Inn & Suites North Beach is a mid-range hotel with resort-style amenities. — Oyster

Part of the Ocean Beach Club, this stylish 18-story tower would fit comfortably on Miami's South Beach. — Frommer's

This two-story, white-clapboard Victorian with wraparound verandas is very coastal Southern, with rocking chairs on the porches and green shutters trimming tall windows. — Frommer's

This is the doyen of downtown, aimed at business travelers and those taking in cultural events at the Sander Center. — Star Service

Ocean views, an unusually friendly and helpful staff, and rooms that were updated in 2012, but still feel brand new: those are the primary reasons to pick this property. — Frommer's

Its 59 spacious rooms are spread over two floors, and have microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi. — Oyster

This renovated beachfront hotel sits right by the Virginia Beach boardwalk and offers 149 rooms that overlook the ocean. — Oyster

The 83-room Comfort Inn is a typical mid-range hotel by Virginia Beach standards. — Oyster

With its 17-story tower, the former Ramada Plaza Resort Oceanfront has been sold to private owners who promise a renovation of the 1960s-era high-rise. — Fodor's

The 114-room Country Inn & Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront is a two-and-a-half-pearl chain property directly on the Virginia Beach boardwalk. — Oyster

North Virginia Beach's 120-room Hampton Inn is a reliable mid-range choice for travelers who want a central location on the ocean and don't plan to cook their own meals. — Oyster

This 295-room mid-range hotel sits on Chesapeake Bay and is a popular spot for events, but has certainly seen better days -- the look throughout is dated and worn. — Oyster