With snow falling, I’m dreaming of a beach getaway. Schooner Inn, a Virginia Beach oceanfront property, is a perfect place for an “I can’t wait for spring break” hang out. I first headed to Virginia Beach on day trip from Williamsburg, Virginia one April years ago. Back then, we stayed at Kings Creek Plantation.
My latest visit to Virginia Beach was this past September. Although much of our weekend was spent at our nephew’s wedding festivities, I did have time to take in the beach happenings and enjoy our Schooner Inn stay.
If you head here in September, I highly recommend the International Sand Sculpting Championship.. The artistry and craftsmanship are breathtakingly stunning. Sand Sculpting artists create fanciful bigger than life tributes to imagination and beauty. The competition is part of Virginia Beach’s annual Neptune Festival. In 2022, the championship is from Sept. 30-Oct. 9.
photo courtesy of International Sand Sculpting Championship.
The Schooner Inn is within a short walking distance to the competition venue and in the heart of other festival events. One morning, as I walked to look for breakfast eats, folks in the 5K and 8K races dashed, jogged and strolled past me. Later that day, the parade passed by the hotel. When we checked in, we were given a heads up about festival activities so we could make plans to avoid traffic. Schooner Inn’s free parking is a plus.
The International Sand Sculpting Competition is in the white tent in the distance.
Because the Schooner Inn is at the end of Virginia Beach’s bustle, the location affords a quieter atmosphere and a more leisurely pace. I sat on our room’s balcony one morning watching people settle into their beach spots from my 2nd floor vantage point. The balcony with a view of the ocean is just one of the many features that make the Schooner Inn a place to consider.
Originally, our son was to come with us, so the spacious two queen room was a good fit. The furniture is designed for visiting. A small dining table with four chairs and an armchair were plenty for us. If we had guests, there was room enough to bring the balcony chairs inside. The room’s décor and color palate reflected a beach location. Although this is an older hotel, everything was clean, comfortable and more classic than dated.
Large picture windows provide a wonderful view of the ocean and Rudee Inlet. Because the inn doesn’t have a restaurant, the fully equipped kitchenette with a microwave, coffee pot, two-burner stovetop, sink and an under the counter refrigerator is a well thought out feature. Pots, pans, dishes and silverware are among the kitchen ware. Other room amenities include an iron and ironing board and a hairdryer. We put all to good use. After we arrived, I walked to a nearby souvenir shop/convenience store combo for groceries and beer.
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Schooner Inn is a hotel where guests are repeat visitors. When we checked in a couple in front of us said they come here every year. I would go back myself. For a stay with more time at the hotel, we could have made use of the barbeque grill and the outdoor swimming pool. In the summer, there are onsite bike rentals.
I made our reservations at Hotels.com. Prices vary depending on the season and the day of the week. During an April weekend, the rate for a kitchenette room is around $200. During the week, it’s much less. In addition to a kitchenette room, this 89 guestroom hotel has four other types: Efficiency, King Whirlpool, Kitchenette Deluxe and a Two-Room Suite.
Check out Schooner Inn’s reservation page because sometimes the direct booking option may be a better deal.
Post and photos by Jamie Rhein
