Escape to Chesapeake Bay: Luxury Awaits at Delta Hotels Norfolk
Chesapeake Bay Dreamin'? Delta Hotels Norfolk: A Review That's Actually Real (and a Little Messy)
Okay, so I just got back from a little escape to Norfolk, Virginia, and stayed at the Delta Hotels. "Luxury Awaits," they boasted. Did it? Well, let's just say the Chesapeake Bay vibes were strong, the reality… less so. Buckle up, because this is gonna be less "polished travelogue" and more "honest, slightly chaotic account."
First Impressions & Getting Around (The "Easiest" Part… Probably?)
Finding it? Easy peasy. Parking? Free! (Yes!) On-site? Yep! Bless them. Valet parking, too, but I'm a "parallel park myself" kinda gal. There's also a car charging station, which is great for the planet and those Tesla-lovin' folks. Airport transfer? Didn't use it, but it's there. So, score one for convenience. The elevator? Works. The doorman? Did his job with a smile. Check-in/out? Contactless? Score! (Who wants to touch anything these days?) But wait, there’s an access concern, it’s got an elevator so it must have facilities for disabled guests. Alright. Got that, let’s move on.
Accessibility & Safety: The "Is It Safe?" Checklist
This is where things get a little… uneven. Accessibility: They say they’ve got facilities for disabled guests, and an elevator, but I didn't see ramps everywhere or Braille on the elevator buttons. If you need uber-specifics, call ahead. Safety/Security: This is where they really shone. 24-hour front desk? Check. 24-hour security? Check. Fire extinguishers and smoke alarms in the rooms? Double-check. CCTV cameras everywhere, inside and outside the property? Tripple check. Thank god. I felt safe.
Cleanliness & Safety: Pre-Pandemic Paranoia?
Okay, let’s talk about the dreaded C-word. They are working hard on cleanliness. Seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products are being used, and they have daily disinfection in common areas. Hand sanitizer galore. They’re also doing professional-grade sanitizing services. You can even opt-out of room sanitization, which, honestly, is a nice touch for privacy (and maybe for the paranoid among us who don't want anyone in their space, even if it is to clean!). Sanitized kitchen and tableware? Check. Staff trained in safety protocols? Supposedly. Rooms are sanitized between stays, which is a must. And there’s a doctor/nurse on call, and a first aid kit. They have Cashless payment service which is really convenient for the modern traveler. I'm not sure about the "hygiene certification," but they seem to be trying.
Rooms: Cozy or Cramped? (My Honest Take)
Okay, let's get to the heart of it: the rooms. I had a non-smoking room (yes, I'm a goody-two-shoes) and it looked clean. I'll give 'em that. There was a desk, a chair, a bed (pretty comfy, actually, with an extra long bed – I'm tall, so I appreciated it). Blackout curtains? YES. Thank you, Delta Hotels, for allowing me to sleep in past 7 AM. Air conditioning? Also YES. They had the basics: hair dryer, ironing facilities (because who actually irons on vacation?), in-room safe box, refrigerator, and a coffee/tea maker. Free bottled water was a nice touch (dehydration is a real travel hazard, people!). The little details? Meh. Towels were fluffy enough, the toiletries were… generic. Bathroom phone!?! Who the heck needs a bathroom phone? And the decor? Bland. Beige. Generic hotel room beige. But, and this is important, it was CLEAN! They had a separate shower/bathtub which is a nice touch for the more… well-endowed among us. There wasn't a lot of character or personality, but it provided a safe and comfortable basecamp for exploring.
Internet: Wi-Fi or Wi-Fail?
Okay, listen up. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! The Internet access – wireless was mostly reliable. There was also Internet access – LAN, but really, who uses that anymore? The signal wasn't always blazing fast, but it was enough for Instagramming my breakfast and avoiding my responsibilities. I'm giving it a solid B+.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: Food Glorious Food…Or Not.
Alright, food. This is where things get… interesting. There are restaurants on-site. They had a regular, run-of-the-mill buffet in the restaurant, but I was too scared to go in there. A la carte in restaurant options? Yes. Asian cuisine in restaurant? I'm not sure. Western cuisine in restaurant? I'm sure. Room service [24-hour]? Yay! I got to try this out, and it was pretty decent. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Yes. Desserts in restaurant? Probably. Snack bar? Probably. Poolside bar? Yes. Happy hour? (Raises hand). Vegetarian restaurant? I honestly don't know. So, yeah, you won't starve. There's also the bottle of water you can ask for. Breakfast in room is a dream. Breakfast takeaway service – good for those early starts.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day?…Maybe.
Okay, relaxation. They have a fitness center, a sauna, and a spa/sauna. I'm a fitness-center kinda gal, so I checked that out. It was small, but functional. Pool with view? The view was… alright. The pool itself was clean. Spa? Didn't indulge. Massages? Tempting. Body wrap? I always wanted to try one. You could get a Body scrub too! You could also check out the steamroom. The Swimming pool was open. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was also open, and that's perfect. The Foot bath was perfect after a long day. They basically got most of the relaxation things down.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Okay, these are the things that make or break a hotel, right? Air conditioning in public area? Yes. Cash withdrawal? Yes. Daily housekeeping? Yes. Dry cleaning and laundry service? Yes. Elevator? Yes. Facilities for disabled guests? Check. Indoor venue for special events? Yes. Meetings? Yes. Gift/souvenir shop? Yes, even though I didn't buy anything. Concierge? They were helpful, but I didn't need much. Food delivery? Excellent! Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site]? Double yes! Bicycle parking? I didn't use it. Luggage storage? Definitely a plus. Oh, yeah, and smoking area? I'm glad they've got it.
For the Kids: Family Friendly Fun?
They claim to be family/child friendly, and I did see some kids running around, so I guess so. Babysitting service? Probably? I have no idea. Kids meal? Likely on the menu.
The Verdict: Chesapeake Escape or Hotel Hell?
Look, the Delta Hotels Norfolk isn't going to blow your mind. It's not the Ritz. But it’s CLEAN, the staff is friendly, and the location is decent. The rooms are comfortable enough. The food is… food. The pool is there. All the important things… are there.
The Good:
- Cleanliness is a priority.
- Friendly staff.
- Convenient location
- Free parking!
- Safety and security top notch.
- Lots of amenities.
The Not-so-Good:
- The decor is bland.
- The food is, well, hotel food.
- The “luxury” aspect is questionable.
- Accessibility could be better.
Would I go back? Honestly? Yeah, probably. If I was visiting Norfolk again, and wanted a clean, safe, and convenient basecamp, the Delta Hotels would be a solid choice. It's not perfect, but it gets the job done. So, if you're looking for a decent hotel in Norfolk, and you're not expecting the world, it’s worth a look. Just set your expectations accordingly.
Escape to Sarnia: Your Perfect Hampton Inn Stay Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your average, perfectly manicured travel itinerary. This is… well, this is what happens when a travel blogger actually lives the trip, imperfections and all. Welcome to my Delta Hotels by Marriott Chesapeake – Norfolk Chesapeake (VA) adventure… and let me tell you, it was a ride.
Day 1: Arrival, Ambivalence, and a Quest for Coffee (and Sanity)
- 1:00 PM: Landed in Norfolk. Or, at least, I think I landed. Felt more like being gently ejected from a metal bird. My luggage, predictably, was sporting a new souvenir: a rogue dent and a suspicious stain. You know, classic.
- 1:30 PM: Checked into Delta Hotels. The lobby? Clean and shiny. Felt suspiciously like I'd walked into a commercial. Okay, okay, it's nice. The room itself was… fine. A bit bland, honestly. I'm not saying I needed a Renaissance-era tapestry, but a hint of personality wouldn't kill anyone.
- 2:00 PM: The coffee situation. This is where things went downhill. Delta’s in-room coffee? Existential dread in a paper cup. It tasted like disappointment and regret, brewed at 3 AM by a robot with zero soul. Needed real coffee, stat. The hunt began.
- 2:30 PM: Found a local cafe, "The Daily Grind". Place had charm. Real charm, the kind that smelled of fresh-baked pastries and hope. Ordered a latte with the desperation of a woman who hadn't caffeinated properly in roughly… ever.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Wandering around Chesapeake. Tried to pretend I wasn't jet-lagged and grumpy. Saw a cute dog. Briefly considered kidnapping it. Resisted. Mostly.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a "recommended" seafood place. Clam chowder? A creamy, salty hug. The crab cakes? Meh. Overpriced and under-seasoned. The waitress, lovely though she was, seemed to have forgotten my water refill along with her name.
- 7:30 PM: Back at the hotel. Watched some godawful cable show. My brain officially switched off. Fell asleep, drooling, by 9:00 PM. Victory.
Day 2: The Great Dismal Swamp and a Battle For My Soul
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at hotel (didn’t learn from yesterday). The buffet… well, let's say the scrambled eggs seemed to have achieved sentience at some point. And not in a good way.
- 9:00 AM: Great Dismal Swamp! Okay, I'll admit it. Actually amazing. Felt like I was walking into a different world. The air… thick and humid, and alive with the buzz of unseen insect armies. The Spanish moss hanging from the trees? Gorgeous. I took a million pictures. Took off my shoes for a bit to feel the mud. This was the good stuff. Found a little bit of peace and quiet…
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at some roadside diner. Ordered a burger. Got one. It was greasy and delicious. Felt myself coming back to life slightly.
- 1:00 PM: Back to town. I needed some serious retail therapy or a stiff drink. Maybe both. Stumbled into a "vintage" shop. Found a hideous… uh, unique hat. Bought it anyway. No regrets.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Returned to the hotel to… just… exist. Read a book, tried not to think about the laundry I'd be facing on return.
- 5:30 PM: Decided to give the hotel bar a try. Ordered a margarita. Okay, this was a good decision. The bartender was actually really good. We talked for an hour. He was having a tough time and it helped him. We both needed that drink.
- 8:00 PM: Faced dinner. Debated room service but went with the restaurant in-house. Decided to order dessert first. Cake. It was… okay. The frosting clearly came from a can, though. I'm starting to think this is a life lesson from the universe or something.
Day 3: Reflections, Departure, and the Bitter Taste of… Success?
- 8:30 AM: Avoided Eggs at the Hotel. Went to the Daily Grind. Coffee. Joy.
- 10:00 AM: Final stroll through the area. Chesapeake starts to look good to me. The people are nice. The trees are high.
- 12:00 PM: Check out. Hotel staff genuinely seemed sorry to see me go. Maybe I was entertaining? Who am I kidding, I was probably just a mess.
- 1:00 PM: Airport. The usual chaos. Found my airport, thankfully. Baggage in check.
- 3:00 PM: The take-off. The seatbelt. Goodbye Virginia. Goodbye.
- Final Thoughts: The Delta Hotels by Marriott… Yeah. It was… a hotel. It provided a bed, a bathroom, a vaguely forgettable breakfast, and a bar with a very nice bartender. Chesapeake? Unexpectedly charming. The Great Dismal Swamp? A revelation. If I return? I'd skip the in-room coffee, explore more of the local food scene, and embrace the chaos. After all, the imperfect is where the real memories are made, right? Now, about that hideous hat…
So, Delta Hotels Norfolk: Is It Really "Luxury"? (And Does That Even Matter?)
Alright, alright, "luxury." It's a loaded word, isn't it? Like, does it mean you need a butler named Jeeves? Because sadly, I didn't see one. But let me tell you, after battling rush-hour traffic and a toddler meltdown that morning, walking into the Delta foyer felt... well, it felt *nice*. The marble floors? Yeah, they're trying. But more importantly, the staff actually seemed happy to be there. And after dealing with the public all day, that's a luxury in itself, wouldn't you say?
The room itself? Spacious. Seriously, I could practically do cartwheels (though I didn't, because, you know, dignity). The bed? Oh, the BED. Cloud-like. I sunk in and immediately forgot all about the screaming child I'd left at home with a slightly traumatized husband. So, luxury? Not Jeeves-level, but hey, I'll take a comfy bed and a break from toddler tyranny any day.
Okay, Spill the Tea: That Chesapeake Bay Access... Is It "Access" or "Technically Access"?
This is where things get a little... nuanced. They *do* have access. You're not, like, stranded in a concrete jungle. But it's not *directly* from your balcony. There's a short walk to the marina, and it's actually kind of nice. You feel like you're *going* somewhere, you know? Breathing in that salty air…
Now, I went during, ahem, "bug season." Let's just say I developed a new appreciation for mosquito repellent. Seriously, bring the industrial-strength stuff. You'll thank me later. But the view? Worth it. Sitting at the dock, watching the boats bobbing, the sunset painting the sky… Yeah, that's pretty darn lovely. Even with the occasional mosquito squadron buzzing my head. (Okay, maybe it was a *lot* of squadrons.)
Food, Glorious Food! What's the Deal with the Restaurants? (Or, My Stomach is My Worst Critic)
Alright, so, the restaurants. Let’s be honest, I’m a bit of a food critic, and I wouldn't say my standards are particularly high...but I do like eating. The hotel restaurants are decent. Good, even. I had the crab cakes, because, well, Chesapeake Bay. They weren’t the *best* crab cakes I've ever had, but they were perfectly passable, and I didn't spend the next hour regretting my choices. That’s a win in my book.
Breakfast? Solid buffet. I love a good breakfast buffet. I may have, possibly, gone back for thirds. My husband gave me *the look*. He knows me. But the waffles were fluffy, the bacon was crispy, and coffee flowed like a glorious river. I'll just say that a full belly made everything seem even more relaxing.
The Pool: Did You Actually *Swim*? Or Just Sunbathe and Judge? (Be Honest)
Okay, fine. I'll admit it. I'm more of a sunbather than a swimmer. But the pool area? It was beautiful! Clean, spacious, with plenty of comfy lounge chairs. And the views! The marina again, the boats… it was postcard-perfect.
I did, however, accidentally fall asleep. Fell asleep with the sun beating down on me...and woke up looking like a lobster. So yeah, lesson learned: Wear sunscreen. Reapply sunscreen. Maybe hire someone to constantly mist you with sunscreen. But despite the minor sunburn situation, I enjoyed it. It was a peaceful respite, a little escape from the everyday grind. And honestly, that's what I wanted.
Beyond the Hotel Walls: What's There to *Do*? (Or, Is It Just Boats and Bugs?)
Okay, so, the hotel is great, but you're not gonna sit in your room the whole time, right? (Unless you're me, and you need a serious nap). Norfolk itself has some cool stuff. The Nauticus, a maritime museum, is a must-see, even if you're not a boat person. I found it surprisingly interesting.
And, the historic district is charming. Lots of cute shops, restaurants, and art galleries. I spent a delightful afternoon wandering around, getting lost, and generally feeling like a tourist. You'll want to explore a bit, unless you're like me and find the idea of leaving a comfy hotel room to be an immense trial of will. Then, you do you.
The Delta Norfolk: Would You Go Back? Or Is This a One-and-Done Situation?
Honestly? I would. Despite the bugs (those darn bugs!), and potential oversleeping by the pool, the Delta Norfolk delivered. It wasn’t perfect, but it was comfortable, convenient, and it provided *exactly* what I needed: a little break. A chance to breathe. A place to feel like a human being, instead of a short-order cook, referee, and sanitation expert all rolled into one (aka, the usual me).
So yes, I'd go back. Maybe I’d pack more bug spray next time. Maybe I’d actually *swim* in the pool. Maybe I’d even attempt a cartwheel. (Okay, probably not the cartwheel.) But for a quick escape, a chance to recharge, and a very comfy bed? Absolutely. Consider me sold.
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