Built by Suburban Capital, the company behind Norfolk’s stunning, art-inspired Glass Light Hotel & Gallery, the new Moxy hotel in Virginia Beach showcases its personality through decorative art of another kind. A Zoltar fortune-telling machine, tabletop shuffleboard and painted wooden surfboards give the hotel’s living-room-like lobby a laid-back, playful vibe. Comfy seating areas include a bench seat in a rickshaw and throw pillows with cheeky messages such as, “Trust me, you can dance. -Vodka.”
In lieu of a front desk, a bar at the center of the lobby doubles as a check-in spot, where guests receive a room key and a welcome glass of wine, local craft beer or cocktail—or a poker chip to cash in on that free drink at a later time.
Once settled, have a look-see at the second-floor fitness center, then take the indoor slide back down to the lobby instead of the stairs.
Opened in July, the hotel’s 134 guest rooms are on the smaller side, but well designed with numerous hooks and trays for your clothing and electronics (no closet), comfy beds (king, two queens or “quad queen” bunkbeds), a 55-inch flat-screen TV, tiled walk-in shower with a rain showerhead, and balconies, most with an ocean view. Two king suites include a mini fridge.
Moxy’s location is an optimal viewing spot overlooking Holiday Lights at the Beach, the city’s annual, nautical-themed drive-through lights display (Nov. 16–Jan. 1), which runs along the boardwalk’s southern end.
Better still, sign up for the Surf N Santa 5-miler on Dec. 16 and see the lights on foot. Open to walkers and runners—including those who like to stop for a beer, midcourse—the race holds the Guinness World Record (2016) for the largest Santa run. According to organizers, this year’s race course promises entertainment and a ginger-molasses cookie stop, plus a post-race luau with live music, food, drinks and a shop full of surfing Santa swag.
Fuel up pre-race at The Belvedere (off the Moxy hotel’s lobby) with a delicious omelet, creamed chipped beef and grits, or another breakfast or lunch special. Rates begin at $99.
Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront, 1201 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach, Virginia, 757-452-4515