For most families, a full-service resort in Virginia Beach is the better choice for a short, hands-off trip, while a VRBO rental wins out for longer stays or bigger groups who want their own kitchen and space. It comes down to how much you want handled for you and how much room you need. Below is how each option fits your trip length, group size and budget.
| Accommodation Type | Best For | Pros | Cons | Booking Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Service Family Resorts | Zero-effort trips | Pools, kids’ clubs, dining all on-site | Less space, higher nightly cost | Compare Rates → |
| Private VRBO Rentals | Larger families, longer stays | More space, full kitchen, often more affordable per person | You handle meals and cleaning | Compare Rates → |
Option A: Full-Service Family Resorts
The Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront sits right on the boardwalk, so getting from the room to the sand with small kids is easy. The rooms are roomy, and restaurants and entertainment are a few steps away.
- What you get: An oceanfront pool, a fitness center, on-site dining and a playground.
- The Pool: The rooftop infinity pool provides stunning ocean views, and the smaller indoor pool is the better bet for younger children.
- Tip: Arrive early in the day so you can grab loungers before the pool deck fills up.
- Good to know: Book ahead during peak season. Rooms with the best pool views go first.
The Ocean Beach Club Resort is built for families, with multi-room suites that give everyone space after a day at the beach, and enough going on that the kids stay busy.
- What you get: An indoor pool, a fitness center, a game room and oceanfront dining.
- The Pool: The resort has four separate pools, including a children’s pool that suits toddlers and non-swimmers.
- Tip: Check in online ahead of time, then head straight for the pool while your room finishes getting ready.
- Good to know: Popular with families, so the pool area can get crowded during peak summer weekends.
Option B: Private VRBO Vacation Rentals
A private home gives you a real kitchen, a washer and dryer, and separate rooms for nap times and early bedtimes, all things a hotel room can’t easily offer. For longer stays or bigger families, it often works out more affordable per person too.
The Verdict: Which Should You Book?
If you want zero cooking and zero cleaning, book a resort. If you’re traveling with a bigger group, staying longer, or want the flexibility of your own kitchen and laundry, a VRBO rental is usually the better lazy-travel choice.
FAQs About Staying in Virginia Beach
Is a resort or VRBO more affordable for families?
It depends on group size and length of stay. VRBO rentals often work out more affordable per person for larger families staying several nights.
Do VRBO rentals in Virginia Beach have pools?
Many do, though pool access varies by property, so check individual listings for pool details.
How far in advance should we book?
Book 2-3 months ahead for peak season to get the best selection of resorts and rentals.
Helpful Local Resources
Before you go, these official Virginia Beach, VA sites are worth a bookmark. They have current hours, beach conditions, and event calendars straight from the people who know the area best.
- Visit Virginia Beach for official visitor information, events, and trip planning help
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
- First Landing State Park
- Virginia Beach family vacation ideas official kid-friendly picks
- Virginia Beach beaches & districts choose the right area to stay
- Virginia Beach events calendar for festivals during your stay
More Family Travel Guides for Virginia Beach: