In the years I’ve lived in Virginia Beach, I have discovered it is quite charming. From the scenic beaches, to beautiful hikes and growing food scene, Virginia Beach has quite a bit to offer. Watching The Cavalier Hotel get re-built has been a joy and I was incredibly excited when they reached out asking me to do a staycation. Rich history lines the walls of this historic luxurious hotel originally built in 1926. Its guest list is quite impressive including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Frank Sintra, Muhammad Ali and a host of Presidents such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Lyndon B. Johnson. The Cavalier Hotel has an iconic look and during the renovation process, meticulous care was taken to preserve these details. Nestled in the North End neighborhood of Virginia Beach, the hotel has a grand appearance as it sits on a hill facing the ocean. During the summer season, the famous Beach Club is open, which sits on the ocean and offers a variety of chic beach activities and amenities.

My friend Kelly Hill joined me on this staycation and our room was on the 6th Floor with an ocean view. Other beach-style homes surround The Cavalier creating a cozy neighborhood feel. The check-in process is extremely smooth and the front desk is extremely attentive. We stayed in room 612, if you’re interested in getting this exact view. I’m sure sunrise and sunset from the windows can be quite epic.  I love the rich gold detailing throughout the room with ornate, yet chic furniture. The artwork above our beds added a fresh pop of color to the room without being overbearing. The rooms are quite spacious and Kelly and I had plenty of room for our belongings. The bathroom is quite luxurious with marble tile work, intricate faucets and stunning mirrors with great lighting for makeup. We did our makeup together in the bathroom Sunday morning and never bumped into each other. Even though our room is close to the elevator, we never heard any of the dinging noises, which was great.

 

Our first stop: the pool. Set in distinctive black and white with pops of green, this indoor pool screams chic. The banana trees give off that tropical vibe along with the lush faux-ivy walls. Even though the pool at The Cavalier is indoors, it’s in an atrium so plenty of natural light comes in. I love how this makes you feel as though you’re outside but you’re protected from the elements. In addition to the row of lounge chairs, there are cabanas you can use, too. Note: Guests from the upstairs Raleigh Room do have access to pop into the pool area via a balcony. Usually, they take a peek to see what the pool area looks like and return where they came from.

Virginia Beach has some epic sunsets, so after the pool, Kelly and I changed and popped outside to catch this cotton candy sky. Earlier in the day, it was raining and so gray. But the clouds cleared for us and the sky had the most stunning colors. These are some of my favorite photos because you can see the iconic shape of The Cavalier Hotel against what looks like a painting. One aspect I love about this hotel is it’s not just great for guests, but locals too. There are plenty of spots to hang around whether you’re there for dinner or just to grab drinks. The patio outside is open with plenty of seating. The garden area is quite lovely and there is a beautiful hill overlooking Pacific Avenue.

Where to Eat

Dinner at The Hunt Room

Speaking of dinner, The Hunt Room graciously hosted us and our food was quite scrumptious. The atmosphere is casual and perfect for watching sports. Keep in mind, it can get quite loud, especially if a band is playing. However, it’s fun and laid back. The food though is seriously good. Unfortunately, it was too dark to take photos, but if you hop over to my Instagram and check out the 757 highlight, you’ll see our dinner spread. For appetizers, we recommend the Duck Fat Fried Poutine and Tempura Fried Sweet Potatoes. Both of these were incredible and I highly recommend. For our main course, I got the Cornmeal Crusted Rockfish Fillet and Kelly got the Kentucky Mule Lacquered Duck Leg. Also, Kelly got the Float like a Butterfly cocktail and raved about it, so if you drink, I would recommend that!

*PRO TIP*

Order the creme brulee from room service. It is absolutely divine. Also, one is big enough for sharing but Kelly and I didn’t know that. Oops. Also, get the turn-down service. It comes with delicious chocolate, slippers and the next day’s forecast and a quote of the day from one of the famous guests.

Breakfast at Becca

Brunch at Becca is a must. It’s my favorite place to eat at The Cavalier by far. Becca is a beautiful space with both normal restaurant seating in a luxurious setting and terrace area. Of course, during the day the terrace area is stunning and full of light. What I love about Becca is how it’s fresh, modern yet still local. The chef also sources ingredients locally, giving it a garden to table feel. I’ve had both dinner and brunch at Becca and rave about them. I highly recommend the crab cake sandwich and avocado toast for breakfast. They are both beautifully prepared with plenty of flavor. Also, I love how they do not skimp on crab at The Cavalier. I previously had a crab cake for dinner and there was plenty to go around! Also, I highly recommend trying out Becca for dinner too. This is perfect for a chic date or a fun soiree if you are local and are looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

 

 

The Cavalier is proud of of its historic roots. On the first floor, right outside of Becca, is a mini-museum of sorts. You can learn about the history of the hotel, its guests and how architects renovated the hotel while maintaining its iconic look. On each guest room floor, there are portraits of past famous guests, sparkling chandeliers and old-school telephones. I love how the charm is always present in every detail but done in a modern, chic way.

The Raleigh Room

If you’re looking for a chic place to get drinks and hang out with friends, head to The Raleigh Room. Giving off the famous Roaring 20’s flair, this room has romantic fireplaces, lush colorful chairs, a gallery wall and what I hear are delicious cocktails. On weekends, there is a pianist and vocalist to jazz up the place while you escape the week. I love the great care designers put into decorating the space. Do you notice anything fresh about the Mona Lisa?

If you find yourself in Coastal Virginia, The Cavalier is a must visit. They also have bikes you can take out for a spin along the beach neighborhoods and explore the area. However, the homes surrounding the hotel are private residences, so don’t tresspass and let the homeowners be. Of course, you can admire from the sidewalk or street. Parking is valet only, so make sure you have cash for tips. For the week, Mazda graciously lent me their 2019 CX 3 and it was a dream to drive! Plus, I think it perfectly blends in with The Cavalier’s aesthetic.