A serene alternative to oceanfront hotels in the area, The Founders Inn & Spa offers a homey, historic choice for where to stay in Virginia Beach. Keep reading for lots of photos of this dreamy property and my full hotel review! (This post is in partnership with Founders Inn & Spa. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own)
Amenities:
Parking: Free! And plenty of it
Pet Friendly: Yes
Pool: Yes
Wifi: Free
Mini-fridge: Yes – in every room!
Non-smoking: Yes
Fitness Center: Yes
All of the other destinations on June’s road trip itinerary – Richmond, Charleston, and Savannah – were completely new to me. Virginia Beach, however, which was our last stop, is a place I’ve visited many times for various family vacations throughout the years. That being said, when I was researching places to stay, I could not believe that I didn’t know about The Founders Inn and Spa because it is just magical.
Wondering where to stay in Virginia Beach?
Part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, The Founders Inn and Spa is one of those little slices of heaven hotels where it literally doesn’t matter what else you do when you’re in town because staying at the property is enough to make the entire trip worth it. It’s easy to see why this property has continuously been rated as one of the best hotels in Virginia Beach. With gorgeous English gardens to wander through, two pools, a lakeside view, in house restaurants, an extravagant spa, a modern fitness center, and lots of events and activities (like a BBQ on the Terrace every Wednesday night), there really is no reason that you absolutely have to leave.
Luxurious doesn’t even begin to describe The Founders Inn and Spa. In fact, judging by how pristine the lobby was, I almost felt disrespectful arriving in sandals, a very casual jumpsuit, and with my hair in a messy bun. It didn’t seem to phase the man behind the desk because he (not even knowing I was a blogger yet) greeted me with a smile and was as pleasant as can be. I have never been in a hotel this fancy that welcomed you exactly as you are – and that was wonderfully refreshing. One time when I went down to ask a question, the employee at the front desk was on the phone. I can only guess that the caller was asking about the dress code at breakfast because the response was, in the friendliest voice, “I assure you, people come down to breakfast in their pajamas all the time”. In fact, friendly doesn’t even begin to describe my encounter with every staff member I came in contact with there. They made the 240 room hotel feel more like a bed and breakfast.
The hotel did comp our two nights stay in exchange for this review and photography, however, I was not expecting to be staying in the Governer’s Suite (my sister was convinced it was called that because the governer must stay there, haha). Two double doors lead to two more doors. When I realized my key opened the door next to the bedroom, my jaw dropped as I took in the spacious parlor. I even called the front desk to make sure I was supposed to have access to it! The bedroom itself was spacious, clean, and comfortable.
Like most of my favorite properties that I’ve stayed at, The Founders Inn merges a historical experience and modern amenities. In my research before getting in touch with the hotel, many of the reviews I read had mentioned the decor seemed dated. I disagree. The hotel reflects touches of colonial times – not just in the Georgian architecture you see when you’re driving up to the building, but the theme continues throughout each room as well. So, it’s to be expected that the charming, vintage decor would be from decades past. I know the hotel is undergoing some upgrades and renovations and I do hope that the historical components are maintained. I love walking into a hotel room and seeing decor that transports you to another place or time – it’s part of what makes it an experience and not just a place to sleep!
Another highlight of our stay was the amazing brunch buffet. I wouldn’t label myself as a foodie since I could probably have buttered noodles every night for dinner and be content, but I am a breakfast lover. Give me all the breakfast food! Aside from a battle lost with the do-it-yourself waffle maker both mornings (which very well may have been my fault), this brunch buffet did not disappoint! Made to order omelets, a fruit and yogurt bar, cereals, pastries, eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy – you name it and they have it!
I don’t think I need to say much about the well-kept grounds and romantic garden as the pictures speak for themselves (and make for an incredible venue to have a wedding!). It sits on 26 landscaped acres! Inside, the public spaces are also expansive and numerous which note only makes this a great venue for weddings and conferences, but hotels that are set up like this never have a crowded feel to them, which is always more relaxing. Honestly, my heart is broken that this isn’t a place that I could pop in and take my blog photos at regularly because it’s just so beautiful. Regardless of if it’s beach season or not, you can’t go wrong with a relaxing stay at Founders Inn and Spa when choosing among Virginia Beach hotels!
