stever

So the recession hit us pretty badly and we can't afford to fly to Europe this summer as planned. We can only afford to drive from Gaithersburg MD to a beach area with a Starwood property (because we have tons of free pts). The closest beach area we could find is Virginia Beach. It has a Sheraton right on the beach in a dated hotel with really small bathrooms and mediocre rooms.

http://www.sheratonvirginiabeach.com/

Our 15 year would be right on the beach, though. Then we found a killer new Westin 15 minutes from the beach at Virginia Beach Towne Center that's the tallest building in Virginian, is only 1 year old, has plasma TV's and beautiful bathrooms. We pretty much told her that this would be a better option, as it's in a cool area with tons of great high end chain restaurants and a little shopping.

I have to wonder if this would be best for HER though... We'd be happier, having a new room with lovely furnishings... We used to be able to afford to stay at Four Seasons before my job changed at work this year to where I'm earning only 30% of what I used to. She loved these fancy hotels, but I'm wondering if she'd be happier by the ocean in the long run. You wake up, eat, and then head out to the ocean without taking a 15-20 minute drive to get there. http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin...ropertyID=1568

I've read many of the reviews on Trip Advisor but am still in a quandry about this. Has anyone else here had to make this decision when vacationing in Virginia Beach lately? I kind of wish the Westin wasn't even there to tempt me with it's beauty and luxury. Then it would be such an easy decision. Our 15 year old said she's cool with staying inland at the Westin and just driving to the beach...but she lives for the beach! Any thoughts from you Fodorites? Is it really that bad doing the drive and staying at the fancier Westin, or are we just being selfish by not staying on the beach?

We really don't miss not getting to go to Europe this year. We're just happy to still have our home, our cars, and food on the table.

Cheers,
Steve R
Gaithersburg MD

ronkala

Steve,
I grew up on Long Island, and as a teenager worked for the catering corporation at Jones Beach SP weekends and summers. I started my second year of work at 15 , and belive me, being at the beach was a very important thing for me. I always worked the late shift during the summer months in order to spend most of the day on the beach before work.

Go for the Sheraton and let your daughter enjoy herself.

Judy

I would choose the Sheraton at the oceanfront. While the drive from the Westin to the beach isn't far, you still have to find parking once you get there.

cd

I vote for the Sheraton with a view of the ocean. I would much prefer being on the beach with an ocean view then having to drive every day to get to the beach, and I'm far from 15!

stever

Wow, great replies. Sorry it took so long to respond but I had to go out of town and just got back to read these. I didn't expect you folks to pick the Sheraton, but in a way, it makes alot of sense. So what if the hotel is dated and cheesy... it's ON the beach, a big benefit. I think we might switch our reservation now...

Cheers,
Steve R

obxgirl

WIth all due respect, Steve, this seems a bit like a no brainer. If you're going to the beach, go the beach.

The VB Town Center is exactly like every other Fill In The Blank Town Center in the US. Save the points and drive to Rockville for a nearly identical experience: higher end shopping and restaurants surrounded by suburban & commercial sprawl.

stever

Beautifully said, obxgirl. When I heard there was a Westin in Va Beach, I went a little crazy. Our 15 year old could probably care less how nice the room is compared to being AT the beach instead.