escrowmanager

Aloha,
My husband has to go on Business to Norfolk (Naval Base) during late July 2008. Since it will be a long trip coming from Hawaii w figured we might as well make it our vacation. He only has to go on base for 4 hours a day M-F the rest of the time will be ours. I want to stay someplace close so he can get there without a big traffic nightmare. I looked around and there is one I see the Founder's Inn and Spa.Has anyone ever stayed or do they have any better recommendations? I thought a spa would be nice to have so I have some options with my free time as well. Is the heat going to be that bad? We do live in Hawaii. Please anyone who is familiar and can help us out we would really appreciate it. We are in our early 40's so we like fine dining and old historic sites. We also enjoy antique shopping. We are not on a budget.
Mahalo,
Jeanne

Birdie

Thank you Jeanne! For once I can tell someone that the summer heat in Virginia won't bother them. I have to admit that I have never been to Hawaii at its hottest and most humid but from what I have heard it isn't much better than Virginia. I think we do vary more so it could be cool and beautiful. It can also be rainy and we can have some pretty violent storms that roar through and are over quickly.
I am not familiar with the Founder's Inn but I am concerned that you will be stuck there while your husband is working. That may be ok with you. If you stayed in downtown you could walk around the city. The two of you wouldn't have to head back over to Norfolk after he finished to sightsee. You could drive him in every day and then have the car but you will hit base traffic coming from VA Beach.
There is a lot to keep you busy in Norfolk. The botanical gardens, zoo, Nauticus, Chrysler museum, antique shopping in Ghent, ferrying over to Portsmouth, etc.
I'll add as I think of my favorite antiques shops.

abram

Although I'm not familiar with Norfolk, for that long a stay, I'd suggest a condo or apartment rather than a hotel room. I prefer not to have to find a restaurant for three meals every day, and we like to have space, other than the bedroom, in which to relax. We've had good luck finding places at www.vrbo.com

cheryllj

I've never stayed at the Founder's Inn, but it's in sort of a weird location -- neither in Norfolk proper (it's in Virginia Beach), but not actually on the beach. So you would have to drive pretty far to go anywhere - the dining options are mostly going to be in Norfolk or closer to the beach.

Plus, the hotel is on the campus of Regent University (aka Pat Robertson U). That may appeal to you, or not. But if you are looking for a good location, that isn't it. It's not that close to the Naval base (there are a lot of hotels just off the base, but most of them are budget chains). And it's not that close to dining or shopping (downtown Norfolk would be better, like the Marriott Waterside). If you want to visit a spa, there will be plenty of other options in Norfolk and Va Beach, without having to stay at one.

cheryllj

PS: Definitely visit the Ghent neighborhood, if you like antique shopping. The area around Colley Ave. is a great place to walk around. And be sure to have a pizza and Greek salad at the Orapax Inn (not fancy, but a good place for lunch).

escrowmanager

Aloha,
So it sounds as though Founder's Inn may not be the best of choices even thought it has a spa on the grounds, it is not really located well. Since my Husband most likely will take the car during the day this would leave me with either walking of public transit (I could take a taxi) to get around during the day. So from the replies you have given me it sounds like there is enough for me to do in Norfolk, so I should look for a nice Hotel in Norfolk and not Virginia Beach, we can visit that area on the weekends or later in the day by car correct so far?
Mahalo and keep them coming! I am now looking for a nice hotel in Norfolk!

escrowmanager

Aloha,
I am topping this looking for advise on a nice place to stay in Norfolk. I think I have it narrowed down to either Founder's Inn or Marriott Waterside. They both state to be about 10 to 15 miles from the base. I was wondering if anyone has stayed at either and would recommend one more than the other. I like the idea that the Founder's Inn has a full service spa on site. Help from anyone with suggestions.
Mahalo,
Jeanne

cheryllj

I have never stayed at either hotel, but would choose the Marriott because of location.

I don't know what is located within walking distance of the Founder's Inn, and you may be stranded there without a car. There are a lot of shopping and dining options within walking distance, or easy public transport, from the Marriott.

Judy

I would also choose the Marriott. There really is a lot for you to see and do within walking distance from Waterside.
For travel to the base, your husband would be going against the flow of traffic coming and going....so an easier commute for him.

Diana410

Aloha Jeanne,

I agree with everyone else that staying at the Founder's Inn isn't the best place. There are very good hotels in Downtown Norfolk: Sheraton Norfolk which overlooks the Elizabeth River, Marriott Norfolk and Courtyard Marriott. These three are in easy walking distance to great restaurants, shopping and places of interest. You may want to contact www.norfolkcvb.com --- they can send you all kinds of info on what to do and see in Norfolk.
As far as the weather is concerned, it's hot and very humid here in the summer-------there are no tradewind breezes that you have in Honolulu.
There are lots of antique shops and good, eclectic restaurants in the Ghent district (easy driving from Downtown).
Norfolk was settled in the 1600's.
Rent a car, though, for venturing to places outside of the downtown area, as public transportation is virtually non-existant. You can get to Virginia Beach in 20-25 minutes; same amount of time to and from the airport.
Take the Elizabeth River ferry over to Olde Town Portsmouth for .75 each way. The neighborhood has beautiful grand homes (some of which are featured in the annual ghost walk tour in October). There are quite a few restaurants and antique shops there as well.
Hope this info is helpful. Have a great visit.

japw82

If time permits, do make the short trip to Williamsburg to enjoy the historical sites and many great dining options.