5 Best Hotels in Virginia's Eastern Shore, Virginia

The unusual design of the Island Manor House was a result of splitting the home in two, providing adequate privacy for the original owners, who were brothers, and their wives, who were sisters. Most rooms have water views of the channel, and the hotel has an intimate brick courtyard, with a multitier fountain that makes a nice summer gathering place. Decor is delightfully eclectic, highlighting the regional landscape and history.

A fanciful complex of gingerbread-style cottages, this inn is an enchanting and relaxing place to experience the Bay. The innkeepers are welcoming, and are known for their delicious breakfasts. In addition to the Bay View Inn, there is one B&B on Tangier Island.

This three-story, large olive green house was built in the 1870s, used as a hotel in the 1920s, and converted to an inn-with-restaurant 50 years later. Its luxurious rooms all have comfortable sitting areas, and outside are lovely Japanese and English gardens. In addition to its included full breakfast, the inn serves afternoon tea Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday in the public tearoom, at a reduced rate for inn guests. Delicacies such as Apfelkuchen (German apple cake), butterscotch pecan tart, and ginger scones, all homemade, are served on Wedgwood china. The innkeeper herself is charming, personable, and knowledgeable.

Creative funk meets island culture at Onancock's boutique hotel, four blocks from the harbor on Onancock Creek. Rooms and public space are delightfully, imaginatively appointed. (Many of the floors were hand-painted by a co-owner.) Two guest rooms are located in a B&B-style house a short walk from the main hotel. In addition to the adjacent Next Door Art Gallery, there is a full-service bar and an intimate dining room. The restaurant's menu features local and regional produce and seafood.

This unassuming 1886 Victorian inn claims fame as the temporary home of author Marguerite Henry, who wrote Misty of Chincoteague. Here, in 1947, she spent two of her six weeks in Chincoteague preparing the background for her renowned children's novel. Miss Molly, the daughter of the home's builder, spent most of her life here. Guests have their pick of five bay-front porches loaded with comfy rocking chairs, and there are bicycles and beach gear available for use.