30 June 2023

Your Guide to Unique Hotels in Downtown Norfolk, VA

Downtown Norfolk is home to some fantastic hotels, including some with unique attributes that make this city and stay one-of-a-kind. From plush mattresses fit for a queen to art galleries and rooftop beer gardens, our Downtown hotels have so many distinctive amenities and features to offer. Below, you will find the most unique hotels in Norfolk.

Four Eleven York

Four Eleven York is the only boutique inn in the city, located among the cobblestone streets of Freemason, which is the oldest and most historic neighborhood in Norfolk. The exterior is that of an 1890s building while the inside has been renovated for modern rustic aesthetic. Their suites are named after prominent landmarks or neighborhoods within the city and are each unique in their design. You’ll find rain showers and heated bathroom floors throughout. Their Magnolia Suite has a special Paramount Sleep Mattress called Hypnos, which is the exclusive supplier of mattresses for the residences of the royal family! While their rich hospitality and comfy beds may make you fall in love with the inn, it’s their top-tier restaurant that will keep you coming back for more. We highly recommend their seasonally focused dinners as well as their brunches which often feature mini doughnuts.

Hilton Norfolk the Main

Located in the heart of Downtown Norfolk, Hilton Norfolk The Main has become a hub for beer lovers, sophisticated Italian palates and those who love to slurp down a local oyster. The Main is home to three pillar restaurants, Grain, Norfolk’s only rooftop beer garden, Varia, an Italian Trattoria with a secret dining room and Saltine, a beloved seafood restaurant with a large outdoor patio. Now, aside from their multi-restaurant offerings, The Main is the only hotel that offers birds-eye views down historic Granby Street, the Battleship Wisconsin and the Elizabeth River. Another unique feature, the Main is home to multiple contemporary art pieces that are scattered throughout. Local tip: Ask the front desk or a greeter for a paper guide to their art pieces. 

Norfolk Waterside Marriott

Image courtesy of Norfolk Waterside Marriott

The Waterside Marriott multi-floor building stands tall and proud along our waterfront skyline and completed a beautiful renovation in July 2020. They have an iconic sixth floor outdoor terrace that has stunning views of our neighboring city, Portsmouth, as well as beautiful views of the Elizabeth River. This terrace is the ideal location for a Norfolk wedding, meeting or just a place to sit back and enjoy a cocktail.

Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel

This Sheraton hotel has become an icon in our Norfolk skyline and is the only hotel Downtown to be located directly on the Elizabeth River. Running next to the hotel is the Elizabeth River Trail (ERT), a 10.5-mile pedestrian and bike/scooter-friendly trail marked with historic sites, breweries, scenic water views and delicious restaurants. If you are not familiar with our city, it’s a great way to explore several neighborhoods and live like a Norfolkian.

The Glass Light Hotel and Gallery – Marriott Autograph Collection

The Glass Light Hotel and Gallery is a boutique hotel and art gallery housed in a building reimagined from its 1912 heritage and boasts 113 masterfully detailed guest rooms and suites. Exceptional works of glass art by world renowned artists such as Peter Bremers and Lino Tagliapietra are featured throughout. Intimate meeting and event spaces are seamlessly connected to the gallery, allowing inspiration and creativity from their users. Onsite, the Perry Glass Art Collection features beautiful glass pieces from local and internationally renowned artists. The private collection encompasses two floors of over 65 glass art pieces from world renowned artists. The gallery is free and open to the public.

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