Days Inn

Virginia Beach, Va., is a prime U.S. East Coast summer hot spot that attracts thousands of beach goers each year. As a first-time visitor and unknown to the tourist area, I wanted to find a hotel that was affordable, particularly under $700, and close to the beach for a short five-day vacation. Days Inn on Bonney Road in Virginia Beach right off of I-264 and only eight miles from the beach, was just that hotel.

The room at Days Inn included a king-sized bed, small table and two chairs, desk, dresser, two end tables, a high definition television with HBO, microwave, refrigerator, safe and a separate open dressing area off from the bathroom. The bed was extremely comfortable. It also had plenty of soft, fluffy pillows and clean bedding.

The hotel room was very clean except for what appeared to be a line of mold in the rug separation by the far wall. Along that same area, there was a noticeable smell of stale water. I assumed it was emanating from the water damaged molded carpet area. Due to spending time in the ocean and bringing back salt water soaked clothing, the smell of the water damage was tolerable.

The Days Inn hotel rooms also included a very sensitive temperature controlled air conditioning. The air conditioning has a very powerful fan causing it to be loud and obnoxious, especially when you're sleeping.

I've never used an in-room hotel safe, however halfway through our stay, the safe began beeping for no reason. When confronting an attendant to locate maintenance, we were informed that the safe didn't work. This was quite bothersome as one should not advertise saves if they do not work.

The Days Inn was the only inexpensive hotel close to the beach that offered a complimentary breakfast that included a hot menu item. The breakfast items included waffles, muffins, donuts, mini bagels, toast, Fruit Loops, Corn Flakes, oranges, bananas, tea, coffee and orange juice. The items did not change daily. The staff was very observant to ensure only fresh items were available.

The hotel staff was very polite and courteous in regards to respecting the privacy of the guests as well as keeping the room stocked with necessities and keeping it clean.

The hotel also had a nice-sized outdoor pool that had a depth of five feet. It was quite relaxing and was an alternative for those days where you may have had bad luck finding parking at the beach. The pool was also fenced in, but does not have any type of monitoring or lifeguard on duty.

Days Inn was also conveniently located in walking distance of a convenient store, a McDonald's, Wendy's and Pembroke Mall area.

I highly recommend staying at the Days Inn on Bonney Road when visiting Virginia Beach. If you are looking for an inexpensive, simple hotel and only if you are willing to drive a busy four lane highway ten minutes to the main beach, then this hotel is perfect for you!