I stayed at the Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront during the 2026 Virginia DECA State Leadership Conference, where I was serving as a judge. For anyone planning a trip to Virginia Beach in the so-called “off-season,” it’s important to know that the Virginia DECA State Leadership Conference is held here every year in late February to early March. So while the beach crowds aren’t around, the hotel absolutely fills up that weekend. Plan accordingly.
I have Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. It’s not flashy status, but it’s something, and I appreciate having it. I admittedly don’t stay at Marriott properties as often as some because most of my pleasure travel is international, and I generally use Accor Live Limitless for vacation stays while abroad. Accor just doesn’t have much of a footprint in the United States outside of luxury properties like Sofitel and Fairmont. So when I’m traveling domestically, Marriott is my preference. And for what it’s worth, I’m American — so yes, I’m going to use the brand that actually has a presence domestically, especially while on a business trip.
Whether the upgrade was tied to status or simple availability, I was upgraded to an oceanfront cabana room on the same floor as the front desk, and I’m genuinely grateful for that. That room location made the entire stay. This allowed me to walk in and out of the hotel very quickly on the day I had to judge events by Virginia’s finest students with business school aspirations in college, or go in and out before dinner, a workout, etc.
During a youth conference, the tower floors can be lively. Boys and girls aren’t allowed in each other’s rooms for obvious reasons. So the hallways become the gathering space. And from a chaperone perspective, that rule makes complete sense. In short, it is understandable why kids will congregate in the hallways during a field trip — but it’s also noisy when you are NOT a chaperone.
Being on the cabana level near the front desk meant my hallway was quiet. No late-night clusters of teenagers hanging out. No real time late night, last minute DECA role play preparations Just a peaceful oceanfront room with direct boardwalk views. That upgrade absolutely changed the tone of the weekend.
The view from the balcony is spectacular given where I was. Full Atlantic Ocean horizon, palm trees lining the boardwalk, the pool deck below. Even in February, it feels premium. In July, this exact room would easily command $300 or more per night without breakfast OR parking — ON A GOOD DAY. My rate was roughly $250 per night INCLUDING taxes, parking, and breakfast. For oceanfront Virginia Beach, that’s strong value.
There is a large screen television in the room and I was able to stream content from my phone or watch local TV comfortably from my bed. No complaints there.
The breakfast buffet is solid but simple. It covers the basics (eggs, meat, milk, cereal, bread) well enough and gets you out the door. My only real criticism is the weekend hours: 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. That feels tight for leisure travelers. Yes, it’s technically off-season. But the particular weekend I arrived was a guaranteed annual conference with hundreds of guests (even if most are high school students, business teachers who are DECA advisers, or parents who are chaperoning — and will have some bespoke breakfast, likely provided by the hotel on the weekends).
Beyond that, there are always people traveling for weddings, family reunions, funerals, or personal trips. Extending breakfast to 10:30 or 11:00 on weekends would make the experience feel more relaxed and guest-focused.
The hotel bar (located in the restaurant where the breakfast buffet was) was mostly closed during the conference. With hundreds of high school students in the building, you don’t want to create a situation where teenagers test boundaries or lazily attempt to pass themselves off as 21. If you want a beer, wine, or liquor, especially during Virginia DECA SLC weekend, go to Mellow Mushroom which is on the same block and building as the hotel. Just note that it is NOT the hotel restaurant — and Mellow Mushroom won’t let kids sit in the bar.
Overall, this was a strong stay. The upgrade was appreciated, the ocean view is outstanding, and the conference rate made it an excellent value. If you’re attending Virginia DECA SLC (this happens EVERY YEAR IN LATE FEBRUARY/EARLY MARCH) or any large youth event here (like if Virginia Beach hosted a state championship boys volleyball or girls basketball game for example), room location matters more than you think. Ask about cabana availability — or at least being in an area OUTSIDE of the high school student chaos. The Sheraton was aware of this from the beginning and the staff deserves a big kudos for that.
I’d stay again, especially at that rate. At peak July pricing, I’d think harder about it because I generally don’t go to Virginia Beach during summer vacation. but that view is hard to argue with.
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