Norfolk Airport's BEST-KEPT Secret: Home2 Suites Luxury!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Norfolk Airport's… drumroll please … BEST KEPT SECRET: Home2 Suites Luxury! And trust me, I'm not just throwing around the word "luxury" willy-nilly. I've been around the block, seen a few hotels, experienced the good, the bad, and the… well, the decidedly mediocre. This place? This place is different. It's got that "secret handshake" vibe, you know? The kind of spot you want to brag about to your friends, but also kinda want to keep all to yourself.
So, here's the lowdown, warts and all, because nobody’s got time for a sugar-coated review. I'm gonna break it down, no holds barred.
First Impressions: Accessibility, And The All-Important Feeling of Welcome
Okay, let's start with the nitty-gritty: Accessibility. Home2 Suites gets it. I mean, they really, really get it. Wheelchair accessible? Yes. It's not just a checkbox, either. The whole place is designed with thought and consideration. Wide hallways, easy access to elevators (a huge win in my book!), and rooms that are actually usable for folks with mobility issues. This is huge. Beyond that, it's just that the staff get it too. You know the silent struggle when you have accommodations and getting to them can be like navigating a funhouse? Not here. They are genuinely helpful and willing to make your stay as easy as possible. Accessibility: A+. Big, giant, shining A+
Now, I'm not disabled, but I appreciate a place that cares, and this place cares. The feeling of being welcomed is just… palpable.
The Room: Your Own Personal Oasis (With Internet That Doesn't Suck!)
Alright, let's get to the good stuff: the rooms! This ain’t your grandma’s cramped motel room, folks. We're talking spacious, modern digs. Let's run down the list:
- Available in all rooms: Ding, ding, ding! Okay, okay, I'm gonna call myself out here. I'm a sucker for a good, clean bathroom. And Home2 Suites delivers. The additional toilet is a godsend for, well, reasons. Air conditioning? Obviously, and it works wonderfully. Alarm clock? Yep. Bathrobes? Yes, and they're fluffy. Bathroom phone? Yes, for those late night calls to the front desk (we've all been there). Bathtub? Yup. Blackout curtains? Oh, sweet, glorious blackout curtains! (Essential for those of us who like to sleep in past the sun rising.) Carpeting? Yes. Closet? Plenty of space. Coffee/tea maker? Absolutely. Complimentary tea? Yes! Daily housekeeping? Yes, and the housekeepers are super friendly. Desk? A proper one, not just a tiny table. Extra long bed? Yes, which is great for us tall folk. Free bottled water? Yes, gotta stay hydrated. Hair dryer? Yep, and a decent one at that. High floor? They've got them. In-room safe box? Yes. Interconnecting room(s) available? Seems so. Internet access – LAN? Check. Internet access – wireless? Yes! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! I REPEAT, FREE WI-FI!!! Okay, I'll calm down. Seriously though, the Wi-Fi is actually good. Solid connection, no buffering, no screaming at your laptop. This is a huge win! Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi [free]: All solid A's. Ironing facilities? You bet. Laptop workspace? Yep. Linens? Clean and comfy. Mini bar? No, but there's a fridge, which is way better. Mirror? Yes, lots of 'em. Non-smoking? Absolutely. On-demand movies? Yes. Private bathroom? Of course. Reading light? Excellent. Refrigerator? Big one! Safety/security feature? Check. Satellite/cable channels? Yep. Scale? Yes, if you really want to weigh yourself after the buffet breakfast (more on that later…) Seating area? A comfy one. Separate shower/bathtub? Yes. Shower? Awesome water pressure. Slippers? Nope. Smoke detector? Very important. Socket near the bed? YES! Sofa? Yes. Soundproofing? Pretty darn good. Telephone? Yes. Toiletries? Decent. Towels? Fluffy. Umbrella? Nope. Visual alarm? Apparently, they've got 'em. Wake-up service? You bet. Window that opens? Yes, for fresh air!
Honestly, the rooms are a sanctuary. They manage to strike that perfect balance between functional and stylish. You can seriously chill.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling Your Adventure (or Your Couch Potato Day)
Okay, let's talk food. This is where things get interesting. Home2 Suites offers a pretty impressive spread.
Breakfast [buffet]: Buffet in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Buffet in restaurant, Breakfast service, Breakfast [buffet], Coffee/tea in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: The breakfast, the breakfast! Seriously, guys… I'm not usually a buffet person. Buffets can be a gamble, you know? But this one? This one is good. There's a decent selection of hot and cold items: think eggs, meats, pastries, yogurt, fruit, etc. Nothing particularly groundbreaking, but it’s well-stocked and tasty. The coffee shop situation is solid, and the desserts in restaurant selection is there for a midnight craving, though I wouldn't say it was their strongest point. A solid B+ for the breakfast buffet. They do a good job with the food, but the best part is the friendly staff!
Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Room service [24-hour, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: There's a snack bar that's perfect for grabbing a quick bite, the poolside bar is a great spot to unwind with a drink (which is excellent!), and the fact that they have room service [24-hour] is a godsend. You know, for those nights when you just can't be bothered to put pants on. Overall, a good, practical, and tasty spread.
Things To Do and Ways To Relax: Beyond the Bed
This is where Home2 Suites really shines. They're not just offering a place to sleep; they're offering an experience.
Ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: The outdoor swimming pool looks amazing, but it was closed when I was there. The Spa/sauna setup sounds amazing too, but I didn't get a chance to try them. What I did do was spend a glorious afternoon by the pool, reading a book and soaking up the sun. This is exactly what I needed. If the pool with view lives up to the picture, then you're in for a real treat. Fitness center, Gym/fitness The Fitness center, Gym/fitness are a lifesaver. They are well-equipped and I did not go, because I’m on vacation. But it's there, should you wish to counteract your buffet indulgence.
Things to do: Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events, Proposal spot, Shrine, Terrace: I imagine this place is a solid choice for a business trip or a relaxing getaway, I did see someone propose while I was there, which was charming.
Cleanliness and Safety: Always a Priority
In today’s world, cleanliness is king, and Home2 Suites gets it.
Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: They've gone above and beyond with their hygiene protocols
W Minneapolis - Foshay Tower: Unforgettable Luxury Awaits
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because you're getting the unfiltered, slightly-off-kilter travelogue of my Norfolk, Virginia adventure, specifically the time I spent at that… ahem… Home2 Suites by Hilton near the airport. Prepare for a bumpy ride.
Day 1: Arrival and the Promise of Airport Proximity (and Instant Regret)
- 1:00 PM: Landed at Norfolk International (ORF). Everything felt… humid. Like, "can you bottle this and sell it as a facial?" humid. I booked the Home2 Suites because, well, the airport. I'm not a morning person, and the thought of a pre-dawn drive after a red-eye from… let's just call it "far, far away"… gave me the chills. So, Home2 it was. Shuttle bus? Check. The driver looked like he'd seen a thousand bad airport days, and frankly, he probably had.
- 1:30 PM: Check-in. The front desk attendant was sweet. Like, melt-your-teeth-with-kindness sweet. I immediately felt bad about my inevitable grumbling about the hotel later. First impression: clean, modern-ish. A faint whiff of chlorine from the pool area fought valiantly with the smell of… well, hotel-ness. You know the one. It's a blend of artificial air freshener and… stuff.
- 2:00 PM: Room Unveiling. Okay, it's… fine. Functional. Kitchenette? Check. (I mentally calculated the potential for late-night ramen consumption.) The artwork was… abstract. Like, "a child with a box of crayons could have done it" abstract. But hey, it's a hotel, not the Louvre. Still, I was tired, hangry, and questioning my life choices at this point.
- 3:00 PM: The Pool (and a near-drowning in ennui). I envisioned a refreshing dip. Instead, I found a chlorine-saturated wasteland of… mostly empty chairs. One lonely inflatable swan. A guy in a too-small Speedo doing laps with the dedication of a competitive goldfish. I lasted five minutes before retreating to the safety of my room and doomscrolling. The pool experience was a TOTAL letdown, but as I sat there and started to mentally list all the things I'm not going to achieve with my life, I had to give a chuckle.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. The Home2 supposedly offers "complimentary" breakfast. I've learned that "complimentary" at hotels often translates to "mediocre, at best." I'd skipped lunch in my attempt to eat healthy (lol), so I needed proper food. I found a BBQ place on yelp, it looked busy and smelled amazing. I didn't take pictures, but I inhaled some pulled pork, mac and cheese, and hushpuppies. It was delicious!
- 8:00 PM: Back in the room, the quiet was a relief, so I started to unwind. The soundproof walls were actually doing a good job. I wanted to get up early and drive around to see some of the historical sites.
- 10:00 PM: Bedtime. Hoping for a decent night's sleep. Fingers crossed for no leaky faucets or mystery noises.
Day 2: History, Ghosts (Maybe), and a Deep Dive into… Local Coffee
- 7:00 AM: Alarm! Ugh. Breakfast time. "Complimentary." Let's be honest, the best hotel breakfasts are never, ever complimentary. It was as expected. Waffles the size of my head, questionable coffee, and pre-packaged everything. My sugar rush hit promptly. That being said, I did manage to get some protein in me.
- 8:00 AM: Exploration time! I decided to start with the historic district. I love that stuff, the stories behind the scenes. Driving around in the neighborhood I was able to see a lot of the things I'd been reading about.
- 10:00 AM: The walk! I was able to tour the history museum, and got a chance to walk along the waterfront.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Did you know that there's a lot of places to enjoy fresh seafood.
- 3:00 PM: Coffee Ritual. I'd made a note of a local coffee shop to check out. I got a cortado. My brain was firing on all cylinders, and I was ready to take on the world. Or at least, another hour of sightseeing.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the Home2. Okay, I was tired. Maybe I'd overdone it on the walking. The room was… still there. Clean. The abstract art still mocking me.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. I gave into some unhealthy cravings and got a burger and fries.
- 9:00 PM: Staring at the ceiling, a little bit of anxiety. What did I want to do with my life? Was I happy? Or even close? This hotel room became my own little anxiety chamber.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep. Please, oh please, sleep.
Day 3: The Airport (and a Surprisingly Positive Goodbye)
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast. More questionable waffles. More lukewarm coffee. More… existential dread.
- 8:00 AM: Packing up. The room felt less sterile now. It felt, dare I say, familiar? Even the abstract art looked… slightly less judgmental.
- 9:00 AM: Check-out. The sweet attendant was still sweet. I felt bad for not complaining about anything. Maybe I was becoming soft? Or maybe the caffeine finally kicked in.
- 9:30 AM: Shuttle to the airport. The same driver. He grunted a greeting. I’m convinced he saw the airport shuttle as his own version of purgatory. I felt a tiny pang of sympathy.
- 10:00 AM: The airport. Goodbye, Norfolk. Goodbye, Home2 Suites. It wasn't a disaster. It was just… a thing. A series of experiences. Some delightful, some disappointing, all… real. And maybe, just maybe, that's what makes travel worthwhile. Whether it's a luxury resort or a slightly-above-average airport hotel, it's the memories, the unexpected moments, and the little imperfections that stick with you. And, hey, at least I have a story to tell.
So, there you have it. My honest, messy, and occasionally rambling review of the Home2 Suites near the Norfolk airport. Would I stay there again? Probably. It’s a place to sleep, a base camp. But I’ll be packing my own instant coffee next time.
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Riazor Aeropuerto Mexico Awaits!
Home2 Suites at Norfolk Airport: The Secret You *Need* to Know (But Maybe Don't Tell Everyone!)
Okay, *really* – what’s the deal with this “luxury” Home2 Suites business? Isn't that... a budget brand?
Alright, buckle up. This is where things get interesting. Yes, in the big hotel hierarchy, Home2 Suites *can* be seen as, shall we say, "comfortably priced." And you're right, in theory, it's not the Ritz. But the one at ORF? Honey, it's different. It's like they took the Home2 blueprint, chucked a bunch of extra-comfy pillows at it, and said, "Let's see what happens." I'm not saying it's a *true* luxury experience like, say, a Four Seasons… but for an airport hotel? It's basically royalty. I mean, you've got the free breakfast – which is genuinely decent, not the sad continental situation you're used to. And the rooms? Spacious. Seriously. I once did a yoga routine in my room (don't judge, flight delays are stressful) with room to spare. That's a win in my book.
Airport hotels are usually… well, *airport hotels*. Are we really talking "treat yourself" kinda vibes?
Okay, let's be honest, airport hotels are *rarely* the highlight of a trip. Usually, they're synonymous with drab, fluorescent lighting, the constant drone of air conditioning, and that distinct smell of… well, airport. But at this Home2 Suites? I kid you not, the lobby is actually *inviting*. Like, you might actually *want* to sit down there for a bit, instead of just speed-walking past, desperately trying to reach your room. The staff are generally genuinely friendly and helpful, which, again, is golden in the harried world of travel. It's not a spa day, but it's *far* better than you'd expect. Which is why I love it. It makes the whole pre-flight or layover misery a little less… miserable.
What’s the food situation, aside from the aforementioned "decent" breakfast? Any dining options nearby?
Right, the breakfast. It's the standard Home2 setup -- waffles, oatmeal, eggs, and the usual suspects. But honestly, it's better than a lot of the free breakfasts I've endured. Fresh fruit is a plus. The coffee? Not bad at all. Now, for dinner? Okay, the dining scene *around* the airport is, shall we say, a little… limited. You're mostly looking at chain restaurants, which is fine in a pinch. But if you're REALLY wanting something special, you might want to drive a bit. Personally, if I'm stuck there for dinner I'll order in. I'm all about that room service life, even if its just door dash.
Okay, maybe I'm catching on... but what's the catch? There HAS to be a catch!
Alright, here's the thing: No place is perfect. Sometimes, the elevators are slow. Sometimes the gym is a little…under-equipped. The pool is small. And you might hear some airplane noise. But honestly, *that's* the catch. It's not the Four Seasons, remember? But in terms of value for money, convenience, and overall comfort when you're dealing with the airport shuffle, that Home2 Suites is a solid, solid win. The biggest catch, I think, is that you'll be telling everyone about it and then it won't be a secret anymore! And I might have to start booking *way* in advance.
So, you've stayed there a few times, eh? Spill some real stories; what's the *one* experience you remember most?
Oh, you want a story? Okay, get this. Last year, pre-pandemic (remember those days?!), I was supposed to fly out of Norfolk. Weather delay. Massive one. Hours. They bumped us onto another flight. More hours. Chaos. I was utterly wrecked. I stumbled back to the hotel after a truly horrific day of travel, thinking I'd be getting the usual sterile, soul-crushing airport hotel experience. I was *exhausted*, near tears, and just wanted a bed.
But...the front desk guy? He was an angel. The kind of guy who actually seems to *enjoy* his job. He saw the state I was in, didn't even bat an eye, gave me a room on a higher floor, and said, "Hey, you deserve a break. Take a load off." And you know, that tiny gesture completely saved my night. The room was quiet, the bed was like sinking into a cloud, and I legit slept for twelve hours straight. It was pure, unadulterated heaven. I even ordered a pizza (don't judge!). The next morning, I felt…human. I was also very, very grateful. This Home2 Suites? It just…gets it. It understands the weary traveler. And that makes all the difference. It's more than just a hotel; it is a oasis.
Any other little perks or things to keep in mind?
Okay, a few tips. Make sure your room has USB chargers! That helps a lot. The fitness center is decent, but if you're a serious gym rat, maybe lower your expectations a bit. Also, book early, especially during peak travel times. Don't, and I repeat, *DO NOT* forget your earplugs if you're a light sleeper. You *are* near an airport, after all. And finally, just… enjoy it. It's a rare find in the world of airport hotels.
Final Verdict: Would you recommend it? The *honest* truth.
Hell yes, I'd recommend it! Look, if you want super-luxe indulgence, this isn't it. But if you want a clean, comfortable, well-run hotel that’s conveniently located, has a decent breakfast, and actually tries to make your airport experience a little less of a nightmare? Absolutely. 10/10 would recommend, and I'm not just saying that because I've secretly booked a room there for my next layover. Shhh!
