SpringHill Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront can easily accommodate every type of traveler/s, from the businessman on the go to the couple on a weekend getaway. In our opinion, however, it suits families best, with spacious suites that sleep up to six people (seven, with the use of a rollaway bed), two swimming pools, complimentary breakfast, and the beach at your disposal, just steps away.

The hotel, which spans 14 floors above Virginia Beach, was built in 2007. In addition to its family-friendly accommodations and amenities, the hotel has a central location in Virginia Beach, with quick and easy access to Ocean Breeze Waterpark and Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center — two attractions you won’t want to miss.

SpringHill Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront has 168 oceanfront suites with balconies, mini refrigerators, microwaves, mini-bars, flat-screen TV's (two in each suite), free Wi-Fi and desks with easily accessible outlets. Cribs are available and free of charge.

Studio
The king or two queen bed studio with a sleeper sofa is a good choice for large families -- it accommodates up to seven guests with a rollaway bed (free of charge). The 450-square-foot studio features a sitting area and can be a tight fit with seven guests. Still, it's doable, and is the most budget-friendly accommodation for a big group.

One-Bedroom Suite
For more space, we like the one-bedroom suite with two queen beds and a sleeper sofa. It basically has the same setup as the studio, but with more space -- 780 square feet, to be exact. Rollaway beds are not permitted in this unit, but one crib is allowed. This suite also features a separate living and dining area.

Beach and Pools
The beach is just steps from the hotel, and you'll likely want to spend most of your time there. When it gets crowded (which regularly happens during the summer months), you can relax in two different pools at SpringHill Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The indoor pool, open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., is located on the first floor, and offers an up-close view of the beach. The outdoor pool is pretty big in size, and is surrounded by a plethora of lounge chairs and umbrellas, along with a pool bar surrounded by even more chairs, umbrellas and tables. The pool bar is typically open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, Memorial Day through the end of September (or around then). The pool usually closes at 8 p.m., as well, but if a lot of people are in it, the hotel will keep it open a little longer so your kids can have "just five more minutes!"

Note: The only downfall of the outdoor pool is that it's not connected to the hotel; it's about a block away, and most guests won't find it unless they ask a staff member where it is (there aren't any directional signs either). There are no lifeguards at either of the pools; both pools are ADA compliant.

Playground
A small playground is situated on the beach, just behind the hotel. It's not associated with the hotel, but is available to the public and is excellent for families with young children.

Free Breakfast
Complimentary breakfast is served in an open dining area -- attached to the lobby -- each morning, and typically includes three hot items, such as eggs, bacon and waffles, along with cereal, fruit, pastries and bagels. Complimentary coffee, tea and fruit-infused water are available throughout the day. Booster seats and high chairs are available to use during breakfast.

Pool Bar & Grill
During the summer, lunch and dinner are served at SpringHill Suites Oceanfront Beach Club Pool Bar & Grill, which opens at 11 a.m. daily. Family-friendly offerings include burgers, chicken tenders, sandwiches and salads, and there are plenty of umbrella-covered tables and chairs to enjoy your meals. The pool bar also acts as a seasonal outdoor café and tiki bar.

In-Room Dining
Room service is also available from noon to 8 p.m. daily, and includes casual fare, similar to that offered at the pool bar.

All About the Extras
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

Fitness Center
A small fitness center faces the beach (motivation to run faster so you can get out on the sand!), and houses a few treadmills, elipitcals and free weights.

Babysitting
If you need a babysitter, talk to someone at the front desk. They will refer you to a reputable outside source.

Sundry Store
If you want a soda or small snack, you can visit the hotel's sundry store, where you'll also find sunscreen and other vacation necessities.

The Art of Smart Timing
For obvious reasons, Virginia Beach is busiest during the summer months, from May through Labor Day. And while the crowds decrease after school starts, weekends remain busy in Virginia Beach through Columbus Day. In fact, SpringHill Suites and most of the hotels on Atlantic Avenue, the main strip, sell out because of local events, including the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival and the Mid-Atlantic Shrine Association Convention (which includes a grand parade through town). Mid-October is still a nice time to visit, if you can swing it, and the rates are low. Rates are also low during the winter months, but there's not much to do -- the weather is cold and many of the area's restaurants and shops close down.

Getting There
If you're traveling by plane, you'll want to fly into Norfolk International Airport, which is about 30 minutes away. Hop on the airport shuttle (operated by James River Transportation and located in the Arrivals Terminal) to Virginia Beach.

Most of Virginia Beach's visitors come from other parts of the Mid-Atlantic region. If you're one of them, you'll likely have to cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which stretches 20 miles and requires a toll. Credit, debit cards and E-ZPass are accepted for payment.

Complimentary onsite parking and valet service is available to all guests.

Getting Around
Leave your car at the hotel and walk if you can do it. It's easy to get around Virginia Beach by foot, with a boardwalk that runs 40 blocks along Atlantic Avenue. It's also easy to navigate the town by car, though it gets congested in the summer and parking is often sparse.

For Mom and Dad
Hire a babysitter and sneak away for a romantic dinner at Il Giardino, conveniently located across the street from SpringHill Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Vacationers and locals swear by the food and service at this cozy Italian restaurant, known for its homemade sauces.