Hotel Snapshot
For East Coasters—or anyone familiar with the hit-or-miss reputation of its coastline (let’s be honest, it’s not Big Sur)—a beach vacation in Virginia may spark a bit of skepticism, particularly for out-of-state travelers. However, Virginia Beach is not to be overlooked. The Sitio, having officially opened in March of this year, has firmly marked its place in the sand, proving itself as the thoughtfully designed boutique hotel that will officially land Virginia’s coast on your travel radar—if it isn’t already.
Design & Character
The cohesive style, brought to life by Gensler design firm, is distinctly contemporary coupled with laid-back surf culture. The most prominent design element throughout the property is the commitment to each room and space being entirely different from the next.
The Sitio successfully achieved this through the eyes of Virginia Beach native, musical artist, and visionary, Pharrell Williams. Partnering with the City of Virginia Beach and Venture Realty Group, Williams assisted in developing the entire Atlantic Park district, which includes North America’s first-of-its-kind Wavegarden Cove Surf Lagoon.
Guests entering the hotel are greeted by a striking reception desk crafted from a reclaimed tree trunk—a direct nod to the brand’s commitment to upcycling the materials cleared during construction. The color palette throughout the walls, furniture, and even staff uniforms draws from a traditional surf-chic aesthetic: sandy beiges, crisp whites, sun-kissed oranges, warm browns, and organic undertones of green.
In line with the 'tapping your local community' energy, the hallways showcase a mix of local roots and global art. Vibrant, abstract pieces by Schuyler Beecroft—a world-renowned Virginia Beach native who also designed the surf lagoon’s massive mural decorate the walls alongside works by French artist JR, a close friend of Pharrell, granting each corner of the hotel a curated touch.
The Rooms
Home to just 20 rooms, The Sitio masters a residential ethos where natural materials and stripped-back, surf-adjacent styling shape every space—resulting in spaces that all feel intentionally different and never identical. Every room has its own identity, with distinct layouts, artwork, and design details, though each remains grounded in the city's laid-back surf culture.
Families will want to book the aptly named Family Room, where a row of built-in bunk beds transforms the space into the kind of effortlessly cool beach house kids dream about.
The Food & Drink
Centered around The Sunroom overlooking the surf lagoon, The Sitio’s exclusive chef-led menu delivers an elevated “après-surf” experience. Mornings begin with premium Lavazza espresso, fresh papaya parfaits, and overnight oats, while evenings transition into craft cocktails, local beers, and plates like shrimp blanco flatbreads and salmon tartare.
The Sunroom’s floor-to-ceiling views peer right out onto Atlantic Park, a budding cultural hub where you can step straight into destination dining—like NYC’s acclaimed Nami Nori, whose signature, open-style temaki hand rolls, just a 5 min walk from the hotel, are a must-try.
The Amenities
Arguably the property’s biggest draw is the private infinity-edge pool and sun deck, granting guests front-row seats to the Wavegarden’s surf action. The outdoor spaces pull from a palette of Shou Sugi Ban wood, steel, and warm wood.
And for seasoned hotel purists, the ultimate standout amenity is the commitment to tactile, old-school luxury. Instead of a plastic card or a digital app, you are handed a physical room key, proving The Sitio understands how subtle nods to classic hospitality make all the difference.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
The Sitio positions guests in the heart of the new Atlantic Park cultural district and Virginia Beach’s latest modern revolution. The walkable, surrounding streets are sprinkled with various retail and dining selections, while the oceanfront boardwalk is a mere two blocks away,
Fast Facts
Address: 365 18th St, Suite 160, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Vibe: Minimalist surf-sanctuary meets design-forward boutique retreat—vintage coastal photography, and laid-back, creative energy
Rating: 4.5
Starting Rate: Starting at $369 during the off season and starting at $569/night in season.
Room Count: 20 deeply intimate, individually decorated rooms.
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The unmatched view and direct access. Select rooms feature private balconies that look straight out onto Atlantic Park’s massive, man-made Wavegarden Cove surf lagoon.
Amenities: An infinity-edge outdoor pool and sundeck overlooking the surf lagoon, custom in-room surfboard racks, curated minibars stocked with local snacks, a morning-coffee-to-evening-cocktail guest lounge, a fire pit, and exclusive "Surf & Stay" packages.
Nearby Attractions: Atlantic Park’s surf lagoon and Wavegarden Cove, The Dome (live entertainment venue), the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, 17th Street Park, and the cultural Hub of the ViBe Creative District.
Closest Airport: Norfolk International Airport (ORF)—roughly a 25-minute drive.
Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States
