Resort Overview

Resort Profile:

The Cavalier Resort is a premier hospitality destination encompassing more than 20 oceanfront acres in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The resort is home to three distinctive hotels—The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort, and Embassy Suites by Hilton™ Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort—each offering a unique guest experience under one unified brand.

A landmark since 1927, The Historic Cavalier Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has hosted generations of notable guests, from U.S. presidents to cultural icons. A full restoration in 2018 revitalized its legacy, setting the tone for the broader resort’s luxury positioning.

Architecture:

The Cavalier features classic Jeffersonian and Colonial Revival architecture, showcasing grand archways, original marble staircases, and stately brickwork. Its restored interiors blend traditional elegance with contemporary design, including richly appointed guest rooms, vintage-inspired lounges, and an intimate indoor “plunge pool” once used by dignitaries and celebrities. The newer additions—Marriott and Embassy Suites—offer sleek, modern architecture with clean lines, open spaces, and expansive ocean views, creating a seamless balance between heritage and innovation throughout the resort.

Location:

Located along the serene north end of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, the Cavalier Resort offers an upscale escape with direct beach access and proximity to the area’s top cultural, dining, and recreational attractions. Easily accessible for regional and national travelers, the resort is 18 miles from Norfolk International Airport (ORF), 102 miles from Richmond International Airport (RIC), and 127 miles from the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Climate:

Virginia Beach experiences a coastal climate with mild winters, warm summers, and gentle ocean breezes. Average temperatures range from 50–85°F, making it an ideal year-round destination for beachgoers, spa-seekers, and event guests alike.

Ownership:

The Cavalier Resort is owned and operated by Gold Key | PHR, a privately held hospitality company based in Virginia Beach. Founded by CEO Bruce Thompson, Gold Key | PHR began in 1986 with a small team and a vision for exceptional vacation experiences. Over the past three decades, the company has grown to become the state’s largest hospitality employer, with a portfolio that includes hotels under the Hilton and Marriott brands, award-winning restaurants, and luxury residential and commercial developments across the mid-Atlantic.

Accommodations:

The resort offers over 500 guest rooms and suites across three hotels:

• The Historic Cavalier Hotel: 85 rooms and suites with bespoke design, custom furnishings, and curated artwork
• Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront: 305 rooms with modern décor, private balconies, and panoramic views of the Atlantic
• Embassy Suites by Hilton™: 157 suites ideal for families and group travel, offering ocean views and extra space

Dining:

Becca Restaurant & Garden: Modern Southern cuisine in an elegant setting

Orion’s Roof: Rooftop dining with globally inspired flavors & stunning panoramic views

Hunt Room: A cozy tavern serving rustic fare & signature cocktails

Tulu Seaside Bar & Grill: Health-conscious dishes with a refreshing twist

The Raleigh Room: A sophisticated lounge with small plates & shareables, cocktails, and weekend afternoon tea and live music

The Deck Seagrill & Bar: Fresh seafood & oceanfront views

Tacos-N-Tequila: Tacos, tropical drinks, & laid-back vibes

Arbuckle’s Bar & Grill: Classic American fare, craft beer, & whimsical vibes

We Scream Ice Cream & Coffee Shop: Hand-scooped delights & Starbucks Coffee

Signature Experiences:

• SeaHill Spa: A full-service wellness sanctuary offering treatments, relaxation spaces, steam rooms, and a Himalayan salt therapy room

• Tarnished Truth Distillery: The first in-hotel distillery in the U.S., producing award-winning bourbon and spirits with on-site tours and tastings

• Cavalier Beach Club: Exclusively available for Cavalier hotel guests and residents only, featuring private beach access, outdoor infinity pool and hot tub, poolside cabanas, food and beverage service, and a climate-controlled lounge with showers and lockers

Recreation & Activities:

Pools
The resort features six pools across the three hotels. Guests must use pools at their respective hotel; pool hopping is not permitted. Each hotel’s pools provide seasonal enhancements and service offerings. Outdoor pools are seasonal, while all indoor pools are heated and open year-round.

Semi-Private Beach Access
All resort guests enjoy access to a secluded stretch of Virginia Beach, reserved exclusively for Cavalier Resort hotels. In season, every stay comes with complimentary chairs for two and two-hour metal detector rentals for curious explorers.

Fitness & Wellness
Each hotel offers a fully equipped fitness center with cardio and strength training equipment, open 24/7. Daily wellness programming changes with the seasons and may include yoga, aquafit workouts, and guided classes, available to all overnight resort guests with prior registration required.

Resort Programming
Daily activities are curated seasonally and may include morning yoga, cocktail-making classes, arts & crafts sessions, unique kids’ experiences like mermaid meet-and-greets, lawn games, and more. Most activities are free to all overnight resort guests. Certain activities have a maximum capacity limit, so prior registration/signups are required before attending.

Family-Friendly Fun
Offering an exciting calendar of possibilities for the whole family to partake in, all resort guests have access to seasonal programming and special events including outdoor movie nights, fireside s’mores, live music performances and pop-up concerts, and timeless holiday celebrations.

Biking & Outdoor Leisure
The resort’s oceanfront location makes it easy to enjoy coastal strolls, scenic bike rides, or a relaxed afternoon on the Cavalier Great Lawn. Resort bike rentals are available for all guests to explore the boardwalk and surrounding neighborhood. Complimentary beach cruiser bikes are available for all guests of The Historic Cavalier Hotel.

Live Entertainment
Throughout the year, all guests can enjoy live music and seasonal entertainment across the resort’s bars, lounges, and restaurants.

Meetings & Events:

Conferences & Corporate Gatherings
With over 70,000 square feet of event space across three distinct hotels, the Cavalier Resort offers a mix of modern venues, historic charm, and ocean views. From executive boardrooms and grand ballrooms to elegant lawns and seaside terraces, every space is designed to inspire connection and creativity. Professional planning teams, full audiovisual support, and customized catering ensure a seamless experience for groups of 10 to 1,000.

Weddings & Celebrations
A storied backdrop for life’s most meaningful moments, the Cavalier Resort blends timeless beauty with coastal sophistication. Couples can choose from a range of breathtaking venues including the Ocean Lawn, The Historic Cavalier’s Crystal Ballroom, lush gardens, or the largest Ballroom on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Every event is backed by a dedicated team of planners, chefs, and beverage experts who bring your vision to life with personalized menus, curated wine and cocktail offerings, and thoughtful details.

Custom Experiences & Amenities
From branded welcome gifts to signature cocktail stations and after-hours lounge takeovers, our team works with you to craft unforgettable group experiences. Nine on-site restaurants, the award-winning Tarnished Truth Distillery, and a full-service spa provide added layers of luxury and convenience for your guests.