Escape to Norfolk's Victorian Charm: New Victorian Inn & Suites Awaits!
Escape to Norfolk's Victorian Charm: New Victorian Inn & Suites Awaits! - A Review with a Sprinkle of Chaos
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at the New Victorian Inn & Suites in Norfolk, and let me tell you… it was an experience. Not always perfect, not always smooth, but definitely an experience. I'm talking full messy, honest review – the kind where you feel like you're chatting with your best friend over a dodgy cup of instant coffee.
First Impressions: Victorian…ish. My Expectations Were… Heightened.
Look, the name promised Victorian charm. Let's be honest, my inner history nerd was practically drooling. And yes, there were some nods to the era – a vaguely antique-looking chandelier here, a slightly ornate headboard there. But "Victorian" felt more like "Victorian-Adjacent." Picture this: Imagine a Victorian house, now picture it after it's been through a budget renovation done by someone who really likes modern IKEA. It wasn't bad, mind you, just… not quite the time-traveling fantasy I’d envisioned.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag. My Knee Still Hurts Tho.
Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but my dang knee has been acting up. And, I have to say, the elevator was a godsend. Definitely scored points there! Facilities for disabled guests, I glanced at those while checking it out. They seem to be there. The fact that there was a car park [free of charge] was another plus. The accessible entrance was a bit… roundabout, but okay.
Rooms: Comfy Enough, But Let's Talk About That Coffee…
My room (non-smoking, thankfully) was alright. Comfortable, actually. The air conditioning worked – a must in the Virginia heat! Blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in. And the best feature? Free Wi-Fi! Praise be! I mean, who travels without it these days? However, the coffee/tea maker in the room… Ugh. Let’s just say the provided coffee tasted like dishwater. I seriously considered sneaking down to the coffee shop in the lobby, but my pyjamas weren’t having it. (And, honestly, the thought of dealing with people and getting dressed felt like a Herculean task).
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Pretty Safe, TBH
The anti-viral cleaning products and the daily disinfection in common areas were reassuring, given the…you know…current climate. The staff seemed really well-versed in the safety protocol. The sanitized kitchen and tableware items in the restaurant, the room sanitization between stays… it all felt pretty professional. They even had hand sanitizer stations everywhere. I appreciated the effort, it made me feel better. It’s also nice knowing there's a doctor/nurse on call. I definitely felt safe and secure. I have to put that above everything.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Restaurants? Plural? Hold the Phone!
Okay, so the website boasted restaurants. Plural. Intriguing. Turns out, there was one primary restaurant, plus a poolside bar that seemed to offer some basic snacks. The main restaurant offered Asian cuisine in restaurant (which I didn't try, but it looked popular) and Western cuisine in restaurant with a la carte in restaurant and a buffet in restaurant… Breakfast [buffet] was included, and while the food wasn’t mind-blowing, it was edible. The coffee there was marginally better than in the room. I definitely snagged a croissant (or two, no judgment). I saw desserts in restaurant but didn't have any. There was also coffee/tea in restaurant, very convenient! They also offered breakfast takeaway service, which was great for the days I simply couldn't human before dawn. I did notice bottle of water in the room was free, which was nice. I wouldn't say the dining was a highlight, but adequate.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa? Fitness Center? Sounds Ambitious…
Alright, here's the deal. The spa looked really tempting. I mean, body scrub, body wrap, the whole shebang. Then I started thinking about getting actually naked for a massage in a public place. Hard pass. I’m one of those people that gets real weird when I have to take off my clothes and get a massage from anyone so I did not try that. The sauna was an option, and it felt tempting at one point, but I chickened out. I did spend a little time at the swimming pool [outdoor] (which was lovely!) but the thought of getting even wetter with the steamroom was a little too much. I did spot the Fitness center, but let's just say my fitness journey is currently on permanent hiatus.
Services and Conveniences: Your Standard Hotel Fare
The concierge seemed friendly enough. The dry cleaning and laundry service were convenient. They also had a convenience store for snacks. The luggage storage came in handy. The elevator, the air conditioning in public area – all the basics were covered. Daily housekeeping was much appreciated! No complaints here, really.
For the Kids: Family Friendly? Perhaps…
I didn't see any kids. The only kids I encountered at the swimming pool [outdoor] were being supervised by adults. I did not see any kids facilities or any babysitting service. Not sure if it’s actually that fun for children.
Getting Around: Pretty Simple
Car park [free of charge] was clutch. Airport transfer was available, and taxi service. Everything was convenient.
Bottom Line: Would I Go Back?
Probably. It wasn’t a perfect experience. The coffee situation needs a serious upgrade. But overall, the New Victorian Inn & Suites was a decent enough hotel. The location was good, it was clean, and the staff were friendly. For the price, it was a good value. Plus, the pool was a winner! I was a little disappointed it wasn't more Victorian, but you can’t win them all.
SEO & Metadata:
- Keywords: Norfolk hotel, Victorian hotel, New Victorian Inn & Suites, Norfolk Virginia hotel review, spa, pool, free wifi, accessible hotel, family friendly, restaurant, [add more keywords based on specific amenities and features]
- Title: Escape to Norfolk's Victorian Charm: New Victorian Inn & Suites Awaits! - [My Honest Review]
- Meta Description: My unfiltered review of the New Victorian Inn & Suites in Norfolk, VA! Discover the good, the bad, and the Victorian-adjacent reality: accessibility, amenities, and the all-important coffee situation!
- Alt Text for Photos: (If photos are uploaded): Pool at New Victorian Inn & Suites, Victorian decor in Norfolk hotel room, Entrance of New Victorian Inn & Suites, Lobby of New Victorian Inn & Suites.
- Target Audience: Travelers to Norfolk, VA; people seeking hotels with pools, spas, and accessible options; those interested in Victorian-themed hotels.
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this itinerary for a trip to… Norfolk, Nebraska? You're darn tootin', we're going to find some adventure in the heartland. And we’re staying at the New Victorian Inn & Suites. Lord help us. Let's see if we can survive… nay, thrive… in the Nebraska wilderness.
Day 1: Arrival and Mild Disappointment (and Possibly Bed Bugs)
- 08:00 AM: Wake up in… I don't even want to know where. Pre-trip panic attack fueled by lukewarm coffee and the creeping dread of airplane food. Flight is delayed. Of course. What's the opposite of "smooth sailing"? That's my life.
- 12:00 PM: Finally land in… Omaha. Okay, so some connecting flight BS. Drive to Norfolk. Which, thankfully, is not as desolate as I imagined based on the name.
- 02:00 PM: Check into the New Victorian Inn & Suites. Pray to the travel gods for a clean room. Immediately inspect the sheets. I'm not saying I'm paranoid, but I am looking for bed bugs. The carpet? Questionable. The wallpaper? Gives off a very strong "early 90s motel" vibe. I love it!
- 02:30 PM: Let's be honest, the pool looks less "inviting oasis" and more "slightly-green-water-smelling-of-chlorine-and-regret." Hard pass. Instead, I’m hit by the overwhelming urge to just… lie on the bed for a solid hour. Do that. Recharge. Deep breathes.
- 03:30 PM: Gotta get back to it. I'm feeling peckish, and the travel gods are not on my side, so a walk around the block is in order. I find a local diner. Ah, the sweet, sweet smell of fried food. Order a burger and a milkshake. I’m eating it as if I’m never gonna eat again.
- 05:00 PM: Consider the possibility of some light sightseeing. Maybe a park? Maybe not. The urge to stay in my room and watch cable television, which by the way, has 300 channels and nothing to watch - is overwhelming.
- 07:00 PM: Dinner. I've heard there's a decent steakhouse nearby. Maybe. Or I eat whatever the hotel has. I'm going with Plan B. Back at the hotel, and I find a vending machine down the hall with snacks and a soda. Eat the snacks, sip the soda, and watch TV.
- 09:00 PM: Actual sleep. The bed is surprisingly comfortable.
Day 2: The Quest for… Something, Anything!
- 07:00 AM: Wake up. Consider skipping breakfast and just going directly to the coffee.
- 08:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Yeah. Let's not talk about it. Cereal tastes like cardboard. Coffee is lukewarm and weak. I am a caffeine and breakfast-food-filled mess.
- 09:00 AM: Research what exactly Norfolk, Nebraska, has to offer. (Spoiler alert: It's not a lot.)
- 09:30 AM: Oh, wow, a Elkhorn River! A river, I say! I guess I'll check it out. A short drive reveals a surprisingly peaceful scene. The river is, as it turns out, just a river.
- 11:00 AM: More eating. I decide to track down the best pizza in town. The locals seem to favor Pizza Hut. Pizza Hut it is. Surprisingly, it's okay!
- 01:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Time to relax. Maybe watch a movie. Maybe take a nap. Or maybe I'll go mad with boredom.
- 03:00 PM: This is it. This is the moment that I've been anxiously waiting for… NO, I'M KIDDING!
- 03:30 PM: Okay, fine, time to venture back out. This time, let's go full tourist. The local museum. I prepare myself for ancient history.
- 05:30 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant. I'm getting used to the locals. They talk slower. They're friendly. I think I like it.
- 07:30 PM: Back to the hotel. I'm thinking about those vending machines. Maybe play some channels that I've never seen before.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 3: Departure and Existential Reflections
- 07:00 AM: Wake up, surprisingly well-rested. Maybe the Nebraska air is magic. Or maybe I'm just that good at adapting.
- 08:00 AM: Another depressing hotel breakfast. But hey, at least I have coffee.
- 09:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Find something, anything!
- 10:00 AM: Check out of the New Victorian Inn & Suites. Goodbye… forever?
- 11:00 AM: Drive back to… Omaha, I think? The details are fuzzy.
- 12:00 PM: Waiting at the airport. Contemplating life, the universe, and the meaning of… well, everything. Why did I come to Norfolk?
- 02:00 PM: Plane boarding. Back home.
- 06:00 PM: Home. What now?
Post-Trip Note:
So, the New Victorian Inn & Suites? Not the Four Seasons. Norfolk, Nebraska? Not exactly Paris. but, the memories! The unexpected moments! The conversations with friendly strangers! Overall, I'd say, it's an experience. Wouldn't recommend it for everyone… but hey, maybe it was exactly what I needed. And, I've survived. I'm a survivor, I tell you! A survivor of the Nebraska wilderness. Now where's the pizza? I'm starving.
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Okay, so… "Victorian Charm"? Is that code for "Dusty and Smelly"?
What are the rooms actually *like*? Are we talking tiny and cramped or… not?
Is there a pool/gym/that kind of stuff?
Okay, breakfast. The most important question. What's the deal?
What about location? Is it, you know, *convenient*?
So, would you recommend it? Be honest!
Tell me about the shower!
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