Two Howard Johnson Options in Virginia Beach: Shore Drive Budget Inn and Oceanfront Property

Virginia Beach historically had two Howard Johnson properties: a modest Shore Drive inn aimed at budget travelers and a larger oceanfront hotel on Atlantic Avenue with more amenities. Many midscale hotels have renovated or rebranded since 2006; confirm current branding, amenities, room counts, and proximity to attractions like the boardwalk, Virginia Aquarium, and Ocean Breeze Waterpark before booking.

Budget travelers still have choices in Virginia Beach

If your wallet is light, Virginia Beach still offers affordable hotel options. Historically there were two Howard Johnson properties in the city: a smaller budget inn on Shore Drive and a larger oceanfront hotel on Atlantic Avenue. Both gave travelers access to the boardwalk, beaches, and nearby attractions without a luxury price tag.

What the Shore Drive Howard Johnson offered

The smaller Shore Drive property served as a basic, no-frills option aimed at value travelers. Typical features included free parking, laundry facilities, a 24-hour front desk, complimentary continental breakfast, and in-room TV. It was described in older guides as a compact property with around 50 rooms, suitable for short stays and beach access.

Practical notes

Many budget properties have upgraded or rebranded since the mid-2000s. If you consider the Shore Drive location, check current reviews and the property's official listing for up-to-date room counts, rates, and amenities.

The oceanfront Howard Johnson on Atlantic Avenue

The Atlantic Avenue property historically positioned itself directly on the boardwalk and oceanfront. It was larger, with multiple floors and views over the Atlantic. Amenities traditionally advertised included an indoor pool, on-site dining and bar options, meeting/banquet space, elevators, and rooms with balconies, microwaves, and refrigerators.

What's changed since 2006

Technology and guest expectations have shifted: dial-up internet has been replaced by Wi-Fi in virtually every hotel. Many former midscale oceanfront hotels have renovated, rebranded, or changed ownership. Before booking, confirm whether the Atlantic Avenue property still operates under the Howard Johnson brand and which amenities (pool, restaurant, meeting rooms) are currently available. ¹

Location and nearby attractions

Both locations historically offered quick access to the Virginia Beach boardwalk, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Ocean Breeze Waterpark, and seasonal water-sport rentals. The city remains popular for biking, fishing, and beach activities. The Norfolk International Airport (ORF) serves the region; drive times to the oceanfront are short but vary with traffic. If proximity to a specific attraction matters, check map-based directions for current drive times. ²

Bottom line

You can still find value-focused stays in Virginia Beach, but specifics matter. Verify the current branding, room inventory, and amenity list before you book. Check recent guest reviews and the hotel's official site or a trusted booking platform for the latest details. ³

1. Confirm whether the Shore Drive Howard Johnson property is still operating and its current name, address, room count, and amenities.
2. Confirm whether the Atlantic Avenue/boardwalk Howard Johnson hotel still operates under that brand and verify its current room count, number of floors, and amenities (indoor pool, restaurant, bar, meeting space).
3. Verify current drive times/distances from Norfolk International Airport (ORF) to the referenced hotel locations.
4. Check the current status or existence of nearby attractions referenced (e.g., Motor World GoKarts) and confirm Ocean Breeze Waterpark and Virginia Aquarium details.