So, you’re thinking about hunkering down in Virginia Beach for a while. Maybe it’s a temporary duty station at Oceana, a remote work "workation," or you’re just between houses and need a spot that doesn't feel like a cramped shoe box. Most people pull up a map, see the Atlantic Ocean, and assume they should just book the first "suite" they find on the boardwalk.
Honestly? That might be the biggest mistake you could make.
Living in an extended stay Virginia Beach VA property is a completely different beast than taking a three-day weekend trip in July. The traffic patterns change, the "resort" taxes will eat your lunch, and the vibe shifts dramatically once you move three blocks inland. If you want to actually enjoy your time here without draining your savings or losing your mind in a parking garage, you need the ground truth.
The Neighborhood Trap: Oceanfront vs. Town Center
Everyone wants the ocean view. I get it. Waking up to the sun hitting the water is incredible for about four days. But for an extended stay, the Oceanfront North area (near the 31st Street Hilton and the Cavalier) can be a nightmare. It’s loud. Parking is a genuine struggle even if your hotel "includes" it, and you’ll be paying a premium for a "kitchenette" that basically consists of a hot plate and a bar sink.
If you’re staying a month or more, look toward the Town Center or the Independence Boulevard corridor.
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Places like Extended Stay America Suites on Independence Blvd or InTown Suites might not have the salt air, but they have something better for long-term survival: proximity to Wegmans, Target, and the I-264 on-ramp. You’re looking at monthly rates starting around $1,475 to $1,650, which is significantly more sustainable than the $100+ nightly rates you'll find at the beach. Plus, you’re only a 15-minute drive from the sand when you actually want it.
The Military Factor
Virginia Beach is a Navy town. Period. If you are here for a PCS (Permanent Change of Station) or TDY, you’re likely looking for something near NAS Oceana or JEB Little Creek-Fort Story.
- WoodSpring Suites Virginia Beach is a popular go-to because they handle the military crowd daily. They know the paperwork.
- Navy Getaways (at Dam Neck or 67th Street) offers actual cottages and townhouses, but they book up months in advance.
- Pro Tip: Always ask for the "DoD Flat Rate." Many extended stay hotels in the 23452 or 23462 zip codes will match the government per diem if you show orders.
The "Suite" Lie: Kitchens vs. Kitchenettes
Don't get burned by the terminology. In the world of extended stay Virginia Beach VA, a "kitchenette" usually means a microwave and a mini-fridge that can barely fit a gallon of milk. If you’re trying to save money by not eating at Chick’s Oyster Bar every night, you need a full kitchen.
A real extended stay setup—like what you'll find at Hyatt House Virginia Beach/Oceanfront or Home2 Suites by Hilton Princess Anne—includes a full-sized refrigerator, a two-burner stovetop, and a dishwasher. Being able to actually cook a meal changes the psychology of a long stay. It stops feeling like a "trip" and starts feeling like a life.
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Taxes and The 30-Day Rule
Here is the boring stuff that actually matters. Virginia Beach has a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). For most short-term rentals, you’re looking at a 15% tax (9% city lodging + 6% state sales tax) plus a $2 per night flat fee.
Wait for it. In Virginia, if you stay for more than 90 consecutive days, you are typically considered a "permanent resident" for tax purposes and can often get that lodging tax waived or refunded. However, many hotels apply the tax for the first 30 days regardless. If you’re planning a 3-month stay, negotiate this upfront with the general manager, not the front desk clerk. It can save you hundreds of dollars.
Surprising Logistics You’ll Forget
- Mail: Most extended stay hotels will hold packages for you, but they hate it. If you’re a heavy Amazon shopper, get a PO Box at the post office on Virginia Beach Blvd or use an Amazon Hub Locker.
- Laundry: It’s almost always card-operated or app-based now. Gone are the days of hoarding quarters.
- Pet Fees: They are steep. Extended Stay America charges around $25/day for the first six nights, then it drops. If you have a 75lb Lab, verify the weight limit. Some "pet-friendly" spots actually mean "15lb-dog-friendly."
- Internet: "Free WiFi" at a budget extended stay is often barely fast enough to check email. If you’re a gamer or a remote developer, ask if they have an "Enhanced High Speed" tier. You usually have to pay $5 a day for it, but it's the difference between working and lagging.
Why You Might Hate the "Best" Spots
The highly-rated Hyatt House on the Oceanfront is gorgeous, but the elevators are slow and the breakfast area is a zoo during tourist season. If you’re trying to get to work by 8:00 AM, the "resort" lifestyle becomes a massive hindrance.
On the flip side, the budget spots like Motel 6 or Econo Lodge Town Center are cheap for a reason. You’ll save money, but you might be dealing with thin walls and a lack of "homey" vibes. Most experienced long-term travelers in Hampton Roads find the sweet spot in the Princess Anne area. It's newer, quieter, and feels like a real neighborhood.
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Actionable Steps for Your Stay
Don't just click "book" on a travel site. Do this instead:
- Call the property directly and ask for the "Director of Sales." Nightly rates on Expedia are for tourists; monthly rates are a different department.
- Check the "Sandbridge" tax rate. If you’re looking at rentals in Sandbridge, the tax is 16.5%—higher than the rest of the city.
- Google Map the nearest grocery store. If it's more than 2 miles away, you’re going to spend your savings on Uber or gas.
- Verify the housekeeping schedule. Most extended stays only do a "full clean" once every two weeks. If you want fresh towels every day, you’ll be paying extra or doing your own laundry.
Virginia Beach is a great place to stay a while, but only if you treat it like a resident. Get away from the neon lights of the boardwalk, find a spot with a real stove, and make sure you aren't paying "vacation prices" for a "living situation."
Stay smart. The ocean isn't going anywhere.
Next Steps for Your Move:
Check the current per diem rates if you’re military, and compare the total cost of a 30-day stay at the InTown Suites Independence Blvd versus a traditional apartment lease, which in Virginia Beach often requires a 12-month commitment.