12 Cheap Beachfront Hotels You Can Actually Afford in 2024
Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Rates: Starting at $118 per night
Best for: Families and pet owners
Budget-friendly bliss awaits at the Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The hotel cozies up to the Atlantic Ocean and a golden-sand beach, though indoor and outdoor pools provide additional options for taking a dip. Plus, this hotel is pet-friendly, so bring along Fido or Fluffy! While prime time to visit is generally in the summer because of the weather, you can take advantage of cheaper fares and rates during the shoulder season here, especially in early May and mid-September.
Just steps away from the property, you’ll find the three-mile-long Virginia Beach Boardwalk, where you can spend time at a kid-friendly playground on the beach called JT’s Grommet Island Park, as well as visit plenty of shops and restaurants. Also make sure to visit 31st Street Park for live performances.
Looking for other types of family adventures? A 10-minute car ride will lead you straight to two fabulous options: the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center (where you shouldn’t miss the Sharks After Dark experience) and the seasonal Ocean Breeze Waterpark, which is waterslide heaven.
Can’t-miss deals: AAA and AARP members get 10% discounts, and there are also special offers available for military members. Plus, you can save even more money if you use one of the best travel credit cards.
Hyatt Regency Long Beach, Long Beach, California
Rates: Starting at $239 per night
Best for: Adult getaways
Craving a vacation on the shore with a city vibe? Long Beach is one of the best beaches in California. To embrace this multifaceted beach town, stay on the waterfront at the Four Diamond Award–winning Hyatt Regency Long Beach, where the Los Angeles River spills out into the Pacific. Grab a poolside cabana, and watch sailboats laze past. Then later, dive into the bustling city—just a 10-minute stroll away—at Shoreline Village, which is lined with restaurants, shops and the Pelican Pavilion, with its kitsch carousel and video games.
Before you book, look for Long Beach’s annual events, like the Indy Car Grand Prix, held in the spring. Throughout the year, you’ll also want to check out the area’s various attractions, including the Aquarium of the Pacific, and book a gondola ride or two.
Can’t-miss deals: World of Hyatt members are privy to special discounts and deals. Sign up online or in person, for free. Members get a 10% discount, and if you also enroll in Hyatt’s Bonus Journeys or Double Your Points programs, you can earn points, get upgrades and score free nights at participating hotels. No matter where you’re heading, the best travel apps can help you get the best rates and make your trip better in every way.
Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Rates: Starting at $214 per night
Best for: Girls weekends
Relax and reconnect with your besties on a girls weekend getaway at the AAA-rated Four Diamond Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes. With its oceanfront setting and indoor and outdoor pools, it’s pretty darn perfect for some serious bonding and R&R. Exhausted after a busy workweek … or a day in the sun? Get thee to the hotel’s Hibiscus Spa for a deep-tissue massage. As the sun sets, reminisce over handcrafted cocktails at the Ocean Blu Restaurant and Lounge, or hit the town. Summer here is busy, of course, but you’ll see another dip in rates (and crowds) once September hits and the kids head back to school.
Oh, and don’t forget to go shopping guilt-free. After all, one of the perks to saving on your hotel is that you just might have some extra cash to spend elsewhere! While you’re at it, check out the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, and take a spin on the Sky Wheel for some memorable Atlantic Ocean panoramas.
Can’t-miss deals: Book the Spa Escape with your squad. A two-night stay comes with a $100 spa credit through April 30, 2022.
