By:
Submission
From NE end of Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (US 13): Go 3-3/4 mi N on US 13.
I've been staying in this motel for about 25 years. Last weekend was my last stay. I've put up with a lot given the great location, proximity to the boat launch and the ample boat parking, but for what we paid for the room I would expect a) the bathroom ceiling not to be failing, b) the bathroom not to be covered in mold c) there to be clean towels available (the weekend before July 4th no less) and d) the "poolside" room we booked to actually be near a pool safe for human habitation, not some green algal ridden pond. I think this place has milked its status as the only game in town a little too long. Next year I'll put up with a little longer commute to the boat launch. The campground seems to be well liked, it was packed, with campers seemingly stacked on top of one another.
There has been a huge decline in service and cleanliness since I first visited Sunset Beach Hotel a few years ago. I called about 6 times before we arrived and no one answered the phones. They also didn’t answer the phone when we were staying there either. I needed linens for our pull out couch and it took talking to 4 people over the course of 3 days to get them. We had no shower curtain so that made it difficult to hang up wet clothing and towels. The whole experience was not good. I love the location and it is my favorite place to vacation but next time I plan to stay in a cottage.
Overall I enjoyed the town of Cape Charles and the hotel was a last resort because everywhere else was booked due to the holiday weekend. I am by no means a high class person and understand that a room for a couple of nights is a room, at least the bed was comfortable. My issue is simply the price I paid for the room considering it is not an ocean front room/on the beach and the cleanliness. When I think of resort this is not what I had in mind and it is not one, it would probably be a better experience to actually camp in the campground or camper. Our room was on the 2nd floor near the entrance to the camp ground where the nasty pool is. I was noticing a lot of chirping sounds coming from what sounded like either the dumpster or somewhere in the stair well since this is an outside hotel and a bird actually flew out from behind the stairwell at one point during our stay. Upon check out I brought to the attention of the front desk lady (who was not friendly or provide any customer service) that I was concerned about what sounded like birds inside the stairwells and explained I heard these sounds all night the previous night. She informed me that they can’t control wildlife and pretty much laughed. I stated I understood this but my concern was nesting where there are people staying, she informed me that if they are “nesting they are not allowed to disturb,” she also pointed out this was a 2 star hotel. Exactly so why did I pay more money for this hotel and room than I would at an ocean front hotel on the beach ($262 with tax) each night, almost $900 for 3 nights. Hopefully the new manager who seems very nice turns this place around because it was not worth the price I paid, updating the flooring in the room doesn’t justify the price I paid and the refrigerator in our room definitely needs to be replaced, looks like it’s about 20 years old.
Very disappointed with this place. It took us 3 times to get a clean, decent room. But it was not clean...gnats everywhere in the bathroom. Musty smell. We have stayed here before but never was it dirty like this. Probably won't be back.
Great southbound rest stop right before crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge since the bridge’s restaurant and pier have closed for new tunnel construction.. Clean restrooms off the main lobby and gift/convenience shop. Have never stayed overnight; but seems like a great spot for exploring the area.
