Sundial Inn Motel & Efficiency — Hotel in Virginia Beach

I chose this hotel because it’s only a block from the ocean, which is a great location. Check-in went smoothly. I received my keys, Wi-Fi password, and was informed about the elevator. Parking was included, which is a plus, but the parking lot is very tight. If you drive a larger vehicle, like an SUV, be prepared for difficult maneuvering. They provide a parking pass.

I was first placed in Room 206 (double bed). The room itself looked different from the listing but seemed acceptable at first glance. However, a closer inspection revealed several issues:

Bedding & Pillows: Many of the pillows had noticeable yellow stains (sweat marks and other spots). Only a few were usable. I stripped the bedding myself and found dead bedbugs, which was unsettling, though the mattresses were covered with protective covers.

Cleanliness: The room was outdated and not very clean. I noticed dirt under the beds, a dirty shower curtain, and grime in the bathroom that I had to clean myself. The flooring was also scratched and in poor condition.

Mold Concern: After a day in the room, I began coughing and noticed a musty odor. Eventually, I discovered black mold growing on the wall near the outlet by the bed. This explained my respiratory irritation. I reported it to the front desk. While they did switch me to another room, their response was inadequate, they sent someone who simply sprayed the wall and wiped it down. Mli know Mold usually indicates water damage, and this type of “cleaning” doesn’t address the root issue. I doubt they are going to officially fix the issue.

I was moved to Room 102, which was similar in quality, outdated and not very clean. Outlets were a major issue in both rooms. Some didn’t work, one looked unsafe, and the few that were available weren’t conveniently placed. Privacy was also limited, since the only window faced the street and required keeping the shades closed, blocking natural light.

Other observations:

Amenities: The microwave, mini-fridge, AC, and elevator all worked well. The pool was small but pleasant; however, the outdoor lights never turned on in the evening, which would have added to the atmosphere.

Housekeeping: The hotel provides very minimal toiletries (tiny bars of soap only). When I asked for more, they only gave me two small bars. Housekeeping also entered my room even when I hadn’t requested service, which made me uncomfortable. After that, I used the “Do Not Disturb” tag.

This hotel’s location is its main selling point, along with the pool and free parking. However, the property desperately needs updates, better maintenance, and improved cleaning standards. The mold issue in Room 206 was especially concerning. While I might consider staying here again for the convenience of the location, I would advise anyone booking to thoroughly inspect their room upon arrival and report any issues...

Me an a friend went to check in at Sundial Inn on July 23rd and everything seemed great, but when we got into our first room. That’s right our first room, not only did the floors have a damp feeling to them, which was already a. Throw up on the hotel. The beds weren’t made. The bathroom hadn’t been cleaned:literal stains in the bathtub, and someone’s DIRTY SOCK in the freezer part of their rooms mini fridge. At this point I’m disgusted and appalled at what I’ve witnessed. We called the front desk from our personal cells, because the room phone wasn’t working. Not a surprise. After explaining the situation to the front desk clerk, Neya, if I remember right was very understanding in what issues we had went through and got back to us after a little wait, because she wasn’t sure if there were any other available rooms. When she finally found another room for us we had gotten all of our things gathered back up to go into a much cleaner room! We had noticed some dog kibble on the ground, not a lot, but enough to where they were noyocably in a pile. Enough that a housekeep should have had no problem getting with a vacuum cleaner, but I wouldn’t be shocked if rooms weren’t swept/vacuumed. I’ll remind you tht hotel is a non pet friendly hotel. We called down because the friend I was with has been having respiratory/allergy problems and didn’t want to make it harder on her breathing due to pet dander. The front desk agent, Neya, proceeded to tell us that because we weren’t coughing on the phone, we were lying. She ended up giving us a full refund after some fighting. I had to go down to return the key because my friend was so insulted by this staffs inept ability to be a reliable/responsible hotel. I have since called back to inquire about our refund and was answered by a man. He said everything was done on his end and to not call again because he was “busy.” I completely understand being busy but you could’ve very easily put me on hold, but no he hung the phone straight up. I recalled not once, but twice because I asked if he was the manager, I gotta. Quick no and hung up on again. The third call I asked for a name. AJ is what I believe he said, because once again I was hung up on. Be weary of Sundial inn. This was the worst hotel experience I have ever had and no one should EVER have to...

I emailed Management to give the feedback on my stay this weekend and this was the response I received. This is one of the most disturbing and disrespectful emails coming from a place of business.

This email came from the Sundial Inn

We don't know where you previously stayed, but we don't have ANY rooms that match the description you are describing. If you stayed here previously as you claimed, you would know that. I challenge you to find a photo online that shows a room here at the Sundial that has 2 beds and a pull-out sofa. Spoiler alert, there aren't any.

You were extremely demanding and rude. You seem to think you are special and (unlike everyone else) deserve to be checked in early. We got tired of you coming in and begging to be checked in early, so we caved and allowed you to enter a room before it was properly inspected- hence your problem with the room not being up to par. You were insistent that you just had to have it early, so we rushed the process for you and this caused a problem. Next time, we will simply follow our policy and make you wait till 3 pm. No big deal.

As you pointed out, check in time is at 3pm. This doesn't mean that every single room on the property has to be ready for you. This means we have to have A room ready for you. If you wanted to switch, you would have to WAIT for a room to be cleaned for you, but you were too impatient for that. Please note, our rooms are cleaned and inspected by actual human beings, not wizards with magic wands. The process takes time; cleaning a hotel room isn't an instantaneous process. Since you couldn't wait for the room to be inspected, we feel you don't have much right to complain about it not being perfect.

People cook in the rooms with a kitchen. Sometimes, the rooms smell like cooked food after. This isn't a novel concept. Also, it's easy to fix, and not worth your overreaction in the lobby.

Next time (if you choose to stay with us again) try being patient. Booking a room here (even on a busy/ expensive weekend) doesn't make you the Sundial MVP. You don't get preferential treatment. You're going to follow the same rules, policies and procedures as everyone else. Please do...