The hype
Guests are obsessed with the river views and the friendly staff, but many feel the rooms are starting to look a bit 'dark and dreary' despite renovations.
Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want the best views of the Norfolk skyline without the Norfolk price tag, plus a charming ferry commute to downtown.
Why People Love It
- Direct access to the $2 ferry that drops you in downtown Norfolk in 5 minutes
- Waterfront fire pits at Foggy Point Bar & Grill for sunset drinks
- Corner rooms with panoramic views of the Elizabeth River and passing naval ships
Quick Take: It’s the undisputed king of Portsmouth hotels, but that’s mostly because the competition is non-existent—expect solid Marriott standards, not a boutique revolution.
Reviewed by @Miamor757: I booked this suite for a girls' getaway and it was exactly what we needed. We spent hours just hanging out at the big dining table with wine and snacks before heading out. The space is huge, so nobody was fighting for mirror space while getting ready!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Thin walls are the number one complaint—you will hear your neighbor's TV and the hallway chatter.
- You enjoy watching tugboats and naval ships pass by your window
- You want a walkable, historic neighborhood (Olde Towne) that feels slower than the city
- You are attending a wedding or conference on-site
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some guests report missed dusting on high shelves.
- Bathroom hygiene: Mostly clean, but occasional reports of chipped shower pans, slow drains, or loose door handles.
- Maintenance: A mixed bag—public areas are sharp, but rooms show wear like peeling wallpaper or scuffed furniture.
- Linens & towels: Standard Marriott crisp white linens; usually fresh but check for stray hairs.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells fresh; some rooms can have a lingering musty or 'old building' scent.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Thin connecting walls hearing neighbors
- Ferry horns and shipyard industrial noise
- Hallway noise due to large gaps under doors
Before you book
Good to know
- The Elizabeth River Ferry dock is literally 3 minutes from the lobby
- Self-parking is $15/day with in/out privileges (cheaper than valet)
- Breakfast at The Crawford is a buffet (~$18) and not included in standard rates
What to pack
- Cash (singles) for the ferry ticket machine
- Earplugs for the thin walls
- A light jacket for the waterfront patio fire pits
Room Genie
Best picks
- Corner King Water View (rooms ending in roughly xx01 or xx26) for dual-aspect windows
- High floor (10+) Water View to minimize street noise and maximize the skyline view
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms near the elevators (constant dinging)
- City View rooms on lower floors (views of a parking garage or brick wall)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love to request a High Floor Corner King room with a Water View if available. Quiet away from the elevator is preferred.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a resort fee?
No hidden resort fee, but expect to pay for parking ($15) and breakfast (~$18) if not included in your rate.
How much is parking?
Self-parking is $15 per day with in/out privileges. Valet is available for events but self-parking is the standard guest option.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, there is a heated indoor pool open year-round, though it's a bit basic and dated.
Can I walk to restaurants?
Yes! Olde Towne Portsmouth has great spots like The Bier Garden and Commodore Theatre within a 5-10 minute walk.
Does the ferry run late?
The ferry runs until roughly 11:30 PM on weekends, but check the HRT schedule as it changes seasonally.
Are the rooms renovated?
They were 'refreshed' around 2021, but some guests still find the furniture heavy and the lighting dim.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Foggy Point' outdoor patio has fire pits that are perfect for a nightcap, even if you don't eat there.
- ✨
Walk 3 minutes to 'The Coffee Shoppe' on High Street for better coffee than the in-room brew.
- ✨
If you drive a Tesla, the Commodore Theatre nearby offers free charging while you watch a movie.
5 things to know before you go
💡The water in the bathroom can sometimes have a sulfurous 'egg' smell common in the area.
💡You can see dolphins in the river from your room if you're lucky.
💡The 'City View' is often just a view of the parking garage.
💡Room service is actually provided by the Foggy Point restaurant downstairs.
💡The elevators can be painfully slow during wedding weekends.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel is located and what's nearby.