Hilton Norfolk The Main Reviews

I know the pictures are odd, but I absolutely loved the art around the whole hotel. Loved it! The rooms were really nice, I liked how many hangers there were because I was able to hang everything I brought. The bed was a great size with comfy pillows, but the bed wasn't super comfy. I loved my view, though (I believe the even numbers look over the city, the odd looks over the river). There are a few restaurants inside that were so good. We loved Saltine for our happy hour (hello...50c oysters?!). A drink on the rooftop bar by the fire was a great way to end the day, and I only grabbed breakfast once at the other restaurant (which name I can't remember); it was okay, but $22 for a continental buffet was a bit pricey. I was there for a conference and the conference rooms were freezing, so glad I brought sweaters, but I was still cold. The lunches were catered by the hotel but not good, I doubt it was the same food that was in the restaurants because the quality was very different. Also, the coffee was not very good. However, there is a coffee shop in the hotel on the bottom floor so that was nice. Not amazing, but better than the conference coffee. Oh! The elevators are sssllloooooooooowwwwwww so leave early if you're on an upper floor. My keys didn't work in the stairwell (which I tried using because it was quicker than the elevator) but was told that the stairs are more for emergencies, not for regular use. So that was odd. All in all, I'd go back. It was a great location, pretty view, I didn't feel unsafe, and lots nearby.

A Stunning Stay with Minor Imperfections The Hilton Norfolk The Main offers a visually impressive experience with its modern design, breathtaking views of the Elizabeth River, and a vibrant culinary scene, though small inconsistencies in service and room upkeep slightly miss the mark of a perfect stay. From the moment you step into the grand, art-filled lobby, The Main impresses. The hotel boasts a prime downtown location, putting guests within easy walking distance of the Waterside District, Nauticus, and the USS Wisconsin. The true highlight for many is the spectacular panoramic view of the river, especially from the higher floors and the chic rooftop bar, Grain. The guest rooms are spacious and well-appointed with comfortable beds and contemporary decor. For an elevated experience, the corner rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows are certainly worth the upgrade, offering an immersive cityscape or waterside panorama. The hotel features an array of amenities, including a sleek indoor pool and a well-equipped fitness center, catering to both leisure and business travelers. Dining at The Main is a noteworthy experience. The hotel houses three distinct restaurants: Saltine, a sophisticated seafood restaurant on the ground floor; Varia, a refined Italian trattoria; and the aforementioned Grain, a lively rooftop garden bar with an extensive beer list and casual fare. The quality and variety of these on-site options are a significant convenience and a destination in themselves. While the hotel excels in its physical attributes and location, the service can be inconsistent. While many staff members are friendly and helpful, occasional lapses in attentiveness and reports of slow elevator service at peak times detract from the overall luxury experience. Additionally, some guests have noted minor maintenance issues within the rooms, such as scuffed furniture or inconsistent housekeeping, which prevent the hotel from achieving a flawless five-star rating. Overall, the Hilton Norfolk The Main is a strong four-star hotel that delivers a memorable and stylish stay. Its stunning views, excellent dining, and prime location make it a top choice in Norfolk. With a bit more attention to detail in service and room maintenance, it could easily be a five-star property.

Performance at Varia

Stopped in for lunch on our way to the outer banks, they had just opened. Service was prompt and attentive, great beer selection. Views were amazing but the food was mediocre to good, but not great. The sweet potatoes with the roasted chicken were very under cooked, pretzel bun with my burger seemed a few days old already and was falling apart and dry. Chicken was moist and flavorful, fries were a little over seasoned as well, not super crispy. Overall a decent lunch spot, especially if the patio is open but had a few misses when we stopped.

Very hard beds is the only thing that we had an issue with. Everything else was good.