The Cavalier Hotel has opened in Virginia Beach, Va., following a four-year, $85-million renovation by Hanbury Evans Wright Vlattas.
Originally completed in 1927, the property was restored to reveal the architectural elements and design from its past, while incorporating modern-day amenities.
Developed by Gold Key | PHR, the updated 85-room, 21-acre property is the latest member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection.
Set high atop a hill overlooking the Atlantic, The Cavalier’s entrance remains much as it did back in 1927 with the original four column portico and brick porte-cochère. It also has high ceilings, sparkling fixtures, and ornate architectural moldings.
The property's guestrooms and suites use plush fabrics, designer accents and new finishes. Bathrooms have claw-foot tubs and marble baths.
The Cavalier has four entertainment and dining experiences: Becca, The Raleigh Room, The Hunt Room and Tarnished Truth Distillery, the first and only distillery fully integrated into a U.S. hotel. The Raleigh Room is a new interpretation of the Grand Salon with a central fireplace, plush seating, drink carts, games tables and billiards. Becca, meanwhile, has garden seating. Tarnished Truth Distilling Company was founded by Virginia Beach natives Andrew Yancey and Josh Canada. Adjacent to the distillery is the prohibition-era tavern, The Hunt Room.
Also on property is the SeaHill Spa, the private Cavalier Beach Club, meeting rooms, a ballroom, fitness facilities, indoor pool and a museum.
The indoor salt water pool and glass rotunda once known as “The Plunge” were also renovated. Surrounding balconies, architectural iron detailing, and the tiled monogram “The Cavalier” on the pool floor, were similarly refurbished.
The Crystal Ballroom was returned to its original size and glory with tall ceilings and large historic windows facing the front of the hotel. The Crystal Ballroom can accommodate up to 200 guests.
The new SeaHill Spa has a hair and nail salon.
The Cavalier Beach Club, accessible only to hotel guests and the Residences, will reopen in the summer of 2018.