The Tides Inn

We hosted our wedding weekend at The Tides Inn in Irvington, VA, and it was truly the most incredible experience from start to finish. Every single member of the staff—from the bellmen to the event coordinators, spa therapists, servers, front desk team, and the babysitters made us feel so genuinely cared for. The warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail were beyond anything I’ve experienced at any other resort. The food was absolutely delicious (our guests are still talking about it), and the oyster shucking experience was such a fun and memorable touch. The spa deserves its own standing ovation—peaceful, luxurious, and exactly what we needed to unwind before the big day. We also rented a boat, which was a gorgeous and fun way to soak in the beauty of the bay with our family and friends. Every corner of The Tides Inn radiates charm, calm, and elegance. It was the perfect backdrop for our wedding and the memories we made will last a lifetime. If you’re considering hosting a special event or just need a serene escape, look no further. We are forever grateful to the entire Tides Inn team for giving us the wedding of our dreams and cannot wait to come back.

We made an Easter reservation for family from out of state two months in advance because we heard how busy they would be. Our reservation was just after church and there were only three other tables of guests... employees were asking their manager if they could leave right in front of us. The server we had tried her best... just not trained in fine dining. Drinks were slow... Stone Crab Claws were still frozen... plates were sloppy... The only saving grace was one manager who knew the atmosphere was not good and was trying her best. We paid a huge bill and left. There was so much wrong we just left. It was clear the employees did not want to be there. Thats enough.

The Tides Inn wants to be a luxury hotel and charges luxury prices, but without much to back it up. Our room stunk of mildew and was not clean (built up dust on ceiling fan, buggy patio, unusable configuration of furniture). The pool was filthy and the deck needed a thorough cleaning. The grounds need attention and the building looks worn (dirty awnings, overgrown landscaping, discolored siding, etc.) Additionally, room service arrived in cardboard containers in a paper bag without table, plates, napkins, silverware, etc. Our order was late the first morning and incorrect the second morning. The views from the property are breath-taking and I wanted so badly to love this hotel but it just falls very short of what it claims to be. Save your money and go somewhere else.

DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT CLOSELY CHECKING YOUR BILL! For a two-night stay there was an overcharge of over $260. I had made the reservation by phone, and was given a final, total price, including resort fees and taxes. I got an email confirming that amount, and I confirmed it again and was shown a screen indicating it, when I checked in. But at check out, it was as if none of that had happened. The clerk insisted that the price I was told did not include resort fees. That was clearly untrue. Round and round we went. It finally took my comments to their post-visit email asking "How was your stay", before it was finally made right. But even then they never admitted any wrong, just said that they gave me the refund as a gesture of good will. Otherwise, it was a fine place to stay, with a very good restaurant.

There’s no denying the Tides Inn is a beautiful place. The property itself is postcard-perfect, with sweeping waterfront views and impeccably creative landscaping that turns every corner into something worth pausing for. The grounds are a masterclass in design—lush, inviting, and full of thoughtful details that make wandering a pleasure in itself. The staff deserves real credit too. From the front desk to the marina, everyone we encountered was friendly, responsive, and genuinely eager to help. There’s a warmth and attentiveness here that gives the place a heart beyond its physical beauty. The restaurant? A standout. Every meal was beautifully prepared and delivered with care. It wasn’t just good—it was memorable. The kind of dining that makes you linger longer than you planned, and still think about it days later. But—and it’s a big but—the rooms don’t hold up. We received a free upgrade, which we appreciated, but for a property charging what amounts to half of a month’s rent per night, our accommodations felt tired. Cracked tiles, leaky shower, mildewed carpet and bathroom, doors that won’t close, and housekeeping that skipped us entirely—no bed made, no refresh—a letdown that undercut the luxury experience they’re aiming for. We really did enjoy our time here. The setting is stunning, the people are lovely, and the amenities are top-notch. But when it comes down to value, the numbers don’t add up. It’s hard to justify the price when the basics—like room upkeep—aren’t up to standard. As much as we wanted to love it unreservedly, we probably won’t be back.