Newport News Virginia Hotels & Motels

What time of year is best to visit Newport News, VA?

Whatever time of year you decide to visit, there is always plenty to do in Newport News. Its proximity to Virginia Beach will raise the prices from late May to early September. However, if you're a sunbather, then it is worth paying the extra charge for average daytime temperatures in the 80s. Bring an umbrella though, as the city experiences the most rain in July and August.

The shoulder seasons of March to May and September to November offer more reasonable rates, but they still have pleasant weather and are ideal for outdoor activities, as you can avoid the extreme heat. The winter months of December to February are cold but dry, with snow only falling occasionally. If you pack accordingly, you can still have a great time exploring the city while avoiding the crowds.

What are the best hotels in Newport News, VA that offer discounts?

Super 8 Newport News Jefferson offers a 10 percent discount to AAA members, which makes the already-affordable prices even more enticing. The hotel also offers a great group rate.

Within easy walking distance of the Virginia War Museum and Huntington Park, the Super 8 Newport News Jefferson is centrally located but also provides free parking, so excursions further field are convenient, too. Rooms are air-conditioned with LED televisions, and a continental breakfast is complimentary for all guests. Pets are allowed with advance notice, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson VA is another great hotel where AAA membership will get you money saved. The variety of rooms available means there is something for everyone, from a standard queen room to a whirlpool suite with a separate bedroom and a sofa bed.

All rooms have a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries and a hair dryer. All the expected room conveniences are supplied with a refrigerator, a microwave, and a tea and coffee maker. Wi-Fi is complimentary, and a flat-screen TV with cable is provided as standard. A continental breakfast is provided for free for all guests, and free parking is also available. An indoor pool and on-site fitness facilities make this hotel a complete package for a great price.

Where are the best budget hotels around Newport News, VA?

The Hilton Garden Inn Newport News is a perfect combination of modern quality facilities, a convenient location, and a great value price. Choose from one king bed, two queen beds, or the addition of a sofa bed if you are traveling with the family. All rooms have a refrigerator, a microwave, and a coffee maker, as well as a separate seating space to enjoy the HD television or MP3 docking station. A workspace is provided as standard, with complimentary, premium Wi-Fi and secure remote printing available in case you need to work during your stay.

The indoor heated pool and spa tub will help you relax after a long day of exploring, and a fitness suite is available if you still have energy to burn. The hotel restaurant provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as room service. There is a coffee shop available for daytime snacks and a bar to enjoy in the evenings. The complimentary area shuttle will make sure you get the most out of your stay.

What can you learn about the shipbuilding industry in Newport News, VA?

Newport News has a rich history in the shipbuilding industry, and today, it is home to the only builder and refueler of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS). NNS is also one of only two providers of U.S. Navy submarines and is the largest industrial employer in Virginia.

The shipyard was founded in 1886, and by 1891, it had delivered its first ship, a tugboat named Dorothy. By 1897, the USS Nashville, Wilmington, and Helena, all U.S. Navy warships, had been completed by the shipyard. NNS was also responsible for seven of the 16 battleships that made up Theodore Roosevelt's Great White Fleet.

Before the end of 1941, the shipyard had supplied 243 ships to the U.S. Navy. Things didn't quieten down after the war when the NNS turned its hand to passenger liners, including the transatlantic speed record holder, the SS United States. Two of the largest tankers ever built came out of the shipyard in the 1970s, and the 1980s saw the construction of nuclear aircraft carriers and nuclear attack submarines. Since 1999, the NNS has specialized and now only produces warships for the U.S. Navy.

The Mariners' Museum and Park, encompassing America's National Maritime Museum, provides an opportunity to find out more about this fascinating shipyard and the other maritime history from the Newport News area. The museum is surrounded by a 550-acre park, including the 167-acre Lake Maury, so you can enjoy nature and some hiking as part of your day. In case that isn't enough reason to visit, there are events throughout the year, including bird-watching, a beer festival, and organized runs.

Newport News, Virginia, is often overshadowed by its glitzier, more well-known neighbors, but this makes a visit all the more worthwhile. You can enjoy great historic attractions and beautiful green spaces with smaller crowds and better value prices. There's a whole host of restaurants and shops to try out, as well as a broad variety of hotels providing something for all needs and budgets. Newport News has plenty to fill any itinerary, but if you somehow manage to see everything the city has to offer, then the surrounding areas are easily accessible.