The new Hilton Norfolk hotel known as The Main was opened in spring 2017 as the latest phase in the revitalization of the downtown waterfront area. While the 21-story hotel is largely new, it also incorporates over 500 pieces of limestone—kept in storage for years during construction—from the historic Decker building, built in 1912. Modern rooms overlook the city or the Elizabeth River, and guests have access to an indoor pool, fitness center, and rooftop lounge with seasonal yoga classes. On the ground floor, seafood restaurant and raw bar Saltine brings in historic downtown Norfolk, with exposed brick walls and garage-style glass doors that open onto the patio; a weekday happy hour and Mule Mondays feature a changing selection of cocktails. Varia trattoria and wine studio serves sophisticated Italian with a 24-bottle Cruvinet wine dispenser, live piano music, and hidden “speakeasy” dining rooms. The rooftop beer garden, Grain, is the place to be in the summer, with more than 100 beers on tap, a billiards and game room, and regular live music and special events. Health-conscious guests can grab a superfood smoothie from the organic, plant-based Fruitive downstairs before heading out for a stroll around Norfolk’s harbor.
