I used to live at Va. Beach. Yes, there are alot of "hell holes" but there are alot of really nice, posh places too. Most of the bad ones are off the beachline. But the ones that are there to watch for are all the way at the end of the strip. The ones at the beginning and middle are usually pretty decent. Try searching ones that are "big name" and see of you can find ones that have online photos and tours. Try searching for review sites, too. People who have visited are usually brutally honest.

Oh yea and if you can, try to make your reservation for "off peak times" so that you aren't paying the tourist prices. In other words, try for either right b efore or right after summer.