Please provide screenshots of the networking configuration from the vSphere Client (Home > Inventory > Networking). Also, what subnet mask are you using? Hopefully not /24 (255.255.255.0) as this setup will not work with the gateway listed.
Also consider that placing the VMs on the same broadcast domain as the ESXi host is not how it's typically done as this presents a security / mgmt risk. You may also choose to simplify your configuration for troubleshooting (i.e. if there are multiple physical NICs participating in a vSwitch port group, try performing your tests after removing one of the NICs). Check physical switch settings.
You may also consider running an RVTools report (for your benefit) and a CDP report to share with the network folks to assist with clarifying which switch and ports are being reviewed, etc. Here's an excellent PowerCLI script for such a case.
Also, personally I would test connectivity from a known good physical server instead of using newly added infrastructure components.