Travel to Williamsburg – Where to stay
Posted in Family Fun, Historic, Hotels | By Wolfstone | Tags: Hotels, US Domestic Travel
When traveling to Williamsburg, part of the experience is where you rest your head at night…
Hotel choices in Williamsburg, VA
If you are not trying to get your last 1,000 points of affinity miles for that next airline flight, you might consider trying one of the five properties actually owned by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and run by the Colonial Williamsburg Company. With a combination of premium, deluxe and even a value hotel, you certainly have choices.
Few historical sites actually own their own hotels, let alone five, plus historical home/tavern reconstructions. And although you won’t find anywhere a sign above the door proclaiming, “George Washington slept here,” some are still historically significant.Although the hotel properties are within 1-3 blocks of the historic district, some of the houses/taverns are actually on Duke of Gloucester street, the main thoroughfare.
There is no far off corporate office that owns or franchises these properties. All revenues from both accommodations and the food & beverage operations support the Foundation’s preservation, research and educational programs.
Williamsburg Inn
The oldest and most prestigious of the properties is just across Francis Street and historic district. It has seen guests such as, General Dwight Eisenhower, Winston Churchill, and Queen Elizabeth II (the two latter names obviously were over the fact about who won the Revolutionary War…). Built by John D. Rockefeller Jr., the property opened in April 1937. It has since been renovated in 2001.
Williamsburg Inn, Courtesy of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Although originally larger, the hotel now contains 62 rooms furnished in English Regency-style, and all of the classic amenities that you would expect from a luxury hotel including three golf courses and a nearby spa.
Williamsburg Lodge
The largest CW property hosts 323 rooms and is also just across Francis Street and the historic district. A two year renovation was completed in 2007. The main Lodge building was restored, Tazewell Hall was renovated and four new guesthouses in the Federal-style, each featuring 30 rooms, were added.
Williamsburg Lodge, Photo courtesy of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Providence Hall Guesthouses
Although looking modern on the exterior, these 43 rooms in a secluded area near the Williamsburg Inn are a combination contemporary/oriental design. If you are looking for peace and quiet, with a view of the woods and a pond, and still within walking distance of the historic district, you might just enjoy Providence Hall.
Williamsburg Woodlands
Although not within a “short” walking distance to the historic district, for a more family atmosphere, the Woodlands offers two major pluses. It sits directly beside the Visitor’s Centre, and, from there you can catch a bus that circles the district with frequent drop off locations.
Although not as easy as just walking across the street at the aforementioned properties, it is still possible to walk to the historic district although it will be approximately three blocks. This will bring you in on North England Street passing the Windmill near the Governor’s Palace.
Family amenities include rooms with two full size beds, miniature golf, bike rentals and swimming. A continental breakfast buffet is part of the room rate. There are also laundry facilities and suites available.
Governor’s Inn
The value offering of the CW hotels is the Governor’s Inn with an outdoor swimming pool, and its free use of the recreational facilities at Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites. As with the Woodlands, a continental breakfast is included in the room rate.
Located two blocks from Merchants Square, it is still only three blocks from the Historic Area.
(It is necessary to check on reservation opportunities, as the Governor’s Inn is only open on a seasonal basis.)
Internet Access
All hotels offer complimentary WiFi and high-speed internet access in all guest rooms.
Tomorrow: Sights to see in Williamsburg
Note: The writers of this blog have not been compensated for these reviews and are independent of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
Tags: Hotels, US Domestic Travel