When planning a trip to historic Colonial Williamsburg there are many accommodation options available but we opted to stay-on site at the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel and Suites. This family oriented hotel offers a convenient location to the historic area as well as these 10 other family benefits for your stay.
As the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel and Suites is located right beside the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center, you can walk back in time over the bridge to the historic area .
As a hotel guest you can enjoy the use of the Colonial Williamsburg shuttle buses at no charge. These will help you get around the village during your visit or back to your hotel after a night of Tavern dining. In the evening they’ll even drop you off at the Woodlands Hotel and Suites, saving you the extra walk from the Visitor’s Center. (image: © 2012 by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation)
Kids can enjoy their own check-in, occupying their time with activities and crafts while you handle your own room paperwork. The Kids Check-In also kept us in the loop to family activities going on in the evening at the hotel, such as magician visits and pirate pool parties.
Colonial Williamsburg has a number of great dining options but if you’re looking at staying at the hotel be sure to checkout the onsite restaurant Huzzah . Kids will love making their own mini pizza right at the table and mom and dad can sample some locally crafted beer and food pairings.
Pools are becoming a ‘must have’ requirement for our holiday trips and exploring Colonial Williamsburg can get hot. Take a plunge in the heated outdoor pool at the Woodlands Lodge and Suites to cool off before heading back out for some evening fun.
If you’re looking for a little more excitement, Water Country and Busch Gardens are nearby. You can forget the parking lot hassle with the free shuttle buses that run every day between the Woodlands Hotel and Suites and the two parks. (image: ©2013 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserve)
If pools and roller coasters aren’t your thing, drop by the Woodlands Fun Zone . Here guests can enjoy a number of free activities including a game of mini golf, shuffleboard, table tennis, and tether ball. There’s even a kids playground for the little ones and it’s all nestled in the beautiful wooded grounds.
Before you head out on your Williamsburg adventure enjoy a complimentary sit down continental breakfast . Choose from cereals, yogurt, bakery items, fruit, and a variety of hot items from the breakfast bar. We found the indoor seating fills quickly but there’s a lovely outdoor patio you can enjoy too.
One of my favourite elements when returning to Woodlands Hotel and Suites was being greeted by ice cold fruit infused water. It was the perfect way to refresh after being in the sun. In the cafe just off the lobby you’ll also find hot coffee available all day for your caffeine fix.
Another perk to being a guest at the Woodlands is enjoying one of the evening performances at the Colonial Williamsburg at no charge but be sure to select and book your choice early at these tend to fill quickly. We missed out on the tavern ghost walk but it’s on our list for next time.
The best part about these family features at the hotel, all of them are free (with the exception of eating at Huzzah!). It’s the little extras that can add to a family getaway.
The Willaimsburg Woodlands offers both standard rooms and suites. With five of us we thought we would need the added space of the suite, with its king bed in one room and a queen sofa bed in the sitting area, but the standard room worked just fine. Along with two double beds it comes with a sofa chair that the kids took turns sleeping in.
Thanks to the folks at Williamsburg Woodlands for the hospitality.