Great Wolf Lodge is the answer to the question every parent asks in winter: what do we do with the children when it is cold and the outdoor sights are quiet? The 405-suite lodge on East Rochambeau Drive has an indoor waterpark kept at about 84 degrees all year, with five indoor pools, a wave pool, a lazy river, hot springs and eight slides, plus a seasonal outdoor pool open from June to August and a children’s pool. Water park access is free for registered guests, and passes are valid from 1pm on the day you check in until closing on the day you check out, so you effectively get two partial days of swimming. There is also a bowling alley, an arcade, a ropes course, a zipline and the MagiQuest interactive game, along with a spa for children and a salon for adults. The suites are designed for families, sleeping from four up to eight in the larger bear suites, with themed layouts. Guests rate it 8.8 out of 10 from more than 1,000 reviews, which is a strong score for a big family resort.
Location and getting around
The lodge is at 549 East Rochambeau Drive, near the Williamsburg Premium Outlets, about 3 miles away. William and Mary is about 6.5 miles away, Busch Gardens about 12 miles and the Williamsburg Transportation Center a 12-minute drive. You will need a car, and self-parking costs $20 per day. Richmond’s airport is about 41 minutes away.
Rooms and facilities
There are nine suite types, from the 448-square-foot Family Suite and Luxury King to the 896-square-foot Grizzly Bear Suite, including KidCabin and KidKamp suites with play areas for children and Loft Fireplace suites. Food is on site, with two restaurants, two coffee shops and a bar, along with a shopping mall, Ten Paw Alley bowling, and cabanas that can be rented for a surcharge. There is an adults-only hot springs area, so parents can switch off while children play.
Who it suits
Families with children of about three to twelve, birthday trips and anyone traveling in cold or wet weather. If you are visiting mainly for history, the location is less convenient than a hotel near the Historic Area, and you will be sharing the resort with a lot of excited children.
Good to know
The minimum check-in age is 21, check-in is from 4pm to midnight and check-out is before 11am, with a late check-out fee available. Cribs and pets are not available, though service animals are welcome, and the resort accepts cards but not cash.
Why stay here
- ✓Heated indoor waterpark
- ✓Free waterpark access for guests
- ✓Seasonal outdoor pool
- ✓MagiQuest interactive game
- ✓Bowling alley and arcade
- ✓Ropes course and zipline
- ✓Two restaurants and cafes
- ✓Spa and salon
Good questions
Is the waterpark at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg open in winter?+
Yes. The indoor waterpark is kept at about 84 degrees all year. The outdoor pool is seasonal, open from June to August.
Is waterpark access included for hotel guests?+
Yes, registered guests get free access. Passes are valid from 1pm on check-in day until closing on check-out day.
How much is parking at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg?+
Self-parking costs $20 per day. The minimum check-in age is 21, and pets and cribs are not available, although service animals are welcome.
