The Williamsburg Inn is the most distinguished hotel in Virginia’s Historic Triangle and our splurge pick. Built by the Rockefeller-funded restoration in the 1930s to give visitors to Colonial Williamsburg somewhere worthy to stay, it is a white-painted, Regency-style country house on the southern edge of the Historic Area, and it has welcomed presidents, royalty and generations of families celebrating special occasions. With only 62 rooms, it feels intimate rather than grand, and service is famously polished; Expedia rates it five stars, and its guests give it one of the highest scores in the region. Rooms have separate sitting areas, pillowtop mattresses, rainfall showers and deep soaking tubs. There are three restaurants, including The Terrace, known for its 1937 Burger, plus a bar, and the resort side includes The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg nearby, the Golden Horseshoe golf courses, six outdoor tennis courts, an indoor pool, a seasonal outdoor pool and a hot tub. The Governor’s Palace, the Art Museums and the restaurants of Merchants Square are all within a short walk. For an anniversary, a holiday stay during Grand Illumination or simply the best night’s sleep in Williamsburg, this is the one to book.
Location and getting around: the inn sits on Francis Street at the southern edge of the Historic Area, so you can walk straight out of the door into Colonial Williamsburg, and the Art Museums, the Governor’s Palace and Merchants Square are a few minutes away on foot. An area shuttle is available, and the free Colonial Williamsburg bus stops nearby. Jamestown and Yorktown are 20 to 25 minutes away by car along the Colonial Parkway, and Busch Gardens is about 15 minutes east.
Rooms: the 62 rooms and suites are traditional and elegant, with a separate sitting area, a work desk, a mini fridge and a large bathroom with a soaking tub. Rollaway beds are available for a nightly fee and cribs are free on request.
Who it suits: couples on a special trip, golfers and travelers who want the classic Williamsburg experience with five-star service. Families are welcome, though the atmosphere is calm and refined.
Good to know: check-in is from 16:00 and check-out is at 11:00, and the minimum check-in age is 21. Cooked-to-order breakfast carries a charge. The outdoor pool is closed from 1 October to 30 April, so in November and December you will use the indoor pool. Dogs are welcome in specific rooms for a fee per stay. Booking directly with Colonial Williamsburg has recently included complimentary Historic Area admission for a limited time, so compare offers before you book.
Why stay here
- ✓Three restaurants and a bar
- ✓Spa services
- ✓Golden Horseshoe golf
- ✓Six outdoor tennis courts
- ✓Indoor pool and hot tub
- ✓Seasonal outdoor pool
- ✓Fitness center
- ✓Area shuttle
Good questions
Where is the Williamsburg Inn?+
It is on the southern edge of the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area, a short walk from the Governor’s Palace, the Art Museums and Merchants Square. Jamestown and Yorktown are 20 to 25 minutes away by car.
Does the Williamsburg Inn have a pool open in winter?+
Yes, the indoor pool and hot tub are open year-round. The outdoor pool is closed from 1 October to 30 April.
Is breakfast included at the Williamsburg Inn?+
Cooked-to-order breakfast is available for a charge rather than included as standard. Some packages booked directly may include extras, so check the rate details.
