Every traveler remembers Williamsburg for its cobblestones and candlelight, but what truly shapes the experience is where you rest between adventures. Whether you choose a charming Williamsburg bed and breakfast or a luxurious resort, staying in the right inn makes the past feel a heartbeat away and every sunrise over the James River becomes a postcard.
During my many visits, I’ve tried everything — historic mansions with creaking staircases, family-run bed-and-breakfasts that smell of cinnamon rolls, and modern hotels where Wi-Fi hums beside antique headboards. Each style offers its own window into Virginia’s charm.
This guide gathers them all: grand resorts for comfort-seekers, boutique inns for romantics, and cozy rentals for families. No matter your budget or travel rhythm, Williamsburg has a bed that tells a story.
The Williamsburg Inn – Colonial Luxury Reimagined
When Queen Elizabeth II visited Williamsburg in 2007, she stayed at The Williamsburg Inn, and it’s easy to see why. Built in 1937 by John D. Rockefeller Jr., the Inn anchors the Historic Area like a white-columned dream of hospitality.
Walk through its arched doorway and you’re greeted by polished marble floors, fresh flowers, and a staff trained in old-world manners. Yet behind the grandeur lie modern comforts: spa suites, heated bathroom floors, and one of the quietest night’s sleeps in Virginia.
Guests enjoy private access to the adjacent Golden Horseshoe Golf Club and the Colonial Williamsburg Spa, where aromatherapy blends lavender with local herbs. Dinner at the Regency Room is an event in itself — oysters from the Bay, chilled Viognier from the Williamsburg Winery, and live piano music that seems to pause time.
Traveler Tip: Request a room facing the Governor’s Palace Gardens for sunrise views over manicured hedges. Rates peak in spring and autumn, so book early.
The location, atmosphere, rooms, cleanliness and service all reinforce the very high quality, 5-star status of the Inn. So, does the pricing.
Williamsburg Lodge – Casual Elegance with Historic Roots
For those who prefer colonial atmosphere without formality, the Williamsburg Lodge offers a warm middle ground. Its brick exterior and shuttered windows echo 18th-century design, but the inside feels more like a modern boutique hotel than a museum.
Rooms feature hand-woven throws and local art. The on-site Sweet Tea & Barley restaurant serves Southern comfort food with Virginia wine pairings — fried green tomatoes, pimento mac and cheese, and smoked brisket sandwiches.
Guests can walk to the Historic Area in minutes, making it ideal for those following your Historic Triangle Itinerary route. Even better, many packages include tickets to Colonial Williamsburg museums.
Wonderful experience – top notch service and beautiful room. Excellent continental breakfast – much more of a full breakfast! Love it here – will be back.
The Colonial Houses – Sleeping Inside History
If you’ve ever dreamed of spending the night in a 18th-century home, the Colonial Houses are your answer. Scattered through the Historic Area, these buildings once hosted merchants, tailors, and innkeepers. They’ve been carefully updated with modern baths and heating while retaining original beams and fireplaces.
Each house is different: the Market Square Kitchen has two bedrooms and a parlor fireplace; the Brick House Tavern offers cozy single rooms for solo travelers. Stay here and you wake to the sound of hoofbeats on cobblestone streets.
We stayed in the Ewig Shop. It was very simple, but very nice. The location couldn’t be better for walking around Colonial Williamsburg.
Reflection #1 – A Night of Lantern Light
I once booked the Market Square Kitchen during a winter storm. Rain tapped on old windowpanes while I read by lantern light. Outside, Colonial Williamsburg was empty, its streets shimmering in puddles. For a moment, it felt like I had traveled back two centuries.
Fife and Drum Inn – Local Charm Above the Shops
Owned by a family with deep ties to the college, the Fife and Drum Inn sits right on Prince George Street between campus and the Historic District. Its nine rooms carry themes like “Restoration Suite” and “Yorktown Victory.” Breakfast includes homemade granola and peach muffins served in a bright sunroom.
The inn’s porch is one of my favorite places to watch the city wake. You can hear church bells ring while students cycle past. Staying here feels like joining the neighborhood rather than just visiting.
Traveler Tip: The Fife and Drum books fast during college graduations and the Grand Illumination weekend — reserve months ahead.
We loved our stay. Your place was so convenient to all attractions. The decor was lovely and so homey. We would definitely recommend to others. Thank you for a great weekend!
Cedars of Williamsburg Bed-and-Breakfast
The Cedars of Williamsburg is a Georgian-style mansion draped in ivy on Richmond Road, a few blocks from the Historic Area. With ten rooms and lush gardens, it’s as romantic as any southern novel.
Each morning the owner serves fresh-baked scones and local coffee on china plates. Guests swap travel stories over breakfast before heading out to the Colonial Parkway Scenic Drive or the Williamsburg Botanical Garden.
Evenings bring wine on the porch and soft classical music from a hidden speaker. It’s a favorite for honeymooners and history buffs alike.
They were very nice and so close to Colonial Williamsburg, we walked there. Breakfast was wonderful both days. Coffee was ready and waiting
Kingsmill Resort – Where the River Meets Relaxation
Ten minutes south along the James River stands the Kingsmill Resort, a haven for those who prefer a full vacation experience. Its 400-acre property includes a marina, golf courses, and miles of bike paths.
Rooms range from standard suites to three-bedroom condos with balconies facing the water. Families love the lazy river pool and free shuttle to Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg.
The highlight is the James Landing Grille, offering sunset seafood dinners on an open deck. The flavors mirror what you discover in your Wineries & Farm-to-Table Dining Guide — fresh, regional, and seasonal.
We had an amazing guest experience with Ella and Silvia. Both of them where able to accomodate our last minute travel adjustments and abrupt changes. The staff is outstanding here!!
Boutique Inns with Story and Style
Williamsburg’s boutique inns combine the intimacy of a home with the sophistication of a resort. Pair your lodging with authentic meals from our Wineries, Breweries & Farm-to-Table Dining Guide.
The Williamsburg Manor
Built in the 1920s and lovingly restored, this five-room inn sits under oak trees just steps from the William & Mary campus. Each room carries a color theme — sapphire, ruby, topaz — inspired by Virginia gemstones. Breakfast is served on the porch, and the owners often share travel tips for exploring off-the-beaten-path attractions like Freedom Park or the York River State Park Trails from your earlier guides.
Governor’s Trace Inn
A hidden gem near the Historic Area, this inn fuses modern design with colonial motifs. The lobby doubles as an art gallery for local painters. Evenings bring complimentary wine tastings from The Williamsburg Winery — a lovely connection to your Wineries & Farm-to-Table Dining article.
The Williamsburg Sampler
Decorated with heirlooms and reproduction antiques, this B&B feels like sleeping inside a storybook. Guests rave about the gourmet breakfast — fluffy omelets, Virginia ham biscuits, and fresh fruit from the Williamsburg Farmers Market.
Boutique inns like these attract travelers seeking warmth and personal touch rather than chain uniformity.
Sometimes the best stay isn’t in a hotel at all. Williamsburg’s vacation rentals let you experience daily life in this charming town.
Historic District Cottages
Restored colonial-style homes with wooden shutters and private courtyards. Many come with bicycles for easy exploration of Duke of Gloucester Street.
Jamestown Riverside Cabins
Ideal for families or couples wanting peace. Located near the Colonial Parkway Scenic Drive, they offer full kitchens, screened porches, and access to kayak rentals.
Downtown Lofts
Modern apartments above Merchants Square shops, blending 21st-century convenience with 18th-century charm outside your window.
Traveler Tip: Use reputable rental platforms or book through the official Visit Williamsburg site to ensure safety and verified hosts.
Vacation rentals provide a sense of belonging — you’re not just visiting Williamsburg; you’re living it for a few days.
Family-Friendly Hotels
Traveling with kids? Williamsburg understands.
Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg
This resort is every child’s dream — an indoor water park, themed rooms, and interactive treasure hunts. Parents appreciate the family suites, which make sharing space easy after a long day touring Jamestown Settlement or Busch Gardens.
Homewood Suites by Hilton
Spacious rooms with kitchenettes, free breakfast, and outdoor grills. Located near Richmond Road, it’s convenient for both historic sites and shopping.
Greensprings Vacation Resort
A quieter option with pools, tennis courts, and full kitchens. The location near the Greensprings Trail offers an ideal blend of exercise and relaxation.
Family travelers find Williamsburg one of the few destinations that balance education with pure fun — museums by day, water slides by night.
Eco-Lodging and Sustainable Stays
Sustainability runs deep in Virginia’s soil, and several Williamsburg lodgings lead the charge in green hospitality.
Wedmore Place at The Williamsburg Winery
This boutique hotel, located within the vineyard’s grounds, merges European architecture with eco-conscious practices — solar energy, organic linens, and farm-to-table menus at Café Provencal. Each room is themed after a European wine region, featuring hand-painted tiles and wood-burning fireplaces.
Bluegreen Parkside Williamsburg
Adjacent to Busch Gardens, this resort uses water-saving fixtures and energy-efficient lighting. The grounds are landscaped with native plants that attract butterflies — small touches that make a big difference.
Eco Tips for Guests
Bring reusable bottles and refill at public fountains.
Choose linen reuse programs.
Support restaurants that buy from local farms — you’ll find plenty on your Farm-to-Table Dining guide.
These small choices multiply, keeping Williamsburg as green as its gardens.
Affordable Comforts – Where Value Meets Convenience
Not every memorable stay has to be expensive. Williamsburg offers cozy mid-range hotels that feel far richer than their rates suggest.
Comfort Inn Williamsburg Gateway
Clean, modern, and close to the Historic Area. Complimentary breakfast and parking make it ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Best Western Historic Area Inn
Reliable amenities and friendly staff who know local shortcuts to the Colonial Parkway and Yorktown Battlefield.
Tru by Hilton Williamsburg
Bright décor, grab-and-go breakfasts, and a youthful vibe. Perfect for travelers who want efficiency with personality.
Budget shouldn’t mean compromise; it simply means you can spend more on exploring.
Reflection #2 – The Sound of Morning in a Small Inn
One morning at Cedars of Williamsburg, I woke to the scent of coffee and the faint hum of conversation from the dining room. Outside, fog drifted between trees, softening the sound of passing carriages from Colonial Williamsburg. A robin sang near the window, and for a few seconds I felt suspended between centuries — comforted by modern ease, surrounded by echoes of history.
That’s what makes staying here unforgettable: you don’t just see history — you sleep inside it.
Neighborhood Guide – Choosing the Right Part of Town
For a peaceful morning after sightseeing, explore the landscapes in Nature Escapes Around Williamsburg.
Historic Area & Downtown
Best for: First-time visitors and history enthusiasts.
Staying near Duke of Gloucester Street means you can walk everywhere — from Colonial Williamsburg to Merchants Square. Inns like Fife and Drum Inn or the Colonial Houses place you inside the old-town ambience.
Jamestown & Kingsmill Corridor
Best for: Families and waterfront relaxation.
Close to Jamestown Settlement, the Colonial Parkway Scenic Drive, and Kingsmill Resort, this area balances nature and luxury.
College District
Best for: Young travelers and weekend visitors.
Around William & Mary you’ll find coffee shops, bookstores, and affordable lodging such as The Williamsburg Manor. Nights here hum with student music and casual restaurants.
New Town & Lightfoot
Best for: Extended stays and shopping.
Modern developments like New Town Suites and Homewood Suites offer space and easy access to malls and movie theaters. Ideal for families seeking convenience.
Weekend Stay Itineraries
Romantic Getaway (2 Days)
Day 1: Check into Cedars of Williamsburg → Lunch at Blue Talon Bistro → Evening walk through Colonial Williamsburg → Dinner with wine at Gabriel Archer Tavern.
Day 2: Morning spa at Williamsburg Inn → Drive the Colonial Parkway to Yorktown → Sunset by the James River.
Family Adventure (3 Days)
Stay at Kingsmill Resort or Great Wolf Lodge.
Day 1: Historic Triangle museums + Colonial candy shops.
Day 2: Busch Gardens rides + pool evening.
Day 3: York River State Park hike + farmers market breakfast.
Use the map below to explore Williamsburg’s top hotels, inns, and B&Bs by neighborhood on Google Maps
Budget Explorer (Weekend)
Book Best Western Historic Area Inn → Use bikes to tour Jamestown Island → Picnic from farmers market → Dinner at Food for Thought Restaurant.
Practical Tips for Booking and Saving
Reserve 4–6 weeks ahead for spring and autumn festivals.
Bundle Colonial Williamsburg tickets with lodging packages for discounts.
Mid-week stays offer lower rates and quieter streets.
Check each property’s parking policy — some downtown inns offer limited spaces.
Ask about breakfast inclusion; many B&Bs serve full multi-course meals.
Use loyalty programs for chains and direct booking benefits for independent inns.
Accessibility & Pet-Friendly Options
Accessible Rooms: Williamsburg Lodge and Kingsmill Resort offer ADA-compliant suites with roll-in showers and elevators.
Pet-Friendly Stays: Cedars of Williamsburg and several vacation rentals welcome pets with small fees. Nearby Freedom Park has dog trails and open fields.
Travelers with mobility concerns find Williamsburg remarkably walkable — brick paths and shuttle services connect most attractions.
Final Reflection – Why Lodging Matters
The more I return to Williamsburg, the more I realize that each bedroom window frames a different century. At the Williamsburg Inn, you wake to sunlight touching colonial gardens; at Cedars, you hear birdsong filter through ivy; at Kingsmill, you see sails glide across the James. If you’re visiting in December, check rates during Grand Illumination & Christmas Town: Williamsburg’s Holiday Magic.
Where you stay becomes part of the story — the quiet chapter between explorations. Williamsburg’s magic isn’t just in its streets or museums; it’s in the way each door opens to hospitality that feels both historic and genuinely human.
Find more trip inspiration, including dining guides, outdoor getaways, and holiday experiences, in our comprehensive Williamsburg, Virginia Travel Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions – Where to Stay in Williamsburg
The Williamsburg Inn is the top choice for five-star service and colonial grandeur.
Yes — Comfort Inn Gateway and Best Western Historic Area Inn offer great value near downtown.
Cedars of Williamsburg and The Williamsburg Manor both rank high for ambience and personal touch.
From the Williamsburg Lodge, Fife and Drum Inn, and Colonial Houses, yes — all within a few blocks.
Yes, if registered with the city or booked through certified agencies.
At least three months ahead — rooms fill by October.
Yes; most serve locally sourced meals between 7–9 a.m.
Yes; shuttles operate between Kingsmill, Busch Gardens, and downtown.
The Jamestown–Kingsmill corridor offers spacious resorts and river activities.
Wedmore Place and Bluegreen Parkside feature green energy initiatives.
