Best Family Hotels in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia – Kid-Friendly Stays

For a colonial multi-generational getaway, select one of Colonial Williamsburg’s official hotels or review other Williamsburg area family-friendly lodging. The Historic Triangle of southern Virginia has lots of fun places to sleep. 

There are numerous hotels and motels in Williamsburg to accommodate the more than 500,000 annual visitors. However, let’s explore the five official Colonial Williamsburg properties with special perks first.

Jamestown: Where the American Story Began

A trip to the Colonial Williamsburg area wouldn’t be complete without exploring the birthplace of the English colonies in North America — Jamestown.  Located a short drive from Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement brings the struggles and triumphs of those early settlers to life.

Stepping into 1607: Explore recreations of the original James Fort, complete with thatched-roof buildings, as well as Powhatan Indian dwellings. Costumed interpreters bring the 17th-century world to life, demonstrating daily tasks and survival skills. And this is the place the first slaves arrived in 1619.

Museum Galleries: Delve deeper into the archaeological discoveries and artifacts that illuminate the lives of the colonists and the Powhatan people they encountered.

Boarding the Ships: Climb aboard replicas of the three ships – the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery – that brought the colonists to Virginia. Get a feel for the cramped conditions they endured during the long Atlantic journey.

Why Jamestown Matters to Colonial Williamsburg

Though harsh conditions and conflict led to its eventual abandonment, Jamestown holds immense significance. It represents the complex beginnings of the United States, with themes of exploration, cultural encounters, and the pursuit of a new life resonating throughout our national story.

To delve deeper into the fascinating history of Jamestown, be sure to visit our dedicated post. You’ll discover captivating stories of survival, conflict, and cultural exchange that shaped the early years of America.

Colonial Williamsburg Official Hotels

Note that all the official Colonial Williamsburg hotels can be booked through a travel agent or at Colonial Williamsburg Hotels, where discount packages also include area attractions.

Williamsburg Inn

photo: Colonial Williamsburg Hotels

136 E. Francis St.
Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
(855) 233-1437
$$$$$
This 5-star hotel is one of the nation’s most distinguished, award-winning properties. The colonial Williamsburg inn was originally conceived and built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. as the centerpiece of his historic village. As such, it has hosted heads-of-state (including Queen Elizabeth who has stayed on-site twice), internationally recognized actors, politicians, and an impressive roster of repeat guests since 1937.

Decorated in 19th-century Regency decor with many antiques and reproductions, the facilities include five restaurants and lounges, plus two outdoor pools. Recently renovated suites include the Queen’s, Churchill, and Rockefeller-themed suites; overall, suites range in size from 500 to 600 square feet. While being the area’s most lavish hotel, it maintains a quiet elegance befitting a comfortable Virginia country estate — a posh style that will thrill older kids.

Griffin Hotel

photo by: Booking.com

136 E. Francis St.
Williamsburg, Virginia 23185 
(844) 280-4578
$$$
Formerly called Providence Hall, the Griffin Hotel was built near the Chickahominy River in Virginia’s New Kent County. It remains in its secluded location by a pond just outside Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area, near the Williamsburg Inn. A modern, condo-style annex to the Williamsburg Inn, elegantly decorated with oriental accents, this property offers luxury service and accommodations with more space for families. There are adjoining rooms, handicap-accessible rooms, tennis and golf on-site, and access to the Inn’s pools and other facilities. Reunion groups will enjoy the complimentary coffee lounge.

Colonial Williamsburg Lodging in More Intimate Historic Houses and Taverns

photo: Colonial Williamsburg Hotels

136 E. Francis St.
Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
757/220-7978
$$$
Experience authentic colonial life as you immerse yourselves in the times by sleeping in one of Colonial Williamsburg’s restored historic buildings. Family Travel Forum families have told us how special this experience is. The accommodations offer modern amenities to guests who choose these authentic dwellings decorated with recreated furniture and accessories. Nearby, four Historic Taverns serve contemporary menus in an 18th-century setting, surrounding diners with strolling musicians, storytellers, and characters of the past. The taverns are open on a rotating schedule for lunch and dinner.

Williamsburg Lodge

photo by: Booking.com
136 E. Francis St.
Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
(844) 280-4578
$$$
Fully renovated, the lodge offers quality service in a distinctive, comfortable, and relaxed environment that features pieces from Colonial Williamsburg’s folk art collection. Original bluestone floors and cypress paneling have been restored to add elements to the original 1939 Lodge. Decorated with handcrafted country furniture in the American Folk Art style, the facilities include restaurants (known for good ole’ Southern cooking) and indoor and outdoor pools.

Woodlands Hotel and Suites, an Official Colonial Williamsburg Hotel

photo by: Booking.com
105 Visitor Center Drive
Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
(855) 235-1675
$$$
This red brick family haven boasts 300 rooms and is one of the historic park’s value properties. Conveniently located adjacent to Colonial Williamsburg’s Visitor Center within walking distance of the sights, it has many recreational choices, such as mini-golf, shuffleboard, table tennis, bike rentals, and swimming… when the history gets to be too much.

Most suites offer a lounging room with a queen sofabed, desk, minifridge, microwave, sink, and coffeemaker plus a separate master bedroom with a king-size bed and second TV. Standard double rooms feature two full-size beds, a sitting area with a desk, and a comfortable lounge chair (convertible to a single bed). Woodlands has its own laundromat too.

Other Colonial Williamsburg Area Lodging: Resorts and B&Bs

There are a few more properties to note. The award-winning Kingsmill Resort and Conference Center (1010 Kingsmill Road, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185) offers luxurious accommodations in a resort setting. Note: this is the place President Barack Obama chose to prepare for his second debate during the 2012 elections. Expect first-class service, spacious family rooms two championship golf courses, tennis, three (some indoor and some outdoor) pools, and a sports club. Check the Kingsmill Resort site for family packages when school’s out, during summer breaks, and over the very colorful winter holidays.

For a touch of traditional colonial hospitality, there are many bed & breakfast accommodations. Examples include the Colonial Capital Bed & Breakfast at 501 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185 and the Jasmine Plantation Bed and Breakfast at 4500 N. Courthouse Road, Providence Forge, VA 23140. It’s located between Richmond and Williamsburg and is popular for local weddings.

They all have convenient access to the 45-hole Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, Spa of Colonial Williamsburg, various dining and shopping options, Historic Area, Art Museums, and more. We like to recommend them because many of the educational programs of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation are subsidized by your hotel bills. Plus — a big plus — Colonial Willliamsburg Hotel guests enjoy exclusive tours, special prices on tickets to attractions, and special activities for children.

More Things to Do in Colonial Williamsburg for Families

Colonial Williamsburg offers a variety of family-friendly activities that cater to different interests and age groups. Here are some ideas based on your preferences:

Engage with History

Meet the Colonists: Step back in time and interact with historical figures like blacksmiths, milliners, and shopkeepers. Ask them about their daily lives, their trades, and what it was like to live in the 18th century.

Witness Historic Trades: Watch skilled artisans demonstrate traditional crafts like blacksmithing, woodworking, and printing. Learn how everyday objects were made in colonial times.

Take a Guided Tour: Join a guided tour led by knowledgeable interpreters who will share fascinating stories and insights about the people and events that shaped Colonial Williamsburg.

Explore the Historic Area

Wander Through the Streets: Stroll along Duke of Gloucester Street, the main thoroughfare of Colonial Williamsburg. Admire the architecture, peek into shops, and soak up the atmosphere of a bygone era.

Experience Colonial Games: Play traditional games like hoop rolling, ninepins, and quoits. See if you can master these old-fashioned pastimes that entertained children in the 18th century.

Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg

Arboretum & Gardens

For more information on planning your trip to Colonial Williamsburg, including detailed information on attractions, events, and hotel accommodations, please visit the official Colonial Williamsburg website. There you will find a comprehensive resource for everything you need to make your visit unforgettable.

For complete information on the area’s attractions, visit the Colonial Williamsburg website, or call 800/HISTORY or 757/229-1000.

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