Review of the Williamsburg Woodlands: Family Friendly Hotel and Suites

By Amy Suski

We've stayed at the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites for two years in a row and both times we were impressed by how nice it is for the rate.  A comfortable suite (shown above) has a separate bedroom for Mom and Dad while kids shared the fold-out queen sofa bed.  This was the arrangement we preferred, but families can also get a room with 2 double beds and a fold-out chair, which works well for families of 5.  Aside from providing ample elbow room for the whole family, we loved these features:

Free Breakfast: One of the nicest cost savers of staying at the Woodlands is the free breakfast buffet. Every morning the kids helped themselves to an ample selection of fresh fruit, eggs, cereals, pastries, bagels, and (drumroll please)...two waffle bars!  Even the pickiest kid will love that.  And since the buffet is self-serve, there is no wait.  You can eat as fast or as leisurely as you want and start your day without delay.  A busy and friendly staff kept the breakfast room clean and well stocked at all times.  It's not fancy (the cutlery is plastic and the dishes are styrofoam) but when traveling with kids, an easy non-breakable breakfast with carry-out coffee is just right. 

Spray Park: In addition to an outdoor pool, the Woodlands has added a nifty little spray park just for kids.  Although it was too cold to try it out when we visited, I spied a pirate ship, water cannons, and sprinklers, all of which could keep a little tyke happy for hours.  

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Huzzah! BBQ Grille: Although the hotel doesn't have room service, its easy to dine-in or carry-out food from the family-friendly BBQ Grille Huzzah!  Huzzah's also has a cozy bar where we enjoyed some local microbrews before turning in for the night.  What's nice for families is that Huzzah's does not attract a bar crowd like some other hotel bars do.  When we're trying to settle our light sleepers at night, the last thing we want is a rowdy group returning to their room after carousing in the lobby bar.  Huzzah's closes at a respectable 10:30 p.m. and is located just outside the hotel in a lovely courtyard where you're likely to see families enjoying the evening around a picnic table or firepit.  

Car-Free Convenience: As an official Colonial Williamsburg hotel, the Woodlands is convenient to all the Colonial Williamsburg attractions.  Once you park your car in their free lot, there is no need for it to get around.  The Visitor Center is located immediately adjacent to the Woodlands and the rest of the Colonial Williamsburg attractions are within walking distance or a short shuttle ride away. (Even though its close enough to walk I recommend taking the shuttle so that the kids don't get tired out too soon.)

Discounts: Depending on when you stay at the Woodlands, there may be special discounts or packages including tickets to Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, and more.  Be sure to check their website for the latest offers.

The opinions expressed are entirely my own and do not reflect those of the businesses and organizations mentioned.  We did not receive any special discounts or benefits on this trip.  All rights are reserved by KidTrips © 2014.

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