A stylish boutique hotel by the beach. An award-winning inn with a luxurious spa. And a set of quiet cottages that are perfect for an extended family stay. This is just a small sampling of the great places to stay in Williamsburg and the Historic Triangle for a summer getaway.
Stay Beachfront at the Yorktown Beach Hotel
The 57-room Yorktown Beach Hotel has recently been lovingly restored. It features a lower building with rooms that look directly out at Yorktown Beach and an upper building that offers great views of the York River and passing boats – regular visitors have their personal favorites.
Spend your afternoons lounging on the large lawn or in the saltwater swimming pool with a sun deck overlooking the beach. Restaurants, historic sites, guided tours, and water adventures are all conveniently close to this relaxing retreat.
Indulge in Historic Luxury at Williamsburg Inn
Since 1937, the Williamsburg Inn has set the standard for timeless luxury in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg. Planned and designed by John D. Rockefeller Jr., this Forbes Travel four-star property features 62 guest rooms decorated in Regency-style decor.
Notably, the Williamsburg Inn holds the rare distinction of being the only hotel in the U.S. to have hosted Queen Elizabeth II twice. First being in 1957 for the 350th anniversary of Jamestown and again in 2007 for the 400th anniversary.
Elevated experiences include the Spa of Colonial Williamsburg and the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, ranked in America’s top 100 golf courses by multiple golf publications. You can also indulge in a five-course prix-fixe menu in the Rockefeller Room with optional wine pairings from the extensive wine cellar.
Stay & Play with the Family at Great Wolf Lodge
For a family stay that feels both cozy and adventurous, Great Wolf Lodge is the perfect escape. The wilderness inspired resort even extends to the guest rooms, which feature miniature log cabins with bunk beds for the kids in select rooms.
The biggest attraction is the indoor waterpark spanning an impressive 62,000 square feet of fun with four pools, high-speed slides, a winding lazy river, and multiple interactive play areas. Best of all, unlimited access to the water park is included in your stay.
In the warmer months, head outside to the seasonal outdoor pool and slides. Relax poolside in a private cabana or grab a bite at the cafe. The resort also features on-site lifeguards and TV safety monitors so you can enjoy your vacation with peace of mind.
Back inside, kids will love exploring the full lineup of events and activities, including a full arcade, a laser tag facility, Build-A-Bear experience, a wizarding adventure called MagiQuest, and more. Check out more ideas for a kid-friendly visit to Williamsburg.
Recharge with Adventure at Kingsmill Resort
Nestled along the scenic James River, Kingsmill Resort offers a tranquil escape across 2,900 acres. Known for its award-winning golf courses, the Kingsmill golf courses have hosted 38 PGA and LPGA tournaments on its two championship golf courses, which consistently rank as the best in Virginia.
Tennis and pickleball lovers will enjoy the 15 top-of-the-line tennis courts at the Kingsmill Tennis Club. A complimentary 60-minute court reservation and rental racquets are included in the daily resort amenity fee.
Set sail on the James River with a variety of watercraft rentals and charters from the on-site marina. For more waterfront fun, take a swim in one of three pools or the seasonal lazy river.
Kingsmill provides a variety of accommodations to fit your group and stay, from traditional hotel rooms to longer-term 1-3 bedroom condos and rental cottages. Enjoy your meals by the riverside, greenside, or poolside at four on-site restaurants.
Unwind in Coastal Comfort at Yorktown Cottages
Immerse yourself in the Historic Yorktown Village with a relaxing stay at one of two cozy Yorktown Cottages. Just a few blocks and an easy walk away are Main Street and Yorktown Beach, featuring local shops, restaurants, and historic attractions. Or hop on the complimentary Yorktown Trolley that has a stop right across the street from the cottages.
The Gallery cottage accommodates up to 4 guests with 1 bedroom and 1.5 bathrooms. This was the former home of local artist Nancy Thomas, and you’ll find some of her whimsical artwork on the walls. The house has a wide-open living area with a large dining room table that’s ideal as a workspace or dining spot. The room looks like something out of a magazine, with pretty pillows and a bright, airy feel.
The Garden cottage accommodates up to 5 guests with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. The high-ceiling living room has a stone fireplace and a bookshelf with board games. There’s a full kitchen, laundry room, and fireplace, plus a sunny garden off the living room with a stone courtyard. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and charm.
Get the Classic B&B Experience at The Hornsby House Inn
The grand, colonial style brick Hornsby House Inn built in 1933 overlooks the York River and offers 6 accommodation options. The second-floor Chesapeake Room has a four-poster king bed, and a small room alongside it offers a single bed.
The house is brimming with historic artifacts, including old British muskets, model ships, and more. You can use the common areas of the main floor, which has a two-sided fireplace, a sunroom, a living room, and a posh dining room, where a delicious home-cooked breakfast is served each morning. Be sure to also join the complimentary wine and cheese hour at 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Experience Classic Comforts at the Williamsburg Lodge
Williamsburg Lodge is part of the Marriott Autograph Collection and is recommended by the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide. The 300+ rooms spread across six guest houses come in a range of styles – some are woodsy, and others bright and modern with Delft-Blue walls and white accents.
The Cupboard, billed as a gourmet grab-and-go shop, serves an excellent latte. Sweet Tea and Barley is a warm and welcoming dining spot with a mix of Southern food and classics such as braised short ribs. Enjoy live music on the patio every Friday and Saturday evening from 6 to 9 p.m.
For even more options – from trusted chain hotels to unique properties – explore all the places to stay in Williamsburg.