A good bed-and-breakfast offers delightful, personalized experiences that become treasured memories for guests. In Williamsburg, Virginia, these multi-dimensional experiences come alive through local owners who extend warm welcomes, rooms with their own unique stories, and homecooked meals that feel like cherished traditions passed down through generations.
At 🔺A Williamsburg White House Inn, longtime owner and host Debbie Keane provides an intimate look at what makes each guest’s stay memorable.
What should a first-time visitor to a bed-and-breakfast expect?
Your experience begins right outside when you drive up to a home instead of a high-rise building. With that, you know that you’re going to be around a much smaller group of people. My husband, John, is our innkeeper, and he tries to meet each guest as they arrive to give them a tour, answer any questions, and provide suggestions on what to see, where to eat, and what to do in the area.
We aim to provide the curated experience of a small, boutique hotel. Guests can expect to see inviting places to relax and comfortable accommodations. We live just behind the property, so we’re far enough to offer privacy for your stay but close enough to be there for any questions or needs.
How does the experience of a bed-and-breakfast differ from other accommodations?
As a general statement, guests of a B&B can expect uniqueness and personal service. Each bed and breakfast is totally different, which is also a great part of their appeal. Each has its own character, décor, and levels of comfort.
The biggest difference is that the guests have access to the innkeeper who knows the area, usually owns and lives on the property, and takes great pride in making each guest’s experience a memorable one. Additionally, the breakfast at a bed and breakfast is a Do Not Miss moment. Breakfast is right there in our name!
What makes A Williamsburg White House Inn a distinct destination experience?
We are a century-old estate themed after The White House and offer rooms filled with presidential memorabilia, such as our Reagan Dining Room, JFK Library, and Diplomats Reception Room. Each of our sleeping rooms is also named and themed for a president, including the blue and white toile canopy bed and four sun-soaked windows of the Jefferson Bedroom and the king-sized, four-poster bed and dual bathrooms of the Lincoln Suite.
What is your favorite breakfast dish to prepare and serve?
Eggs Benedict is a favorite, largely because of our homemade hollandaise sauce, which guests consistently rave about. We also really love our starter dish, baked oatmeal, which is our most requested recipe. Our quiche Lorraine and Belgian waffles have been described as “the best in the world,” so that’s a very tough question to answer.
In your experience as a bed-and-breakfast owner, what has been your favorite moment?
We genuinely enjoy getting to meet the people who choose to stay with us. One of our best memories is of a young couple who have become some of our favorite guests. They got engaged on our property and later returned to hold their wedding here as well. There is nothing better than sharing happy experiences with our guests and helping to make memorable moments.
Book Your B&B Experience in Williamsburg
A B&B stay is a classic way to get immersed in the area’s rich history and charm. Whether you choose A Williamsburg White House Inn or one of the many other notable bed and breakfasts in America’s Historic Triangle, you’ll experience warm hospitality, personal touches, and memorable moments that make every visit special.