Colonial Williamsburg at Easter and hotels?

[princessmomma]

I posted this over on the Community Board but didn't get any replies. There was some discussion about Williamsburg here in the past few weeks, so perhaps someone can help me.

I have been reading a lot of recommendations for Colonial Williamsburg, but wondering how it would be for 3 or 4 days over Easter? My sister is flying down to NC from Canada and I am thinking about taking her and her 9 year old son there. I have a DS8 and a DD6 as well.

For a short trip would you recommend Great Wolf Lodge or perhaps someplace on site. What is Woodsland like? I have read that it is neat to stay right in Colonial Williamsburg. Or maybe a suite? Kingsmill looks really nice too!

Any recommendations on a place to stay for 3 nights?

Will it be really busy at Easter?

 

[KarenAylwood]

GWL would be great for the kids- if you do a search you'll find tons of threads (some really recent) about staying there.

As I remember it wasn't very busy around Easter... I never went home for it because my parents live in NY so I was always around the burg at that time and don't remember it being any different than normal- only that a lot of college kids were gone b/c over half the school are VA residents. Of course spending 5 years in the burg you get a skewed vision of "busy" and "not busy". For Disney buffs- it's never "really busy".

Kingsmill is known for being really nice but it's further away and semi-expensive, and you could look into the Colonial Houses as well because those have always seemed like fun. Don't know about Woodlands other than that it's new and near the Visitor Center. I still would say that GWL would be the best for three kids. And it isn't like Disney- there isn't an "on site" and an "off site". The Williamsburg Inn is right near CW but insanely expensive and not for kids.

And old BF of mine took me to stay at the Powhatan Plantation a few years ago for V-Day. It's condos and I remember it being really nice- had a hot tub and a kitchen too! There's a two night minimum stay. Here's a link to a page about it: http://www.williamsburgonline.com/accom/condo/condo_prop_info/powhatan.html
Shoot... I just checked it and it says there's a minimum 7 night stay during that time to accomodate "busy holiday demands" so I guess it's possible that it is busier. I think there are a lot of spring breaks around then too which might attribute to it. I'll leave the link though for anyone else interested!

Just don't stay in the Governor's Inn. It's where they house college kids when there's a fire (like last year) or when they are renovating a building and it's not ready by the beginning of the semester. I figure, if they have the room to house a dorm full of college kids, they probably aren't getting that much business!!

 

[NCRedding]

We were there about 5 years ago over Easter. we found that CW wasn't crowded, but the restaurants were--and were understaffed too. We stayed at the Embassy Suites, which was convenient to CW and to Busch gardens.

Be prepared for the possibility of cold weather--I wasn't prepared, and had to buy some warm clothing for our trip.

 

[mom2dil]

I think the kids would LOVE GWL- before you book check out the specials that they offer online- they can save you some money. I am not sure about the hotels right in the middle of Jamestown but I know that there are some nice hotels near the outlets and not far from William and Mary that are nice. Kingsmill is BEAUTIFUL-it is closer to Bush Gardens. Onsite they have a nice golf course and a great spa. So I guess it all depends on what you are looking for and what your budget is...but most every where you stay you can still be right in the middle of all the action within a few minutes. Hope this helps

 

[AliciaS]

Oh, but there IS staying "on-site". We stayed in one of the historic houses a few years ago and it was absolutely magical (see colonialwilliamsburg.com). Of course, the snow falling and the horse drawn carriages right outside our window didn't hurt! There was always a fire roaring in the common room. Very nice. The bathroom was tiny and old, however. We were in the tavern right next to the magazine - can't remember the name. Some houses are not on the main "drag", but a row or two back. We were early to check in so maybe that's why we got a great room.

Another option is to stay at the Fife and Drum. It is a Bed and Breakfast in the shopping area right at the edge of the hisoric district. They had great breakfasts and always had lemonade and cookies available in their family room. Once our child is over 6, we'll stay there again!

P.S. Our favorite place to eat is King's Arms Tavern. Gambols at Chownings is great for later in the evening. Have fun!

 

[tlady]

We have been to Williamsburg many times and love it. We usually stay at the Williamsburg Lodge, but I believe it may be undergoing refurbishment. Call Colonial Will.to ask. It's only 1 block from the historic district and is owned by Colonical Will. Foundation. It's a WHOLE lot cheaper than the Williamsburg Inn.

Another good choice is ANY of the historic, colonial Inns. At the inns, you'll get the most authentic feel for Williamsburg and each room is uniquely decorated.

Make sure to make dinner reservations at any of the Colonial taverns, well before you arrive.

We've also stayed many times at Kingsmill and it is wonderful. However, you'll need to drive into Will. from there. Kingsmill is the best choice if you're going to Busch Gardens and the Water Park.

Williamsburg is one of my favorite places to visit!

 

[mom2dil]

OH you are RIGHT I forgot all about that! I remember that once I went on a Ghost tour and they told about renting those out- they were so cute- I bet that would be a really great experience and I am sure that it doesnt cost a fortune! Let us know what you find out about that!

 

[LoveWDW]

Fife and Drum was the closest B&B to Colonial Williamsburg- easy walking distance, and it is also close to shopping and off-site restaurants. We stayed there for 4 nights 3 years ago and found the breakfasts not very good. There was a bland egg/bread/milk baked dish that was flavorless- I tried to make it edible by putting jam on it, the Virginia ham biscuits were biscuits from a tube with a paper thin sliver of ham in them, but there was a fruit salad that was edible. The same breakfast was served every day. There were cookies and lemonade available unless other guests took them all, but when that happened the innkeeper was glad to open another package of pre-made cookies and bake them. We requested a room with a sitting area, and we did get this, but the seats were so uncomfortable that it took some creative arranging of bedpillows to make sitting in them bearable. The innkeeper is very nice and helpful, but there must be a more comfortable place to stay with better breakfasts. We are now staying at Governor's Trace, which is still within walking distance but is quite a way from the shopping area and offsite restaurants that Fife and Drum is close to. Also, Governor's Trace does not allow children, and it has no tv's or radios. But the breakfasts are excellent and the furniture comfortable and very nice.

 

[KarenAylwood]

OH you are RIGHT I forgot all about that! I remember that once I went on a Ghost tour and they told about renting those out- they were so cute- I bet that would be a really great experience and I am sure that it doesnt cost a fortune! Let us know what you find out about that!

This is a link for the "on site" (if that's what you really want to call it) Colonial Houses: http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/visit/stayWithUs/colonialHouses/

They run from $145-$450 a night and you have to call to book if there's more than two adults in your party.

 

[hiwaygal]

Busch Gardens won't be open at Easter, so there's no worry to be "close" to it (although, if you are near the historic area, you will be near BG).

Great Wolf Lodge looks fantastic! I live in the area so I don't need to stay there, but we went to visit just to see what it's like.

Kingsmill and the Williamsburg Inn are the most "exclusive" places (in terms of price). But, believe me, there is no shortage of hotels, and there are lots of newer properties in the area (can't think of any right off the top of my head though...sorry).

I would highly recommend checking out the CW website to see what activities they have planned as you get closer to your travel date. Most of the evening programs are probably going to be much more exciting and fun for your kids (not that the "regular" stuff isn't interesting...there just tends to be a different atmosphere at night).

The busiest times at CW are summer, obviously. I agree with whoever said it's not the same as "Disney busy"...I don't think you'll have huge crowds at Easter.

Have fun!

 

[princessmomma]

Thank you for all your replies.

My DH loves Embassy Suites but the reviews of the Williamsburg ES are terrible.

I would be interested be interested in one of the newer suite hotels perhaps.

I will call for options at Colonial House as well. I tried adding children to the online ressie and it wouldn't let me.

So Busch Gardens won't be open over Easter?? Kingsland is selling a Spring Package that includes passes to BG and WC. I that is the case, there is no deal staying at Kingsmill.

Also, I checked Great Wolf Lodge and it is really out of my price range with rooms starting at $299. We would need two rooms. Do they ever have promos?

 

[dylansmom1]

seeing as I am somewhat of a "local" to Colonial Williamsburg, I would have to say that Easter is a great time to go. The College of William & Mary is nearly empty because of spring break, making parking much easier.

Contrary to what another poster said, Busch Gardens is open starting March 25th. I know because my family gets annual passes. It is open weekends/holidays only during that time. It's a great time to go, not crowded at all and easy to get on rides.


I would recommend these hotels.

If you can afford it:

Great Wolf Lodge is Fantastic and has an indoor water park, which is great for that time of year. It's still sometimes chilly and April is one of our rainy months.

Another hotel that is beautiful is the Fairfield Williamsburg and Governor's Green

For Clean but moderately to relatively inexpensive places to stay:

Quality Inn Lord Paget on Capital Landing Road
Holiday Inn Express on Richmond Road (Near the really cool and brand new Yankee Candle Factory)
Hampton Inn and Suites on Richmond Rd
Park Inn Williamsburg (Walking distance to CW)
Sleep Inn on the Bypass Rd (Cheap and Very Clean)
Hilton Garden Inn on Richmond Rd.

Williamsburg also has some really nice Bed and Breakfast hotels:

A Williamsburg White House
Cedars B&B
Legacy Williamsburg Bed and Breakfast (My personal Choice)
Boxwood Inn (Second Choice)


I personally would stay in a B&B, Williamsburg is chock full of them and most of them are in historic homes. Kinda gives you that historic experience that most people clamor for when they come here.

Besides Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens, we also have historic Jamestown, both the Island and the recreated Fort. They are two seperate places, so keep that in mind. We also have Yorktown Battlefield (Where The British Surrendered), The Williamsburg Pottery Outlet along with about 3 more Outlet Shopping centers. If you like Country/basket type stuff, Basketville is a must stop for shopping.


Jane

 

[dylansmom1]

I have to correct myself Busch Gardens is open all Easter Week.

Here's the Schedule
Easter Weekend Saturday Open 10 am -10 pm
Easter Sunday Open from 10 am to 8 pm
Monday-Fri after Easter open 10 pm-8 pm

I recommend getting early to the Park, Banbury Cross (Fromt of park) opens early and you can enjoy some good pastries and coffee.

Jane

 

[KarenAylwood]

seeing as I am somewhat of a "local" to Colonial Williamsburg, I would have to say that Easter is a great time to go. The College of William & Mary is nearly empty because of spring break, making parking much easier.

Just wanted to correct you (sorry!). William and Mary does not get ANY time off for Easter, but many choose to go home that weekend if it is at all possible. However, many parents do choose to visit Colonial Williamsburg to spend Easter with their child (I had many friends whose parents did this).

Our spring break is the second week in March and we get no time off after that until the summer. So anyone planning to go around Easter- no, there won't be many students still on campus ON the weekend, but once Monday starts, the College will be in full swing again.

For anyone looking into visiting CW soon- the College's break is the week of March 5th!!

 

[KarenAylwood]

Do they ever have promos?

The only promo I've ever heard was on the radio. If you called and mentioned you heard about the GWL on X radio station, you got a room for $129 (during the week though if I remember correctly).

I haven't seen any deals other than that... and I think that was a while ago.

I'll keep an eye out for you!!

 

[dylansmom1]

Sorry, I thought W&M's spring break coincided with Easter This year. I forgot that it was a Late Easter. I have friends that go to W&M too, I should have remembered this. Well, anyway, parking is easier on weekends nonetheless. At least I never have a prob, unless it's Christmastime or Homecoming.

 

[princessmomma]

Thanks again everyone.

Well, I have narrowed down my search.

Here are my options for the 6 of us:

Great Wolf Lodge - One Kidcabin suite for $1200 per night
Get the indoor water park

or

Kingsmill - $1200 + tax for 2 rooms

Busch Gardens tickets included for 3 consecutive days

http://www.kingsmill.com/rates/springFever.asp

I think Busch Gardens and the two rooms at Kingsmill will win, but the theming at GWL is something the kids would really go for.

What to do, what to do?