Williamsburg, VA

[stitchlovestink]

Okay budget friends who live in the Williamsburg area. I need help. DD is going on a trip with several other girls (moms are going too) to a timeshare property right next to Williamsburg. It seems no one else in the group wants to go to Williamsburg except DD and I. Well, we can't go during the trip because we have agreed to be a part of the group and do their planned activities. So after discussing w/ my DH, I came up w/ the following plan. the group is leaving at 10 am on Sun morning. DD and I are going to stay on an extra day at a local motel so we can tour Colonial Williamsburg on our own. I really thought that this would be some great mom/daughter time. DD really was (still slightly is) into American girl and when she found out this is the basis for Felicity, she really wanted to see CWilliamsburg. Anyway, here are my questions. I am looking for a VERY budget friendly hotel as we really only want somewhere to sleep and shower. I want clean, but don't really care about extra ammenities. How much do I need to budget for tix to CW? She is 13 and I am, well an adult. LOL Most of our eating will be done on the cheap, so I'm not really worried about food costs. Except depending on how long we want to spend in CW, we might do a nice sit down dinner, maybe? Playing this choice completely by ear. the hotel/motel doesn't have to be right next door to CW, but I would like it to be fairly close. Any suggestions on the above. thanks so much in advance.

 

[PrincessBetsy]

Okay budget friends who live in the Williamsburg area. I need help. DD is going on a trip with several other girls (moms are going too) to a timeshare property right next to Williamsburg. It seems no one else in the group wants to go to Williamsburg except DD and I. Well, we can't go during the trip because we have agreed to be a part of the group and do their planned activities. So after discussing w/ my DH, I came up w/ the following plan. the group is leaving at 10 am on Sun morning. DD and I are going to stay on an extra day at a local motel so we can tour Colonial Williamsburg on our own. I really thought that this would be some great mom/daughter time. DD really was (still slightly is) into American girl and when she found out this is the basis for Felicity, she really wanted to see CWilliamsburg. Anyway, here are my questions. I am looking for a VERY budget friendly hotel as we really only want somewhere to sleep and shower. I want clean, but don't really care about extra ammenities. How much do I need to budget for tix to CW? She is 13 and I am, well an adult. LOL Most of our eating will be done on the cheap, so I'm not really worried about food costs. Except depending on how long we want to spend in CW, we might do a nice sit down dinner, maybe? Playing this choice completely by ear. the hotel/motel doesn't have to be right next door to CW, but I would like it to be fairly close. Any suggestions on the above. thanks so much in advance.

We always stay at the Woodlands. It is a wonderful hotel with a great pool and there is a free breakfast. It is very clean and moderately priced. There is also a restaurant called Huzzah's right in the hotel. The Woodlands is right in CW, right beside the visitor center. If you walk to the visitor center there is a path that will take you into CW - it is a very nice walk. There is also a bus system at the vistor center. As for tickets, you really don't need to buy any - if you really want to save money. You are allowed to walk around CW, go into shops, and go into restaurants without tickets. If you buy tickets, then you can take tours of homes and visit the governor's palace. Since this is your first time, I would recommend getting tickets - it would really add to the experience. Also, this hotel usually has great deals. If you stay for a certain number of nights, then you get free tickets.

Here is the website for the hotel:
http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/visit/staywithus/williamsburgwoodlands/

Here is the website for deals:
http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/visit/stayWithUs/guestBenefits.cfm

I hope this helps you - I can answer any other questions you have. My family has gone to CW every year for a very long time. Have a wonderful trip!


Oh, and if you want to purchase tickets separately, then go to the visitor center and pick the proper package for you and your daughter. Here is the website for tickets:
http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/visit/planYourVisit/ticketPlans/

 

[czycropper]

We went during Spring Break and we stayed at Governor's Inn, it was very reasonable. It is a motel so not much luxury but it does include breakfast, discounts to the night programs and when we went we also got free passes into Williamsburg. It does have an outdoor pool and it's just a couple of blocks from Colonial Williamsburg. We had a blast.

Have fun there - my DD11 also took her Felicity doll and my younger DD9 took her Kaya doll in honor of Pocahontas

 

[MichelleinMaine]

Not a help with hotels as we stayed in VA Beach. As far as Felicity though, here is a link on agplaythings for a self-guided self-guided Felicity tour. CW used to put one on themselves that sounded neat (dance and tea lessons like Miss Manderly's), but not any more.

 

[eeyorethegreat]

We are going to Williamsburg in June . I am feverishly trying to plan our trip!!! I can't vouch for this place but this is where we are booked to stay. THey have a little pond and gardens also an outdoor pool and "free" breakfast. I got a good rate using our military discount.
http://www.qualityinn.com/hotel-williamsburg-virginia-VA035

Not to hijack but since it is on the topic of Williamsburg- I keep waffling on whether to plan a day at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Anyone think it is worth the time? We could get 4 of our 6 tickets under their Heroes Salute program ...

 

[Jen_in_NH]

Re: Busch Gardens - I really liked it. There are some good thrill rides, and it's pretty low key (at least when we were there)

 

[Joyful3Heart]

We went during Spring Break and we stayed at Governor's Inn, it was very reasonable. It is a motel so not much luxury but it does include breakfast, discounts to the night programs and when we went we also got free passes into Williamsburg. It does have an outdoor pool and it's just a couple of blocks from Colonial Williamsburg. We had a blast.

I second the Governor's Inn, it is also a CW run hotel, not as new or amenity filled as the woodlands, but is about half the price and when we went, our tix were also included as a package. Not really close enough to walk, (about 3 looong blocks to the marketplace), but they provide pretty reliable shuttle van transportation to CW. Breakfast is typical continental, which was good enough for us, and we loved the pool area. good luck

 

[stitchlovestink]

thanks everyone for the opinions, but I was hoping to find something more budget. Like I said we can only stay one extra night, so I only need the hotel for one night. We're not going to have time to swim (besides, we have our own pool at home ). I was hoping someone would know of a clean place like a quality inn or comfort inn. Something along that line. We don't need anything but a clean room to sleep and shower. No pool or continental breakfast is necessary or will be utilized. I want economical (i.e. cheap ). I was hoping to find something in the $60 to $70 range as we'll only be using the room for maybe 8 or 9 hours. So I really don't want to spend upwards of $100. And if we do eat a nice dinner out, I've already decided on the restaurant. But that's still a huge maybe at this point. I'll have my own vehicle so I don't need shuttle service from the hotel either.
BTW to the poster who asked about Busch Gardens. We haven't been in years, but the last time we went, WE LOVED IT! IT has lots of great coasters. I don't do much in that dept anymore, but they were great back then. Only downside to the park that I really remember is it is VERY VERY HILLY! Like to the point, that there are places where they put flights of steps to climb. That is near impossible for me to handle now, so we are not even going to try. Oh well....

 

[kimnvbva]

I really love Busch Gardens. It is really beautiful and green. It is very hilly, be prepared to walk. But it is well worth it. There are numerous hotels around that area and James City County. There is a really nice outlet mall next to the park and of course Colonial Williamsburg. (We also have Water Country USA right next to BG) You can even come down to the beach. Virginia Beach that is and hang out on the boardwalk, lay on the beach and have lunch. Wow, I sound like a tourist commercial! I have lived in Va Beach for 20 years and know this area pretty well. Any questions I will be happy to answer for you!

Kim

 

[mesnowwhite]

Not to hijack but since it is on the topic of Williamsburg- I keep waffling on whether to plan a day at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Anyone think it is worth the time? We could get 4 of our 6 tickets under their Heroes Salute program ...

If you like to ride rides, then definetly go to Busch Gardens. On our trip to williamsburg in 2007, my DH and DD9 went there for a day and she keeps wanting to fly all the way across the country just to go there again! My DH said it was nice and clean and not too crowded even in July (as compared to the crowds we deal with at SoCal amusement parks)

 

[pixiepower1971]

I can't help on the hotel as we live in the area and only do day trips up there.

BG is a wonderful day. Lots of great coasters!

To the OP- if the group is not doing CW or BG, I am curious as to what you are planning to do?! Other then shopping? there is Jamestown and Yorktown- am I missing something else to do with my kids up there?

 

[cannonballer]

My blog (link in sig) has a few reviews of places to see and do there!

We camped at first landing state park and cant imagine spending the money on a hotel there. We were there for 14 days adn only spent 800 bucks! we did colonial williamsburg, busch gardens (A MUST DO) teh water park, Virginia Aquarium, The Nature Center adn more!

I suggest eating at Dirty Dicks if its still there! Its not too expensive but not too cheap but the food is AWSOME!

 

[Rachel36]

Have you just searched Williamsburg.
You really can't go wrong with many of the hotels in the area, the area is very nice and most of the hotels are nice, even the lower end ones aren't bad.

Just search Williamsburg and put in your price. However, I don't think you'll get your price in the CW area, maybe in near Williamburg more, near the outlets, but with your own car and such, the drive shouldn't be an issue.

 

[stitchlovestink]

I can't help on the hotel as we live in the area and only do day trips up there.

BG is a wonderful day. Lots of great coasters!

To the OP- if the group is not doing CW or BG, I am curious as to what you are planning to do?! Other then shopping? there is Jamestown and Yorktown- am I missing something else to do with my kids up there?

Well see this is the delimma...
one of the mom's originally going (she's not now, but since the ressies are made, the higher powers that be are not willing to change them at this late date) offered up her time share and played up how wonderful (not saying it isn't, but from a personal standpoint, I feel like it is almost a crime to go all the way to Williamsburg and not go to CW, KWIM?) this complex is and there's enough to do there that the girls won't need to leave the property. Supposedly, they have mini golf, a nice pool, a game room, etc... the girls are going to be doing some skill/friendship/etc building activities. They are also planning on stopping at the grocery store there by the TShare to get groceries. They are going to make all of their own meals and on Sat night, they are cooking dinner for the moms. I was told by the person in charge, not meanly, but because of the diversity of the group of girls (and moms ) that this trip was not a democracy. A couple of moms (and their daughters) have dropped out as they had different ideas/agendas for the purpose of this trip. Anywoo, DD has waited a long time to go on this trip and really wants to go. So I am trying not to rock the boat on her behalf. I just decided that staying the extra day would work for us to also achieve our goal of seeing at least a part of CW. I have been to CW before, but not since DD was born. So we will make the best of the situation and go with the flow of the others during that part of the trip. I am driving down on my own. If someone from the other group wants to ride down w/ me that's fine as long as they know they'll have to go home w/ the other group, so they need to make sure that there is room. I figure shouldn't be a big problem as DD will leave an empty space in the rental van as she will be staying w/ me. So that rider can switch spots w/ DD for return trip. This whole thing has been very frustrating for me as I co-led this trip w/ my older DD 3 yrs ago. They have changed the rules around so much because some of the other moms are making trouble and trying to create their own agendas. I really just want these girls to have fun and bond together as they get ready to enter high school in the fall. But if we are going to be that close to CW, I'm trying to make lemonade from the lemons we're dealing w/. KWIM?
Hopefully, all will go smoothly and the girls will have a blast even though they're staying on the time share resort's property.

 

[eeyorethegreat]

I don't think you mentioned when you are going? That might help with the hotel suggestions. Do you have AAA?

The Quality Inn Lord Paget that I mentioned has rooms for under $100 prices can start as low as $69 without any discount (ie Military or AAA). Like I said I can't vouch for it but I did book this as the price was reasonable for the area.

 

[stitchlovestink]

I don't think you mentioned when you are going? That might help with the hotel suggestions. Do you have AAA?

The Quality Inn Lord Paget that I mentioned has rooms for under $100 prices can start as low as $69 without any discount (ie Military or AAA). Like I said I can't vouch for it but I did book this as the price was reasonable for the area.

Oh yeah! minor detail...
We are going June 5 thru 7. I'd want the hotel night for the 7th (Sun nite)and we'll come back on the 8th. Yes, I do have a AAA membership! Never thought about that one.

 

[eeyorethegreat]

Oh yeah! minor detail...
We are going June 5 thru 7. I'd want the hotel night for the 7th (Sun nite)and we'll come back on the 8th. Yes, I do have a AAA membership! Never thought about that one.

OK LOL That helps did a quick search for you rooms at

Days Inn Williamsburg Colonial Area just over 60 with tax
902 Richmond Road/I-64
Williamsburg, VA 23185 US
Phone: 757-229-5060

Days Inn Williamsburg Colonial Historic Area just over 70 with tax
331 Bypass Road
Rt 60 W & 132 S Exit 238
Williamsburg, VA 23185 US
Phone: 757-253-1166

Quality Inn Lord Paget (VA035) just over 60 and 70 depending on bed size
901 Capitol Landing Rd. , Williamsburg, VA, US, 23185 | Phone: (757) 229-4444 Fax: (757) 220-8807

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

We stayed at a Quality Inn - Historic Area.
If you go to choicehotels.com and look up Williamsburg VA area, you'll find it. Very inexpensive and a decent motel. The free breakfast was great too. We stayed there in 2006.

There is another one in the area a few miles down so if you book it, be sure you show up at the correct motel. I remember a family pulling in and expecting a room around midnight the same time we arrived and they were at the wrong one. Ooops.

 

[UCFALUM]

As a pp stated, check the AAA rate at the Governor's Inn. It was an old Best Western CW bought and the last couple years- CW tickets are included. You are considered a Hotel Guest so minus the tickets from the room rate and you should be below the $60 of the further, cheaper hotels. We walked all over CW from this hotel 2 summers ago-myself and 4 kiddies since DH took the car to work. The continental breakfast is awesome, it's super busy but has a lot of variety. We did the Woodlands last summer and have so much fun there we are set to move to Williamsburg next summer Good luck and have fun!

 

[DisneyBrat]

I've stayed at the Ramada 1776 and it was nice. Not sure how much the rates are now its been a couple of years.

Another thought you may ask the timeshare place if they would rent you a room for the night. We have a timeshare that does that in Williamsburg.

I live about 45 min from there so we don't stay over too often. If you want to see the outlets then stay at one of the hotels on Rte 60.

Good luck!!! If I see a travelers magazine tomorrow when I am out i'll check out to see if there are any coupons for you too.