Choosing Where to Stay in Williamsburg
Williamsburg's lodging landscape is broader than most first-time visitors expect. The city has everything from restored 18th-century tavern rooms inside the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area to modern hotels near the interstate. Where you stay shapes the pace and character of your visit, so it is worth understanding the options before you book.
This guide covers the main areas and accommodation types, organized by proximity to the Historic District, the part of Williamsburg most visitors come to see.
The Historic District and Surrounding Blocks
If your primary reason for visiting is Colonial Williamsburg, staying within walking distance of the Historic Area is the single best decision you can make. The Historic District runs along Duke of Gloucester Street, roughly a mile from the Capitol building on the east end to the Wren Building (College of William & Mary) on the west end. Merchants Square, a cluster of shops and restaurants, sits at the western boundary.
Independent Inns and Guest Houses
The residential streets bordering the Historic District, particularly along North Henry Street, North Boundary Street, and Jamestown Road, are home to a small number of independent inns and guest houses. These properties typically occupy restored Victorian and colonial-era homes, offer six to twelve rooms each, and provide a quieter, more residential alternative to the larger hotels.
What distinguishes this category is the combination of location and character. You get walkability to the Historic Area, William & Mary, and Merchants Square in a setting that feels like a neighborhood rather than a resort. Most offer private on-site parking (a real advantage when downtown lots fill up), private en-suite bathrooms, and modern conveniences like Wi-Fi and climate control inside period architecture. Some operate on a contactless model with keyless entry, which suits travelers who prefer independence over a traditional front-desk experience.
Because these inns have limited room counts, typically under a dozen, they fill early during high-demand weekends: Commencement, Family Weekend, Homecoming, and, in 2026, the anniversary event weekends throughout the year. If walkability and a quiet, historic setting matter to you, book this category first.
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Properties
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation operates several lodging options within or immediately adjacent to the Historic Area, ranging from a flagship luxury hotel on Francis Street to a larger resort-style property with golf, spa, and recreational amenities to restored 18th-century tavern rooms scattered through the Historic Area itself. Prices and experiences vary widely across the portfolio. The flagship carries rates to match its pedigree; the tavern rooms offer unique atmosphere but compact, period-appropriate furnishings.
The advantage of staying at a Foundation property is immersion and convenience. The drawback is cost, especially in peak seasons and during the 2026 anniversary year. These properties also tend to book out furthest in advance.
Richmond Road and the Hotel Corridor
Heading northwest from the city center along Richmond Road (Route 60), you will find Williamsburg's largest concentration of hotel rooms. National chains including Marriott, Hilton, Holiday Inn, and Best Western all have properties along this stretch, typically one to three miles from the Historic Area. A few locally owned motor court-style hotels also remain, holdovers from Williamsburg's mid-century tourism boom.
This corridor offers the most room inventory and the widest price range, from budget-friendly to upper midrange. The trade-off is that you will drive to the Historic Area rather than walk, and parking near Duke of Gloucester Street can be competitive during peak periods. That said, for families with children headed to Busch Gardens or Water Country USA, staying along Richmond Road splits the difference between the theme parks and the historic sites.
Route 199 and the Interstate Exits
The newest hotel construction in Williamsburg has clustered around the Route 199 corridor and the Interstate 64 interchange near Lightfoot. This area is three to five miles from the Historic District and oriented toward travelers who value highway access and modern amenities. Properties here tend to be newer builds with standard hotel layouts: think fitness centers, pools, and breakfast bars.
This zone makes the most sense if you are passing through on I-64, if you have a car and plan to split time between Williamsburg and other Virginia destinations, or if budget is a primary concern. It is the least convenient option for spending extended time in the Historic Area on foot.
Jamestown Road and South of the City
Jamestown Road runs south from the W&M campus toward the Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne. A few properties along this route offer a quieter setting with easy access to both the campus and the James River sites. This area appeals to visitors who want proximity to Williamsburg's southern attractions without being in the center of tourist traffic.
What to Consider When Booking
Walkability matters more than you think. Williamsburg's Historic Area is designed for walking. Staying close enough to leave your car parked for the duration of your visit reduces friction significantly, especially during peak attendance events when parking lots fill early.
Book early for known event dates. Commencement (May), Family Weekend (October), Homecoming (October), and major holiday weekends are the hardest times to find availability. In 2026, July 4th and the surrounding weeks will be especially challenging. If your travel dates are fixed, book as far in advance as possible.
Consider your pace. Large resort-style hotels work well for visitors who want structured amenities: pools, restaurants, concierge services. Smaller inns suit travelers who prefer a quieter base and plan to spend most of their time out exploring. Neither is inherently better; it depends on how you travel.
Check what is included. Parking, Wi-Fi, and breakfast policies vary. Foundation properties sometimes bundle admission tickets. Some independent inns include private on-site parking, which is a genuine advantage when downtown lots are full. Ask before you book, especially if you are comparing across property types.
Understand the difference between a B&B and an inn. In Williamsburg, you will see both terms used. Traditional bed-and-breakfasts include a morning meal and often involve shared common spaces and interaction with innkeepers. Inns may or may not include breakfast and tend to offer more privacy and independence. If a communal breakfast table is not your preference, look for properties that describe themselves as inns or that offer a contactless, independent stay experience.
A Quick Note on 2026
Williamsburg will see higher-than-normal visitor volumes throughout 2026 due to the convergence of America's 250th anniversary and Colonial Williamsburg's centennial. This affects lodging availability across all categories and all seasons, not just the traditional peak weekends. If you are planning a 2026 visit, treat early booking as a necessity rather than a suggestion.