where to stay in williamsburg, va. and what good restaurants

http://www.williamsburghosphouse.com/

a couple of blocks from Colonial Williamsburg.

We have very negative memories of the Friendly's there years ago. I hope it has improved! We could SEE many empty tables in there from the waiting area, but they would not seat our family. Several others waiting with us were upset, too, and we finally gave up in disgust after 3/4 hour of being put off!

Frankly, I have to say we were not impressed by Williamsburg, itself, either, compared to, say, Old Sturbridge Village, in Mass. It was summertime, and we were literally "herded" through buildings, getting punches in tickets (!), etc. We also found that their "interpreters" knew little beyond their memorized, pat statements about things! We ended up giving up and leaving by early afternoon. (It may be a lot better now, to be fair.)

By contrast, Old Sturbridge Village interpreters were wonderful, and you were free to wander the whole village all day, and spending as much time as you liked at any building or exhibit. Very nice. We went there several times in past years.

I hope your experience is better.

Williamsburg is great but visit after Labor day.We stayed three nights at the Governor's Inn close to the park Check on their website and take a three day pass.Paul

I have been to Colonial Williamsburg many times over the past 30 years and I have never experienced what RetiredVermonter describes. Yes, it is always more pleasant to go other than summer because of the crowds, but I've been there in summer, too, and still never felt "herded".
The only guided tours at CW are for the Capitol and the Governor's Mansion. Because of space limitations at the various tradesmen's places, you may have to wait to gain entry, but once you are in, you can stay as long as you like. I have never seen anyone ever asked to leave one of these places! Also, the "interpreters" not only know much more than the memorized patter, they live the lives of these people. If you meet them on the streets of CW, they will respond to you as if you are in colonial days. (They have no idea of what an MP3 player is!) I can't imagine how much they have to learn to be employed at CW!
There are plenty of good non-chain restaurants in Williamsburg. For your time at CW, you could eat at one of the taverns or at one of the restaurants at Merchant's Row. You might want to read reviews on sites such as Yelp or Trip Advsior for more details.

I LOVE Williamsburg.
It is a special place.
I must have been around 14 times.
Try not to eat in the old town..go to the periphery for food.

Why would you eat at Friendly's in Williamsburg? And if you are going, at least ONE meal should be at one of the restaurants in the historic town. Chowning's Tavern for lunch.

There are chain hotels of every stripe in Wmbg so if you've got a favorite you'll likely find it.

The Hospitality House mentioned above is a good choice as it's located close to the restored area directly across the street from the College of Wm and Mary.

The properties run by Colonial Wmbg run the gamut from budget to very pricey. They usually offer specials for family visits during the summer so check their website.

Kingsmill Resort is another option.

Restaurants: I like Blue Talon. Very good food, casual ambiance. Service can be spotty at times but mostly good. What's your budget like?

>>Why would you eat at Friendly's in Williamsburg?

I live within an hour's drive of Williamsburg, and feel like I have been going there nearly all my life. Our daughter graduated from The College of William and Mary a few years ago, so we have spent much time (and money!) in the area. I LOVE Williamsburg. However, it does get really hot and crowded there in the summer-I would go in spring or late fall if you can. There are the usual chain type motels and eating establishments a few miles outside of town-most newly built, as that area has undergone a revitalization of sorts recently-though it really isn't close to much of anything except a huge outlet mall and an assortment of strip shops. For the true Williamsburg experience I would select the Williamsburg Lodge-the Hospitality House, or one of the B and B's near the college along Richmond Road-all within walking distance of the historic sights. My favorite place to eat is Berrets-a seafood restaurant located right off of Merchant's Square near the college. Any of the colonial taverns are also a good choice, but reservations are required for dinner, and are sometimes hard to get at a preferable time unless one is staying in one of the properties managed by Colonial Williamsburg-they are all tied to the same reservation system. Accommodation and dining packages, including admission tickets are frequently offered, so be sure to check the Colonial Williamsburg website.
Do plan a day at Jamestown and Yorktown while in the area, and in summer plan for some beach time at Virginia Beach.

Another frequent visitor to WBG AND Old Sturbridge Village who has never experienced what RetiredVermonter writes. WHAT punches to tickets???? And I too wondered, "Why Friendly's"

Hospitality House or the CW hotels are great, altho I question what one is "budget" (Governors Inn) when the chains are more competitive. I prefer to stay on Bypass Rd ... but I do like the area further west on Rt 60 where so many hotels and restaurants (albeit mostly chain) are located.

Locals seem to like "Sal's by Victor" (not to be confused with "Sals") ... not fancy, but decent pizza / sub / italian where "everyone knows your name" if you're a local (or repeat visitor).

Pierces is great for BBQ, REAL BBQ

I was stationed in Newport News 1973-1977 and forgot how HOT HUMID and HAZY it gets EVERY day in the summer until I made a July trip a few years ago. If possible, visit Sept to May.

Agree I have been there 5 times and was never herded around - even in the summer. We had lunch on site - to continue the experience and found the food perfectly fine. (Why would anybody ever go to a Friendly's unless you had a screaming baby to deal with?)

We found all of the docents to be very knowledgeable - although of course they have less time to spend with you in mid summer than if you go off season.

jobie, I don't know if you'll be back but if you are, give us some more specifics on your needs and we'll have lots of suggestions.

(rb!! It's always good to see you here. Did you hear that Victor's burned down? It's in a temporary spot now but we had to go months without Chicken Victor)

You did not give a budget...one of my favorite hotels to date was the http://www.history.org/visit/hotels/williamsburgInn/
Williamsburg Inn. I loved it.