Which is nicer - Hampton Inn Bypass Road or Richmond Rod, VA?
 

I have just made reservations on Bypass Rd Hampton Inn, but decided I better check here before I rest easy. Which is in a closer location to CW and/or the nicer hotel?? The rates are exactly the same. I was going to stay at Woodlands, but it is already booked up for the last weekend in July when we are coming. So I am trying to get this right and would appreciate any advice. Thanks so much.

This is pretty much of a toss up. The quality of the two HI's is about the same and pretty much what you expect at a HI. Neither is significantly closer to CW and both are located in the tourist zone (By-Pass Road is directly off of Richmond Rd). Lots of chain hotels and restaurants nearby.

I usually stay in the Hampton Inn and Suites on Richmond Road and can vouch for it. It is convenient to the pottery, outlets, and colonial Williamsburg. You will need your car though. It is not in walking distance to Colonial Williamsburg. (I usually have no problems finding a parking spot in the parking lot across from Seasons Restaurant and The Craft Shop right in midtown Colonial Williamsburg though.)

Have read in this forum before that the Richmond Road location is nicer than the Bypass one. I know it is newer. We've been pleased with the Richmond Road location. Good luck and have fun. Williamsburg is an interesting and fun place to visit.

If for no other reasons than more restaurant choices, and all other things the same, I'd opt for Richmond Rd. ByPass Rd is only maybe 3 minutes closer if you're driving.

If you're going to the CW Visitor Center, keep heading E on ByPass instead of turning right (south) on Rt 132, and make a right into "Cascades", make the first left, and it will take you directly to the visitor parking lots. Find some maps at mywilliamsburgvacation.com

Thank you all for your replies. I have been so nervous about this trip since I have never been in this area before. I am looking forward to coming to CW and trying all the neat restaurants I have learned about in this forum. Though the trip is not til July, I will be back to let you know how it went and anything new I have learned. I appreciate you guys interest in helping out us newcomers. RB is that you posting on the Wash DC site as well?? I have been reading there to learn things about that leg of my trip as well. You guys just dont realize how helpful you have been.

By the way, I have found I need to keep my Bypass Rd Hampton, even though I wanted to switch to Richmond Rd after hearing the comments. Bypass Hampton offers a room with a King bed and a Queen sofa sleeper, which I will need with three kids. Richmond offers only a King room with a recliner. I called them. So I cannot switch for an even room trade. Just hope Bypass Road is not dumpy inside.

Have a great day!

Don't let it worry you. The By Pass Road HI is not dumpy at all. As RB noted, all other things being equal I would probably opt for the HI on Richmond Rd. but the quality difference between the two is very small. And as you've said, you've got a better room at the By Pass Rd location. Put it out of your mind!

Until recently there was a third HI in Wmburg (on York St.) but it has been downgraded to a less chain. Name escapes me at the moment.

Like obxgirl, I too would be more concerned about the right bed arrangement over anything else. Wbg is a very compact town, so everything is a short drive away. I walk whenever I can, so that's why I like a place that has more walkable venues nearby, but I'll always take the best deal first.

Yes, I post on DC quite a bit too. I have been visiting Wbg/VaB for long weekends several times a year for about 8 yr now. Since Southwest came to Albany NY, I've been flying to BWI & doing DC a lot too. Boston & Montreal are other favorites, and some NYC. Philly will be my next "binge visiting", I think. I'm always glad to answer off-line at rb_traveler AT yahoo.com, altho I sometimes forget to check that account each day.