We are thinking of travelling to Williamsburg the last week of March with our 3 children(ages 11, 9. and 6). We would like to stay within walking distance of Colonial Wmsburg. if possible. What hotels would you recommend? We aren't looking for budget hotels. If there are better accomodations further out, please include those. Thanks

Try the Woodlands Hotel right in Colonial Williamsburg. We stayed there a few years ago and it was great. I've heard it's been revamped or rebuilt and should be even nicer. There are also several suite style hotels in town which would be good for your family. We've had good luck with the Embassy Suites there, bad luck with a Quiltiy Inn suite hotel there.

If you aren't worried about budget, it would be worth staying in one of the hotels on-site. I don't know their names, but they are upscale, and very comfortable. These are hotels that are on the edge of Colonial Williamsburg, and served by a tourist shuttle bus. I am assuming that these hotels would be on a CW web site since they are "official" CW hotels. They are not old properties - they have all the amenities.

The Governors Inn is another hotel operated by Colonial Williamsburg. It lies between the historic area (HA) and the visitor center (VC) on Henry St, walkable to the HA. It's less expensive than Woodlands. Woodlands in adjacent to the VC, where you take a shuttle to the HA. There are shuttles from Governors Inn, to either the VC or HA.

Also nearby is the Hospitality House, at the corner of Richmond Rd & Scotland. NOT budget at all, walkable to the HA.

Just to the east of the HA are a few hotels on Richmond Rd (rt60).... Four Points & a Ramada, I think. A short walk to one of the shuttle stops within the HA.

Embassy Suites would NOT be a walking distance for most people, but is nice. Located between the ES and the visitor center are a number of chain hotels on "Bypass Road" (Rt 60) that are not budget, just usual chain (Travelodge, Days Inn, Hampton Inn, Best Inn, Comfort, SleepInn, etc). Also a Howard Johnson but it doesn't strike me as a nice place.

To the west of down are Courtyard, Hilton (Garden?) and a few other newer places, with lots of nearby restaurants.

The nearer to the historic area you are, the less likely to find the less expensive food options that the kids usually prefer, while the BK, McD, Bell, etc. would be walking distances from the hotels west of town. (there is no X in my REAL eddress)

Thank you very much to all who responded. I very much appreciate your advice.

If you really aren't concerned about budget then you might consider staying in one of the CW properties in the heart of the restored area (Wmburg Inn, Wmburg Lodge or one of the colonial houses). Info on these and all of the CW accommodations are available on the website (colonialwilliamsburg.com I think). But if there is another hotel you prefer don't hesitate to book it. Wmburg is a small town and it's hard to be more than 15 minutes from anywhere you need to go. For non CW hotels we point friends toward the Embassy Suites and the Homewood Suites. The golf resort, Kingsmill, has some nice accommodations too.

We've stayed at the Williamsburg Lodge on the site twice and really enjoyed it both times. It's not budget but it doesn't totally break your bank account, either. It's great being able to walk to everything and there's a restaurant on the Lodge. You can also take meals at the colonial taverns on site, but be sure to make reservations in advance.

I would opt for the Williamsburg Lodge or Woodlands as well. I think the Williamsburg Inn is a bit stuffy and not worth the high rates they charge.

We've stayed at the Woodlands 3 times, and love it. It's brand new (the new section anyway), very nicely decorated and has large suites. It is a bit less than the other official Williamsburg lodgings. It's within walking distance, has a gameroom, mini golf and wonderful pool (which you won't be using in March, obviously). Even the standard rooms sleep 5 as they have a pull out chair (It opens to a twin bed).

One of the nice things for families is that the room rate includes breakfast. It's a breakfast buffet of bagels, pastries, hot and cold cereals, fruit, yogurt, etc. I find this so convenient and cost effective when traveling with kids. I'm sure you know what breakfast will set you back for a family of 5.

If you go, check out Pierce's Pitt Barbecue one night. It's an institution where truck drivers make detours to stop for their awesome barbecue. We never miss it. Try the Colonial Taverns for the experience, but I highly recommend a stop at Pierces for some of the best barbecue around (plus a great kids menu).

Also sign up for the ghost walks. The kids will love it.

Have fun.

another vote here for Woodlands... We stayed there when our kids were about 8 and 10. The mini gold, pool, and breakfst were all nice. and they had bikes you could borrow (rent?), and the town is perfect for cycling. A very family friendly lodge.

I would look at Kingsmill. There are a lot of great kid activities and a kids' club. The rooms are large with full kitchens. Have fun!