We're bringing our oldest to William & Mary in late August. We have reservations at the Quality Suites on Richmond Road for a decent price ($107 AAA pre-tax). Has anyone stayed here? It shares grounds with the Quality Inn Historic, which we noticed on a previous trip and thought looked inviting. Any comments welcome - also other recommended hotels for a family of 2 adults, a 17 y/o, 14 y/o and 11 y/o.

I really hate driving on I-95 and wonder about alternate routes. AAA has us taking 81 into Virginia, then 66/29/17 to 95/64. Can anyone tell me if we can avoid 95 to get to 64, and if so, how much time that would add to the trip? Many thanks!

Actually, the stretch of I-95 from Rt. 17 to I-64 isn't that bad. You're south of the worst of the DC area traffic, and Richmond isn't too bad if you don't hit it at rush hour. You don't say why you want to avoid 95. Rt 1 is sometimes used as an alternative.

Eileen, We stayed at the Quality Suites during the summer of 2000. It was AWFUL. Our room smelled like the sour milk a prior occupant has spilled. Used toiletries were left in the bathroom, it was understaffed. They did knock of 2 nights of our 5 but I would never stay there again. The only reason we continued our stay there was we were there for a family celebration and about 6 other families were there and the Embassy Suites was filled. I have stayed at the Embassy there (twice) and it was very nice. Also stayed at the Woodlands in Colonial Williamsburg which was accpetable, It was dated, but clean and had a great pool and diving pool, and minature golf too. I heard they were either revamping it or tearing it down. It's worth checking into. Congrats on your child going to William and Mary. It's a wonderful school.

I think the route suggested by AAA is a good one. We took it last year and will do the same next month. 95 at that point is fine, nothing like it is in NJ or NY. I wouldn't recommend the Quality Suites. We stayed there last year for one night and it seemed kind of run down. We'll be staying at the new Williamsburg Woodlands this year. There is a VERY nice Days Inn HISTORIC (make sure you specify historic). Stayed 3 years ago and it's the nicest Days Inn I've ever seen. My only complaint is that it doesn't serve breakfast which we like 'cause we're usually passing through and like to get an early start. I would highly recommend it though if that isn't a priority. I think it's around $ 99/night.

Make sure you get on 295 AROUND Richmond before you get off for Williamsburg. Under no circumstances do you want to make the mistake of taking 95 into downtown Richmond. Just look at a map and you'll see what I'm talking about.

In at least 20 trips south through Richmond I have never taken 295 around Richmond, and I have never had a problem. Has something changed?

Well I suppose if you don't mind going through Richmond, complete with traffic lights, side streets and two lanes, then I suppose you could take 95 right through Richmond. If you prefer to remain on a 4 lane highway, then I suggest you take 295 around Richmond, as I suggested. Why anyone who is just "passing through" a city would want to go through it rather than remain on a beltway around it is beyond me but hey, to each his own!

My thanks to all of you for your input! I've switched our reservations to Embassy Suites - a bit more expensive ($161 AAA) but there's nothing worse on a vacation than hating the hotel you're in. So glad I found this board!

We've stayed in 2 Williamsburg hotels, neither of which I wanted to revisit for this trip. Hilton Garden Inn was brand new last year and so in great shape, but we thought the staff was pretty unresponsive and we felt the price (about $115?) wasn't worth the experience. We stayed at the Wmsburg Lodge in '99 - beautiful place, lovely room, but more than we wanted to spend this trip. I'm also uncomfortable with Colonial Wmsburg's reservation system (charging your card immediately for 1 night, longer notice required for cancellation, etc.) and the fact that non-smoking rooms can't be guaranteed.

Thanks for the tips on getting around Richmond, too. I drive about 350 miles/week at home, but I'm a big wuss on a road like 95 with so many tractor trailers packed together doing 70. When we left Williamsburg last year, there was an incredible thunderstorm going on - didn't slow traffic on 95 one bit, and I thought I was going to have a heart attack!

Curious, what ARE you talking about?

I-95 through Richmond is a 4-6 lane INTERSTATE!

Now, if you get off the interstate, you will find stoplights.

I will agree that 295 will probably be faster, mostly since people really don't follow the speed limit there.

Whoops, my mistake. I asked my husband about it and he reminded me that the last time we took 95 through Richmond there was a slight constuction detour and we actually had to drive briefly on a 2 lane, traffic lit road. SORRY! I guess I was busy entertaining kids in the back.
He did remind me though that it is still faster and easier to take 295 around Richmond if you are going South or to Williamsburg. Mea Culpa!