Staying in a bed and breakfast while you visit the area in and around Colonial Williamsburg is a great way to really make your stay as personal as you’d like it to be: b and bs provide a far more intimate guest experience than a hotel.
But not every bed and breakfast is right for everyone. Some b and bs, for example, can’t accommodate children or pets, while others welcome them. Some require a minimum two-night stay on weekends.
Read below for some tips on how to choose a Williamsburg bed and breakfast that’s right for your needs.
- First of all, decide if a bed and breakfast is the right option for you. Remember that you’ll be sharing breakfast with other guests which is part of the charm of staying at an Inn. You also might be sharing a bathroom (although the vast majority of b and bs provide rooms with attached bath). B and bs may offer room service or private breakfasts if you inquire. Some offer individual tables, some do not.
- Bed and Breakfasts tend to run a tad more expensive than a hotel. Look for packages that will put together dinner reservations, local attraction tickets and your room fee – this will give you the best value for your dollar!
- Many b and bs aren’t right in a town’s resort area. They’re located on residential streets so a car probably is needed to get you to restaurants, night clubs, theaters, concert halls, museums, etc. Many (not all) of the Williamsburg Bed and Breakfasts are located within walking distance of Colonial Williamsburg, but would need a car to travel to Busch Gardens.
- As you look for a b and b, ask yourself if you want one that’s small and intimate, with two or four rooms (and you’re happy with socializing at breakfast with other guests), or if you’d rather stay at a larger inn with five to 10 or more rooms, where you may not “have” to see – let alone socialize – with other guests.
- If you have children with you, check with any b and b before making reservations about minimum age limits. The same goes for when you’re traveling with pets. Read more >
- Not all b and bs have a full breakfast. Some offer a continental breakfast of juice, Danish/donuts and coffee. Others provide fresh eggs made to order, toast, fresh fruit, cereals, pancakes, bacon/sausage, etc. You’ll want to be sure you know what you’re getting before you book a room.
- If you have special dietary needs (vegan, lactose/gluten intolerance, etc.) you’ll also want to check with the innkeeper if he or she can accommodate your needs. Most are happy to accommodate!
- Depending on the b and b experience you seek, it’s best to check with the innkeeper to see if the establishment can accommodate you. Some b and bs cater to those looking for a romantic getaway. Others exist for those who are looking to stay in a historical inn and therefore don’t need to have WiFi, cable television and so on.
The main thing to do when choosing a b and b is to decide beforehand what it is you’re looking for in an establishment and then browse our Inns section before making a decision. But the key is to know what you want and to “settle” for nothing less.
