Join us on our weekly tour of Virginia's historic hotels! This week's stop is the luxurious Williamsburg Inn.
Built in 1937 by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., the Williamsburg Inn offers opulence, luxury, and royal treatment with the Southern charm of a country estate. The three-story Colonial Revival has 62 rooms and suites on 12.5 acres. If the columns, arches, whitewashed brick, and perfect portico don’t win you over, the lavish interior will. In fact, the hotel has made Forbes' list of Most Luxurious Hotels.
Regency-style décor is found throughout the property, including ornate mahogany antiques, upholstered furnishings, sparkling chandeliers, and lavish wall and window coverings. Spacious rooms have canopy beds, marble vanities, and luxury linens. John James Audubon prints decorate the walls.
The hotel was designed by architects Perry, Shaw & Hepburn and built in three phases between 1937 and 1972. There are two outdoor pools (one is heated), an indoor lap pool, and tennis courts. The Rockefeller Room restaurant offers gourmet dining in an elegant setting. For a more casual meal, The Terrace Room overlooks the back patio and driving range.
Indulge in a detoxifying herbal wrap, a Swedish massage, or a hot stone massage at the Spa of Colonial Williamsburg. The 45-hole championship Golden Horseshoe Golf Club was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Rees Jones.
Located near the taverns, shops, restaurants, and attractions along Duke of Gloucester Street in downtown Colonial Williamsburg, the inn is within walking distance (or a quick shuttle ride) of Shields Tavern, King’s Arms Tavern, and Chownings Tavern. The resort makes a beautiful backdrop for destination weddings.
The AAA Five-Diamond property is also on the National Register of Historic Places. Famous guests include Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh (who visited in 1957 and in 2007), Salvador Dali, Betty White, and Shirley Temple.
Have you been to the Williamsburg Inn? What’s your favorite historic hotel in Virginia? Let us know in the comments.
