DoubleTree by Hilton Williamsburg

Vaden made our stay memorable, and even got our toddler smiling. He remembered we were there for my birthday, and his attention and kindness felt genuine. It’s rare to meet someone so committed to making guests feel welcome, and his professionalism reflects well on the hotel. I’d happily return knowing he’d be there. From check-in, he was warm, attentive, and made the process easy. His Southern drawl and “how yall doing” made us feel we were in good company, and he brought those warm chocolate chip cookies everyone loves. Thanks for making our stay so enjoyable!

For a single night after a long day in the busy season, this place is okay. The bar food and drinks came in reasonable time even though we started ordering an hour before closing on Friday, and the Saturday breakfast buffet was satisfying. Staff across the desk, housekeeping, bar, kitchen, and buffet were great. The beds were comfortable enough, and it’s conveniently close to Busch Gardens, Water Country, and the Jamestown Museum. One front desk employee did rudely interrupt the kind person checking us in, which is why the breakfast gets four stars from me instead of five. The room was older but generally clean, though there was visible shower mold. The tiny bathroom had a fan but no way to turn on the ventilation. The tub faucet kept running a lot when we turned on the shower, and both the sink and tub drained poorly. Lighting in the room was mediocre. There was absolutely no soundproofing. We could hear the neighbors word for word, even when they spoke quietly. Their kids woke us at 5 a.m., then yelled from 6 to 9 while we were trying to sleep again. I don’t blame the family; the hotel should address this basic privacy issue. Parking costs $12, and asking if we wanted cookies right after telling us felt laughable. The late-night bar and food and morning buffet made it worthwhile for one night. I wouldn’t recommend it for two nights or more.

Our rooms were huge, clean, and had spotless bathrooms, with connecting doors and plenty of space for all of us and the kids. The location was great too. We only wish we’d had a longer stay to enjoy it more, but it was well worth it. Traffic kept delaying our late check-in until around midnight, and the staff were accommodating the whole time. The front desk gentleman was friendly with us and all our children, made us laugh, and made sure everyone got the cookie we’d been looking forward to.

Paying for breakfast ahead doesn’t save you anything. You’re committed to eating at their little spot or losing your money, and there are only about three choices. You’re better off buying it there if you want to eat there, or going somewhere else for something better. The pool was broken, even though I’d called ahead to check that it was open.