The Williamsburg Inn- Williamsburg, VA

The Williamsburg Inn is fit for royalty. Seriously. Queen Elizabeth and Price Phillip have stayed here twice. Elegant and refined, it is definitely one of the most luxurious historic hotels in America.

In 1924, the impressively named Reverend William Archer Rutherfoord Goodwin approached philanthropist and oil tycoon John D. Rockerfeller, Jr. about funding the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg. Having already successfully revitalized Bruton Parish Church in 1907, Goodwin turned his sights on the rest of the historically significant town. Rockefeller quickly agreed, and Goodwin began acquiring the town’s derelict properties.

An ambitious project encompassing 301 acres, it involved the demolition of more than 700 post 1790 buildings and the restoration of 85 percent of the town’s original 18th century structures. Other notable buildings such as the Governor’s Palace and the Capitol Building were reconstructed using historical prints and sketches. In total 500 buildings were reconstructed or restored, 88 considered original.

Looking to attract well-heeled travelers to the restored town, Rockefeller then constructed a luxury hotel adjacent to the historic district. Designed by Perry, Shaw & Hepburn in the Colonial Revival style, the impressive brick structure featured a two story portico atop a ground floor arcade. Completed in 1937, the hotel sought to evoke the feel of a grand Southern estate, with sumptuous common spaces and elegantly furnished guest rooms.

An overwhelming success, the hotel quickly became known as one of the finest in the United States. Indeed, in 1957, The Williamsburg Inn hosted Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip, in town to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the British arrival at Jamestown. A full fifty years later, they returned to find an enlarged and renovated property.

Expanded in phases between 1937-1972, the hotel added two flanking wings, along with a dining room and exterior courtyard. In 2001, the property underwent its first major renovation, transforming the inn’s smaller rooms into spacious suites. In 2017, the hotel completed another extensive $8 million renovation, adding a Social Terrace overlooking the golf course, and a reflecting pool in front of the hotel.

The hospitality here can only be described as gracious. Several gifts await guests upon arrival, including a small decorative box and a bottle of Disaronno. The rooms, decorated in an English Regency style, are immaculate. The spa shampoo smells luxuriously of almond. Unsurprising given their Forbes Five Star status, they still perform nightly turn down service here, complete with robes and slippers placed on the bed. It all feels so fabulously indulgent.

Although extensively remodeled, the hotel retains its charm. It is still the experience John D. Rockefeller, Jr. envisioned, and a welcome change from the stripped down service found at many of today’s hotels. While pricey, The Williamsburg Inn is absolutely worth the splurge.