Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Williamsburg Historic Area, VA

Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, Williamsburg Historic Area is a typical chain hotel with a modern decor. In 2016, the hotel renovated the public spaces, expanded the breakfast room, replaced furniture in the pool, and renovated the guest rooms. It went from having a homey and dated decor to a clean and contemporary design. The lobby has a cozy sitting area complete with a stone fireplace, rustic wood coffee table, and a comfy green couch and navy chair. Next to the lobby is a den with rocking chairs, armchairs, and a couch where guests can gather to interact or enjoy a book from the hotel’s lending library. The breakfast area is charming with blue cabinets, white tiled walls, and blond wooden accents in crates and shelving. Overall, it’s a pleasant design. And by allowing kids under the age of 18 to stay for free, it’s no wonder that its main clientele are families.

There’s a lot to like about this property’s location, especially for those with a car. Sitting just off Highway 60, it’s just a 25-minute walk or five-minute drive to the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center. The Historic District is about a 15-minute drive away. Busch Gardens and Water Country take 13 minutes to reach by car (in the opposite direction). It’s a five-minute drive to the College of William and Mary and an eight-minute drive to the Williamsburg Premium Outlets. There are some dining options, like a Golden Corral and a Denny's, within a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport is a 27-minute drive away. 

Guest rooms were renovated in the fall of 2016, so note that the rooms featured here do not reflect the current state of the rooms. Today, the rooms at the Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Williamsburg Historic Area have cream walls, neutral color tones, white beds with gray and green bed runners and gray bed skirts, and brown streamlined furniture. Chain-like framed art pieces aren’t impressive, but they do add a decorative element to what would otherwise be plain walls. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers. Bathrooms are contemporary with shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and Beekman toiletries. Note that there have been minor complaints about cleaning issues in the rooms. 

Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, Williamsburg Historic Area has a good variety of amenities. While there’s no restaurant on-site, there’s an ample free breakfast buffet of hot and cold items like waffles, eggs, bacon, and biscuits and gravy. Freshly baked cookies and coffee are offered in the lobby each day. The indoor pool and hot tub is quite convenient and well-liked by guests. Travelers with kids or on extended trips will appreciate a coin-operated laundry room. There’s a fitness center, but it’s not very impressive with only three cardio machines. Other perks include a lending library, free Wi-Fi, free outdoor parking, and public computers.