DoubleTree by Hilton Williamsburg

This hotel first opened in 1975 and had a complete renovation in 2013, but the conference center received further upgrades in 2016. Its proximity to Busch Gardens attracts lots of families and tour groups, and its large inventory of event space hosts many business groups as well. As such, the hotel buzzes with activity, especially when the weather is warm, Busch Gardens is open, and convention season is in full swing. The spacious lobby handles the influx of people quite well. It’s a bright and cheerful place that’s illuminated by skylights and lots of windows. Off-white tile and light-wood paneling are complemented by colorful modern art. Expect to see big crowds at the restaurant at times, especially at Pitchers sports bar in the evening. 

The DoubleTree enjoys a convenient location that’s a short drive or shuttle ride to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA. It’s set back off Kingsmill Road, and it has a somewhat isolated feel. A couple of restaurants are within a brief walk, but most dining options will require a car. 

• Seven-minute drive to Busch Gardens
• Nine-minute drive to Water Country USA
• 11-minute drive to Williamsburg-Jamestown Airport 
• 12-minute drive to Colonial Williamsburg and College of William & Mary 
• 20-minute drive to Historic Jamestowne and Yorktown
• 51-minute drive to Richmond International Airport 

Guest rooms at this hotel have contemporary decor with some nice accents, and they're well-equipped. Expect mostly neutrals throughout, with charcoal-gray walls behind ivory-paneled headboards, midnight-blue accent chairs, and modern, black-and-white-framed prints on walls. The King we saw had a large desk with a leather office chair, as well as an oversize upholstered armchair and a small, oval coffee table. Larger suites with separate living rooms that feature sleeper sofas are available as well. Some units have small balconies, but the views of the hotel grounds are nothing special. Standard amenities include 39-inch flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi, but there are no microwaves or safes. Bathrooms have wide, black-granite vanities facing wood-framed mirrors that have glass shelves for toiletries. They come equipped with shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries. At 320 square feet, the Standard King and Double Queen rooms provide ample space for comfort.

DoubleTree by Hilton Williamsburg has a full roster of amenities for a comfortable stay. There are three on-site dining options, including Harvest Grille, which serves breakfast (fee), as well as a Saturday night prime rib buffet. Pitchers is a classic sports bar that serves pub grub, including burgers and sandwiches for lunch and dinner. It has nine flat-screen TVs, a pool table, and dart boards. The Williamsburg Café is open during breakfast, lunch, and dinner hours. It features Starbucks coffee and casual to-go items, including pizza. Arriving guests also receive free warm cookies. 

The hotel has an impressively large, indoor/outdoor pool with covered tables and comfortable loungers in both areas. Bar service is available seasonally in the pool area as well. The fitness center is a bit small for a hotel of this size, but it has free weights and a few pieces of Precor cardio equipment with video screens. There's also an outdoor basketball court and a game room with several arcades. 

A large conference center with a ballroom can seat up to 1,600 people, and overall, it offers 48,000 square feet of event space. There's a business center with two computers and printers, and newspapers are free. Valet dry cleaning and laundry are among the concierge services, and room service is available. A guest laundry room and gift shop are also on-site. The hotel operates a shuttle service to nearby Busch Gardens for a modest fee. On-site parking and Wi-Fi throughout are free.