The Historic Powhatan is a sprawling resort on 256 acres, located five miles from Colonial Williamsburg. This gated community is a maze of two-story apartment buildings, with 444 spacious time-share suites and a host of resort-style amenities. Highlights include a restored manor house built in 1735, an impressive outdoor pool with bar service, and lovely landscaped grounds. Assertive salespeople pushing specials and time-shares are a distinct possibility. Visitors seeking a more upscale experience should consider the Kingsmill Resort, eight miles away.
The Historic Powhatan is a sprawling resort on 256 acres, located five miles from Colonial Williamsburg. This gated community is a maze of two-story apartment buildings, with 444 spacious time-share suites and a host of resort-style amenities. Highlights include a restored manor house built in 1735, an impressive outdoor pool with bar service, and lovely landscaped grounds. Assertive salespeople pushing specials and time-shares are a distinct possibility. Visitors seeking a more upscale experience should consider the Kingsmill Resort, eight miles away.
The 168-room Embassy Suites by Hilton Williamsburg is a sold three-pearl pick convenient to iconic sites and entertainment. While rooms and some common areas definitely feel like a chain hotel, wall-size murals reflect local flavor and the lobby is stylish. The restaurant serves good food -- including a free breakfast -- plus there are a heated indoor pool, 24-hour fitness room, business center, and mini-mart. Rooms are all suites, but smaller than is typical for the brand. Quality amenities include Keurig coffeemakers, mini-fridges, microwaves, and two flat-screens (one in separate living areas). Free extras include a cocktail hour with snacks, parking, and Wi-Fi. Travelers with kids should consider Kingsmill Resort; though it's farther outside the city, its three pools, waterslide, and kids’ club are attractive features.
The 168-room Embassy Suites by Hilton Williamsburg is a sold three-pearl pick convenient to iconic sites and entertainment. While rooms and some common areas definitely feel like a chain hotel, wall-size murals reflect local flavor and the lobby is stylish. The restaurant serves good food -- including a free breakfast -- plus there are a heated indoor pool, 24-hour fitness room, business center, and mini-mart. Rooms are all suites, but smaller than is typical for the brand. Quality amenities include Keurig coffeemakers, mini-fridges, microwaves, and two flat-screens (one in separate living areas). Free extras include a cocktail hour with snacks, parking, and Wi-Fi. Travelers with kids should consider Kingsmill Resort; though it's farther outside the city, its three pools, waterslide, and kids’ club are attractive features.
The upscale Hotel Derek Houston Galleria is a lively and hip Uptown property near high-end shopping. Trendy interiors include a modern restaurant and a bar serving tasty Texan fare as well as craft beer, and there's a small outdoor pool and a fitness center. The hotel also has several event and meeting rooms, including a large ballroom, as well as a business center. The 312 stylish rooms are outfitted with flat-screen TVs and minibars, while suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows and some have balconies. Noise can be an issue, however, due to thin walls and the hotel's usually festive atmosphere, and many guests complain that the furnishings are worn. Travelers seeking a more kid-friendly environment might want to consider the Omni Houston Hotel at Westside instead.
The upscale Hotel Derek Houston Galleria is a lively and hip Uptown property near high-end shopping. Trendy interiors include a modern restaurant and a bar serving tasty Texan fare as well as craft beer, and there's a small outdoor pool and a fitness center. The hotel also has several event and meeting rooms, including a large ballroom, as well as a business center. The 312 stylish rooms are outfitted with flat-screen TVs and minibars, while suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows and some have balconies. Noise can be an issue, however, due to thin walls and the hotel's usually festive atmosphere, and many guests complain that the furnishings are worn. Travelers seeking a more kid-friendly environment might want to consider the Omni Houston Hotel at Westside instead.
Located in a non-touristy suburb of northwest Houston, this mid-range Hilton Garden Inn is geared mostly toward business travelers, as it sits in the midst of several companies and is about a 25-minute drive to downtown. The location, however, means easy driving access to anywhere along US Highway 290 and Beltway 8. Rooms are pleasant, modern, and come equipped with mini-fridges and microwaves, and suite options offer separate bedrooms. The hotel has free parking, Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and hot tub, and it has slightly lower rates than comparable properties closer to downtown. For a more central location, travelers could try the Hilton Americas - Houston.
Located in a non-touristy suburb of northwest Houston, this mid-range Hilton Garden Inn is geared mostly toward business travelers, as it sits in the midst of several companies and is about a 25-minute drive to downtown. The location, however, means easy driving access to anywhere along US Highway 290 and Beltway 8. Rooms are pleasant, modern, and come equipped with mini-fridges and microwaves, and suite options offer separate bedrooms. The hotel has free parking, Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and hot tub, and it has slightly lower rates than comparable properties closer to downtown. For a more central location, travelers could try the Hilton Americas - Houston.
From the outside, the 131-room Hotel Indigo resembles the Embassy Suites chain across the way, but its interior is considerably more stylish. Cool cobalt blue walls, striped chairs, and beachy murals make it feel like a beach resort in the center of Houston. The rooms are fresh and bright, with tall ceilings and nautical-themed furnishings. Small kitchenettes feature sinks, tiny coffeemakers, and mini-fridges; microwaves are featured in all suites as well, and in standard rooms upon request. Modern bathrooms have walk-in showers, half enclosed with glass (there's no door). Crossroads Bistro & Bar serves casual fare for breakfast and dinner, and the small fitness center has modern equipment (though the free weights are beat up). Business travelers will likely appreciate the business center and meeting rooms, as shopping-minded visitors will appreciate the proximity to the Houston Galleria.
From the outside, the 131-room Hotel Indigo resembles the Embassy Suites chain across the way, but its interior is considerably more stylish. Cool cobalt blue walls, striped chairs, and beachy murals make it feel like a beach resort in the center of Houston. The rooms are fresh and bright, with tall ceilings and nautical-themed furnishings. Small kitchenettes feature sinks, tiny coffeemakers, and mini-fridges; microwaves are featured in all suites as well, and in standard rooms upon request. Modern bathrooms have walk-in showers, half enclosed with glass (there's no door). Crossroads Bistro & Bar serves casual fare for breakfast and dinner, and the small fitness center has modern equipment (though the free weights are beat up). Business travelers will likely appreciate the business center and meeting rooms, as shopping-minded visitors will appreciate the proximity to the Houston Galleria.
The eight-room Beachview Bed and Breakfast is a charming, friendly property on Tybee Island. Rooms range in size and layout, but all maintain a welcoming, homey character, and have flat-screen TVs. The owners have gone out of their way to make their establishment warm and cozy, and in turn see many return guests. With free breakfast and afternoon treats, guests are well fed, too. A block away from the beach and within walking distance of Tybee's shops and restaurants, this property is great for couples and small families seeking a low-key, restful getaway.
The eight-room Beachview Bed and Breakfast is a charming, friendly property on Tybee Island. Rooms range in size and layout, but all maintain a welcoming, homey character, and have flat-screen TVs. The owners have gone out of their way to make their establishment warm and cozy, and in turn see many return guests. With free breakfast and afternoon treats, guests are well fed, too. A block away from the beach and within walking distance of Tybee's shops and restaurants, this property is great for couples and small families seeking a low-key, restful getaway.
This 213-room Hampton Inn & Suites doesn’t have much personality, but it’s a solid mid-range choice with plenty of free perks. Highlights include an outdoor pool, free breakfast buffet, and a 24-hour shuttle to Old Town Alexandria and the D.C. subway system. The hotel’s biggest downfall is its surrounding neighborhood, which is uninspiring and not pedestrian-friendly (and definitely not in the Old Town -- despite what its name implies). For a better neighborhood, consider the similarly priced Hilton Garden Inn Alexandria Old Town.
This 213-room Hampton Inn & Suites doesn’t have much personality, but it’s a solid mid-range choice with plenty of free perks. Highlights include an outdoor pool, free breakfast buffet, and a 24-hour shuttle to Old Town Alexandria and the D.C. subway system. The hotel’s biggest downfall is its surrounding neighborhood, which is uninspiring and not pedestrian-friendly (and definitely not in the Old Town -- despite what its name implies). For a better neighborhood, consider the similarly priced Hilton Garden Inn Alexandria Old Town.
The lower-middle-range Earthbox Inn & Spa is a quaint, updated motel located in the heart of downtown Friday Harbor, walking distance to ferries, dining, and shopping. Its 72 rooms are simple but comfortable, and feature an array of great amenities, including free Wi-Fi, microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. There is also a two-bedroom house with a full kitchen and ample seating space. Despite its run-of-the-mill appearance on the outside, it has a number of perks for a motel: a heated indoor pool complete with a whirlpool and a sauna, a basic gym, and a day spa offering massages, salon services, and reiki sessions. Rates are right for the area, and free Wi-Fi, parking, loaner bikes, and shuttle service to/from the ferry and the airport add value. Friday Harbor Suites is generally cheaper and offers free hot breakfast, but it's less contemporary.
The lower-middle-range Earthbox Inn & Spa is a quaint, updated motel located in the heart of downtown Friday Harbor, walking distance to ferries, dining, and shopping. Its 72 rooms are simple but comfortable, and feature an array of great amenities, including free Wi-Fi, microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. There is also a two-bedroom house with a full kitchen and ample seating space. Despite its run-of-the-mill appearance on the outside, it has a number of perks for a motel: a heated indoor pool complete with a whirlpool and a sauna, a basic gym, and a day spa offering massages, salon services, and reiki sessions. Rates are right for the area, and free Wi-Fi, parking, loaner bikes, and shuttle service to/from the ferry and the airport add value. Friday Harbor Suites is generally cheaper and offers free hot breakfast, but it's less contemporary.
The Lakedale Resort is not your grandfather's campground. In addition to a lakefront location with picnic spots, this 82-acre property offers everything from an airstream trailer to canvas cabins and canvas cottages that can accommodate larger groups. The lodge rooms definitely have the most conveniences -- bathrooms with flat-screen TVs and patios -- but they are also the least outdoorsy. The Canvas Cabins are no-frills -- but in a good way -- sporting charming rustic decor and comfy beds. The hotel room-style Canvas Cottages, added in 2016 for summer stays, include an extra daybed and en-suite bathrooms with showers and running water, and larger accommodations can sleep up to four. The property is best suited for visitors looking for an upscale camping experience, although poor cell phone reception may be a nuisance for some.
The Lakedale Resort is not your grandfather's campground. In addition to a lakefront location with picnic spots, this 82-acre property offers everything from an airstream trailer to canvas cabins and canvas cottages that can accommodate larger groups. The lodge rooms definitely have the most conveniences -- bathrooms with flat-screen TVs and patios -- but they are also the least outdoorsy. The Canvas Cabins are no-frills -- but in a good way -- sporting charming rustic decor and comfy beds. The hotel room-style Canvas Cottages, added in 2016 for summer stays, include an extra daybed and en-suite bathrooms with showers and running water, and larger accommodations can sleep up to four. The property is best suited for visitors looking for an upscale camping experience, although poor cell phone reception may be a nuisance for some.
Located on a bluff overlooking the marina in the heart of downtown, the 24-room, upper-middle-range Friday Harbor House is a beautiful, intimate inn catering to couples. Rooms are spacious and cozy, featuring gas fireplaces, big windows offering sweeping views (in most), two-person jetted tubs, and an array of excellent amenities, including pour-over carafes with fresh daily ground coffee, L’Occitane toiletries, and lavender pillow sprays. The restaurant is popular among locals and visitors alike, and it has a beautiful deck and lawn with panoramic vistas and fire pits. Rates include continental breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking, but are some of the highest in town. Couples on a tighter budget may want to consider the Earthbox Inn & Spa, a value property located just a few blocks away and offering a wider range of on-site amenities.
Located on a bluff overlooking the marina in the heart of downtown, the 24-room, upper-middle-range Friday Harbor House is a beautiful, intimate inn catering to couples. Rooms are spacious and cozy, featuring gas fireplaces, big windows offering sweeping views (in most), two-person jetted tubs, and an array of excellent amenities, including pour-over carafes with fresh daily ground coffee, L’Occitane toiletries, and lavender pillow sprays. The restaurant is popular among locals and visitors alike, and it has a beautiful deck and lawn with panoramic vistas and fire pits. Rates include continental breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking, but are some of the highest in town. Couples on a tighter budget may want to consider the Earthbox Inn & Spa, a value property located just a few blocks away and offering a wider range of on-site amenities.