The Quality Inn Historic Area, Williamsburg, Virginia: A Review

The Quality Inn Historic Area, 600 Bypass Road, Williamsburg, Virginia, is conveniently located near both the Colonial Williamsburg Visitors' Center and the strip of restaurants and shopping centers for those returning to 21^st-century life. Nevertheless, we missed it on our first drive by. Located a bit back from the road, both my husband and I failed to see the multi-storied hotel because the light on its sign had not yet been turned on, even though the sun had gone down. Had we not already had reservations, we would have stopped at a different hotel.

Despite this negative beginning, the hotel lobby made a better (second) impression. Its décor, like those in the rooms, somehow managed to be both up-to-date and appropriate for colonial Williamsburg. The staff checked us in quickly, but luggage carts were scarce; my hardworking husband had made several trips to the room before finding one.

Visiting in October, we did not use the hotel's outdoor pool, but we did see other guests, in their bathing suits, heading to the indoor pool in the neighboring Comfort Inn (a sister hotel, both under the Choice Hotels umbrella). The Quality Inn has an exercise room, game room, and laundry, as well as coffee makers and ironing boards in guest rooms. We did miss having a refrigerator, though.

Like most Choice Hotels, this Quality Inn (one of several in Williamsburg) offers a continental breakfast as part of guest rates. We found a wide variety of food there - pastry, bagels, cereal, and muffins, as well as yogurt and fruit, which was great for our family member who is allergic to eggs. The breakfast is served in a large room dedicated to the meal; I heard others call it the hotel's restaurant, but I saw no evidence that it was open for those who wanted to purchase meals at other times of the day.

As previously mentioned, the hotel is located near both the historic area and "the strip." It is close to Interstate 64, and there are sidewalks along the busy Bypass Road, but I would not consider the area particularly walkable, so don't expect to be able to park at the hotel and see all the sights on foot.