Williamsburg Escape: Fairfield Inn & Suites Luxury Awaits!
Williamsburg Escape: Fairfield Inn & Suites - Luxury Awaits? More Like… Awaits, Maybe? (A Rambling Review)
Okay, so, Williamsburg, Virginia. History, cobblestone streets, powdered wigs… and, apparently, the Fairfield Inn & Suites. This review is less a polished gem and more a slightly-tarnished pewter goblet - it’s got character, alright? And maybe a few fingerprints (mine, definitely). Buckle up, buttercups, because we’re diving in.
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First Impressions & Accessibility (The "Can I Get In?" Tango)
My immediate thought, upon arrival? "Pleasantly… beige." Standard Fairfield Inn fare. Finding the entrance… well, that was easy, thankfully. I’m not in a wheelchair myself, but I did notice the ramp and automatic doors – a definite plus for folks with mobility issues. Accessibility: Score one for practicality! And the elevator? Smooth as butter. No rickety old-fashioned nonsense.
Now, About That "Luxury" (A Little Overenthusiastic, Perhaps?)
The Luxury Awaits! tagline on the hotel's website maybe got my hopes up, I'll admit. But let's get real: it's a Fairfield Inn. Comfortable? Yes. Luxurious? Nah. More like… comfort-adjacent.
Rooms: The Good, the Beige, and the Questionable (Like, Where's the Plug?!)
Okay, the room! Surprisingly spacious, actually. Air conditioning? Check. (Thank goodness, because Virginia summers are brutal!). Free Wi-Fi? DOUBLE CHECK! In all rooms! And it worked. Solid connection, which, in today's world, is practically a miracle.
- The Good: The bed was comfy. REALLY comfy. I sunk right in, and the blackout curtains shut out the morning sun. The little desk was handy for my laptop (though the chair could have been comfier). Daily housekeeping? Nice touch. Fresh towels and whatnot.
- The Beige: The décor. Seriously, beige. Everywhere. Beige walls, beige furniture, beige… well, you get the picture. It's safe, I guess. Uninspired, definitely.
- The Questionable: Where ARE the electrical outlets?! Trying to charge multiple devices was a minor logistical nightmare. And the lighting… dim. Like, really dim. I swear, I almost tripped over something because I couldn’t see a thing. (Room features: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Fueling the Adventure!)
- Breakfast: Breakfast was FREE. And… well, it was what you expect. Breakfast [buffet], buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Western breakfast, Asian breakfast, Alternative meal arrangement Waffles, scrambled eggs (iffy), sausage, cereal, yogurt. The coffee was… well, it was coffee. It got the job done, but it wasn't winning any awards. The [Breakfast takeaway service] was convenient for my early tour.
- For the Hungry: I did spy a Snack bar and a Coffee shop, but didn't venture in there. Restaurant, bottle of water, a la carte in restaurant… all these options seemed viable.
- The Vibe: The whole vibe of the dining space, the [buffet in restaurant], felt a bit… rushed. Like everyone was trying to inhale their breakfast and get on with their day.
Things to Do (Beyond the Hotel Walls)
- Location, Location, Location: The hotel itself is in a good location, not too far from the historical area, which is great. But, you know, Williamsburg is all about the history.
- Hotel Fun?: They had a Swimming pool [outdoor]. I didn't go in, but it looked inviting.
- Spa/Sauna/Gym: I was bummed I didn't try them because I found out later about a Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view
Cleanliness & Safety (The COVID Factor)
Okay, let's acknowledge the elephant in the room: COVID. The hotel seemed to be taking it seriously. (Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment) Hand sanitizer stations were plentiful. Staff wore masks. I opted out of room cleaning and it was no problem. Everything seemed clean which I appreciate. Seeing people walking around in masks just made me feel safer and less anxious.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Make a Difference)
- Cash withdrawal: No problem!
- Concierge: Didn't need one, but they were there.
- Luggage storage: Yep, available.
- Daily housekeeping: as mentioned above.
- Parking: Free! Always a win.
- Elevator: Check!
- Internet Services: Wi-Fi access worked well. (Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events)
For the Kids (Family Friendly?)
They do have Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. So, if you have the kids, this place seems to be a winner.
Getting Around (The Logistics of Exploration)
Airport transfer? Nope, didn't use it. (Getting around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking) I used my own car, which was easy. The hotel is close to everything (well, relatively).
- Taxi service was on hand.
The Verdict: Worth the Stay?… Maybe?
Look, it's a Fairfield Inn. It’s not going to blow your mind. But it's clean, comfortable, and conveniently located. For the price, it's a solid choice. The biggest issue was a lack of outlets to charge devices. The biggest plus? Location and the super comfy bed, and super cleaniness. I'd stay again, sure. But would I call it "Luxury Awaits!"? Not quite. More like… "Comfort Awaits, and That's Okay." You know?
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3 out of 5 stars) – Solid, reliable, and safe, but not unforgettable.
Escape to Wisconsin: Baymont Inn Waterford - Your Perfect Getaway!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn’t your grandma’s travel itinerary. We're going to Williamsburg, Virginia, and we're staying at the Fairfield Inn & Suites. And honestly? I need this trip like I need oxygen. Here we go…
The Williamsburg Whirlwind - A Very Real Schedule (with Occasional Meltdowns)
Day 1: Arrival and Mild Panic - The "Am I Really Doing This?" Phase
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Norfolk International Airport (ORF). Okay, so far so good. Except, I’ve forgotten my noise-canceling headphones. Cue internal screaming. This airport seems… loud. And full of… people. Okay, breathe. Uber/Lyft to Fairfield Inn & Suites Williamsburg? Checks phone. Seems about right. About $50 and a 45-minute drive? Fine. Just fine.
- 2:00 PM: Check-in. The front desk person is absurdly cheerful. I am not. My brain is still stuck at the airport, battling the noise. I ask them for a high floor, away from the elevator, and pray to the travel gods for peace. Please, just give me peace.
- 2:30 PM: Settle into the room. It's… fine. Clean enough. The air conditioning feels like a glacier, which is a win. The view is… the parking lot. Sigh. But hey, at least there’s a bed. I collapse onto it, briefly considering staying here for the rest of the trip.
- 3:30 PM: Colonial Williamsburg - The "Overwhelmed Tourist" Experience I decide to be a tourist. I can walk to Colonial Williamsburg, which is a huge win. I walk through the gates and BAM! cobblestone streets, costumed interpreters, and the overwhelming smell of horse manure? It's more… immersive than I expected. The first few historical sites are fascinating. The Governor’s Palace is grand. But then… the crowds. Oh, the crowds. I start avoiding eye contact with anyone in a tricorn hat. The stress level is high.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at Chowning's Tavern. The food is… historical. Meaning it’s interesting but not exactly gourmet. I order the “chicken pot pie” that reminds me of my grandma's Sunday dinner, which is both comforting and slightly underwhelming. The atmosphere is lively, with people chatting, laughing, and occasionally singing. I'm starting to feel… less like a stressed tourist and more like I'm enjoying myself.
- 8:00 PM: Ghost Tour - I've heard this is cheesy but… fun… and it is! The stories, the spooky atmosphere of the old streets, it all works. It's dark, and I jump a few times.
- 9:30 PM: Collapse back at the Fairfield Inn. Shower, Netflix, and the ultimate victory: falling asleep before midnight.
Day 2: History, Food, and the Quest for Caffeine - Fueling the Past
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. The bed was comfortable enough. The first thought that comes to mind: Coffee. Must. Find. Coffee. It's on the agenda.
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast at the Inn. The free breakfast is… standard. Waffles, muffins, fruit that looks suspiciously like it's been around since the last century. The coffee, however, is functional. I drink three cups, and the clouds begin to part.
- 9:00 AM: Colonial Williamsburg - The "Selective Interest" Phase. This time, I focused on the craftspeople. The blacksmith, the silversmith, the printer. They are doing amazing things. I stand, mesmerized, watching them work. The historian keeps telling me the tools are "exact copies," and I find that comforting, this is better.
- 11:00 AM: Lunch at The Cheese Shop. OH. MY. GOD. The sandwiches. The cheese. The atmosphere. This place is a hidden gem. I buy far more cheese than I can possibly consume in a day. Worth it. Every bite.
- 12:30 PM: Shopping at Merchant Square. This is the moment I spend time in the shops. There's something for everyone, from quirky souvenirs to beautiful antiques.
- 2:00 PM: Jamestown Settlement. I'm not sure if I needed this, but I wanted to see the 17th-century life.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the hotel for a bit of down time, trying to wind down and relax.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at Fat Canary. This is where I lose all control and spend money on an incredible meal. It's elegant but not stuffy, and the food is divine. Every course is a work of art. Worth. Every. Penny.
- 8:00 PM: Dessert at Trellis. I have a fantastic dessert that makes me think, "I deserve this."
- 9:00 PM: Early to bed. I'm exhausted from the day. Which is exactly what I needed.
Day 3: "Farewell, Williamsburg, You Crazy Place!" - The End is Nigh
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast at the Fairfield Inn, Round 2. Same routine, but the coffee still hits the spot.
- 8:00 AM: One Last Stroll Through Colonial Williamsburg? I decided that going back was a necessity. I spend a little more time, soaking in what I'm going to miss.
- 10:00 AM: Check out of the hotel. I get a call from the front desk at 9:30 AM to remind me, and I feel slightly panicked.
- 11:00 AM: Drive to Norfolk International Airport. The drive is smooth, and the scenery is pretty.
- 12:00 PM: Airport. Security. The usual. I buy a ridiculously overpriced coffee and start to mentally prepare to go back home.
- 2:00 PM: Flight home. I look back at my time away and consider which parts I'll repeat, and which ones I'll avoid next time.
Final Thoughts:
Williamsburg, you were… an experience. A bit overwhelming, a bit historical, a lot of fun, and a whole lot of cheese. It’s not a perfect trip, but it's a good one. The Fairfield Inn was fine, I'd certainly stay there again. The people were friendly, the food was good, and I escaped with my sanity (mostly) intact. Would I recommend it? Heck yes. But maybe bring your own noise-canceling headphones. And prepare to embrace the mess. Because that, my friends, is where the real memories are made.
Escape to Peoria: Your Perfect Extended Stay Awaits!
So, Williamsburg Escape: Sound like a *total* escape? Is it really "Luxury Awaits!" as the Fairfield Inn says? Gimme the REAL deal.
**Anecdote Time:** I went with my husband. We packed *lightly* (ha!), just kidding. We packed everything - like we were planning to camp out, which is what it feels like. We were so exhausted, and just driving to the hotel felt like a marathon. The kids were in the backseat, screaming, the dog was restless. By the time we arrived, my blood pressure was higher than the hotel itself. Then, we checked in. It was a relief.
Is it the Four Seasons? Absolutely not. Is it a friendly, well-maintained hotel? Absolutely yes. The pillows weren't lumpy, the coffee was…well, it was coffee. And the pool, oh the pool, gave me a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. A tiny, tiny moment. Before the kids spotted it and all joy fled my body.
Hotel Rooms: What should I actually expect? 'Cause the website photos always lie, right? Spill the beans on the room situation.
But, y'know… the lighting? Not ideal for Instagramming your perfect vacation selfies. It's that flat, fluorescent kind that makes you look a little… washed out. (Note to Fairfield: invest in better lighting!)
**Real Talk:** The room was the perfect temperature. I actually like that a lot.
Breakfast: That sacred meal. Is it the sad continental offering, or something actually worth getting out of bed for?
**My Experience:** The waffle maker? A lifesaver. My kids will eat *anything* if it's in waffle form. You get to control the syrup, it's the perfect thickness for my liking.
If you’re a breakfast snob, you might be a little disappointed. But if you're like me, and you just want a quick pre-Colonial Williamsburg sugar rush before you unleash the kids on the world, then it's perfectly acceptable. I mean, hey, it's *free*. You can't argue with free.
The Pool: Because let's be honest, that's the main reason we bring the kids, right? What's the vibe? Overcrowded madness or blissful splash-around time?
However! It's clean. The water seemed well-maintained. And, let’s be honest, the kids loved it. They played so hard, they were exhausted by the end of the day! That, my friends, is its own kind of luxury. The peace and quiet I achieved after the first hour was worth more than gold to me, and that’s enough for me.
**Anecdote Time:** I saw a kid get an entire ice cream sundae off the self-serve machines. It was epic. The dad was mortified, but the kid was completely thrilled. Moments like that, you know? Those are the memories you take home.
Location, Location, Location! How close is this thing to the *actual* attractions? Is it a brutal commute?
**Here's the thing:** it *is* in a touristy area. Expect some traffic. Expect crowds. But overall? The location is definitely a plus. Like, a big, bright, shining plus.
Overall Vibe and Worth it? Would you go back? Be honest!
I absolutely would go back. Especially on a low-stress day. The price is reasonable, the location is great, and the pool, despite its chaotic moments, is a lifesaver. The free breakfast is a bonus. And honestly, sometimes, all you need is a clean room, a comfy bed, and a moment to yourself (even if that moment is just spent scrolling through Instagram while the kids scream in the pool).
**Final Thoughts:** It’s not perfect. Nothing ever is. But for the price, the location, and the overall experience? Yeah, I'd recommend it. And I'm already thinking about booking another trip!
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