The Williamsburg Inn: A Brief History
The Williamsburg Inn has long served as a gracious “home away from home” for royalty, heads of state, celebrities, and discerning travelers from around the world. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited in both 1957 and 2007.
Sir Winston Churchill, the Emperor and Empress of Japan, and monarchs from Greece, Thailand, Belgium, Jordan, and Sweden have also been among the Inn’s distinguished guests. In 1983, the Inn hosted the Economic Summit of Industrialized Nations, presided over by President Ronald Reagan. True to its legacy, the Inn’s philosophy is simple yet profound: treat every guest like royalty.
The Inn’s origins trace back to the vision of John D. Rockefeller Jr. and his wife, Abby. Deeply involved in the design, construction, and furnishing, the Rockefellers envisioned something far more intimate than a traditional hotel—something that would evoke the comfort and refinement of a Virginia estate. When the Williamsburg Inn opened in 1937 with 61 guest rooms, the local Virginia Gazette declared with pride, “We can truly say there is nothing to equal it on the continent...we have yet to hear of anything like it anywhere, not even in Europe.” Nine years later, Reader’s Digest called it “perhaps the most perfectly appointed hotel in America.”
More than 80 years later, that spirit endures. The Inn remains one of the most distinguished and beloved hotels in the country, renowned for its timeless elegance and impeccable service.
Dining at the Inn has evolved to reflect modern tastes while preserving its sense of place. The Social Terrace and Restoration Bar offer relaxed yet refined settings for cocktails and cuisine, while the Terrace & Goodwin Rooms provide elegant indoor dining experiences. New in 2024, Rockefellers brings a contemporary approach to regional classics in a stylish new space. The Regency Room, once the Inn’s signature restaurant, now serves as a grand ballroom—an ideal setting for meetings, banquets, and unforgettable weddings.
The Inn's foremost goal has always been to provide a memorable and meaningful guest experience. That commitment has earned numerous accolades and honors over the years, including past membership in the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World. Today, the Williamsburg Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and continues to be recognized among America’s great historic properties.
The Golden Horseshoe Golf Club offers world-class golf steps from the Inn. The Gold Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., opened in 1963 and was later renovated in 1997 and again in 2016 to preserve its original design. It remains a favorite among players and critics alike, consistently ranked among the top public courses in America by Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine. Links Magazine has called its par-three holes the “Best of the South.” In 1991, the Green Course—designed by Rees Jones, son of Robert Trent Jones—joined the property and has since been ranked among the best resort courses in Virginia. In 2025, the Spotswood executive course was reimagined and replaced by The Shoe, a 9-hole, par-3 course designed for fun, flexibility, and fast play.
Tennis has also been part of the Williamsburg Inn’s story since 1941. Today, the Williamsburg Inn Tennis Club features six Har-Tru clay courts, two premier hard courts, pickleball facilities, and a well-appointed pro shop—all nestled in a peaceful, tree-lined setting. Tennis Resorts Online recently named the Inn one of the Top 25 Tennis Resorts in the World.
In 2007, The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg opened, blending centuries of wellness wisdom into a serene, full-service retreat. Its signature treatments draw on historical practices from 17th-century North America to contemporary approaches from around the world. The Spa has been honored with numerous national awards for its excellence.
At every turn, the Williamsburg Inn delivers a world-class experience. With gracious hospitality, personalized service, and an atmosphere of timeless luxury, it offers a place to unwind, reconnect, and be inspired—just steps from America’s largest living history museum. In 2012, the Inn—affectionately known as “America’s Guesthouse”—celebrated 75 years of service to travelers from around the world.
