April 16, 2004 - Patriots, history buffs and families seeking a mentally stimulating vacation are drawn to Colonial Williamsburg and its recreations 18th century America. The steep prices at the official hotels associated directly with the complex have often forced visitors to stay in cheaper places farther away, like the chain motels along the highways leading into the area. This year, however, the Colonial Williamsburg Company has assembled some vacation packages that begin at more realistic prices than in the past, making a trip there more convenient.
From now, when the grounds begin to color with the pastels of spring blooms through June 19, you can purchase the "Glorious Gardens Package" that starts from just $51 per person per night and includes a room at the Governor's Inn hotel, daily breakfast, a length-of-stay admission ticket to Colonial Williamsburg, 50% off the evening Colonial Performances and one copy of From a Colonial Garden (that's one per party on the book). A two-night minimum stay required.
The admission ticket is like a hotel guest pass, and, if not part of package, sells for $29 for adults, $15 for children 6 to 14. This gives you access to any of the Colonial Williamsburg historic buildings, trade sites, daytime programs and museums.
Year-round, there's a "Colonial Escape at the Williamsburg Lodge" from $95 per person per night, giving you the same amenities as before. The "Patriot's Plan," also at the lodge, costs from $144 per person per night. In addition to the hotel room, the daily breakfast, and the admission ticket and 50% discount offer, you get a nightly dinner at the lodge or at one of CW's historic dining taverns and a welcome amenity. Again, there is a two-night stay minimum.
"Romance by Candlelight" puts you in colonial houses and/or historic lodgings from $152 per person per night. In addition to the lodging, you get daily breakfast and one dinner in the Regency Room, one dinner in an historic dining tavern, and champagne and truffles at check-in. A two-night minimum stay is required.
For the Virginia Arts Festival, there's a "Festival Williamsburg" package from May 21 to May 23, starting at $237 per couple per night. In addition to the hotel room at the Woodlands Hotel & Suites, you get two tickets for each of two Festival Williamsburg evening events, two boxed picnic suppers, daily breakfast at your hotel, tips, and a length-of-stay admission ticket and 50% off evening Colonial Performances.
Golfers might like the "40th Anniversary Golf Package" at the same Woodlands Hotel & Suites, from now through August 31. Costing from $139 per person per night, it gives you lodging; two days of unlimited golf at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club (one on the Gold Course and one on the Green Course); daily golf cart, club storage and club cleaning; preferred tee time and dining reservations; practice balls, yardage booklets and personalized bag tag; a sleeve of Golden Horseshoe logo balls; unlimited golf on the Spotswood Executive Course, and an anniversary shirt.
For all these packages, double occupancy is assumed, and taxes and resort fees are not included. All promotions are subject to availability. For more information or to book, contact Colonial Williamsburg at www.colonialwilliamsburg.com or phone 800/HISTORY.
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