Update: As of May 2025, the Fort Magruder Inn has closed permanently and is scheduled to be converted into apartments. Find other accommodations in Williamsburg here.
I stayed at the Fort Magruder Inn in Williamsburg, Virginia and overall, it was one of those pleasantly surprising stays that reminds me why I enjoy classic, character-filled hotels. They’re sometimes harder to find in areas with heavy tourism, but they are so much fun!
Let me start with the big picture: great location, good pricing, lots of space, and a genuinely welcoming vibe. Fort Magruder Inn is minutes from both Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens, which made it an easy home base for exploring the area without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.
Roomy, Comfortable, and Beautiful Views
Our room was spacious and functional, with plenty of storage space for bags, shoes, and all the extra “just in case” items that tend to pile up on a trip. (In our case, this was mostly shelf-stable snacks.) There was a desk, a table, two chairs, and, best of all, a large balcony! The balcony was a real highlight. It was roomy enough to sit comfortably and enjoy the fresh spring air, which felt like a luxury at this price point. It also let a large amount of light into the room.
It’s clear the property is a work in progress, but in an honest way. No frills, but also no pretension. You get what you need and you get space to breathe.
Breakfast, Pool, and Extras
Breakfast was simple and carb-forward: waffles, bagels, cereal, and toast. Hard-boiled eggs were the only protein option available. They did the job, but if protein is important to you, you may want to supplement.
The pool wasn’t operating during our stay, and while there wasn’t advance notice, it didn’t end up being a dealbreaker for us this early in the year, especially given how much time we spent enjoying other parts of the property.
Where This Hotel Really Shines
One of my favorite aspects of Fort Magruder Inn is the beautiful outdoor courtyard area. Blooming plants, comfortable seating, and a peaceful atmosphere made it a lovely spot to relax. You can access it easily from the breakfast nook or the lobby, which itself is unique, spacious, and full of character. The architecture is unique and the space feels like a private garden.
The lobby felt especially welcoming for families. There were movies playing for kids, lots of seating, and a warm, communal feel that made it more than just a pass-through space.
A Memorable (and Eventually Solved!) Key Mystery
We did have an adventure with room keys. Ours didn’t work more times than I can count. After talking with several front desk staff members (from several shifts) and having keys redone multiple times (five!) and maintenance being called each time we had to get back in, we started to get frustrated.
The staff was consistently polite and helpful and we eventually uncovered the mystery. A large group of teens were recently guests on our floor and had rearranged the room number signs! Maintenance and housekeeping had not noticed because they knew the locations by heart and were able to enter all rooms with their master keys. Once that puzzle was solved, everything made a lot more sense. It turned into one of those stories we were able to laugh about later (much to the relief of the front desk staff).
Final Thoughts
Fort Magruder Inn isn’t a luxury resort, but it is a well-priced, conveniently located hotel with charm, space, and a friendly atmosphere. Despite a few hiccups, the positives far outweighed the inconveniences, and I truly appreciated the staff’s efforts and the hotel’s relaxed, lived-in feel.
I’d stay here again and think that if you value location, space, and character over bells and whistles, Fort Magruder Inn is a solid Williamsburg choice.
Plan Your Visit
As of May 2025, the Fort Magruder Inn has closed permanently and is scheduled to be converted into apartments.
Find other accommodations in Williamsburg here.
