Recently, my family and I visited Jamestown Settlement in Williamsburg, VA.  This is separate from historic Williamsburg but something you should definitely add to your list of places to visit when you are in Williamsburg.

Jamestown Settlement is located near the site of the original Jamestown Colony.  Jamestown Settlement is a museum and replica of America's first permanent English colony, founded in Virginia in 1607.

photo courtesy of Jamestown Settlement

Once you purchase your tickets inside the visitor center, you make your way through the galleries that are divided into three major sections. The first gallery introduces visitors to pre-17th-century Virginia.  The second gallery explores the relationship between Virginia’s colonists and the native Powhatans.  The third gallery provides an overview of the political, social and economic development and expansion of the Virginia colony during the 17th century.

Over Thanksgiving break I had a chance to visit the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center.  The hotel in located in National Harbor Maryland right outside of Washington DC.  The Gaylord National is an absolute gorgeous hotel with all the glitz and glamour of the DC's best hotels.  As soon as you pull up to the hotel you are treated as if you are royalty.  All the employees smile and make conversation with you and they are always willing to help with whatever you need.

I loved that the lobby was decorated for the holidays and it instantly got me in the Christmas spirit. The check-in process was easy and the staff at the front desk was super friendly.  After check in we went to check out our room which was stunning and the balcony had the perfect view of the atrium.  If you can afford to pay a little extra for an atrium view I suggest doing it.  The atrium view rooms are perfect for watching the nightly holiday shows from the comfort of your own room.  One of the nice touches I appreciated was the nightly turn down service.  The room was very comfortable and so was the bed.

My kids loved the glass elevators which make the ride down to the lobby or atrium a fun one.  The views of the Potomac from different areas of the hotel are spectacular. You can walk out of the hotel to the river walk.

If the weather is frightful during you stay at the Gaylord National no worries.  You can stay in the hotel, the atrium has a few shops in it and there are also 3 restaurants.  There is even a bakery to get coffee or an afternoon treat.  The very large indoor pool is one of the best in the area to swim in, no matter how cold it is outside. 




Here is a video of an atrium view suite. 


 
For more information:  www.gaylordhotels.com

Recently, my family and I traveled to Washington DC to visit the sights and we stayed in the Aloft hotel in National Harbor Maryland, which is about 20 minutes outside DC. When we arrived at the hotel and walked in we were a little confused but quickly realized that you had to take the elevator to the second floor to check in. We were warmly greeted by the Aloft staff saying Aloha. After a quick check in we took the elevators to our room. My youngest noticed the floor of the elevator changed colors when you stepped on it. This entertained them every time we were in the elevator. Our room was very clean and roomy for a family of 4. Aloft hotels is a new high-design/low-cost brand from Starwood Hotels & Resorts. The hotel and rooms are designed with natural materials and textures like cork and wood, with loft-inspired, 9 foot high guest rooms, state-of-the-art technology, modern amenities, and signature “r & r” beds.

The pool area was nice and easy to get to from our room. It was very open and airy. The pool is not open all day it opens for a few hours in the morning and then a few hours at night. There is a lifeguard on duty and towels are provided (one less thing to pack).

They also have an outdoor area that has a fire pit to keep you warm on the cold nights. This also allows you to look out at the Harbor Area too.

Overall the hotel is very family friendly. There were quite a few families that were there the same time we were. The staff was very friendly and helpful.

Below is a video of the Aloft hotel:





We were given a free upgrade on our room during our visit. The review is our honest opinion and true experience.