The Historic Powhatan Resort Reviews & Ratings

This was my second stay in my unit. Under the new management I was switched to an old unit that was in horid condition and i was shocked at the change. it had all sorts of maintenance issues and i feel there are some illegal dealings going on there and am very upset that this bait and switch went on. I feel duped by the new management and very upsept by my purchase.

Stayed there August of this year.Had a fantastic time in Va.,so much to do.I stayed in a remodeled 2 B.R.unit.Very well done.Tried to sell me 3 thousand Diamond Points(Very pushy)for $10,000.Bought a 4 B.R. wk.52 for $3000 from a resale place(Worth 15,000 pts.anually).Will take my family there yearly.I grew up in Wash.,D.C. area,forgot how beautiful Williamsburg is.I own at 3 other properties(Kings Creek,Poipu Point,and The Resort on Cocoa Beach).This property is just as nice as those.Nothing fancy,very clean,plenty of room for family of 6.After complete re-model ,property should be rated GOLD CROWN.I highly recomend for family vacation.

We have been staying at Powhatan every summer for the past six years. This summer will be our seventh visit. This is a great family resort.

The resort is in a great location close to all area attractions. The outdoor pool area is large with separate baby, toddler, family, and adult pools. We now own a C/D unit and find it to be very spacious. The resort has been improving each year, and the units have been updated. We were pleasantly surprised last summer to find that all units now have wireless internet access. Waiting to use the computer to check e-mail in the main building used to be a real pain, we were glad to see that they finally came in to the 21st century. The grounds are always kept nicely, the unit is always spotless when we arrive, and when we found that the coffee maker wasn’t working properly; a new one was delivered to our door within minutes of placing a call to maintenance.

If I had to pick one disappointing feature it would be the indoor activity center. The fitness center is lacking and the indoor pool facility needed attention the last time we were there. Fortunately the weather was beautiful and we didn’t need to use the indoor pool or hot tub.

Excellent place to stay at, I have to admit I was a bit dissapointed originally that the only exchange I had was at powhatan, but after arriving I was surprised beyond expectation, the unit was inmaculate and the staff was wonderful, I got a 2 bedroom 2 bath groundfloor with a jacuzzi (which my kids could not get enough of), we enjoyed the place so much barelly went out locally, a true relaxation vacation. I falled short of giving it a 5 star because the TVs sets were a bit outdated and small in comparison to the unit (sorry i am spoiled) but a flat screen and third tv in the kids bedroom would have earned the place above 4 stars

Stayed in 2 bedroom 2 bath unit lower level that had separate enclosed hottub room beside the masterbedroom and outside deck. That hot-tub was great each evening! Had stacked washer/dryer in kitchen - plenty of space through out, TV in livingroom and TV in master bdrm. Great place to stay for my 3 daytrips to Williamsburg a few miles away, plus a daytrip to Jamestown Settlement & another to Yorktown. Weather was great May 16, 2008 week. Grounds are wonderful for evening stroll w/pond & gazebo, pools, etc. The original plantation home is lovely to view upon entering the property - it takes you back in time if you love American history. Plantation mansion first floor is open certain hours for self- guided tour...grounds open around 24/7. The Powatan Resort is close to everything Williamsburg yet quiet for returning after a long day of touring for relaxation. Eat out nearby or cook in the nice condo kitchen. The A/C wasn't cold 1st night so I called front desk and maintenance put freon in A/C unit same morning. New mattress sets had been installed in my condo & others nearby just before I arrived.

Units are clean and well maintained. Scenery is beautiful 5 swimming pools, and many activities for the family. All attractions a very short ride away. A million places to eat -all reasonably priced for family fun. Can't beat the value!

We just returned from a week in unit 255D. "D" would be an appropriate grade for the unit and the resort. Our condolences to the owner(s).

Our 2 br upstairs unit had only a shower for the master bath. The other bath had a small tub. Only downstairs units have hot tubs...

As with other posts, we hoped for the best but also experienced the well worn appliances, broken light switches and burned- out bulbs, dirty windows displaying smashed insects to look out of, paint spills on curtains and floors, missing and rough trim boards, cobwebs hanging from nearly every corner and light fixture. We killed several of the "web designers" (spiders) to slow their progress.Things like this distract from one's ability to relax.

We complained to the front desk, in person, requesting another unit. (When we were checking-in the first night, another guest in front of us was having the same unpleasant experience) We were told that our unit had been recently refurbed and no other refurbs or downstairs units were available. (The refurbs were only for countertops, furniture, carpet, and artwork.) So the lady took our list of complaints and promised to send someone over from maintenance.

They practically followed us back to the unit with a clock radio (we had none) and the missing kitchen towels. From there it got rather interesting... The next two days we're visited by repairmen to address some of the mechanical issues. They replaced the broken television and icemaker. The other items would have to be repaired when the unit is unoccupied. The resort management planned to move us to another upstairs unit and left several phone messages. The problem? Our phone would not receive calls or flash when messages were waiting. (another work order for maint.)

Meanwhile, someone changed the status of our unit to "unoccupied". We find this out when another guest tried to move in with us. He got the top of the stairs, realizing then there was a mixup.

Once again I call the front desk to remind them we're still occupying the unit. The person told me of the computer error and that it will be corrected. The following morning we're "walked-in" on by an inspector whose job is to check for damage after someone checks out. He shows me his printout. Sure enough, the error was not corrected as promised.

As for the dirt and spiders, we were informed that midweek cleaning and linen replacement was an extra $65. Since this was the third day of our stay they couldn't clean our unit. Plan on washing your towels. You only get one per person per week. If you plan on cooking bring extra flatware. You only get 4 spoons, for example. You get one 10" skillet. Very understocked compared to other resorts...

The next day after that we returned from a day at Busch Gardens to find our unit inaccessible. Our keys were disabled by yet another misinformed employee. Another trip to the front desk for new key cards...

The patio furniture was dirty and the deck hadn't been swept for quite a while. Of course, with a hundred or so mosquitos poised on the screen door day and night, you might as well stay inside unless you brought mosquito repellant along.

The only positive experience was the very helpful conscierge desk and convenient proximity to the historic sites. The roads are well designed to get you where you want to go in a reasonable amount of time.

Rest assured, Our submitted comment card was longer than this post. Hopefully it'll help someone in the future...

Meanwhile I would recommend staying elsewhere, we will...

Note the quality of the Plantation since Club Sunterra has purchased it. Look at the comments early on and how they have changed in the last few years. We love this resort! Always clean and like going home. We always know what appliances will be there and the maintenance staff is first class. We have gone for 10 years and loved every year! This resort has prime time exchange possibilities to anywhere in the World! We've decided to keep it - the grown children will be usin the points!

My family rented 2 units in August 2006. My parents needed a 1 BR, first floor. Upon our arrival we found out they did not have 1 BR units. My parents were put into a 2 BR (1 BR - Queen Bed; the other 2 Twin Beds) and were not charged additional fees. It was an older unit in need of a little updating but everything was still very nice.

My unit (2 BR - 1Q; 2 Twin Beds/2 BA) was ABSOLUTELY gorgeous. It had been remodeled and everything was just perfect. Very clean, well coordinated.

Considering the hodge-podge and uncertainty that can come with hotel rentals, I'd come back to Powhatan any day! As a matter of fact, this was my 3rd visit!

We own a 2 bedroom lockoff w/ loft (A/B) week 51 at Powhatan Resort. This was the first year staying here (December 23rd, 2006 check-in).

It's a very spacious 2 bedroom unit that has the master bedroom on the first floor with a full kitchen, bathroom w/ double bowl sink, living area w/ pull out sofa, eight person hot tub, and deck (A side).

The second floor has a separate master suite, two bathrooms (one with a stand up shower), a partial kitchen with cook top, and a upstairs loft with two twin beds (B side).

As a combined unit (A/B), it is very spacious for 6 people but I wouldn't recommend the B side for anyone that wants to spend time cooking or baking. The unit has only limited working surfaces so we used the extra pots and pans on the B side and did all of our cooking/baking in the A side.

Location, location, location. This Resort is in the middle of the historic triangle. Jamestown Settlement and Colonial Williamsburg are only about 5 minutes drive from the Resort. Yorktown is about 15-20 minutes drive. It is also close to two shopping plazas with grocery stores, restaurants, Target, Blockbuster, a movie theater, etc...

The unit did have some maintenance issues that we addressed with the Resort. With the unit being about 20 years old, even with the recent refurbishments, we expected some maintenance issues to come up. Sunterra is working to regain their Gold Crown status with RCI so they are trying to address any housekeeping or maintenance issues right away.

The Resort did have several planned activities during our stay but we did not partake. The Resort grounds are beautiful and the Manor House is a nice touch. The activity center has a good deal of things to do (racquetball, indoor pool, hot tubs, sauna, outdoor volleyball court, tennis courts, outdoor pool, game room, fitness center). We did notice that the Resort could improve in this area. After using the facilities, we felt that the areas could be cleaner and more up-to-date. Other than that, our kids enjoyed playing in the pool and racquetball.

It's a nice Resort overall but not quite 5 star or Gold Crown yet!

We were very dissappointed with this resort. Our rental was supposed to be 1 king, 1 queen and 2 twins. Instead it was 2 doubles and 2 twins. I stopped by the desk, and was told that the entire Plantation was doubles...they do not have QUEEN OR KING BEDS!!

The place smelled terrible and I just turned in a list a things that were broken or not working properly...the dishwasher, coffee maker, ironing board, windows, refridgerator drawers, broken spa thermometer, ceiling fan broken (very wobbly and noisy-we were actually concerned it would work itself loose!) There were little annoyances like the tv remote that needed batteries on the first day, and the poorly designed frigde that held very little food, and not space in the kitchen cupboards for food (literally we had less than a 12 inch space that we made by moving dishes around...we had to stack our food on the small counter.)

The owners said that place was just redone in October-that was 10 months ago! And the carpet looked like it was 20 years ago. The bathrooms need a facelift, they look dirty.

Having decided to make the best of it, we enjoyed the grounds and our daytrips to the local area. The location of the Plantation is great, we are close to everything.

We just spent a week in a two-bedroom condo on the first floor. It was a clean, attractiive condo.

Check-in and check-out was vey smooth. The office staff were pleasant and helpful. The grounds are well-kept and attractive.

The maintenance team were very quick to respond to questions.

The location is convenient to shopping and local attractions. We would stay here again when visiting this area.

Visited May 27 - June 3, 2006, 2br. 2bth "D" unit

- First time at Powhatan (traded through II). - Very pleased with accomodations. Large, spacious unit. Very clean. Carpet and Furniture appeared to be new. Nicely decorated. Granite counters in kitchen. Cabinets appeared to be old but functional. Beds were very comfortable.

- Did not realize how large place was. Very nice grounds. Well maintained. Manor House adds nice touch to this resort. Open for tour.

- Pools were open. Pools for every age. (Pool for 18 and over...mellow/relaxing), (Pool for family with kids...fun), (Pool for family with younger kids....fun), and Little kiddie pool....suspiciously warner than others :) )

Resort is located very close to new well maintained shopping malls. Attractions and food very close by.

Last time in Williamsburg I stayed at Kings Creek. IMO, PP is in a better location (closer to shopping, food). I would definitely stay here again.

Stayed in 196C 5/5-5/12/06. Very pleased, even though our unit does need renovation, it was clean. Dryer had to run several cycles to dry 1/2 load. Doesn't have dataports on phone for computer.

Check-in went very well, and even though we were booked into 2nd floor, when I requested 1st floor (knee problems), a first floor unit was provided.

Although only 2 of us, we got 2-bedroom unit to have extra space & just in case one our kids wanted to come for a few days.

Fireplace in living room, duck peering through sliding glass door, goslings up the hill, hot tub off bedroom. What more could you ask?

The grounds are beautiful and well- maintained. Unfortunately, we could not go to "Murder in the Manor" because it required 6 participants and only had 4 by the cutoff time. A little pricey, but included dinner at "The Kitchen", a fine-dining restaurant on the grounds. What the heck - it's vacation folks!

The Grill, for casual dining, was very good. Being early May, we did not use the outside pool, but it looked inviting. They have a nice indoor pool also that we didn't use.

Williamsburg in early May is great! A lot of flowers in bloom, a few school groups, and very few tourists. Got right into the King's Arms Tavern for lunch with no wait. This has never happened to us before, because we always go to Wburg in the heat of the summer.

Took the Jamestown Ferry across the river to Scotland Neck and drove to Wakefield for lunch at the Virginia Diner, then on to Smithfield for a walking tour of the village's Victorian homes. Would have loved to go inside some of them! This is the home of the Gwaltneys, if anyone is familiar with Gwaltney and Smithfield hams and barbecue. A few shops, but not many open on a Tuesday because it was off season. They do have an antique mall which was pretty good.

Anyway, I recommend Powhatan, but ask for a renovated unit if you can get it.

This was my second stay, having been there with my daughter and her friend in September.

We just visited over Thanksgiving and saw the renovated units and they were as nice as any other place in Williamsburg.They had all new furniture,new carpets and appliances The grounds were neat and clean,the staff was friendly and helpful. IF YOU HAVE NOT STAYED HERE IN A WHILE...... YOU SHOULD SEE IT NOW......

Read other reviews and it sounds like there are several different units in stages of renovations.

My mother and father stayed at this resort unit # 126b the week of Thanksgiving 2005.(We stayed at Williamsburg Plantation) They reserved a one bedroom unit. They got a second floor unit that was very small with only a full size bed. Hardly big enough for 2 people. All the kitchen dishes were on a wire shelf above the washer and dryer all had to be washed before using. The refrigerator was miniture and there was no room to cook. The living area has 2 small chairs and a TV that was right on top of you. Unit needed lots of maintainance, a good cleaning for one, needs new carpet, new baths etc...

The grounds were lovely for this time of year. What a fooler when you drive into this resort. We will never stay here again.

We visited in April 2005 and loved it. The weather was beautiful, tulips were all in bloom at Colonial Williamsburg. Unit was very clean, everything looked updated except the jacuzzi room in the back. The rooms looked newly furnished and the kitchen was spotless! The grounds were beautiful! We (esp. the children) loved all of the geese. There was one that had laid eggs and sat and watched us everytime we left. The proximity to everything was o.k. About 15 min. to C.W. and 20 min. to Busch Gardens. The grocery stores were very close as were many restaurants. Would highly recommend it to anyone.

Went in an off season,but had a great time.1st rate accomodations very large 4 br.If you like the colonial thing that is a plus.The restaurant on site was 5 star. Would have recieved the fifth star if we were their in a season other than winter.

My wife and I stayed in this resort during October this year (2004) and we found it to be a resort that is close to all activities in the area of Norfolk/Newport News, Va to the Washington DC area.

These units are centrally located for history within the Williamburg, Va area and it is an excellent property.

Spwade3

My family stayed at this resort in July 2004. We rented a very spacious unit and the rooms were large and airy as described. The rooms very dirty, the carpets had huge dirt spots and appeared to be very dirty. Dead bugs was every where. This unit looked like no one had been in it for years. Very old run down appliances. Refridgerator was dirty and smelly. This place needs more than a face lift!

We exchanged our week at Cape Cod for this resort in the beginning of July. We're not used to the heat; we wilted like dead flowers. Went to the water park but that was so crowded we couldn't move and the lines for tubes were ridiculous. Busch Gardens was better but both days we got drowned in big thunderstorms in the afternoon. Walking around colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown was just too hot to enjoy. The resort did not impress us. The pools for kids were packed like sardines; the adult pool was much better. I enjoyed walking the complex at night but they could use more lighting. I hate Canadian geese and they're all over the place. The unit was OK but is showing its age; everything could use an updating. You can tell its about 20 years old. The hot tub and ice maker weren't working, but maintenance came quickly and fixed them. Nothing was terrible but it wasn't great either. They have plans to expand but when that happens then they really need another pool complex. One trip here was enough.

May 2004 my wife and I spent a very delightful week at Powhatan. The unit was clean, the grounds were well groomed and the weather was wonderful. For Williamsburg this is an off time during the week but very busy on weekends. We have come to Williamsburg on a regular basis over the past 8 years and each time we find something we did not see before. We will be back in Sept 2005.