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Williamsburg in June: Colonies vs Powhatan

MelissaI

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We would like to visit Williamsburg in early June. I’m considering both of these resorts. Any recommendations? Points are higher for Colonies at Williamsburg, but is it worth it? We are a family of four. I have two sons, 14 and 15. The scheduled activities aren’t really a big deal for them. I was leaning towards Powhatan for the point savings, but is there a reason to avoid it or go with Colonies? Any help would be appreciated. I have checked out the reviews here for both.
 

Big Matt

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Colonies are much newer. Location is very close to the Outlet Mall. Powhattan is in a better location and closer to more things. Neither is right near Colonial Williamsburg or Busch Gardens. I wouldn't expect the activities to be anything special at either place for teens.
 

tschwa2

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If you are booking through rci or II, you also want to check and compare resort fees. Colonies charges, I believe $30 per week. According to RCI, Powhatan charges $20.95 per night resort fee.
 

pedro47

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To the OP, if you are a Diamond owner they will not charge you resort fees.
 
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wackymother

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We haven't stayed at Colonies, but we've been to Powhatan several times and like it a lot. The grounds are so big that a couple of teenagers could go for a walk to swim or to hang out somewhere away from Mom and Dad's watchful eyes, so maybe they would enjoy that. I think Powhatan also has basketball courts and tennis courts and maybe a handball court, if they like any of those.
 

pedro47

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Everything in Williamsburg will be fully open for an excellent vacation experience. Plus, it can be hot and humid in Williamsburg.
 

Miss Marty

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Williamsburg Virginia Timeshare

  • The Colonies at Williamsburg
  • 5380 Olde Towne Road
  • Williamsburg, VA 23188
  • Phone 757-903-2000
  • *There is a $30.00 Resort Fee collected at
  • the time of check-in (one fee per reservation).


Here are a couple of reasons we have passed on this resort

Resort Fee!

Shared washers and dryers are conveniently located in the common hallway between the A and B units on each floor and are available to use at no cost. Select units have a stackable washer and dryer inside the unit.

It is a Pet Friendly Resort - Non Refundable Pet Fee
Due to Allergies - Prefer not to stay at The Colonies.
 

MelissaI

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Williamsburg Virginia Timeshare

  • The Colonies at Williamsburg
  • 5380 Olde Towne Road
  • Williamsburg, VA 23188
  • Phone 757-903-2000
  • *There is a $30.00 Resort Fee collected at
  • the time of check-in (one fee per reservation).


Here are a couple of reasons we have passed on this resort

Resort Fee!

Shared washers and dryers are conveniently located in the common hallway between the A and B units on each floor and are available to use at no cost. Select units have a stackable washer and dryer inside the unit.

It is a Pet Friendly Resort - Non Refundable Pet Fee
Due to Allergies - Prefer not to stay at The Colonies.
I was doing more research today and reading reviews and saw the shared washer/dryer mentioned in some reviews. That is a big turn-off for me. I think we are going to give Powhatan a try. Also prefer no pets for allergies. Thanks for your input!
 

tschwa2

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Just for reference the Colonies like most Vacation Village Resorts have a number of dedicated pet friendly units. Those are the only units that allow pets. If you want one of those rooms you should call and request as soon as you make the reservations to ensure there is a pet friendly unit available. I find that resorts that have a couple of dedicated pet friendly units have slightly fewer guests trying to pass off their pets as service animals. They aren't allowed to restrict service animals to particular units so they could be in any unit vs the dedicated pet friendly units.
 

pedro47

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Powhatan is closer to Publix, Wal-Mart, Fresh Market, Traders Joe's, Target, two shopping centers, several major chain fast food restaurants and some great local and national chain restaurants in Williamsburg.
 

Gwendyc

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We just got back from the Powhatan. There didn't seem like many activities (ex. Trivia night was a sheet of paper with questions that you took back to your room, but the situation could change by next summer), but the location was convenient enough. We enjoyed the pools and there were many different types of courts- basketball, volleyball, tennis, indoor racquetball, mini golf, and you could get sports equipment at the activities desk. My kids (aged 2 and 5) enjoyed the playground and we sure did appreciate the in-room washer and dryer! Resort fee ended up being about $165 for the week after tax.
 

escanoe

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HGVC: Flamingo & Anderson Ocean Club
Vacation Village: Woodstone at Massanutten and Grandview (RCI Points) & the Colonies
I have never stayed in Powhatan, but just made a reservation to check into a 3BR there for the Saturday of Columbus Day weekend (10/9). Will have 6 family members and waited too late to get the Friday of Columbus Day weekend anywhere in Williamsburg. It was only 7,500 RCI Points (may make paying the resort fee slightly easier). I filled out an RCI Platinum comp upgrade/resort change request to see if by small chance I can find an acceptable place in Williamsburg with a Friday checkin. Who knows with the COVID churn that has been going on.
 
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