From Arthur Levine,
Your Guide to Theme Parks.
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The water park IS the main draw, but Williamsburg's Great Wolf Lodge also offers a daily roster of supervised dry activities that kids can do with or without their families, including contests, hikes, and crafts projects (in the Cub Club Room). It's sort of like a cruise ship itinerary for youngsters. The resort offers most of the activities free of charge. (It does charge a nominal fee to cover the materials for some of the crafts projects.) Each evening, the resort offers a pajamas-optional (it's a family resort; don't get any ideas) story time in front of its enormous fireplace. There is also a huge arcade with redemption games. Great Wolf Lodge also offers a MagiQuest interactive attraction. The extra-charge experience immerses players in a high-tech, multi-player fantasy environment that is somewhat like walking into a video game.

It may be a kids' paradise, but mom (and dad) can get some pampering too at Elements, the Great Wolf Lodge's Aveda concept spa. After all that chlorine exposure and wave tumbling, adults may want to rejuvenate their skin and work some kinks out. Services include massages, facials, and nail treatments. Restaurants include the full-service Camp Critter bar and Grille and the cafeteria-style Loose Moose Cottage. It's not gourmet fare, but the food is quite good (if a tad pricey). The resort also features the Bear Claw Café, a sinfully decadent take-out shop crammed with homemade fudge, hand-dipped chocolates, fresh pastries, ice cream, and fancy coffees.

How are the accommodations?

All rooms are suites and include a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. To help keep meal costs down, many guests tote their own food-filled coolers and dine, at least sometimes, in their rooms. You could stock up on provisions at the Wal-Mart next door.

The basic family suite, which is fairly spacious, has two queen beds and a living area separated by a 3/4-wall divider. The living area includes a sofa bed. Other room configurations include a loft fireplace suite and a "Kidcabin" suite that includes themed bunk beds.

My "Majestic Bear" suite, which sleeps eight and included a separate bedroom, was especially roomy and comfortable. It featured a dining area with a breakfast nook and six stools, although the stools were somewhat low for the counter--particularly problematic for young kids. The king-size bed was comfy and the pillows were oversized and suitably firm (tiny, mushy hotel pillows are a pet peeve of mine). There were two TVs in the suite, but no desk. Overachievers who bring office work to their family vacations could set up shop on the patio table or the breakfast nook. The hotel does offer free wireless Internet access, but the signal is spotty. In the minor quibble department, the room was on the dark side, even with all of the lights turned on. And placing a towel bar directly over the toilet is just asking for trouble--especially at a place that caters to kids.

While there's plenty to do without ever leaving the resort, the Great Wolf Lodge could serve as a base from which to visit Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Busch Gardens, and other area sites. Inquire about specials. If you're able to visit mid-week during slower seasons, you may find some especially good deals. For longer Williamsburg vacations, you could consider staying one or two nights at the Great Wolf Lodge to enjoy the water park and booking lower-priced accommodations for the balance of your trip.

Compare rates for Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg at About.com's booking partner, Kayak.

For phone, address, directions, and other quick facts, go to the Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg Overview.

Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg Indoor Water Park Photo Gallery.