notes from the road

Every stay tells a story. In our From the Guest Book series, we hand over the pen to our guests—sharing their snapshots, little moments, and personal take on life at The Rochambeau. Think of it as flipping through the motel’s well-worn guestbook.

From Raleigh to the Rochambeau—Andrea Metivier shares her take on the perfect Williamsburg weekend.

The Rochambeau Roadside Inn: Where Nostalgia Meets Modern Ease

“There’s something comforting about a place that feels both familiar and fresh.

The Rochambeau is an ideal hideaway for a family escape or a couples’ retreat in Williamsburg. While there’s no shortage of lodging options in the area, The Rochambeau stands apart - balancing ideal location, impeccable cleanliness, thoughtful design, and warm hospitality. After a day spent exploring town or wandering through a theme park, it’s exactly the kind of place you want to return to.

The rooms are a study in balance - clean lines, soft textures, and just the right amount of retro personality to transport you into a reimagined summer memory. Everything feels intentional, from the linen bedding to the curated artwork on the walls. Particularly comforting were the cotton robes and card games - it felt like an invitation to linger in the room a little longer.

One of the unexpected joys of the weekend was returning to Busch Gardens. I hadn’t been in years, and walking through the park was not only navigating the different ‘countries’ in the park, but stepping back in time as well.

Breakfast at Pancake House was equally nostalgic. There’s something deeply satisfying about a classic American breakfast of pancakes, eggs, sausage, and bacon - simple, hearty, and exactly what you want before a full day's itinerary. It doesn’t hurt that it’s just around the corner so you don’t have to go far for a big breakfast.

Colonial Williamsburg was peaceful and charming as ever. We wandered past historic homes, grabbed coffee from the Raleigh Tavern, and found a shaded gravel picnic area - it honestly felt like time slowed down for a bit, watching the squirrels chase each other and listening to the birds sing.

Dinner at Fat Canary was the crown jewel of the trip. Nestled in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg, the restaurant has everything you hope for in a dining experience: seasonal, well-executed dishes, seamless service, and an ambient warmth. It was pertinent to our tastebuds that we tried the Dark Chocolate Mousse - needless to say I will be thinking of that flourless cake for a very long time.

On our last night, we took our ‘Early Check In’ wine out to the patio and cheered under the string of lights - It was the perfect end to a weekend that felt both familiar and relaxing.

If you’re seeking a place that encourages you to slow down, revisit old joys, and make new memories, the Rochambeau Roadside Inn is just the place. Understated, inviting, and quietly enchanting - as someone who travels often, I cannot recommend it enough. “