The Williamsburg Inn has everything you might remember about true full-service luxury properties: outstanding location; over-sized tasteful and timeless rooms; warm, welcoming and efficient staff; huge tasteful baths with separate showers; old-style public rooms; traditional fine dining; concierge services to enhance your stay and, yes, a true universal desire to exceed your expectations.

This is not nouveau-riche luxury the reviewer sees every day in South Beach and from time to time globally. This is old-money luxury, and if that level of decorum and understated ambiance appeals to you, enjoy it at the Williamsburg Inn, for it is becoming rarer in a world of glitzy, over-the-top, wretched-excess expressions of wealth. The Williamsburg Inn is a "class act," pure and simple.

As you enter your room, the entire design comforts you with something warm and familiar, not cold and sterile like many formula hotel rooms. The standard room is well oversized, similar to a suite without a dividing wall, with several windows overlooking the grounds. The bath is two rooms, the first with two vanities and a two-person tub, the second being the toilet and large shower stall. Separate bathroom heating controls allow you to exit your bath or shower to a comfortable temperature. The furniture, decorating and fixtures are spotless and in excellent condition.

Perhaps a drawback for a few is the smaller LCD TV viewable from the sitting area or the bed, stored in a large armoire. Everything is traditional style, and there are plenty of independent lighting fixtures to create a mood or level of functionality. Bedding comfort is superior, if a bit soft. Bed linens are fine, however the most obvious room drawback is the bath linen, small and reminiscent of a dorm or gym. This is an inexplicable inconsistency, especially when you see the two thick bathrobes in the closet.

Whether this is your first visit or the umpteenth return (and many return annually), the concierge on duty is outstanding in helpfulness and can-do attitude, without any stuffiness or hesitation waiting for a gratuity. (Sure, they will accept a token of appreciation, if you so choose.) As you comfortably sit at their desks, they take as much time as needed and are equipped with maps, brochures and, most valuable of all, experienced opinions. Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown have a plethora of worthwhile activities, so they can help you set priorities and make all your reservations for concerts, dining, tours and other special events.

The staff of doormen, bellmen, hostesses, wait staff, maids and housekeeping, room service and on and on was born with a smile and pleasant lilt to their voices. It is hard to walk the property without being warmly greeted and being given that "I feel special" feeling. The only exception was the front desk staff which lacked the warmth and gregariousness of the other 95% of employees. While generally adequate, they were relatively indifferent to officious.

There is golf and a spa which the reviewer did not experience. The grounds, like all of Colonial Williamsburg, are exceptional. Lastly, and perhaps the distinct advantage of the Williamsburg Inn, is the location right on the edge of the colonial area, within 5-15 minute walking distance of most buildings and sites with the exception of the visitor center. For that you catch the shuttle bus which stops within a block and a half.

The Williamsburg Inn is one of the world's great properties. While the Inn has standard luxury resort facilities, the unique features of Colonial Williamsburg create a rare gem which should not be missed in one's lifetime.