Williamsburg’s Rochambeau Roadside Inn: Where Mid-Century Vibes Meet Colonial Heritage!

A roadside inn built in 1954 has connections to colonial America.

I was 100% drawn in to learn more about the Rochambeau Roadside Inn when I saw the page on their website telling their story. The past, the future, and wait for it- "our namesake." Three things I want to see on a "story" especially in relation to John D. Rockefeller's vision of reconstructing Colonial Williamsburg and paying homage to the French General who traveled here to support our Revolutionary War victory.

Oh and, of course, a family dedicated to history and offering it up through a retro (yet modern) roadside inn.

History, connections, travel... it's why I've added curated travel itineraries to my offerings for y'all.

And THIS place is a perfect fit for me to write about. A place to stay, but with the history and connections I love so much.

Disclaimer: As a blogger, I use affiliate links sometimes! I may receive commission from purchases I share; it does not change your price but sometimes you might get a discount.

Writing on the patio at the Rochambeau Roadside Inn, 2025

For context, who is Rochambeau?

Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, Cmte. de Rochambeau was critical to American success in the war for independence. When King Louis XVI decided to send soldiers and sailors our way, Rochambeau, a seasoned military officer, was placed in command.

His military accomplishments include service during The Seven Years' War against the British and the War of Austrian Succession.

A few quick facts on the Cmte. de Rochambeau:

• July 1, 1725: born in Vendome, France to a noble family
• December 22, 1749: marries Jean-Therese de Costa, daughter of a wealthy Portugese merchant
• April 7, 1755: son Donatien, who also serves during the American Revolutionary War, is born
• July 11, 1780: arrived in America at Newport, Rhode Island
• October 19, 1781: leader of the French military, siege of Yorktown
• December 15, 1781: hosted a feast in honor of the Yorktown victory at the Peyton Randolph house in Williamsburg (where he was staying) - followed by a larger celebration at the Raleigh Tavern - read more here

RELATED: Dive deeper into Rochambeau and his memoirs by clicking here.

The Peyton Randolph House, Colonial Williamsburg

Let's talk about revitalization of the Rochambeau Roadside Inn.

Connection to Colonial Williamsburg.

Built in 1954, the original owner actually had a home on Colonial Williamsburg's famous main street: the Duke of Gloucester Street.

In the 1930s, John D. Rockefeller, invested in the properties throughout the current historic area to reconstruct Colonial Williamsburg. Through his passions and purchases, we get to experience what's currently the largest living history museum in the world.

One of those purchases: the Crump House. All indications make me certain this was the house on Duke of Gloucester Street George A. Bryhn sold to Rockefeller. It's the one notated at the John D. Rockefeller Library's property records as being owned by George.

John Crump House, 2025

In turn, Bryhn purchased land just outside the targeted area and ultimately built the Rochambeau Motel. It was an iconic site for sure.

Fun fact: Robert F. Kennedy stayed at the Rochambeau while his brother John was here in Williamsburg campaigning for his presidency!

Now, years later, Lyle Schiavone (a Williamsburg native BTW) purchased the property from the Bryhn family and brought it back to life as the Rochambeau Roadside Inn.

You'll meet Lyle on the blog in a soon-to-come interview!

And Lyle isn't the only Schiavone involved- working closely on bringing the property to life is his sister Anna. Anna's expertise has built the brand. From design elements to the concepts preserving this historic property connecting the Rochambeau Roadside Inn's to the future, her role is integral.

Photo [displayed in lobby] of the original Rochambeau Motel

Reconstruction of the Rochambeau Motel into the Roadside Inn.

Thanks to Domenic Scavongelli, I've gotten a deeper understanding of the site. Not only did I get a tour, but it inspired me to book a workcation a couple weeks later.

Domenic's background is in construction projects of this type and his eye for both detail and quality on this project is evident. So much so that he stayed with property and is now the General Manager.

Lyle, the previously mentioned owner, did his homework and clearly succeeded in bringing the heart of iconic roadside inns to this place. However he didn't sacrifice modern touches. In fact, he put comfort and convenience foremost.

From the remote control to adjust room temps to the contactless check-in and room codes (no key cards!), this lodging is fully 21st century - nothing 1954 about it. But super-importantly, the beds are SO comfortable.

Temperature control.

My bed, map above incudes Yorktown Siege

And yet- nods to the history we all love around here. For example, thoughtful additions of art in the rooms range from sketches of buildings in the historic area to a copy of the Frenchman's Map (which hangs in our home as well!).

If you're naming your property after the commander of French forces in the Revolutionary War, having the map believed to be created by his men makes total sense. (To learn more about the history of the map, click here to open Colonial Williamsburg's article in a new tab.)

Further preservation efforts come in the form of objects like reclaimed wood used for furniture. Picnic tables, a fire pit and outdoor seating throughout give a peaceful and spacious atmosphere. The property is 5 acres in total, so we'll see what the future brings!

Wood desk in room.

Why stay at the Rochambeau Roadside Inn?

Proximity to Colonial Williamsburg.

If you're reading about the Rochambeau Roadside Inn on this blog, there's a pretty solid chance you're into history. And if you're traveling here, you'll be hitting Colonial Williamsburg.

The Rochambeau Roadside Inn is 1.1 miles to the reconstructed Capitol Building and .8 miles to the Visitor's Center.

Staycation/workcations (like I did!).

Personally, I loved hanging out on the patio working on the structure for this blog post! There's more though:

• the ease of checking in
• parking right by your room
• strong wifi
• multiple outlets
• continental breakfast in the morning (with local coffee roasts and local bread!)

... all of these factors make this a fantastic workcation location.

Rochambeau Roadside Inn patio

It's simply an excellent property.

Clean, convenient, quiet, cozy. And affordable!

In total there are currently 22 rooms and the team is open to creative uses and bookings. Ideas like work retreats, weddings (and yes, they've booked them!), William and Mary alumni visits... are fantastic uses of the property.

If you are visiting the area with kids, there's even a connected family suite which includes double-bed bunk beds!

Branded water bottles.

Calls to action.

1) If you come to Williamsburg, book a stay at the Rochambeau Roadside Inn. Click here to make reservations.

2) if you want a customized guided walking tour, I'm your gal. Book a call to get it organized (because, yes: it is CUSTOMIZED to your interests). Also possible: a curated travel itinerary getting you to all the places you want to see while in the area (or on the way!).

Closing words from history.

There were so many directions I could've gone in selecting words from history for this post! I decided to pay homage to the value of a good "tavern" as seen in this excerpt given by Thomas Jefferson.

He found a tavern keeper who helped him connect with another wine-lover.

Click here to read his "hints" in full; it's a treat. I've found another thing that draws me to Jefferson-- his creation of this list! An 18th century version of a curated travel itinerary? Thomas and I have something in common. As does the team at the Rochambeau Inn whose Instagram account, primarily run by Anna, keeps you updated on local events and treasured finds.

Jefferson’s Hints to Americans Travelling in Europe, 19 June 1788

Coblentz . The Wildman ou l’Homme sauvage. A very good tavern. The tavern keeper furnished me with the Carte des postes d’Allemagne. I paid his bill without examining it. When I looked into it, after my departure I found he had forgot to insert the Map, and I had no sure opportunity of sending him the price. Pray pay him for me with this apology, and I shall reimburse it with thankfulness. He is very obliging. He accompanied me to a gentleman well acquainted with the vineyards and wines of the Moselle about which I wished to inform myself. He will recollect me from that circumstance.

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There is a huge practical disclaimer to the content on this blog, which is my way of sharing my excitement and basically journaling online.

1) I am not a historian nor an expert. I will let you know I’m relaying the information as I understand and interpret it. The employees of Colonial Williamsburg base their presentations, work, and responses on historical documents and mainly primary sources.

2) I will update for accuracy as history is constant learning. If you have a question about accuracy, please ask me! I will get the answer from the best source I can find.

3) Photo credit to me, Daphne Reznik, for all photos in this post, unless otherwise credited! All photos are personal photos taken in public access locations or with specific permission.

Street view, Rochambeau Roadside Inn