4 Best Hotels in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Pennsylvania

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Lancaster County lodgings off a wide range of options—stay at a historic inn, or indulge yourself at a luxurious resort. A good selection of moderately priced motels caters to families. Although hotels welcome guests year-round, rates are highest in summer. Some inns and bed-and-breakfasts have minimum stays in high season.

Many working Amish and non-Amish farms throughout Lancaster County welcome guests to stay for a few days to observe and even participate in farm life. Operated as bed-and-breakfast establishments with a twist, the farms invite you to help milk the cows and feed the chickens, and afterward share a hearty breakfast with the farmer and his family or help with other farm chores. Reservations must be made weeks in advance, as most farms are heavily booked in summer. The Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau has a listing of all area B&Bs and farms that welcome guests. Lancaster County Bed-and-Breakfast Association has information on 15 area B&Bs.

Historic Smithton Inn

$ | 900 W. Main St., Ephrata, PA, 17522, USA
Smithton Inn, Ephrata
Christian Giannalli Phogography

In this former tavern built in 1763, all of the rooms have electric fireplaces and hand-sewn quilts, and some have four-poster or half-canopy beds. The stone building is filled with hand-tooled furniture that is true to the period, much of it built by local craftspeople. Friday to Sunday a small bar serves local wine and beer, as well as pizza from the oven in the backyard; sometimes there is live music.

Pros

  • Authentic period decor
  • Pet-friendly
  • Robes in the guest rooms

Cons

  • Rooms need sprucing up
  • No elevator
  • Children under 13 limited to the Taylor Cottage
900 W. Main St., Ephrata, PA, 17522, USA
717-733–6094
Hotel Details
8 rooms
Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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B. F. Hiestand House

$$ | 722 E. Market St., Marietta, PA, 17547, USA

Sumptuous guest rooms with modern amenities draw guests to this grand 1887 Victorian house that retains many of its original design features without feeling stuffy. Each room has its own traditional style and might include a stained glass window, hand-painted French tiles, an electric fireplace, or a whirlpool bath. Afternoon snacks are laid out in the comfy parlor, and wicker furniture awaits on the long porch overlooking the garden and town. A full breakfast is served at a long dining room table.

Pros

  • Attentive hospitality
  • Walkable to a riverfront park
  • Shared fridge for drinks and leftovers

Cons

  • Smoking allowed in designated areas
  • Children under 21 are not allowed
  • $25 extra charged for pets
722 E. Market St., Marietta, PA, 17547, USA
717-426–8415
Hotel Details
6 rooms
Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Cork Factory Hotel

$ | 480 New Holland Ave., Lancaster, PA, 17602, USA

The exposed-brick walls, vaulted wood ceilings, and exposed ductwork of this boutique hotel recall its former life as the Armstrong Cork Company. The varied rooms are modern but no-frills, though you will find essentials like free Wi-Fi, free on-site parking, and a fitness center. The hotel's Cork & Cap Restaurant is cocooned within rustic rock walls.

Pros

  • Many original factory features have been preserved
  • Atmospheric bar
  • Friendly, unpretentious front desk vibe

Cons

  • Poor lighting in rooms
  • Hard-to-find location in a mixed-use complex
  • 1 mile from the core of downtown
480 New Holland Ave., Lancaster, PA, 17602, USA
717-735–2075
Hotel Details
93 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Holiday Inn Lancaster

$ | 26 E. Chestnut St., Lancaster, PA, 17602, USA

Its perfect downtown location makes this generic chain property handy for exploring the city. Rooms and public spaces are modern but basic, but the rooms have refrigerators and free Wi-Fi. A fitness center and indoor pool, plus a restaurant and bar, are among the amenities, and the hotel welcomes pets. 

Pros

  • In-room Keurig coffeemakers
  • Views from some rooms
  • Within walking distance of most downtown businesses

Cons

  • No in-room microwaves
  • There's a charge for breakfast
  • Bland decor
26 E. Chestnut St., Lancaster, PA, 17602, USA
717-394–0900
Hotel Details
215 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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