Gordonville's Hidden Gem: Travelers Rest Motel (PA) - Book Now!
Gordonville's Hidden Gem: Travelers Rest Motel (PA) - Book Now! – A Rambling Review (With Some Ordering Later)
Alright, listen up, folks! We're talking about the Travelers Rest Motel in Gordonville, Pennsylvania. Forget gleaming city hotels, we're diving into Amish Country and honestly, after a week of digital detox and… ahem… "research," I’ve got some thoughts – and they ain’t all sunshine and buggy rides.
First Impressions (and a bit of a panic attack):
Okay, pulling up to the Travelers Rest, I'll be honest, it felt… quaint. Not the Instagram-perfect quaint, more of a “well-loved” kind of quaint. The sign wasn’t flashing, the paint wasn't peeling too badly… but the sheer lack of… bling… almost threw me. My inner city slicker was twitching. Then, you know, I remembered I'm in Amish Country. And that maybe, just maybe, that's the point.
Accessibility - Getting In & Around (for the Curious and, well, the Needy):
Okay, this is important. Accessibility. They claim to have facilities for disabled guests, and that's a good start. I didn’t personally need them this time, but I did spy an elevator (thank goodness!), and the exterior corridors are a game-changer for folks with mobility issues. That’s a big win right there, especially amongst the area's other accommodations. I'd recommend calling ahead to be sure their current setup meets your specific needs (always a good practice!)
Cleanliness & Safety – Can’t be Too Careful (Especially These Days):
Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Apparently, so the hotel claims to. Daily disinfection of common areas? Yes, yes, yes. Look, in these crazy times, you want a place that isn't just saying they do the cleaning dance; you want them to actually do it. I didn't see anything alarming, and that's a good sign. Hand sanitizer was readily available, but I'm a germaphobe, so I brought my own anyway. (Don’t judge!)
Rooms – The Cozy Factor (and a Few Quirks):
Right, the rooms. Not exactly the Ritz, folks. But clean. Really clean. And that’s huge. They claim to have black-out curtains! Awesome! Air conditioning, yes! That was a lifesaver. Free Wi-Fi? Yup, and it's actually decent – important for keeping up with my… ahem… "research." The internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless is good. They offered… additional toilet, that’s a plus!
Now, the things that didn't quite thrill me: the mini-fridge was a bit… underpowered. My water bottle never got properly chilled. Coffee/tea maker and complimentary tea: a lifesaver! Alarm clock, desk, daily housekeeping: standard, but appreciated. Oh, and that carpet. A bit, uh, vintage, let's say. But hey, who am I to complain? I wasn't expecting a penthouse. The bed was comfy, and honestly, after a day of dodging horse-drawn carriages, I crashed hard.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Adventures (and the Occasional Overindulgence):
Okay, buckle up. The dining situation at the Travelers Rest is… well, let's just say “eclectic.” Breakfast is offered (buffet), with Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant - so yes you're starting your day with international options. They had a coffee shop that served a decent brew (essential!), and there's a restaurant. Restaurants also offered a la carte meals, salad, soup, desserts, and coffee/tea. But, you are also near Asian and Vegetarian restaurants also, also a bar. In true Amish country, they have more than one thing.
The "Things To Do" (and the "Ways to Relax"):
This is where the Travelers Rest starts to shine! Forget the mega-resorts; this place is about real relaxation.
- Spa? Well, there's a spa/sauna. I'm not a huge spa guy, but I did try out the sauna, and it was surprisingly good. A welcome respite after a long day wandering the farm stands. It reminded me of being a kid at my grandparents home.
- Fitness Center: Yes, they have a gym/fitness. I don't always do that… but I did try it!
- Pool with view: Yes! Outdoor swimming pool which is great while you enjoy the view!
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter (and The Ones That Make You Grumble):
Okay, here we go. Air conditioning in public area? Definitely. A gift/souvenir shop? Nope. But who needs souvenirs when you're surrounded by Amish crafts? They did have a convenience store, which was handy (pun intended). Cash withdrawal, concierge, dry cleaning, and the all-important elevator. The front desk is staffed 24-hour. Safe deposit boxes, always a good shout.
I found Contactless check-in/out was really easy!
For the Kids – Family Friendly? (Maybe, with a Caveat):
The Travelers Rest seems family-friendly, offering babysitting service and kids facilities. But I didn’t see a playground or anything super “kid-centric.” It is more of a place for a family that likes to relax, enjoy the atmosphere, or has a lot of kids!
Getting Around – Wheels and Wings (Mostly Wheels):
They offer free car parking! Very important. Airport transfer? Nope. Taxi service? Possible, via the front desk (I think). Bicycle parking! Yes! Great for exploring the back roads.
Now, the Truth Bomb (and the Emotional Rollercoaster):
Look, the Travelers Rest isn't perfect. It's not a luxury hotel. It's a solid, comfortable, and clean place to stay in a very special part of the world. It might not have the flash, but it has character. It has the peace and quiet that you crave after a day of travel. What it lacks in, say, over-the-top amenities, it makes up for in charm, and in being a perfect base camp for exploring the area.
My Unsolicited Advice and Anecdote:
Here's a tip: go with an open mind. Be prepared to slow down. Embrace the pace of life in Lancaster County. And for heavens sake, try the shoofly pie!
One day, I found myself sitting on the terrace, watching the sunset over a field of corn, sipping a coffee and just feeling…. peace. It wasn't the luxury pool with a view I'm used to, it wasn't perfect, but it was… right. And in the end, isn’t that what matters?
The Big Sell (aka THE OFFER):
Gordonville's Hidden Gem: Travelers Rest Motel (PA) - Book Now! – Your Amish Country Escape!
Here’s the deal:
- Cozy Comfort: Clean, comfortable rooms with all the essentials (AC, Wi-Fi, coffee!) perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
- Relax and Rejuvenate: With a spa/sauna and pool/view, relax and enjoy what the countryside brings.
- Convenient Location: Perfect base for exploring the beautiful Amish countryside.
- Safety First: Cleanliness is a priority, with anti-viral cleaning protocols and a dedicated staff.
Book Now! and experience the charm and tranquility of the Travelers Rest! Don't expect the flash, expect a fantastic value and a genuine, unforgettable experience.
Final Verdict:
The Travelers Rest Motel? It's a yes from me. Go. Explore. Breathe. And maybe, just maybe, leave a little stressed-out city behind. You won’t regret it.
(P.S. Ask for a room away from the road, or you’ll be woken by the occasional horse-drawn carriage. Charming… but loud!)
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Coconut Grove Getaway in Thailand
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. We're diving headfirst into a chaotic, honest, and possibly disastrous trip to the heart of Amish Country, specifically… Gordonville, Pennsylvania. And our base of operations? The ahem charming, Travelers Rest Motel. Let's see if we survive this.
Travelers Rest Motel: Gordonville, PA - The Unofficial Itinerary (Because Who Needs a Plan?)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (and Pretzel Bites)
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Arrival & Check-In: Okay, so the GPS led us on a scenic route involving a questionable dirt road and a near-miss with a very determined cow (I swear, it looked directly at me, judging). Finally, we arrive! Travelers Rest… it’s… well, it's something. The outside looks like it hasn't seen a new coat of paint since the Reagan administration. I almost expect to see the Blues Brothers' station wagon parked out front. The lobby? Let's just say the fake floral arrangements are… assertive. The check-in process itself was a masterclass in slow-motion. The clerk, bless his heart, seemed more interested in the history of the local weather than actually giving us a room key. After what felt like an eternity, we finally had a key. Key to room 107… may the odds be ever in our favor.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Room Inspection & Mild Panic: Entering the room was like stepping back in time. Think flowery wallpaper, a bedspread that probably predates the invention of the internet, and a distinct aroma of…mystery. Okay, let's be honest, the bathroom might have triggered a mild flight response. I’m not sure if I can live there. But hey, at least there are two beds, so my travel buddy has a chance to recover. My travel buddy is already looking out the window. I should probably go get my camera to take photos…
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Snack Attack & Reality Check: The complimentary continental breakfast is probably going to be a joke. I'm already envisioning stale donuts and instant coffee. We immediately locate the nearest grocery store. We bought snacks. Bagels, cream cheese, peanut butter… the essentials of a successful vacation. And then, after a brief consultation with the existential dread, a bag of Pennsylvania Dutch pretzel bites. Because we're tourists and we embrace it.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner at "Abe's Grill" (and the Great Bug Encounter): After a nap, we went to a TripAdvisor-recommended place, Abe’s Grill. This place was a local hotspot and we were seated immediately. The waitress was probably 8 years old (kidding!). The food was… hearty. The fried chicken was a grease bomb, but strangely delicious. And then, the incident. This absolutely massive moth flew into my hair and proceeded to attack the living daylights out of me, flapping around like a furry little horror movie. I screamed like a child, which, admittedly, I probably sounded like. My travel buddy just stared with a look of utter amusement. "Well, that was memorable," she said, between giggles.
7:00 PM - Bedtime: Planning… or Procrastination? Back at the motel, we try to make our plans for tomorrow. We look at the brochures. Then, we nap.
Day 2: Amish Acres & Questioning Everything
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast Debacle: The continental breakfast? Yep, confirmed: Stale donuts and instant coffee. Also, the butter packets had the consistency of concrete. We made a quick escape, clutching our bagel supplies from the previous day.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Amish Experience - The Good, The Bad, and the Beautiful: We decided to embrace it! We head to an Amish village just outside of Gordonville. The scenery is stunning. Rolling hills, the simple elegance of an Amish farm… It's the kind of beauty that makes you stop and breathe. The horse-drawn buggies are cool. We visited an Amish produce stand and bought some amazing peaches. Then we watched the Amish wood workers. I felt a little intrusive, but I know they were used to tourists.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch (and the Great Pickle Adventure): We found a cute little diner run by a family… so much food. I decided I should try the dill pickles. They were… intense. I'm not sure I've ever tasted anything so sour. I think my face contorted into a shape that hasn't been seen since the invention of the selfie.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Farm Tour & Existential Reflections: We went on a farm tour. It was amazing! The history of the farm was very interesting. They answered questions about the rules of the elders.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Back to the Motel & Staring into the Abyss: We drove back to the motel. I sat in front of the window and stared into the abyss of the motel room (and my own thoughts).
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner at "The Plain & Fancy Farm Restaurant": Dinner at the Plain & Fancy Farm Restaurant was… well, fancy by Gordonville standards. It featured more hearty, home-style food. The service was impeccable. I ate too much.
7:00 PM - Bedtime: Planning… or Procrastination, Part 2?: We try to plan for tomorrow. More brochures. More naps. Another episode of the existential dread.
Day 3: Shopping, Cheese, and Escape
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast, the Final Chapter: You know the drill. Donuts, coffee, and a general feeling of disappointment.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Shopping, Shopping, Shopping: We hit up a few of the tourist shops. Got some souvenirs. I found a quilt. It seemed a bit cliché, but it was stunning, so I bought it.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Cheese Tasting: We went to a cheese shop. My love of cheese has deepened even more.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Heading out: We're packing up now. The room is a disaster. The TV remote is missing. I don't think I'll miss the motel, but a small part of me will miss the weirdness of it all.
2:00 PM: Departure: Finally, freedom! We bid farewell to the Travelers Rest Motel. And I'm just grateful to have survived. We're heading out, and I'm already planning my next adventure.
Post-Trip Musings:
Gordonville, Pennsylvania. It was… an experience. It was messy, charming, a little weird, and definitely unforgettable. Would I go back? Maybe. But next time, I'm bringing my own pillow. And definitely my own bug spray.
Travelers Rest Motel - Gordonville, PA: FAQ (Because Let's Face It, You Need the Lowdown)
First things first, is this place...okay? Like, REALLY okay?
The website says "Historic Motel." How historic are we talking? Like, dinosaur bones historic?
Okay, but what about the cleanliness? I'm a bit of a germaphobe (or, you know, *normal*).
What are the rooms like? Do they have, like, modern amenities?
The location…is it near anything good? Food? Activities? Because I'm NOT spending the entire weekend in my… room.
Okay, I'm mostly sold. But what's the *one* thing I REALLY need to know before I book? Any hidden gotchas?
Is there a breakfast? (Breakfast is CRUCIAL.)
