Fun Couples Activities for a Romantic Getaway in Lancaster, PA

Romantic hotel room getaway, a table with a fruit plate and candles, in the background a bed decorated with swans of towels and rose petals

Spring is in the air, which means it’s time to get outside, plan vacations, and enjoy the beautiful weather with your loved one. Luckily, romantic getaways in Lancaster, PA, won’t break the bank for you and your partner, and you can both enjoy a nice quiet retreat in beautiful Lancaster County. If you’re tired of …

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A Tour of Lancaster City’s Art Museums and Galleries

Family visiting Lancaster Arts Hotel art gallery

It’s no secret that downtown Lancaster, PA, is a central hub for art and entertainment. After all, the name of our hotel is the Lancaster Arts Hotel! While we’re one of quite a few places to stay in Lancaster, PA, we proudly boast our role as the only area hotel focused on uplifting the local …

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Lancaster City Nightlife: 7 Hotspots to Visit

aerial view of Lancaster City in Pennsylvania

When you’re visiting a new city, some of the best moments can happen when you are able to leave your hotel and explore. Unfortunately, life can get in the way, and your daytime hours may be extremely limited due to a late flight, conferences, or all-day work activities. Luckily, Lancaster City has a large number …

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7 of Our Favorite Places to Visit in Lancaster County

In a previous post, we talked about some of our favorite go-to spots right here in Downtown Lancaster. But when you’re staying in a five-star hotel in Lancaster, we hope that you’ll want to linger a bit longer and explore more of what our beautiful county has to offer. The Lancaster Arts Hotel is one …

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Must-See Sights in Historic Downtown Lancaster

As the world attempts to get back to some semblance of normalcy after COVID-19, you may be looking to finally get out of the house. If you’re not ready for a big vacation and you find yourself looking to Lancaster, PA for a quick getaway, we’ve got you covered with activities and sights in historic …

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Everything You Need to Know About First Friday in Lancaster, PA

When you find yourself visiting a new city, what’s the first thing you search for? Is it the favorite local restaurants, fun activities you can’t do anywhere else, or maybe you just like to find some of the best site-seeing spots? No matter what your pick is, you’ll be glad to know that First Friday …

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Hear What Previous Guests Have to Say

A picture is worth a thousand words, but a review is worth a million! If you are unsure if you want to host your event with us or visit our hotel, please review what some previous guests have said about their visits!

					I was travelling to Lancaster to visit family and began my hotel search with hotels in walking vicinity of the Amtrak station.  Lancaster Arts Hotel was closest (0.8 miles).  However, I am a member of most the big hotel chains, and I first looked into staying at The Holiday Inn (0.9 miles) or Home2Suites by Hilton (1.1 miles).  The Holiday Inn had some fairly poor reviews, and Home2Suites was a bit pricey for a Tuesday through Thursday stay.  The Lancaster Arts reservation (during a winter sale) would be a little over $300 with free breakfast included.  So, I took a chance and booked a room.

The first positive indicator came when I called the hotel, spoke to Addie (if I remember correctly), and she stated my family could park in the hotel garage for free while they were visiting me there.  Parking was also complimentary for me as a guest (which was not applicable because I did not have a car).  Free parking is unheard of at most hotels; usually, there is a fee.

The second perk were two free bottles of water in the room upon arrival.  At most corporate hotel chains, you have to have a certain level of membership to get free bottled water.  For example, Hyatt basic members don't get free bottled water.  You have to become a Discoverist level member in order to get water at no charge.

I didn't realize until my family arrived how covenient the location was for them.  I set out on a walk to the area of the Holiday Inn, and it was bustling.  Lancaster Arts Hotel is in a quieter section of the city, nearer to Franklin & Marshall college.  Certainly not as convenient for those who want to shop or would like a grocery store around the corner, but better for those travelers who are looking for a less hectic pace.

Speaking of quiet, I have to point out a strange clause in the hotel information sheet that was provided by the front desk representative.  It stated that quiet hours for the hotel began at 10pm.  I have never been to a hotel that enforced a quiet period overnight.  I'm not certain how that is policed or what 'quiet' is defined as. I was in bed each night by 10pm; thus, it did not impact my stay.  However, if you are staying in this hotel for a celebration (such as a wedding or bachelor party where guests revel into the wee hours), you may want to call the hotel first and inquire about this policy.

My room (317 if I recall correctly) was very nice.  My only slight two disappointmets were the size of the television and the heat maxing out at 75 degrees.  (A five star hotel for me has both a fifty inch television and a thermometer that will reach at least 80 degrees.)   What made up for those two slight letdowns were a few unexpected amenities.  Tarocco Sicilian Blood Orange Shampoo/Conditioner/Lotion.  A magnifying mirror (always a sign of class in a hotel room).  A plush velvet comforter hidden away in the cabinet that I pulled out and slept on top of.  A ceiling heat lamp in the bathroom.  I got a little chilly in the bedroom, but the heat lamp in the bathroom after a shower was perfection!

At night, my best advice is to NOT hang a "Do Not Disturb" sign.  Usually, from the time I check into a hotel room, the DND sign is on the door.  I forgot, and I'm glad I did.  Sometime after 8pm, I heard a knock on my door.  A hotel representative had a rose and two pieces of chocolate to give as complimentary gifts from the hotel.  It was unexpected and wonderful!  I pulled off the rose petals, put them in a cup in a refrigerator, and had them in both my oatmeal and coffee the next morning at breakfast.

As to breakfast, it was very pleasing and had elements of surprise such as breakfast quiche with feta cheese and sundried tomato.  The oatmeal minibar had chocolate chips, and they paired well with the petals I had collected from the complimentary hotel rose.

Overall, the Lancaster Arts Hotel was remarkable in its ability to take the extras that other hotels offer at a charge and to blend them into their very reasonably priced rates at no fee!
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11/28/2024
					I stayed at this hotel from July 2nd to July 5th. After viewing online and at Trip Advisor,  I chose this hotel for it's character and charm. I wanted a room with the brick detail.

However, I asked for a quiet room not near the elevator. The room was a bit worn and needed a fresh paint job.

A lot of hotel rooms are.

The room I got didn't have the brick detail but was clean, quiet and large with a sofa.

I could've exchanged but I appreciated  where I was.

No microwave nor fridge except a wine cooler.

You get a continental breakfast.  Not fancy but fills your belly. Hard boiled eggs, pancakes, instant oatmeal, prepackaged breakfast sandwiches,fruit, breads  juices, tea and coffee.

To be able to take bottled water with you would have been a nice touch.

You get a rose and chocolate candy.

The dining room is nice and there's a outdoor dining area. However, it closes by 10:30. It would've been nice to sit there at lunch or during the day.

A block away there are a couple places to get coffee or a different breakfast.

More restaurants are within walking distance.  I brought food back with me and the front desk staff graciously allowed me to heat it in their microwave.

Art work abounds, in the lobby, elevator. rooms and hallways.

There's a sketch pad in the room.

The lobby was a comfortable place to chill with leather couches and chairs.

I didn't eat in the attached restaurant nor ordered room service.

Close to the train station and walkable to downtown.

As a solo woman. I felt relatively safe walking to town or to the restaurants.

A highlight,  I got to see fireworks set from a large field across the street.

This hotel and the buildings surrounding it are in what was an industrial area years ago. Very interesting.

I would stay here again.
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8/22/2023
					We recently enjoyed a staycation at a charming hotel near downtown Lancaster. Located just outside the city center, it offered a convenient base for exploring the area during the festive period between Christmas and New Year's. While the walkable distance to downtown enticed us, we opted to drive at night for added comfort.

Upon arrival, the initial parking lot was full, but we discovered a second level offering additional spots, though navigating the tight space proved a bit challenging. Thankfully, check-in was smooth and efficient.

Our room on the third floor surprised us with a delightful art gallery experience. The hallway was adorned with artwork accompanied by artist information, setting a unique and welcoming tone. The room itself differed pleasantly from our usual chain hotel stays, offering a boutique charm we appreciated. While the view included the Fridge restaurant, the noise from their late-night dumpster operations remained minimal. A thoughtful touch was the presence of a sketchpad and pencil, inviting guests to unleash their creativity, alongside displayed art within the room. Overall, the hotel's cleanliness and ambiance were commendable.

Breakfast, though offering simple options, presented a different scenario. The crowd necessitated waiting for a table, and upon arrival, several items like scones and muffins were missing. Replenishment took some time, and the pancake machine faced a temporary batter shortage. However, as we didn't have high expectations for breakfast, it didn't significantly impact our experience.

In conclusion, our stay at this unique hotel proved to be a positive experience. We particularly enjoyed exploring the hotel's art collection, adding to the overall appeal of our staycation in Lancaster.
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3/22/2024
					These aching bones, never felt a softer bed. Had the feeling of a big brass bed I once claimed at a chaotic party hosted by the beautiful people. It was a beautiful rest and I awoke hungry. The Coffee was hot, strong and unbelievably mild. My first thought was to set it down,  but energy only changes form, so drank deeply and shook off the paralyzer of a substantially good night's sleep. Oatmeal and yogurt for breakfast at a bar serving instant hotcakes. I was humbled. The interior of the house is striking and eclectic. There are exposed bricks in nearly all corners screaming to be explored. Lighting in my room was unique and awkward to some extent. I would have gone with less minimalist fixtures(track lighting etc.) though the diversity lent itself to differing light preferences. The location is niche on an abundance of scales and a local guide is highly recommended to decide if he/she/they could even consider staying at a chain hotel charging more per night for what passes as posh. John J Jeffries Restaurant, The Fridge, The YMCA and Lombardos are the most accessible utilitarian neighbors. Perfect for the local community to vette a traveller on the road for beauty and adventure without so much pomp, yet boasting all the bells and whistles 😜 . All in all, a hotel in name but frankly, this destination is a standing reservation for a romantic staycassion and no vacancy is my heartbreak. Likely, the next stay here will kick off an amazing hiatus from the search. Don't take my word,  Discovery awaits!!!
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9/23/2022
					My husband And I love this hotel we have stayed there many times before. Really cute and romantic. We decided to stay here after our wedding for a night and had a very unprofessional interaction with a housekeeper. A male housekeeper came into the room when my husband and I were naked to drop off a rose which is part of the hotels complimentary protocols. However, there was no heads up at our check-in that they would do that and no warning to place the “Do not disturb” sign on the door. Additionally the house keeper deliberately walked through the room knowing that he might see us because he was the same housekeeper that delivered waters to our room 30 minutes prior. Because he didn’t just come halfway and leave the rose on the table, but he came in fully right with the bathroom and looked around as if he were trying to observe guests. I was naked on the bed and my husband was coming out of the shower at that exact moment. It was extremely unprofessional. We complained about it, but no refund. We talked to the manager to receive some help or guidance and he couldn’t help us either. If you decide to stay here be aware of a situation like this to occur. We only want future guests to be safe and feel secure as they stay here.
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1/26/2025
					Just to get this out of the way: I'm not giving my beautiful room 5 stars because the walls were pretty thin - I could hear every word from the VERY talkative person next door. Luckily she went to bed early, but wow, I heard every single word. (Also, my room was right next to the elevator, the ice machine and the cleaning closet so there was all that noise too. But those noises were only occasional, unlike the chatterbox next door.) Aside from that, I loved the Lancaster Arts Hotel and I'd happily stay again. We were greeted very warmly by the nice man at the front desk, and he gave us loads of advice on the town. I wish we had known there was so much to do because he really sold us on Lancaster but we only spent one night there. The hotel has its own (free) parking lot on premise, which was great. Breakfast was just ok (but included in our rate). We had a drink at the very lovely bar and I could have sat there all night. My room was gorgeous -- I had a single, and it had all the new amenities while keeping the charm of the old building. Ladies, be advised: there was no hair dryer in the room which I found odd in this day and age, but for one night I survived. I'd love to stay here again, it really was that charming.
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5/29/2025
					Stayed just for one night while we were in the area for a retirement party.  I'd stay here again.

Check in was easy. We showed up a little after 3pm and didn't have any issues getting a room assigned to us.  The entrance to the parking lot is a little bit past the hotel itself, you'll take a left. FYI, If you take a left before the hotel, that parking lot to the left of the hotel is not their lot. There's clear signage that's posted, but it's a little hidden until you're already in the lot.

The hotel offers turn down service, which includes a rose and chocolate. The bed was comfortable and the room was pretty spacious. They provided two complementary bottles of water. There was also shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion.

Breakfast was included.  There were the standard items - coffee/tea/juice, hardboiled egg's, toast, fruit salad, yogurt, bananas, apples, oranges, and mini pieces of quiche. Decent. We actually ate more than we anticipated and didn't make a second stop at a local restaurant for more breakfast options.
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9/28/2024
					This was my second time staying at this hotel.  I will continue to stay there when in town. The good stuff outweighs the not as good stuff.

Things I like:

The location is great and quiet at night.

The parking is easy.

The staff is friendly.

The rooms are big, beds are comfy, and the bathrooms have great water temperature and pressure.

The breakfast is completely descent.

What I don't like:

The walls are very thin.  This visit I brought a noise machine and this solved the sleeping issues.

On both of my visits there was a very loud clicking sound, which I assume comes from the air/heating system.  Again, noise machine helped a ton.

They send someone around on your first night with a rose and candy. Some people might like that, but I'd prefer not to have to answer the door in a hotel room, unless necessary. Both for safety reasons and general comfort.
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11/28/2024
					A lovely hotel that was originally a tobacco factory.  They have retained much of the old structure including 18" square beams, brick walls and old, hardwood floors.  There are paintings everywhere from local artists.  Everything about the inside is tastefully and artfully done.  Our room was very attractive and the bed comfortable.  I love the attention to detail in so many areas.  Having extra creamer and sugar was nice, something I find annoying at other hotels.  They have free, inside parking.  There's a nice bar that opens at 4 and a restaurant as well.  Free breakfast that had various tasty offerings.  Conveniently located close to restaurants, bars and galleries.  Luca's Italian restaurant is a 6 minute walk and it is simply fabulous!  We will definitely be staying here again!
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12/28/2024