Gettysburg's BEST Kept Secret: Red Carpet Inn Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Gettysburg's BEST Kept Secret: Red Carpet Inn Review (You WON'T Believe This!) - Honestly, It's a Trip.
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Alright, friends, buckle up. Forget what you think you know about Gettysburg. Forget the history books (well, maybe not completely). Because I'm about to lay it all out on the line about Red Carpet Inn Gettysburg, and let me tell you… it's been a journey. This isn’t your glossy brochure review; this is the uncut, unscripted, "I-woke-up-and-wrote-this-after-a-weird-dream" version.
First off, the name. "Red Carpet Inn." Promises, promises! I'm picturing velvet ropes, paparazzi, and maybe a tiny, bewildered chihuahua decked out in diamonds. The reality? Well… let's just say the carpet might have seen red in its lifetime, and the only paparazzi were the squirrels outside my window, judging my questionable breakfast choices.
Accessibility & Location, Location, Location (and the Wheelchair that Took Me There)
Okay, let's get serious for a sec. Accessibility is HUGE for me (and should be for everyone). The Red Carpet Inn does have some stuff going for it in accessibility. Wheelchair accessible? Yep, they've got it. Which, frankly, is a massive relief when you're maneuvering around a battlefield. The hallways seemed wide enough, and the elevators mostly worked (more on that later). They ticked the boxes for Facilities for disabled guests, which, again, is reassuring. Seriously. Being able to smoothly roll around the historic grounds is invaluable.
Internet Access: Pray for Wi-Fi (and Maybe a Good Ethernet Cable)
Okay, so Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Internet Access!… Yeah, let's talk about this. The promise is there. Reality? It fluctuated more than the Gettysburg temperatures. This "free Wi-Fi" was more of a suggestion. I'd get bursts of glorious connectivity, allowing me to upload some epic photos of me contemplating the battlefields, and then… nothing. The dreaded loading circle. I'm talking dial-up levels of frustration. I'm not even kidding--it was like being transported back to the late 90s. This led to a frantic search for Internet Access [LAN]. Found the LAN port…but no ethernet cable… which I eventually found at the local corner store.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Quest for Sustenance
Listen, after a day spent walking around the battlefield, you NEED sustenance. Don't judge me. The Breakfast [buffet]… Well, let's just say, it was… functional. Think continental, with some questionable pastries and a coffee machine that sounded like it was possessed. I'm not going to lie, my first thought was "Where are the Asian breakfast options?" (just kidding). No Asian cuisine in restaurant… but I got over that quickly. They did offer Breakfast takeaway service, which I utilized more than once. It felt like my own personal sneaky raid on the food supply. As for the other options, there's a Coffee shop, and potentially a Snack bar, but honestly, I never got my hands on anything more than a muffin.
Cleanliness and Safety: Did They Actually Wipe Down The Doorknobs?
The world is a different place lately, right? So, let's talk germ warfare. They claimed to have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. You know, the usual buzzwords. I hope it was true. It looked clean-ish. They had Hand sanitizer readily available, which is always a good sign. Staff trained in safety protocol… well, they didn't look untrained, but it's hard to tell with masked faces. I honestly didn't check my room for evidence of Professional-grade sanitizing services, but I will say, I did not fall ill, which in these times, is a win.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Gettysburg's "Spa" (More Like "Spa-ish").
Okay, here’s where things get interesting. They have the whole "spa" thing included. Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view. Right. This is where the real charm of the Inn comes out. They advertise a Swimming pool… and IT HAD A VIEW, but I wouldn't call it a "Pool with View". More like a pool with… a view. One thing that struck me was that they had Towels. Those were important.
Ah, My Room:
Let's drill down deep into the minutiae of the Available in all rooms list.
- Additional toilet - No.
- Air conditioning - Yes, and it worked sometimes.
- Alarm clock - Yes, probably from the 80s.
- Bathrobes - No.
- Bathroom phone - No.
- Bathtub - Yes, small, but yes. It did the job.
- Blackout curtains… Hmm. I seem to recall plenty of light coming in - more like regular curtains than blackout, but that might just be my vague memory.
- Carpeting - Yes, that classic motel-style carpet.
- Closet - Yep.
- Coffee/tea maker - Yup, a little one.
- Complimentary tea - See above.
- Daily housekeeping - Supposedly.
- Desk - Yes, with enough space for a laptop.
- Extra long bed - Nope.
- Free bottled water - Nope.
- Hair dryer - Nope.
- High floor - Nope.
- In-room safe box - Nope.
- Internet access – LAN - Yes, if you buy a cable.
- Internet access – wireless - See above.
- Ironing facilities - Yes, but I didn't trust them.
- Laptop workspace - See above.
- Linens - They were clean.
- Mini bar - Nope.
- Mirror - Yup.
- Non-smoking - Yeah, I'm pretty sure.
- On-demand movies - HAH! No.
- Private bathroom - Yes.
- Reading light - Yes.
- Refrigerator - Nope.
- Safety/security feature - Yes.
- Satellite/cable channels - Yes.
- Scale - No.
- Seating area - No, unless you count a chair.
- Separate shower/bathtub - Yes.
- Shower - Yes.
- Slippers - Nope.
- Smoke detector - Yes.
- Socket near the bed - Yes.
- Sofa - No.
- Soundproofing - Um… debatable. I certainly heard a lot of things.
- Telephone - Probably!
- Toiletries - Bare minimum.
- Towels - Yes.
- Umbrella - No.
- Visual alarm - Probably.
- Wake-up service - Probably, but who knows if it'll work?
- Wi-Fi [free] - Sort of.
- Window that opens - Yes! Crucial for fresh air and eavesdropping on the squirrels.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "Huh?"
This is where the review really goes off the rails. They had Daily housekeeping, which I'm pretty sure happened. Laundry service? Nope. I think. Concierge? Not really. Maybe. Cash withdrawal? No. Car park [free of charge]? Yes, absolutely free, and parking was easy. They had Facilities for disabled guests, a Convenience store (very convenient for snacks).
And there's also a Gift/souvenir shop, which is… interesting.
For the Kids: The Babysitting Question and Beyond
Family/child friendly? I saw kids there. They didn't seem unhappy. Babysitting service? Doubtful. But if you need Kids meal, you'll be on your own. The kids' meals were in the restaurant and it's probably a "Nope."
Getting Around: Is it Easy to Access?
They had Car park [on-site], which was good. I didn't use Taxi service or Airport transfer.
The Red Carpet Inn is not
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. But this isn't your textbook battlefield tour. This is my Gettysburg. And we're starting, naturally, at the Red Carpet Inn. Because, well, budget.
Day 1: Arrival and the Ghosts of My Stomach
- 3:00 PM: Arrive at the Red Carpet Inn. Okay, let's be honest, the "red carpet" is more like faded, probably-seen-better-days carpet. But hey, the AC works, and that's half the battle, especially in the sticky Pennsylvania summer. First impression? The vending machine better have pretzels. I'm not kidding.
- 3:30 PM: Unpack. This always feels like a chore. Why do I bring so much stuff? Probably fear of being underprepared. You know, in case I need a ball gown and a rubber ducky for a battlefield re-enactment. (Spoiler alert: I didn't).
- 4:00 PM: Attempt to find food. This is the real Gettysburg battle. Google Maps promises something called "Farnsworth House Inn" - supposedly haunted and with good food. Sounds legit. Except, driving is a nightmare. Roundabouts? Seriously? I almost took out a gaggle of bewildered tourists. My inner monologue: "Breathe. You got this. Just… follow the signs."
- 5:00 PM: Farnsworth House Inn. Okay, so it's charming. Like, really charming. And yes, haunted. I swear, I felt a cold spot near the fireplace. And the food… oh, the food. Had some kind of pot pie that tasted like pure, unadulterated comfort. Literally wanted to weep with happiness. Maybe it was the ghosts, maybe it was the carbs. Who cares?
- 6:30 PM: A stroll around Gettysburg Square. The weather is perfect. It feels like history is breathing. I'm not going to lie, I had to stop myself from wandering into some random shop with a weird obsession with antique typewriters.
- 8:00 PM: Back to the Red Carpet Inn. Pretzels from the vending machine acquired. Attempt to watch TV. Channel surfing fails. Eventually I just turn it off… and marvel at how loud the AC is. The first day's imperfect end.
Day 2: The Battlefield and The Weight of History (and Excessively Cheesy Food)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. The Red Carpet Inn's "complimentary" breakfast is… well, let's just say it won't win any Michelin stars. But free coffee is free coffee, and I'm not one to judge. (Okay, I'm judging a little. Those bagels are cardboard).
- 9:00 AM: Finally, the Battlefield! Okay, look, I'm not a huge history buff, but walking through these fields, you can FEEL it. The weight of it all. The raw, brutal courage. I take a self guided tour with a history app. What a marvel! I was absolutely gob smacked at the little things.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at - oh lord, the name escapes me! I went to some very very cheesy pizza joint just a few blocks from the battlefield. I was so hungry. The pizza was… okay. Too much cheese. And the service was slow. Should have been more patient, but that's on me.
- 1:30 PM: Little Round Top. This is where I lost it. Cried like a baby looking at the field. Felt like I was standing on the edge of eternity. Seeing the cannons, seeing the faces of the soldiers. It was intense. I'm not sure I processed it all.
- 4:00 PM: Ice cream. Needed it after that emotional rollercoaster. Found a cute little place with homemade flavors. I got the salty caramel, because why not?
- 5:00 PM: Attempt to relax. I wanted to, but my mind just kept wandering back to Little Round Top. It was just… a lot.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner, at a local Irish pub. More food. Guinness. Tried to lighten the mood. Failed spectacularly. Ended up talking to a couple about the "what ifs" of the war. They had some wild theories.
- 9:00 PM: Back to the Red Carpet Inn. Tried to read. Didn't work. Just stared at the ceiling. Still thinking about Little Round Top. Feeling drained, in a good way.
Day 3: Final Thoughts and Farewell… and a Last Hurrah
9:00 AM: Another "complimentary" breakfast. Still the same bagels. Okay, at this point, it's almost a comforting routine.
9:30 AM: One last walk around the square. The shops are opening up. Bought a book about the battle. Hoping it helps me process all of this.
11:00 AM: One last drive around the battlefield. Seeing it one more time. Not as moving as the day before, but still beautiful.
12:00 PM: Grab a sandwich before hitting the road. No food will ever be the same now that I've had the pot pie.
1:00 PM: Hit the road. Gettysburg, you weird, wonderful place. You got to me. You really did.
2:00 PM: I'm leaving. I turn on the radio.
And, scene.
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Why should I even *consider* the Red Carpet Inn in Gettysburg? Sounds… motel-y.
Okay, look, I get it. "Red Carpet Inn" screams "budget travel," right? My first thought was, "Oh, great, another place where the sheets probably haven't been changed since the Battle of Gettysburg." (Sorry, history joke, I *love* history). BUT… Here’s the thing. Sometimes, that "budget" can equal "unexpected charm." And honestly? Gettysburg is expensive! REALLY expensive. I'm talking, your wallet is going to weep. So, the *secret* is: it *can* be a steal, a genuinely good deal. Trust me, I was skeptical. Very. But maybe that’s the charm.
Alright, alright. Let's say I'm *intrigued*. What's the *vibe* like? Is it haunted? (Seriously, it's Gettysburg.)
Vibe… Okay, here’s the truth. It's… lived-in. Think grandma's house, but if grandma had a limited budget and a slightly wonky sense of decor. Remember that Christmas tree in the lobby? Yeah, probably been there a while. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't *dirty*, but definitely not the Ritz. As for ghosts? Honestly, I didn't see any. Which is slightly disappointing, because, hello, Gettysburg! I was *expecting* a cold spot, maybe a phantom soldier checking out the breakfast buffet. Nada. But, hey, maybe you'll have better luck. Report back!
Okay, this is getting interesting. But what about the actual *rooms*? Are we talking roaches? (I’m serious.)
Alright, deep breaths. Roaches? Nope. (Thank God). The room I had was…dated. Let's go with that. The wallpaper was… a choice. There were definitely some water stains on the ceiling. The beds were...well, let's just say they weren't the most comfortable things in the world. But CLEAN. That’s the key. Clean, and… functional. It had a TV (with a surprising number of channels, I’ll give it that), hot water in the shower, and no unwelcome creepy-crawlies. Seriously. It beat out the other motel.
What about the amenities? Pool? Fitness center? Free… anything?
Okay, temper your expectations here. We're talking budget, remember? There *might* be a pool. Maybe. I didn't see it, but I think I heard a faint splashing from somewhere. Fitness center? HAH! Nope. Free… breakfast? Ding, ding, ding! Winner! It's the usual continental fare: bagels (possibly stale), pre-packaged muffins, instant coffee that tastes like despair, and…wait for it… waffles you cook yourself. I mean, who *doesn't* love a DIY waffle, right? It's messy, takes time, and there's a 70% chance you burn it. But hey, it’s *something*! And free, of course.
Okay, so I'm hearing "budget" and "no frills." But how's the *location*? Is it convenient for seeing the sights?
Location is actually pretty good. It's not *right* in the thick of the action, which can be a blessing when you're trying to escape the crowds clamoring around the battlefields. But it's a short drive to pretty much everything. The battlefield, the town square, the ice cream shop (essential!), the museums... you name it. You'll need a car, but parking is easy. Bonus points! You're avoiding those ridiculous hotel parking fees.
Let's talk *service*. Were the staff friendly? Did they help? Or were they… jaded motel employees?
This is where the Red Carpet Inn really surprised me. The staff were… genuinely nice. No faked smiles or forced pleasantries. Just friendly, helpful people who seemed genuinely happy to see you. The woman at the front desk actually gave me a tip for a local restaurant that ended up being amazing. And honestly, it made a difference. After a long day tramping around the battlefield (which, by the way, is *exhausting*), it’s so nice to be greeted by a friendly face. It’s not the Four Seasons, but it's a decent vibe.
Okay, spill the tea! What was the *worst* thing about the Red Carpet Inn? Give me the dirt.
Alright, here comes the brutal honesty: The walls are… thin. Like, REALLY thin. I could practically hear my neighbor snoring. I'm not kidding. I’m pretty sure I could hear him *breathing*. Inhale, exhale, snore, snore, snore. Bring earplugs. Seriously. And the air conditioning unit? It sounded like a jet engine. Like, I'm not sure it ever *actually* stopped. That was the biggest downside, hands down. And the lighting in the room was…harsh. Like, dentist's office harsh.
Okay, so the walls are thin, the AC is loud, and the sheets may or may not have seen action. So, is the Red Carpet Inn…*worth it*?
Here's the bottom line. If you're looking for luxury? Absolutely not. If you're a snob about your hotel rooms, stay away. But... If you're on a budget, need a clean(ish) bed while you take in all Gettysburg has to offer, and are willing to overlook a few "charming" quirks? Then, yes. It's worth a shot. It’s not perfect, far from it, but it’s… authentic. And sometimes, authenticity is a nice change from the cookie-cutter hotels that litter the landscape. Just bring earplugs. And maybe a hazmat suit to handle the waffle maker.
Okay, *real* question. Is the breakfast *really* that bad? You made it sound like a food crime scene.
Okay, I will admit. I might have exaggerated, just a *little*. The breakfast isn't *terrible*. It's just… basic. Utilitarian. It gets the job done. The coffee is… well, it's brown. The bagels are probably from a bag. BUT! THE WAFFLE MAKER! Okay, that's where the fun is. You pour in the batter, wait FOREVER for it to cook (or burn,Urban Hotel Search
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