Uncover Amish Secrets: Your Luxurious Lancaster Getaway Awaits!
Uncover Amish Secrets: My Lancaster Getaway and the Unexpected Joy of… Well, Everything! (Plus, a Massive SEO Dump)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a few days at "Uncover Amish Secrets: Your Luxurious Lancaster Getaway Awaits!" and let me tell you, it was… an experience. And not always in the way I expected. This review? It’s gonna be honest, maybe a little messy, and definitely infused with all the glorious imperfections of a real-life vacation.
Let's Start with the Good Stuff (Because, Baby, There's a Lot of It):
This place clearly understands the modern traveler. Accessibility is a big win. Everything felt surprisingly easy to navigate, from the lobby to the on-site accessible restaurants/lounges. They've clearly put thought into making it welcoming for everyone. And on top of that, this place is wheelchair accessible, which is huge. I'm not reliant on a chair, but I appreciate the heck out of thoughtful design.
Internet Access: Because We Live Online (and Need Our Insta Fix):
Okay, so, Internet. The bane of my existence and the lifeblood of my blogging addiction. They boast free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And guess what? It actually WORKED! We're talking decent speeds, no dropped connections, and enough bandwidth to stream a movie (okay, maybe two). Bonus points for Wi-Fi in public areas too, because sometimes you need to catch up on emails with a cocktail in hand. As for Internet [LAN], I didn't even TRY – who needs a wired connection when you've got free Wi-Fi?
The Spa… Where My Inner Zen Almost Emerged:
Oh, the spa! This is where things got… interesting. They market heavily on the Spa, which includes, the Pool with a view, Sauna, Steamroom, and all that jazz, and let me tell you, I took full advantage. I spent hours there. The highlight was the Massage. I'm talking one of those "melt-into-the-table" kind of massages, where you forget what your own name is. Bliss. I even dabbled in the Foot bath. It was weirdly relaxing, like a warm hug for my feet. The fact that they offered a Body scrub and Body wrap was just icing on the (delicious) cake. I will say, the Gym/fitness center was a bit… underutilized by yours truly. I’m on vacation, people! Give me a pool, not a treadmill!
Cleanliness and Safety: A Sigh of Relief in the Apocalypse (Almost):
This is where "Uncover Amish Secrets" REALLY shines. Post-pandemic, safety is paramount, and they seem to take it SERIOUSLY. They're using Anti-viral cleaning products, that’s what I want to hear! The Daily disinfection in common areas was noticeable, and the staff seemed constantly busy. Hand sanitizer stations were EVERYWHERE. I felt super safe, which allowed me to truly relax. I also appreciated the Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. They also had Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Room sanitization opt-out available, and Rooms sanitized between stays. Very responsible.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach’s New Best Friend:
Okay, let's talk food. The restaurants were a mixed bag, but that's the truth, isn't it? Real life is messy. The Breakfast [buffet] was pretty standard but that's what makes it so great, a nice way to kick off the day. The coffee/tea in restaurant was consistently good, which is a crucial detail. The restaurants themselves offered a decent range of options, with Western cuisine in restaurant, and a Vegetarian restaurant which helped. They also had a Poolside bar for that crucial midday cocktail. I did indulge in some Desserts in restaurant, and they were definitely worth the extra calories. Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver after a long day of… well, relaxing. Being able to order a Bottle of water and even a Salad in restaurant or Soup in restaurant at 2 AM? Pure luxury. I didn’t use the Asian cuisine in restaurant, but it existed, and that is what matters.
Services and Conveniences: They Think of Everything (Almost):
The Concierge was incredibly helpful, especially when it came to navigating the area. Daily housekeeping kept the room spotless (and my inner neat freak happy). They even had a Convenience store for those late-night snack cravings. The Dry cleaning and Laundry service were a godsend. There's a Doorman, Elevator, and Facilities for disabled guests. It all contributes to a smooth, stress-free experience. Oh, and the Valet parking? Worth every penny, especially after a long day of Amish-country exploring. They even have Cash withdrawal, a Gift/souvenir shop, Invoice provided, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes. The fact everything is offered makes this place is great. For the Kids (And the Kid in Me):
I wasn’t traveling with spawn, but I saw a lot of families. The Family/child friendly vibe was strong. They had a Babysitting service! (I mean, if I HAD a kid…) and Kids meal.
Access and Security: Feeling Secure (and a Little Nosy):
They had CCTV in common areas, and CCTV outside property, so I always felt safe. I'm a sucker for that feeling. They've got a Front desk [24-hour] and Security [24-hour]. They also had a Fire extinguisher, Fire detector, Smoke alarms, and a Smoke detector, which is very appreciated.
Available in All Rooms (The Nitty-Gritty):
Now, let’s get down to the details. The Air conditioning was pure bliss. I'm a sweaty person, and it was my BFF. The Coffee/tea maker was essential for morning wake-up calls. The Daily housekeeping, as mentioned, kept everything tidy. The Hair dryer saved me from looking like a drowned rat (I'm not proud, but it’s true). The In-room safe box was perfect for stashing my valuables. The Internet access – wireless worked like a charm, and let's be honest, the Wi-Fi [free] was the star of the show. I also appreciated the Balcony that I had. The Shower, Toiletries, and Towels were all top-notch. The Wake-up service was reliable, and the Window that opens was a nice touch (fresh air is always welcome!)
The Room Itself: A Sanctuary, Mostly:
The Non-smoking rooms were a must, and the Soundproofing was surprisingly effective. I got a High floor, which gave me amazing views. I have no idea if there was a Couple's room, but I know other people would be interested, and this is helpful. However, being in the room itself was great:
- Additional toilet: A lifesaver, honestly. Never underestimate the convenience.
- Alarm clock: I needed it, and it did its job.
- Bathroom phone: Never used it, but hey, options!
- Blackout curtains: Crucial for sleeping in (which I did, a lot).
- Closet: Plenty of storage for my overpacking tendencies.
- Complimentary tea: A lovely touch.
- Desk: Handy for catching up on emails (or pretending to).
- Extra long bed: I'm tall, and I appreciated it!
- Free bottled water: Hydration is key!
- In-room safe box: Peace of mind for my valuable things.
- Mirror: Essential for pre-dinner primping.
- Private bathroom: Always a win.
- Reading light: Perfect for late-night bookworms (me).
- Refrigerator: For keeping my snacks (and wine) chilled.
- Satellite/cable channels: For those lazy days.
- Seating area: A perfect spot to relax.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Luxury!
- Slippers: A nice touch and great to lounge around.
- Socket near the bed: Essential for modern living.
- Sofa: A cozy place to chill.
- Telephone: For calling down to room service (ahem).
- Toiletries: Nice quality.
- Umbrella: Never needed it, but good to have.
- Visual alarm: Appreciated, even though I didn't need it.
Things to Do (Beyond Spa-ing):
While the hotel is geared towards relaxation, they offer some useful things to do, like a Shrine, Meeting/banquet facilities, and Seminars. If I wasn't on vacation this would benefit.
Owatonna Medical Center? Your Perfect Comfort Inn Awaits!Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. We're going to Amish Country, baby, and we’re doing it right. By which I mean, we're going to stumble, we're going to overeat, and we're definitely going to judge the hell out of some buggy drivers (politely, of course. Mostly). This is the Comfort Suites Amish Country Lancaster itinerary… my way.
Day 1: Arrival, Awkward Inspections, and Apple Butter Nirvana
1:00 PM: Arrival at Comfort Suites, Lancaster, PA. (Ugh, the drive. Three hours felt a lot longer thanks to, let's just say, a navigational disagreement with my partner. We're good. Mostly.) Check-in was smooth, the woman at the desk was too cheerful, it was unnerving. But hey, free cookies. Score! Immediately proceeded to flop onto the bed and question all life choices that led me here. But, you know, in a good, "I'm finally on vacation!" kind of way.
1:30 PM: Room Reconnaissance. Let the inspection begin! Gotta check for bedbugs, you know? (Don't judge. They're a real fear!) The room was… okay. Clean-ish. The carpet had seen better days, but hey, it's Amish Country. I'll accept a little rustic charm. The pool looked tiny, but the hot tub was calling my name. (Spoiler Alert: It was lukewarm and filled with screaming children later. Sigh.)
2:30 PM: Lancaster County Tourist Information (aka, the Information Overload Center). Armed with a terrifying amount of flyers and brochures. I'm overwhelmed immediately. The sheer volume of things to do is… well, it's a lot. My brain started doing that weird thing where it shuts down with too much information.
3:30 PM: The Perfect Apple Butter Encounter at Kitchen Kettle Village. Okay, this is where things got good. Kitchen Kettle Village! It's touristy, yes. But it's also full of adorable shops and, most importantly, the holy grail of apple butter. I'm talking about the good life. We sampled, we bought. I may have accidentally purchased a jar the size of my head. Zero regrets. The smell of fresh baked goods and apples was divine. I could happily live here, just spooning apple butter into my mouth with wild abandon.
5:00 PM: Buggy Ride Debacle. My partner wanted a "romantic buggy ride." I, well, I'm claustrophobic. I agreed, figuring it couldn't possibly be that bad. I was wrong. The Amish gent was lovely. The horse had a LOT of gas. I am pretty sure the sun was setting on a very large, brown, and smelly cloud. I survived. Barely. The views are pretty. But the smell is… persistent.
6:30 PM: Dinner at Plain & Fancy Farm. Full-on Amish experience tonight! The food was a lot of food. Fried chicken, noodles, mashed potatoes, all the carbs you could ever want. I'm fairly certain I'm going to need elastic-waist pants for the rest of the trip. The family-style seating was a bit awkward, but overall delightful.
8:30 PM: Collapse into Bed. Apple butter coma, buggy-ride PTSD, and a full belly equal a knockout. Sweet dreams, everyone.
Day 2: Farming, Food, and Fudge (Oh, the Fudge!)
8:00 AM: Breakfast at the Comfort Suites. Free continental breakfast! The usual suspects: waffles, cereal, questionable pastries. I went for a waffle, because hey, vacation calories don't count, right?
9:00 AM: A Visit to a Working Amish Farm (or, "Where the Chickens Roam Free"). This was a more authentic experience, and, okay, a bit of a culture shock. Seeing the Amish families working the land, the simplicity of their lives… it's both fascinating and a little unsettling. The farm itself was beautiful. I saw the most adorable baby goats, and the chickens really did roam free. I might have inadvertently stepped in something, though. Let's just say, a lesson in farm etiquette was learned.
11:00 AM: Dutch Wonderland. (Don't judge! I have the inner child). Okay, it's a kids' theme park. But it's cute, clean, and surprisingly fun. I rode the Ferris wheel. Watched a show with a singing frog. Yep, an adult. Having the time of their life.
1:00 PM: Lunch at a Local Diner (aka, "The Place with the Pie"). Nothing fancy, just a classic diner. I ordered a sandwich bigger than my head, and of course, a slice of pie. This is still the Amish Country, right? I had to live a little. Oh. My. Gosh. The pie!
2:30 PM: Hershey's Chocolate World. I had to go! I'm a sucker for anything involving chocolate, and this place is a chocolate-lover's paradise. The free tour was a little cheesy, but hey, free chocolate samples! Did I buy too much? Maybe. Did I regret it? Absolutely not.
4:00 PM: Fudge Factory. You wanted more food, you say? You're in luck! More fudge! This time, however, I'm taking a tour and getting to know my maker. It's a skill, I'm told.
6:00 PM: Dinner at a different restaurant. This time, I went to a more fancy restaurant, but still local. And what did I want? More food, of course. Fried chicken.
Day 3: Farewell, Food Coma, and a Promise to Return
8:00 AM: Last Breakfast. Attempted Packing. Another waffle! I may have consumed more than I should. Then, attempting to pack. What I would have thought was a vacation for a week became a three-day trip with a lot of stuff.
9:00 AM: Final Souvenir Sweep (and, a Secret Return). I bought a lot of souvenirs. I also decided that the Amish Country is an amazing place and that I might have to return.
10:00 AM: Check-out. Sad face. So much apple butter. So many memories.
11:00 AM: The Long Drive Home. Contemplating life. Counting the calories. Thinking about apple butter… again.
1:00 PM (ish): Back Home, unpacking, and the inevitable food coma sets in. Another life choice questioned and my love for Amish Country, fully intact!