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Where to Stay in Amish Country

Where to Stay in Amish Country

Amish Country Pennsylvania, USA Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Lodging Categories

  • Hotels

    Standard amenities, from cheap motels (Comfort Inn, Hampton Inn) to boutique hotels in Lancaster City.

  • Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs)

    Personalized stays in historic homes or farmhouses, often with homemade breakfast. Many rural options.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Homes, cottages, and apartments through platforms like Vrbo for more space and amenities.

  • Unique Local Accommodation

    Guesthouses or farm stays run by Amish/Mennonite families. Simple, direct booking often.

Outdoor Stays

  • Camping and RV Parks

    Available in Lancaster County, popular in warmer months. Tent camping, RV hookups, some cabins.

  • RV Hookups

    Designated spots for recreational vehicles at various parks.

  • Cabin Rentals

    Some campgrounds offer cabins for a rustic yet comfortable outdoor stay.

  • Nature-Focused Options

    Ideal for those in search of a budget-conscious and nature-connected visit.

Neighborhood Guide

The region offers different experiences based on your chosen location.

Lancaster City

Pros
  • Largest urban center, good base for day trips.
  • Public transportation (RRTA) available.
  • Access to varied dining and cultural sites.
  • Convenient for county access by car.
Cons
  • Less immediate "Amish feel" compared to rural areas.
  • More urban and bustling environment.
  • Exercise typical urban precautions at night.

Intercourse, Bird-in-Hand, Strasburg

Pros
  • Heart of The Amish region; horse-and-buggy traffic daily.
  • Ideal for direct Amish cultural experiences.
  • Very safe, quiet rural areas, minimal crime concern.
  • Close to Amish Village, Strasburg Railroad.
Cons
  • Fewer dining options than Lancaster City.
  • Public transportation is almost non-existent.
  • Reliance on a personal car is expected.

Lititz

Pros
  • Historic small town with quaint charm.
  • Unique boutiques and good dining options.
  • Walkable downtown, lovely Lititz Springs Park.
  • Quieter atmosphere than Lancaster City.
Cons
  • Slightly further from central Amish attractions.
  • More distant from Intercourse, Bird-in-Hand.
  • Reliance on car for rural Amish area access.

Safety Information

Rural Areas

Very safe and welcoming. Crime rates are low in the heart of Amish Country towns like Intercourse and Bird-in-Hand.

Urban Areas

Downtown Lancaster is generally safe, but like any city, be cautious, especially at night in less-trafficked areas.

Booking Strategies

Thoughtful booking makes sure you get your preferred accommodation and finds value.

Booking Points

  • Advance Booking: Highly recommended for peak season (summer, fall foliage) and weekends. Popular B&Bs book months ahead. 2-3 months prior is advisable.
  • Trusted Platforms: Booking.com and Expedia are widely used. For vacation rentals, Vrbo is an option.
  • Direct Booking: For specific B&Bs or farm stays, direct booking on their websites often yields better rates or packages.
  • Deposit & Cancellation: Policies vary. Check deposit requirements and cancellation terms carefully before confirming your reservation.

Pricing & Policies

  • Negotiation: Negotiating walk-in rates is generally not a common practice for established hotels or B&Bs in Amish Country; prices are fixed.
  • Seasonal Prices: Expect prices at their highest during summer and fall foliage seasons. Lower rates typically appear in winter and early spring.
  • Stricter B&B Policies: Many Bed & Breakfasts have more stringent cancellation policies compared to larger hotel chains.
  • Walk-in Rates: Unlikely to find discounts for unreserved rooms.

Platform Suggestions

General Bookings
  • Booking.com: Global accommodation search.
  • Expedia: Broad selection of hotels and B&Bs.
  • IHG Hotels: For chain hotel options.
  • Agoda: Strong in Asian markets but accessible globally.
Themed Stays
  • Airbnb: Diverse options for vacation rentals.
  • Vrbo: Vacation rental booking site.
  • Hostelworld: For budget accommodations, though less common in Areas Where the amish live.
  • Local Visitor Centers: Resources for unique agricultural stays.

Important Reminders

Check Policies

Review deposit and cancellation terms for each property.

Plan Ahead

Especially for popular times, secure your stay early.

Read Reviews

Insights from other travelers are useful for selecting accommodations.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some illustrative examples, considering different travel styles and budgets.

Comparison Table: Accommodation Options

Hotel Mid-Range

Modern amenities, standard services, predictable stay. Often near main roads.

  • Best For: Convenience, families, corporate travelers.
  • Price Range: $120-$200 per night (approx.).
  • Considerations: Sometimes includes pools.
Bed & Breakfast

Unique charm, personalized service, often includes breakfast.

  • Best For: Couples, quiet retreats, cultural immersion.
  • Price Range: $150-$300 per night (approx.).
  • Considerations: May have age restrictions, hosts often local experts.
Vacation Rental

Private home/apartment, full kitchen, more space.

  • Best For: Families, longer stays, groups.
  • Price Range: $100-$400+ per night (approx.).
  • Considerations: Requires self-catering, cleaning fees may apply.
Farm Stay/Guesthouse

Immersive rural experience, often basic amenities.

  • Best For: Cultural immersion, unique experience, quiet.
  • Price Range: $80-$200 per night (approx.).
  • Considerations: Limited availability, often direct booking, rustic feel.
Camping/RV Park

Outdoor experience, budget-friendly.

  • Best For: Nature lovers, RV travelers, budget travelers.
  • Price Range: $30-$70 per night (approx.).
  • Considerations: Seasonal, requires own equipment, shared facilities.

Top Picks and Travel Styles

Budget approx. $60-$100

Reliable, spotless rooms at chains like Comfort Inn, Hampton Inn, or Days Inn on the outskirts of Lancaster City.

Family-Friendly Options

Hotels with pools, vacation rentals (more space, kitchens), and some farm stays (animal interactions).

  • Hotels near Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park cater to families.
  • Vacation rentals offer flexibility for families with children.
  • Agricultural stays provide educational and fun experiences.
Solo Traveler Recommendations

B&Bs (social atmosphere) or hotels in Lancaster City (access for dining, attractions, public transport).

  • Small group tours for day trips create social opportunities.
Long-Stay Accommodations

Vacation rentals (apartments or homes with kitchens) often provide the best value and comfort for longer visits.

  • Some B&Bs offer weekly rates.
Properties with Cultural/Historical Significance

Many B&Bs are located in beautifully preserved old houses, offering an unique glimpse into the region's past.

  • Research properties that highlight their historical ties or local heritage.

Traveler Insights

Read Reviews

Always check recent feedback of any property before booking. Reviews from other travelers share useful insights into cleanliness, service, location, and overall experience.

Confirm Amenities

Double-check the amenities listed for your chosen accommodation to match your travel needs and expectations.

Special Stays

Farm Charm

Some agricultural stays welcome children, offering opportunities for animal interactions and educational fun.

Hotel Pools

Many mid-range chain hotels include indoor or outdoor pools, a great feature for families.

B&B Socials

Bed & Breakfasts often present opportunities for guests to meet hosts and other travelers.