Carlisle's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn North (PA) Review & Deals!
Carlisle's BEST Kept Secret? Days Inn North (PA) Review & Deals! - Raw, Real, and Maybe a Little Messy
Okay, folks, let's dive headfirst into the Days Inn North in Carlisle, PA. Don't get me wrong, Carlisle itself is charming, a little slice of Americana… and the Days Inn, nestled right off the highway, claims to be the best-kept secret in town. Let's see if it lives up to the hype, shall we? Buckle up, because this isn't your sterile, perfectly polished hotel review. This is the real deal, imperfections and all.
Metadata/SEO Stuff (Because, you know, gotta play the game):
- Keywords: Days Inn Carlisle PA, Carlisle Hotels, Pennsylvania Hotel Deals, Budget Hotels Carlisle, Days Inn Review, Pennsylvania Travel, Accessible Hotels, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wi-Fi, Pool, Breakfast, Fitness Center, Parking, Pet-Friendly (sort of!), Carlisle PA, PA Hotels
- Target Audience: Budget travelers, families, those looking for a quick stopover, people exploring Carlisle and the surrounding area.
Accessibility & the Initial Impression (A Little Clumsy, I Admit)
Okay, right off the bat, Accessibility is key for a lot of people. The Days Inn North tries. They claim to have accessible rooms. I didn't personally test them, but the info says they have wheelchair access, which is a good start. There's an elevator (a lifesaver!), and the public areas didn't seem overly cramped. But, let's be honest, a truly accessible experience needs looking at the details: Are the doorways wide enough? Does the bathroom have the right grab bars? That's where reviews from people with lived experience become crucial. I can only judge the attempt, right? My take: They're trying!
The exterior? Standard Days Inn fare. It's not winning any architectural awards, but it's clean-ish. The parking lot… well, it’s there and free, which is a HUGE win. Finding a spot at 10 PM after a long drive? Miraculous.
Check-In Chaos and the Quest for Wi-Fi… (Oh, the Wi-Fi!)
Check-in was… efficient. Not overly friendly, but efficient. They got me in and out. Contactless check-in? I think so? (Okay, confess, I'm not always the most tech-savvy.) The lobby was… lobby-ish. Think slightly dated, with a smattering of information pamphlets. Then, the quest for the Wi-Fi.
Internet Access, Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! & Internet [LAN]:
"Free Wi-Fi!" the sign screamed. Hooray! Because, let's face it, in the 21st century, Wi-Fi is a fundamental human right, right up there with air and… well, coffee. Getting the Wi-Fi password was simple enough. But the speed! Oh, the speed. It was… glacial. Like trying to stream a movie on a dial-up connection. Seriously. I'm pretty sure my grandmother’s rotary-dial phone could process data faster. Forget about streaming, downloading anything big, or even video calls. Forget the "Internet [LAN]" – I didn't even dare try that. I ended up tethering to my phone. This is one area where this "best-kept secret" needs a major upgrade.
The Room – A Mixed Bag of Functionality and… Vintage Décor
The room itself? Okay. Clean enough. Nothing fancy, but functional. The "extra long bed" was actually decent, a definite plus! The "Blackout curtains" were appreciated for the first time in a while. My room was on a "high floor," which was kind of cool. The view wasn't much to write home about (hello, parking lot!), but hey, I wasn't expecting the Ritz.
Available in all Rooms:
- The good: Air conditioning (essential in Pennsylvania summers), alarm clock (old-school, but effective), hair dryer (yay, no wet hair!), coffee/tea maker (appreciated!), desk (to fight the internet!), mini-fridge (a lifesaver for keeping water cold), and… wait, what? No "slippers"? Okay, slight disappointment there.
- The not-so-good: The décor was… let's call it "eclectic." Think 1990s motel chic. Faded floral patterns, questionable artwork, and carpeting that may or may not have seen better days. But, again, for the price point, I wasn’t expecting a design masterpiece. The "non-smoking" room… seemed non-smoking. No major issues.
The Bathroom – A Simple Space
The bathroom… it was a bathroom. Functionally clean. They had "complimentary toiletries," which were the standard, generic motel fare. The water pressure was adequate. Nothing to write home about, nothing to actively complain about. The "mirror" was definitely present. "Extra points!"
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Breakfast Adventure (Or Misadventure?)
Speaking of which, there's a "Breakfast [buffet]." Which is included. Which is a plus. But, okay, let's be real: don't go in expecting a culinary experience. It's the standard continental breakfast. The "Asian breakfast" or "Asian cuisine in restaurant" were not present.
- What was there: Cereal (the usual suspects), toast/bagels, some sad-looking pastries, instant oatmeal, and coffee that was… well, it would wake you up.
- The highlight: The waffles! You could make your own waffles! And while I had my waffle-making skills honed, I was actually a bit hungry, had a real breakfast.
- The Lowlight: The instant oatmeal. I swear, it tasted like wallpaper paste.
- The overall verdict: Fill your belly before you hit the road. Don't expect gourmet. Consider grabbing a snack or two on the way out. "Breakfast takeaway service" was available.
Swimming Pool And Fitness, Spa? Don't Get Your Hopes Up..
"Swimming Pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]" Yes! There is one. And the truth? I didn’t jump in, I'm too chicken for public pools.
"Fitness Center" Maybe.. There was no mention of it. Forget the "Spa," "Sauna," "Steamroom," "Body scrub," "Body wrap," or "Massage."
Services and Conveniences – Mostly Standard Stuff
The Services and conveniences were, again, fairly standard. "Daily housekeeping" – check. "Dry cleaning" (didn't use it, but it's there). "Cash withdrawal" at the front desk. "Laundry service" (didn't use it, but it's there).
- The good: There was an "Elevator," which I was very grateful for.
- The potential: The "Meeting/banquet facilities" suggest they can host small events.
- The okay: The "Gift/souvenir shop" was largely ignored.
Cleanliness and Safety (A Little Worrying… but Hopefully Improved)
This is the era of COVID, right? I did notice "Hand sanitizer" at reception, but I also noticed the lobby wasn't always well-kept, The "Daily disinfection in common areas" and the "Professional-grade sanitizing services" seemed a bit… ambiguous based on what I saw. "Room sanitization opt-out available" wasn't offered. "Sanitized kitchen and tableware items" were mentioned (for breakfast, maybe). Important: My stay was pre-COVID, I will say I'd make sure I knew more about the current measures if I went now.
For the Kids - Not Much to Write Home About…
"Family/child-friendly"? Yes, to some extent, since there are some of the standard amenities a kid might want. "Kids meal" was not mentioned, nor was a "Babysitting service".
Getting Around – Easy Peasy
"Car park [free of charge]" = fantastic! It's a huge win if you're driving. "Airport transfer" was not mentioned, but you're basically right on the highway so…
The Verdict – Best Kept Secret? Maybe… But With Caveats!
So, is the Days Inn North Carlisle the "best-kept secret"? Not really. But…
- The Good: It's basic. It's clean-ish. The free parking is a lifesaver. It's affordable. For a quick stopover or a base for exploring Carlisle, it's perfectly adequate.
- The Bad: The Wi-Fi is criminal. The décor is tired. The breakfast is… basic. The cleanliness could use some work.
- The Quirks: The whole place has a certain… charm? In a slightly worn-around-the-edges way. It feels like a place where you could meet some interesting people. There's a certain "been there, done that" vibe that's kind of comforting.
- My Emotional Reaction: Honestly, I'm okay with it. I paid the price, I got a place to sleep, it didn't ruin my whole trip. I'd go again
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is my itinerary. And let me tell you, after this trip… well, let’s just say I’ll be needing industrial-strength therapy. We're talking Carlisle, Pennsylvania, baby! The beating heart of…uh…well, it's a place. Days Inn by Wyndham Carlisle North. Sounds glamorous, doesn’t it? Let's see how this unfolds:
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (aka Getting There is Half the Battle…and the Other Half is Just Trying To Relax)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Harrisburg International Airport (MDT). Okay, first hurdle: the TSA. Ugh. I hate TSA. They always make me feel like I’m the world's most suspicious person, even when I’m just carrying a bag of gummy bears and a copy of "Pride and Prejudice" (because who needs a passport when you have literary escapism?). Anyway, after the probing (of both luggage and inner demons), I successfully navigate the labyrinth and snag my rental car. It's a… well, it’s a car. Let's just say it's not exactly a head-turner, but it drives. That's the important part, right?
- 2:30 PM: The Drive. The highway… the endless, beige, utterly forgettable highway. I'm already questioning my life choices. Specifically, the choice to actually leave my couch. The signs for Carlisle. The closer it gets, the more a sense of… meh settles in. I flip open my playlist - "Sad Songs for Road Trips" - and try not to let the lyrics get to me.
- 3:30 PM: Arrive at Days Inn Carlisle North. Okay, here we go. First impressions? Let's just say it's… functional. The lobby smells faintly of chlorine and regret. Check-in is painless, thankfully. The clerk, bless her heart, looks like she's seen some things. Maybe she knows I'm questioning my whole life. Maybe she's seen worse.
- 4:00 PM: The Room. Disaster strikes. No, not a major disaster. Just a small, nagging one: the air conditioner sounds like a dying walrus. And the TV remote? Missing batteries. Great. Just great. I start to unpack, trying to ignore the distinct feeling of being trapped in a giant, poorly-lit box. The view from the window? A parking lot. Fantastic. I briefly consider throwing myself onto the bed and giving up, but the tiny plastic-wrapped soap bars are calling my name. I resist the urge.
- 5:00 PM: Finding Food. There's a chain restaurant a few blocks down. The menu is filled with things that are orange. I brace myself for the culinary experience that awaits.
- 7:00 PM: Existential Dinner, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Deep-Fried Appetizers. The food is… edible. The server is ridiculously cheerful. I wonder if she's a robot. Or maybe she just gets paid extra to be relentlessly optimistic. I order a plate of something deep-fried. I need comfort. I’m surrounded by people who also seem like they are in a place, who also seem like they are questioning their life choices. I eat the fried food. I don't question. I just… eat.
- 8:00 PM: Back to The Room. The walrus-like air conditioner continues its death throes. I try to watch TV, but the cable is terrible. I'm left with the choice of some bad reality television or I can read a book. Fine by me. I read, I feel nothing as I turn the pages, the world outside my window is a blur. I fall asleep.
Day 2: Embracing the Bland (and Maybe a Little Culture?)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast: Free breakfast, baby! It's the usual suspects: lukewarm coffee, stale bagels, and the suspicious-looking scrambled eggs that may or may not be older than I am. I take a deep breath. This is living.
- 9:00 AM: Carlisle Barracks. Okay, I'm forcing myself to be a tourist. I walk around. I look. I am confused. I see buildings that look like they were built a long time ago. It's … educational, I guess? The history is interesting, if you can manage to focus through the general bleakness. I take some photos for proof that I did something. My mind feels like mush.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Another chain restaurant. More orange food. I don't want to do this anymore.
- 1:00 PM: Trying to find something to do in this town… a small antique shop. Old stuff. I think I look for a while. I don't buy anything.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the Glorious Room. I attempt to nap, but the walrus air conditioner rages on. I give up, I give in. I embrace the silence.
- 4:00 PM: I try to go to a park, but the weather is gross. I think about how I am wasting my life.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. I try to find different food. I spend an hour looking and fail. I go to the original place. I have a different kind of orange food.
- 8:00 PM: The Room, Round Two. The walrus is louder. It feels like a cruel joke. I consider leaving early, but then I remember I am paying for this. I watch TV, read, try not to die of boredom or despair.
Day 3: Escape (and Perhaps a Tiny Spark of Hope?)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. More of the same, but I'm starting to develop a sort of perverse fondness for the questionable eggs. I get my coffee.
- 9:00 AM: Departure. The escape begins! Check out is easy and quick. I drive out of town, away from the beige and the air conditioner.
- 10:00 AM: Drive towards the next destination on my list.
Final Thoughts (and Why I Need Therapy):
Okay, let's be real: Carlisle, Pennsylvania, wasn't exactly the adventure I was hoping for. The Days Inn was… an experience. The chain restaurants? Well, let's just say I’ve developed a new appreciation for home-cooked meals. But hey, I survived. I observed, I ate orange food (which, let's be honest, wasn't the worst thing), and I got out.
Looking back, I think the worst part was the utter lack of… well, anything. No grand moments. No unexpected joys. Just a lot of beige and the constant, rhythmic groaning of that damn air conditioner. But would I do it again? Probably not. Unless someone's paying.
And now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go curl up on my couch and binge-watch something that makes me feel good. And maybe call a therapist. I'll have to buy a new couch… I should buy something orange.
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Carlisle's BEST Kept Secret (or Maybe Not): Days Inn North (PA) - Your Truthfully Messy Guide
Okay, spill the tea. Is this Days Inn REALLY a secret? And 'best,' really?
Alright, alright, let's not get ahead of ourselves. "Best kept secret" might be a *slight* exaggeration. More like a "perfectly adequate, conveniently located, and sometimes surprisingly charming" not-so-secret. Look, I've stayed at this Days Inn *a lot*. My bank account has forgiven me (I think?). It's a strategic pit stop – close to the track, close to food, and honestly, sometimes the *only* place left during big events. So, no, not a *secret* secret. But for certain people, in the right context? It's a goldmine. And "best?" Well, "best" depends on the day, the room, and how desperately you need a cheap bed. More on that later, oh yes, MUCH more.
What's the deal with the location? Is it actually *north*?
Yes! Mostly. It's... North-ish. Carlisle is one of those towns where "north" is a relative term, especially after you've been driving all day. It's basically on the main road, a stone's throw from the racetrack if you're into that (I used to be into it, now I just like the food). Conveniently close to a few fast-food joints (which I absolutely may or may not judge based on their fries *cough* if you know, you know) and a decent grocery store. So, it's practical. And when you're exhausted after a grueling day of... whatever you're doing in Carlisle... practical is GOLD. Don't expect picturesque views, expect... accessibility. That's its charm. Or, at least, one of its charms.
Let's talk rooms. What's the usual vibe? Are we talking "sterile motel room" vibes or...?
Okay, honesty time. "Sterile motel room" is accurate... sometimes. Let's be frank, it's a Days Inn. You're not signing up for luxury. The vibe can range from perfectly acceptable and clean (yay!) to slightly... *dated* (meaning, they probably haven't updated since the first Bush was in office). I’ve seen rooms that were spotless. I’ve seen rooms where I *swear* the carpet might have been a breeding ground for… well, let's just say I wouldn't eat *off* the floor. They try. The staff is generally friendly and tries (and this is key) – but it's a budget motel, so manage your expectations. The beds are usually okay. The TV works (thank goodness). The water *usually* gets hot. Small victories!
Breakfast. The ultimate motel test. What's the verdict?
The breakfast… oh, the breakfast. This is where the "budget" part REALLY shines. Think: pre-packaged pastries that may or may not have seen the sun in days (don't trust the expiration dates!), stale bagels, and a waffle maker that's either perpetually broken or the source of pure, sugary chaos. Cereal is, as always, your friend. Coffee? Hit or miss. One time, I swear the coffee tasted like lightly flavored dishwater. The next time? Surprisingly decent! So, *prepare*. Pack your own snacks. Lower those expectations. Consider it a pre-emptive taste-bud workout. Mostly, the breakfast is a *situation*, not a culinary experience. Accept it. Embrace the weirdness.
Deals! Spill the deals tea! Are there any worth chasing?
Ah, deals! This is where the Days Inn kind of… shines, actually. They *frequently* have deals. Check their own website *first*. Booking directly often gets you the best rate. AAA and AARP discounts are usually available. Sign up for their rewards program – often, the points are actually… useful. During the big events (car shows, the fair, etc.), prices skyrocket EVERYWHERE, naturally. But the Days Inn often *still* offers a relatively less-painful wallet hit, even if it’s not *cheap*. So, yes, chase the deals! But also, be prepared to book EARLY. Like, ridiculously early.
Tell me about the staff? Any notable encounters?
The staff… they're a mixed bag, like any motel staff. I’ve encountered some truly lovely, helpful people. They remembered my name once (possibly because I practically lived there during one particularly grueling car show). They've been accommodating, patient, and genuinely kind. I've also encountered the occasional person who's maybe a little… burnt out (understandable). One time, in my sleep deprived haze, I asked at the desk if they had any… "spare unicorns." The woman behind the counter didn't even blink. She just pointed me to the candy machine. That’s a pro. And a good sign, I think. So, be nice to them. They deal with a lot. And tip! Especially if they actually *get* you a decent room.
Let's get real. What's the WORST experience you've had there? Don't hold back.
Okay, brace yourself. The *worst* experience… was a doozy. It wasn’t even about the room itself, which, as mentioned, can be a gamble. No, it involved something far more horrifying: the pool. (Or what *passed* for a pool). It was during a particularly humid summer weekend. I was exhausted, sunburnt, and desperately craving a swim. I ventured out to the "pool area" – cautiously optimistic. I walked in, cautiously optimistic was the last thing I felt. The water… well, let's just say it had a certain *patina.* There were more questionable floaty things than actual swimming space. Then there was the smell. And the general air of… desolation. I swear, I saw a small family of frogs. This was bad. Like, really bad. I, with a deep, gut-wrenching sigh of defeat, elected to go back to my room... to the questionable carpet. And since that day? I don't go near the pool. Ever
So, should I stay there? Give me the bottom line.
Look, if you're expecting the Ritz, run far, FAR away. But if you need a clean-ish, convenient-ish, and relatively cheap place to crash in Carlisle, and you're willing to embrace the… quirks… of a budget motel, then yes. You should *seriously* consider the Days Inn North. Manage those expectations. Pack your own snacks. Bring your own Lysol wipes. And, maybe, just maybe, avoid the poolStay By City
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