York's BEST TownePlace Suites? (PA) Insider Review!
York's Best TownePlace Suites: An Insider's (Mostly Positive, Surprisingly Honest) Review!
Okay, folks, gather 'round! I've just emerged, blinking in the sunlight, from what's supposed to be York, Pennsylvania's shining star of extended-stay hotels: the TownePlace Suites. And let me tell you, after a week holed up, dodging toddlers and seeking the elusive perfect cup of coffee (spoiler alert: I found it!), I've got opinions. Buckle up, because this is gonna be a wild ride through the world of hotel life, and trust me, it's not always glamorous.
First Impressions & The Accessibility Gauntlet (Spoiler: They Mostly Pass!):
Let's be real, accessibility is a HUGE deal. I’m always checking for it. And the TownePlace Suites in York? They're doing a decent job. The parking was a breeze (thankfully, because parallel parking is my kryptonite!), and the entrance had a ramp – victory! The hallways seemed wide enough for… well, for a small parade. Now, I wasn't personally testing out wheelchair maneuverability, but from a cursory glance, it looked good. The elevators were also blessedly spacious and easily navigated.
Now, the website said "Facilities for disabled guests" but the details were a bit vague. BUT… the Elevator was great. That's a HUGE plus in extended-stay places, right? No one wants to haul luggage up a mountain of stairs. Also, Car park [free of charge] is a total win. Nothing sucks more than nickel-and-diming with parking fees.
Rooms: My Temporary Fortress (aka, My Home for a Week) - And Oh, My God, the Internet!
Okay, so, the rooms. Pretty standard TownePlace fare: functional, clean-ish, and with a surprisingly comfortable bed. (I actually slept through the night for the first time in ages, which is practically a miracle considering my neighbor's kid seemed to be auditioning for a heavy metal band every morning.)
The real battleground? The internet. "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" they proudly declared. And for the most part, they delivered. Glorious, streaming-without-a-hitch Wi-Fi! Okay, there were a couple of glitches. One day, it died mid-Zoom call with my boss, which led to a very awkward silence and an even more passive-aggressive email. I'm still apologizing. But, overall, the Internet access – wireless was rock solid. Internet access – LAN (for those who, like my inner geek, still require a hardwired connection) was also available, which is always a plus for me.
Important Note: The In-room safe box was a bit of a joke, but I used it anyway. It barely fits a laptop and a phone, so I shoved my passport and emergency chocolate stash in there.
Amenities & The Quest for Relaxation (or at Least Sanity):
Let's talk about "things to do" and "ways to relax." This is where the TownePlace Suites starts to shine, but also where the reality check hits.
- Pool (Outdoor): It was… there. I'm not a pool person. It was clean and inviting, though.
- Fitness Center: Typical hotel gym. Treadmills, some weights… It served its purpose. I saw a few people getting their sweat on. Maybe I should have too.
- Breakfast: This is where things get interesting. They offer a Breakfast [buffet]. They also have the Breakfast in room, which is great, especially when you are feeling like you're still half-asleep. They provided Breakfast takeaway service, which is convenient to have when you have to go to a day of work. The buffet itself was, well, a buffet. The usual suspects: scrambled eggs (fine), waffles (surprisingly good), and… processed fruit. I swear, some of the oranges looked like they'd been genetically engineered. The coffee, however, as mentioned, was pretty good. I found my perfect cup on day three, and it saved my sanity.
- The "Spa" (It's Not Really a Spa): Don’t get your hopes up. This isn’t a full-blown spa experience.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Germ-Averse Rant (aka, my OCD Side)
Okay, I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so the cleanliness aspect is a big deal. In this context, it definitely mattered, especially with pandemic still lurking. Their efforts to combat COVID-19 were (mostly) reassuring. There was Anti-viral cleaning products being used, and Rooms sanitized between stays. I appreciated seeing the Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere. And, the Staff trained in safety protocol gave a real peace of mind.
I was a little bummed I couldn't get my room sanitized upon request. Room sanitization opt-out available, but not "in." Maybe it was an oversight, or maybe they just weren't offering it. Either way, it would be something to keep in mind if you are super particular.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: Fueling the Extended Stay
This is where TownePlace Suites fall a little short, if I'm being honest.
- Restaurants: They have none. Zero. Zilch. Okay, that's harsh. They have a convenience store, which is a lifesaver for snacks and drinks.
- Breakfast: As I mentioned before, the breakfast was okay, nothing to write home about.
- The "Bar": This is where the Poolside bar could be a win.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (and the Oddities)
This is a mixed bag, but mostly positive.
- Daily Housekeeping: PRAISE BE! My room was cleaned every day, which was heaven-sent.
- Laundry Service: Yes! Because I can't live in public for longer than three days without a washing machine.
- Concierge: Well, there wasn't anyone specifically labeled "Concierge," but the front desk staff were helpful with directions and suggestions.
For the Kids: (I'm Not a Kid, But I Saw Some):
- Family/child friendly: Definitely. There were a LOT of kids. The pool was a major hit.
Getting Around: Ease of Transportation
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes! Score!
The Verdict:
Look, the TownePlace Suites in York, PA isn't perfect. But it's good. It's a solid choice for an extended stay, especially if you're looking for a comfortable, clean, and functional base. The internet is reliable, the staff is friendly, and the free parking is a godsend. Just temper your expectations for luxury, bring your own snacks (and maybe a good book), and you'll be fine.
Final Score: 7.5/10. Would stay again (despite the genetically modified oranges!). And that, my friends, is the ultimate seal of approval.
Hawthorn Suites Allentown: Your Fogelsville Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is a yarn, a saga, a situation that's gonna unfold right here in the hallowed halls (and parking lot) of the TownePlace Suites in York, Pennsylvania. I'm going in, folks. Wish me luck.
Day 1: Arrival and the Agony of the A/C
- 1:00 PM - Arrival at TownePlace Suites York: Okay, initially, I was pumped. York! The White Rose City! I imagined historical charm, charming little shops, maybe even a ghost tour (hey, a girl can dream). Pulled up to the hotel, and… well, it's a TownePlace Suites. Functional. Beige. Fine. The lobby smelled faintly of chlorine and… potential. You know, that feeling of “anything could happen.”
- 1:30 PM - Room Check-in and the A/C Blues (or, Why I’m Suddenly Very Hot): First impressions? My room was… surprisingly spacious. King bed! Kitchenette! Score! Then I turned on the air conditioner. Nothing. Nada. Zip. Swiping the key card again didn't help. Called down to the front desk (a very nice, albeit slightly harried, desk clerk named Brenda) who assured me she'd send maintenance right up.
- My Emotional State: Immediately went from "Oh, this is nice" to "FUUUUUUUUU…" in about 60 seconds flat. Pennsylvania in August? I need air conditioning like I need oxygen, and I'm pretty sure the two are linked at this point.
- 2:00 PM - The Waiting Game (and the Discovery of Questionable Netflix Selections): Sat on the bed, fanning myself with a magazine about… landscaping?! (apparently, it's all they had in the lobby). Maintenance guy finally arrived looking about as thrilled as I was. He poked, prodded, and ultimately… failed. Offered a move to another room, which, naturally, made me even grumpier. Now, I'm sitting in bed, streaming something on Netflix (thank you, Wi-Fi) to distract me from the heat. The available choices were… uninspiring. Let's just say, I've got a newfound appreciation for documentaries about… things I wouldn't usually watch.
- 4:00 PM - Resigned Acceptance and a Quest for Caffeine: The new room, thankfully, wasn't an oven. Still no great, but it'll do. Now to find some good cofffee. So, I wandered out to find a coffee shop, and this time it was a success.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at a Local Joint… That Actually Knew How To Cook Chicken Wings: The hotel suggested a place called "The Wing Zone." I love a good wing. Actually, I live for a good wing. I ordered their hottest sauce. It was… fiery! Delicious. The beer was cold, the atmosphere was raucous, and I felt a sliver of sanity return. York, you might be alright after all.
- 8:00 PM - Bedtime! It's been real, but there's more to see, tomorrow. (Hopefully with functioning A/C).
Day 2: History (and the Mystery of the Missing Socks)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast (and the Scourge of Continental Buffets): Free breakfast at the hotel. Which, let's be honest, is usually a low-stakes gamble. Cereal, some kind of processed egg-like substance, and, miraculously, a waffle iron! I made a waffle. It was… acceptable. I'm not sure what I expected.
- Quirky Observation: I swear, hotel breakfast buffets are breeding grounds for existential angst.
- 9:00 AM - The York History Museum & the Great Sock Heist: Today, I decided to embrace the historical allure of York. The York History Museum was actually pretty cool. So many artifacts and stories, but mostly I was thinking about the missing sock from my laundry. Seriously, where do socks go?
- 1:00 PM - Lunch at a Diner: I was getting hungry, and the museum was making me hungry. Needed to feel something other than history. Found a classic diner. Got a patty melt. Divine.
- 2:00 PM - Downtown York Stroll (and the Search for a Decent Souvenir): I hit York city! (after the museum). There was a cute little farmer's market, and even bought a postcard!
- 4:00 PM - Back to the Hotel: The Rest of the Day: The rest of the day was really just for relaxing. I got some snacks from a local shop, and hung out at the hotel.
Day 3: Departure and the Lingering Smell of… Adventure?
- 9:00 AM - Final Breakfast: One last waffle, one last glance at the questionable cereal, and a deep breath. I am not going to miss that continental breakfast.
- 10:00 AM - Checkout: Brenda, at the front desk, seemed genuinely sad to see me go. Maybe she was tired of dealing with the A/C complaints. Or maybe I just have that effect on people.
- 11:00 AM - Headed out! I feel a little refreshed and exhausted, but I'm ready to get my life back.
- Anecdote: York wasn't exactly a life-altering experience, but the chicken wings, the historical gems I discovered, and the sheer drama of the A/C situation? They’ll make a good story to tell.
So, there you have it. My imperfect, messy, and thoroughly human adventure in York, Pennsylvania. It wasn't perfect. The A/C gave me the silent treatment. The socks… still a mystery, all is well. It also gives life to something simple.
Morristown Getaway: Unbelievable Days Inn Deal! (TN)
York's TownePlace Suites: My Chaotic, Honest, and Probably Too-Detailed Review (AKA FAQs!)
Okay, So... Is This Place Actually GOOD? Or Just... Meh?
Alright, let's be real. "Good" is a loaded word, right? This TownePlace Suites in York, Pennsylvania, is… *mostly* good. Look, I've stayed in some dives that would make a cockroach cringe, and I've stayed in places where the towels practically hug you. This one… this one is in the middle. Like, a solid 7/10. But don't expect perfection. Embrace the imperfections; they're what make life (and hotel reviews) interesting!
Here's the deal: It's clean. Usually. My first stay? Sparkling. Glorious. Second stay? Uh, let's just say I strategically avoided looking *too* closely at the grout in the bathroom. But hey, that's life, right? It's got a kitchen (more on that later, because… well, it's important). And the staff? Generally lovely. Though, I did have one overly effusive check-in guy who kept calling me "Sunshine." I'm not sure that's my vibe, but hey, he was trying, bless his heart.
The Kitchen. Tell me Everything. Because I'm a Foodie (or at Least, I LIKE to Eat).
Okay, buckle up, because the kitchen is a HUGE win for this place. A full-sized fridge! A stovetop! A microwave! A dishwasher (blessedly quiet, I might add.) This, my friends, is where you can actually *live* in a hotel room. No more sad, overpriced pre-packaged snacks. Instead? Grocery shopping at Wegmans (if you're lucky enough to be from somewhere that has a Wegmans… if not, there's a Giant nearby).
So, here's my kitchen horror story, keep in mind this is an honest review and not an advertisement: My first stay, I was on a HEALTH kick (yeah, right). Cooked myself a glorious salmon with roasted asparagus. Felt AMAZING. Second stay? I tried to make pasta. EPIC FAIL. The burner wouldn't turn up past a simmer. I mean, it was more like a gentle bubble than a proper boil. After 45 minutes, I gave up and ordered pizza. Pro tip: Test the appliances *immediately* upon arrival.
Oh, and the utensils? They’re… functional. Not top-of-the-line, but they get the job done. Don't expect to chop a butternut squash with the paring knife, okay? Keep realistic expectations, folks!
Breakfast: Free Food, or a Free-for-All Food Fight?
The free breakfast… ah, the eternal hotel breakfast dilemma. It's free, so expectations should be tempered, right? Right. Sometimes, it's a delightful surprise. Sometimes... it's a buffet of disappointment. This TownePlace Suites is generally toward the "decent" end of the spectrum. They usually have the usual suspects: cereal, yogurt, fruit (sometimes bruised, but hey, free fruit!), waffles (always a win), and the ever-present scrambled eggs.
Now, let me paint you a picture: I vividly remember one morning, I was SO HUNGRY. Grabbed a waffle. It was… perfectly cooked. Crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside. Felt like a win! Then, the next day? Leathery, almost inedible. The breakfast gods giveth, and the breakfast gods taketh away, it would seem. So, go in with an open mind, and be prepared to embrace the randomness.
Also, the coffee can be… weak. VERY weak. But hey, at least it's free, and there's a little machine with the flavored creamers. That *is* a plus, you know?
The Pool/Gym/Laundry Room - Are They Worth Mentioning?
Okay, let's get through these quickly. The pool? I saw it. Looked… clean. Didn't actually get *in* it. I'm more of a "Netflix and chill" kind of traveler, or, you know, a "try to make pasta that actually boils" kind of traveler. The gym? Small. The equipment looks serviceable. Again, I’m more of a “walk around York to find a good brewery” kind of person.
The laundry room? Ah, now that's something. It *exists*. It has washers and driers. They take quarters. And the best part? You don’t have to fight a hoard of tourists to use them… usually. Prepare a small change purse before going, or you'll be walking around, looking for a place to break a bill. They've been helpful more than once, in case of surprise spills or unexpected mud.
Location, Location, Location! Is It Convenient?
Actually, yes, the location's pretty darn good. It's close to things. Restaurants, shops, and all the necessary York-y things. Not in the *super* bustling heart of downtown, but close enough that an Uber/Lyft ride won't break the bank. Plus, there's ample parking (always a bonus!).
I once forgot my toothbrush (mortifying, I know!). Within a five-minute drive, I was in a drugstore, saving the day (and my dignity). Its location is a huge plus, at least in my book, to be able to get around easily.
Housekeeping: Are They Angels or… Ghosts?
Okay, honesty time again. Housekeeping is where this place *sometimes* falters. I mean, they *do* come, they *do* clean, but… sometimes it's a little patchy. Think: a perfectly made bed, but the previous guest's hair still clinging to the bathroom sink. This isn't a super deep clean, but they'll do the basics. They'll replace towels, make the bed, and generally tidy up.
I'm a messy human. I leave things everywhere. So, I often appreciate a good clean. But if you're a super neat freak, bring cleaning supplies and be prepared to do a little touch-up yourself. Again, it is an honest review!
So, the Big Question: Would You Stay Here Again? REALLY?
Yep. Absolutely. Despite the occasional kitchen disaster, the slightly-less-than-perfect housekeeping, and the weak coffee, I would definitely stay here again. And it wouldn't be a lie. Why? Because: the rooms are spacious, and the kitchens are great. The staff is friendly. It's clean enough. And it's in a convenient location.
Look, it's not the Ritz. But for a comfortable, practical stay in York, Pennsylvania, this TownePlace SuitesComfort Zone Inn
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