Life in the 21st century is, we can probably all agree, anything but predictable and boring. However, do you ever yearn for the good old days? Those days when diners sat on most corners in town and where Friday nights meant watching a double feature at the drive-in. Reclaim a little bit of that magic of yesteryear when you check into Pennsylvania's Red Caboose Motel.
For more than five decades, visitors have been checking into the authentic cabooses at The Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant in Ronks.
Today, the motel boasts a selection of 38 cabooses with themes ranging from the mail car to the baggage car. Each is painted in one of several vibrant colors.
Regardless of which caboose you book, you're sure to feel as though you've journeyed back in time. Cabooses are available in a variety of sizes - from cozy enough for a couple to large enough for a family.
Get to know some of the residents - a goat, an alpaca, and a potbelly pig - at the petting zoo. Ride the Red Caboose Express, a trackless train, for a small fee, too.
Have you ever stayed at Pennsylvania's Red Caboose Motel? Share your experience in the comments! For another blast from the past, plan a meal at Village Diner in Milford.
The Historic Guild House in Philadelphia is One of the Best Places I’ve Ever Stayed
Explore the Guild House Hotel in Philadelphia, a luxurious boutique hotel with a rich history tied to women's rights and social progress. Enjoy modern comforts and a prime location.
Fun fact: there are over 166,000 hotels in the United States. That's a lot of options.
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As travel experts at Only In Your State, we know better than anyone how a good hotel can make -- or break -- a trip.
When I was a kid -- 10 or 11, I think -- my family packed up the 1987 Volvo station wagon and drove from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Bar Harbor, Maine, stopping at several notable points of interest along the way.
We also stayed at several notable hotels along the way, including a sketchy roadside stop my brothers and I nicknamed the Bates Motel. This roadside inn (I think it might have even been called "Roadside Inn") was every bit as creepy as its namesake; suspicious dark stains, flickering lights, a damp chill to the air, and a toilet that randomly flushed made for an interesting night's sleep, and while that trip included visits to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown and the "big boot" in Freeport, what I remember most is our night at the Bates Motel.
Today's feature destination is *not* the Bates Motel... not even close.
Today, we're taking a look at the Guild House Hotel, a luxurious and historic boutique hotel in the heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Jenna Gibson, Vice President of Creative for Only In Your State's parent company World of Good, recently stayed at Guild House Hotel and had rave reviews about her experience. In fact, Gibson says the Guild House Hotel is one of the best places she's ever stayed in Philadelphia.
The City of Brotherly Love is a must-visit destination for anyone into history. While this Pennsylvania town is often pitted against places like Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Boston, Philadelphia is a treasure trove of attractions that, when combined with the city's historic clout and charming walkability, make for an unforgettable experience. Especially when this experience includes a stay at the Guild House Hotel.
Photo by Jason Varney
The Guild House Hotel is an impeccably restored 1855 row home — a National Historic Landmark — in the heart of historic Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A beacon of progressive politics and unabashed feminism, the home's history is inextricably tied to American history, from women’s suffrage to labor reform.
In 1876, nearly 10 million people attend The Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. Eliza Sproat Turner used the exhibition as a platform to launch "The New Century for Women," a progressive newspaper that raised awareness on women's rights and published reports on the labor conditions in local mills, stores, and factories. Turner later organized the The New Century Club, a women-run operation that provided support and opportunities for Philadelphia women.
Philadelphia building around Philadelphia city hall, USA
By the time Turner died in 1903, her group had become a vital part of Philadelphia driven by some of the city’s most impressive women. The small fortune Eliza bequeathed the Guild upon her death helped the members achieve their next goal: the 1906 purchase of an 1850s Italianate row home in the heart of downtown Philly: 1307 Locust Street — the very building that now houses the Guild House Hotel.
The hotel's location was a big draw for Gibson, as was its history. "I loved the central location in the center city area - shops, good food, good coffee... safe and walkable to different areas of city," she even "casually walked by the Liberty Bell on my way home from dinner!"
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The Liberty Bell is an American icon and crown jewel of Philadelphia. Representing American freedom, independence, and history, the Liberty Bell's inscription conveys a message of liberty that's integral to our collective freedom. The Guild House Hotel certainly fits in with this legacy of social progress, community, and equality, partnering with minority-owned businesses, hosting themed “fireside chats” featuring celebrity speakers, and assigning each guest room a different theme inspired by Philadelphia's most celebrated female figures.
Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Philadelphia
Speaking of guest rooms, inside the Guild House Hotel you’ll find 12 suite situated inside a graceful, welcoming boutique hotel in which modern comforts mesh seamlessly with historic character. If you're concerned about sacrificing luxury for history, don't be; the hotel prides itself on extraordinary, five-star service.
Photo by Jason Varney
During a Guild House stay, the space belongs to the guests, with staff on call 24 hours a day, ready to serve in the form of nightly turn down services, customized trip itineraries, onsite parking access (available first-come, first-serve), and even airport pickup upon request. Best of all, says Gibson, is the Guild House's privacy. Despite its central location and convenience, "the hotel is mirrored off Airbnb/self service - so it feels very private," she says.
Photo by Jason Varney
The next time you find yourself in The City of Brotherly Love, do yourself a favor and book a stay at the historic Guild House Hotel.
We all deserve time to get away and relax. Can you just picture how relaxed and energized you’ll feel after spending some time out in nature, surrounded by the gorgeous beauty of the great outdoors? Then, picture yourself curling up on a cozy couch or in a comfy bed in a beautiful cabin for a well-deserved getaway. Doesn’t it sound like a dream? Here are ten cozy cabins in Pennsylvania where you can make it come true.
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Luxury Cabins in Pennsylvania
Looking for luxurious accommodations? There are numerous spots that offer an array of amenities if you prefer over the more rustic-style cabins. Take a look at these luxury cabins in PA.
Amenities: Internet, heating, A/C, indoor pool, fire pit, game room, pool table, Smart TV
Rating: 4.8 stars
With more amenities than you could ever hope for, including a heated indoor pool, this is one of the most luxurious cabins for rent in Pennsylvania. Perfect for a family reunion or perhaps a weekend getaway with friends, this gorgeous home also has a tent for camping out on the property if someone on your group prefers.
Amenities: Internet, heating, A/C, indoor pool, theater room, game room, pool table, grill
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You won't want to leave this home as it has everything you need and more! Enjoy a swim in the indoor swimming pool or how about a movie in the movie room? You may also be tempted to cook up a gourmet meal in the fully-equipped kitchen. With so many activities and amenities, this family-friendly creekside lodge is as luxurious as it gets.
Amenities: Mountain view, kitchen, internet, free parking, private outdoor pool, private hot tub, pet-friendly
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Happy Trails House is one of the best cabin Airbnbs in Pennsylvania, offering luxury and privacy in a serene woodland setting. This retreat features a private pool, a hot tub for year-round relaxation, and a 1.5-mile private hiking trail. Enjoy the well-appointed kitchen, a coffee bar with premium options, and ample outdoor living spaces illuminated for evening enjoyment. Perfect for both families and couples seeking a luxurious escape, Happy Trails House provides a tranquil getaway just minutes from the Susquehanna River.
Romantic Cabins in Pennsylvania
There's perhaps no other part of PA as romantic as the Pocono Mountains, so we hand-selected a couple of Poconos cabins for a romantic getaway with your special someone.
4. Pocono Log Cabin, Locust Lake Village, Tobyhanna Township
Amenities: Internet, fireplace, fire pit, kayak, canoe, foosball, pool table, cable TV
Rating: 4.8 stars
Of all the romantic cabin rentals in Pennsylvania, this one also has enough amenities to keep you and your loved one entertained. Challenge each other to a game of pool or foosball and also enjoy lake beaches and breathing in that fresh Pocono Mountains air!
Amenities: Internet, air conditioning, washing machine
Rating: 5 stars
Have you ever stayed in a treehouse? Talk about a romantic cabin in Pennsylvania! This glamping getaway even comes with a soaking tub that's perfect for a couple.
Cabins in Pennsylvania with Hot Tub
Nothing says relaxation better than a stay at a vacation rental with a hot tub in PA. Soak away the stress while enjoying nature. There's simply nothing better.
You'll find this lovely cabin with a jacuzzi near Fallingwater, the famous house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. You'll love all the modern amenities in this cozy space along with the stone fireplace in the living room. What more could you ever want in a getaway? It's one of the best cabin rentals in Pennsylvania.
Experience one of the best cabin getaways in Pennsylvania at Liberty Log Cabin, a cozy retreat with stunning views and luxurious amenities. Unwind in the hot tub under a gazebo, enjoy evenings by the fire pit, or challenge friends at the poker table and air hockey in the game room. With easy access to Route 15, this cabin is perfect for exploring local attractions like Wellsboro, the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, and various state parks, making it an ideal destination for your next vacation.
Amenities: Kitchen, indoor fireplace, internet, private hot tub, central air conditioning, bathtub, ping pong table, pool table
Rating: 4.99 stars
Go and enjoy one of the best cozy cabins in Pennsylvania! This huge 2,800-square-foot retreat is ideal for families looking for a relaxing getaway. You can unwind in the hot tub, make use of the well-equipped kitchen, and relax in the open living room. The basement is packed with fun activities, including a pool table, ping pong, foosball, and card games. The cabin has a great layout, with a bedroom and bathroom on the first floor, and additional bedrooms and a loft upstairs. It's a comfy and fun space for everyone to enjoy!
Affordable Cabins in Pennsylvania
While travel can be expensive, it doesn't always have to break the bank. There are many affordable options for rent available throughout the state, including the following:
Amenities: Internet, heating, A/C, dishwasher, grill, communal pool
Rating: 5 stars
Conveniently located a mere 15 minutes from Hersheypark, this is one of the most affordable cottage rentals in Pennsylvania. You'll feel right at home in this cozy and comfortable accommodation.
Amenities: Lake access, kitchen, internet, free parking, 43-inch HDTV with Roku, private patio, private backyard, indoor fireplace, fire pit
Rating: 4.93 stars
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Looking for a peaceful and budget-friendly escape just 40 miles northeast of Pittsburgh? Check out this newly renovated guest cabin on a beautiful farm with no neighbors nearby. You'll have everything you need, including a full kitchen, a comfy king-size bed, and a cozy living room. Spend your days exploring the beautiful surroundings, fishing at the pond, or just chilling out on the deck. It's the perfect place for anyone who wants a tranquil retreat in a natural setting with all the comforts of home.
Secluded Cabins in Pennsylvania
Oh, sweet seclusion! Sometimes getting away -- far away -- from the grind of daily life is necessary. Spending time in a secluded cabin in PA can do just the trick to relieve stress as we connect with nature and distance ourselves from any and all distractions.
If you've ever wanted to stay on a farm, now's your chance. Set on an idyllic 52 acres of rural landscape, this rural cabin getaway in Pennsylvania may be just what you need to disconnect for a little while in order to reconnect with yourself. With plenty of outdoor space to wander just outside this rustic cabin’s door, you’ll enjoy plenty of fresh air and solitude.
This riverside two-bedroom cabin rental in Pennsylvania is surrounded by nature. Located far enough from civilization and light pollution, you can enjoy stargazing underneath some of the darkest skies in the state from the comfort of this vacation home.
Planning a staycation or thinking about your next vacation? Have you traveled this year? I'd love to hear about your favorite places to stay - let me know!
If you're undecided on where to stay, check out this list of some of the best places to stay in PA. And if you’re seeking unique activities to enjoy during your relaxation time, don’t miss these one-of-a-kind experiences.
