posted Feb 23, 2024

Historic Places to Stay in Lancaster, PA

Attention history buffs! It’s one thing to read about history but it’s a whole other experience to stay overnight at a historical hotel, bed & breakfast, or inn. Here’s a round-up of historic places to stay around Lancaster County.

Cork Factory Hotel
Located in Lancaster’s Urban Place, the buildings that make up the Cork Factory Hotel, were formerly the historic Lancaster Cork Company, later Armstrong Cork and began production 1895. In 2009, after years of restoration, the Cork Factory Hotel opened its doors, carefully preserving the rustic industrial charm of its past, exposed brick walls and stunning architecture. As a member of the Historic Hotels of America, the Cork Factory Hotel offers today’s modern comforts, on site dining, free WIFI, private group event space in an unmatched and relaxing atmosphere. The Cork Factory Hotel is ideal for family and business travel, tour, corporate and social groups as well as weddings, plus it’s convenient to Lancaster’s attractions with easy access and free parking.

The Inn at Leola Village - A Historic Hotel of America
Lancaster’s only four-star luxury boutique inn – The Inn at Leola Village is a member of the Historic Hotels of America and located in the town of Leola. This historic property once an Amish tobacco farm now features select lodging in restored antique cottages and tobacco barns. Committed to sustainability, The Inn features Chef’s herb and vegetable gardens, stunning perennial gardens and adaptive reuse structures with original wood beams and corncob joints. Enjoy indoor and outdoor dining, wellness treatments in The Spa and a truly a memorable stay in Lancaster. The Inn at Leola Village & Spa is ideal for leisure and romantic escapes, distinctive group gatherings and luxury weddings. The Inn, due to its historic nature is not suitable for young children. It's one of only seven 4-5-star lodging locations in PA, and one of only four that includes 4-5-star spa service as well, according to Forbes Travel Guide. In 2024, it was named Top 25 Most Romantic Hotels by the Historic Hotels of America.

Lancaster Arts Hotel
The Lancaster Arts Hotel is housed in Falk and Rosenbaum Tobacco Warehouse from the 1800s. This beautiful hotel features exposed wooden beams, original brick and stone walls and locally made furniture. The hotel is listed on Pennsylvania’s Register of Historic Places and has tastefully maintained its historic relevance through its architecture and atmosphere. Perhaps what makes the Lancaster Arts Hotel so unique is the art! The works of 36 local artists are on display throughout the hotel and many are available for purchase.

The Historic Smithton Inn
Built in 1763, The Historic Smithton Inn offers an upscale experience in the historic small town of Ephrata. With the on-site wine bar and restaurant, you won’t have to leave your peaceful oasis for the duration of your stay. Add a romantic touch to your getaway with a wine & cheese platter, fresh flowers, bath salts or chocolates. Nearby historic attractions include the Ephrata Cloister and the Gameseum: Mega-Arcade & Museum.

Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square
Experience history when you stay at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square. This massive hotel is built within the 110-year-old Watt and Shand building – a Baroque-revival design dating back to the 1700s. Not only are you steps away from historic downtown Lancaster City, but you are surrounded by history within the walls of the Marriott. The newly excavated Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith Historic Site displays reminisce of Thaddeus Stevens’ law office where he and his housekeeper, Lydia Hamilton Smith lived. An underground cistern was found to have been altered and provided basement access from the Steven’s adjacent brewery to transport fugitive slaves. The duo’s role in the Underground Railroad is beautifully preserved for guests to view and tour on the bottom floor of the Marriott. Additionally, The William H. Montgomery House, built in 1804 has been renovated and repurposed to host events at Marriott.

Pictured: The Historic Smithton Inn

Freedom Home
Freedom Home, located in the rivertown of Columbia, PA, is a beautiful 1876 Civil War Era mansion. This vacation home is packed with historic charm, local antiques, and modern amenities. Freedom Home is rich with Columbia history including a partial underground tunnel and secret attic room on the top level that may have been used as part of the Underground Railroad! Check out Discover Columbia for nearby things to do.

Pinetown Bridge BNB
Pinetown Bridge BNB is nestled in the heart of Amish Country in a beautiful natural setting. The original house was built in 1870 or thereabout with a substantial addition added in the 1990's. The house has unique features of wall murals, wooden floors and fireplaces. It's bordered by both the Conestoga River & Lititz Run Creek, providing the relaxing escape every traveler needs. Just steps away, guests can walk, bike, or drive through the Pinetown Covered Bridge. If you spend some time in their outdoor seating areas, you will likely see a horse and buggy trot by too!

Lititz Springs Inn & Spa
The historic Lititz Springs Inn & Spa brings contemporary and classic together for a restful stay in the quaint small town of Lititz. The recently renovated rooms and spa offer an upscale experience that guests are sure to remember. There are two on-site restaurants – The Bull Head Public House, an authentic British-style pub and winner of “Best Beer Bar in PA” five times in a row and the elegant Lititz Springs Restaurant. Both restaurants offer indoor and outdoor dining and in the warmer months, guests can enjoy live music on the outdoor patio.

Moonstone Manor
The Moonstone Manor is housed on land formerly known as the Conewago Manor Farm. In May of 1742, Samuel Smith – a local miller - received the original deed from the William Penn family to reside on the land. In 1800, Henry Bates Grubb, Ironmaster of the Hopewell Forge bought the property and remodeled the stone mansion, expanded the farm to 3,000 acres and renamed it Mount Vernon Estate. In 1899, the Mount Vernon Estate was acquired by the Pennsylvania Vaccine Company. Dr. H.M. Alexander, owner of the company used the stone barn as a laboratory for his experiments. Moonstone Manor has, over the course of time, served as a United States Post Office, a railway ticket office for lines including the Pennsylvania Railroad, an Inn, and now as a property exclusively available to brides and guests as a magical venue for their dream celebrations.

Strasburg Village Inn
The Strasburg Village Inn has been serving visitors since before the turn of the 20th century. Their detailed period furnishings, combined with modern amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi, means that travelers can experience the charm of the historic with the convenience of the modern. While staying at the Inn, guests can stop at the Strasburg Country Store & Creamery for a bounty of delicious homemade treats, visit the winery, bakery, thrift boutique, and antique store that share the square of Strasburg, or venture from the square just a mile to great attractions like Sight & Sound Theatres or the Strasburg Rail Road.

Pictured: Moonstone Manor

1786 The Limestone Inn
1786 The Limestone Inn was at one time the home of the Chief Burgess of Strasburg, the headmaster house and dormitory for the Strasburg Academy. For the past two decades the inn has been welcoming guests into the dwelling to unwind while surrounded by Strasburg’s rich heritage.

Country Hearth Bed and Breakfast
The Country Hearth Bed & Breakfast is a historic colonial home located in New Holland. Originally the Dilworth’s Rocking Horse Bed & Breakfast, it was started by Fred Dilworth, who was a local carver and had a woodshop in the carriage house. As you enter, you will see the hearth that was used for cooking in the original home. The hardwood floors, random-width doors, mantels, and built-ins will help you embrace the history of this charming stone farmhouse. The guest rooms are uniquely decorated with Amish quilts and antique furniture and each has its own private bathroom and three have whirlpool tubs.

Olde Oregon Farmhouse
This 19th-century Lancaster County farmhouse was thoughtfully repaired and restored to offer a charming and authentic bed & breakfast experience in the countryside of Lititz, PA. While there is not much written about the house, this piece of local history reflects the 1800s architecture that has been confirmed by public records.

E. J. Bowman House
This beautiful Italianate home, built in the 1860s, was formerly owned by a doctor who worked during the Civil War. Stay in this historically elegant home. The rooms are tastefully designed, featuring period furniture and murals throughout the house, depicting Lancaster County's various seasons. You'll have your own private key and bathroom with a heated tile floor, as well as a gas fireplace/stove that you can personally control.

Inn at Twin Linden

Bird-in-Hand Village Inn & Suites
The 18th Century Bird-in-Hand Village Inn & Suites is listed on both the Lancaster County Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places. The property was formerly an 11-room bed & breakfast built in 1852. The antique décor and furniture paired with modern amenities make for a memorable experience in Amish Country.

The Inn at Twin Linden
Located in historic Churchtown The Inn at Twin Linden is a restored 1840 country estate. They offer romantic accommodations, exceptional cuisine, comfort and true elegance in an authentic, historic country inn. Tranquil gardens surround you with farm dotted valleys stretching as far as the eye can see. They also offer family and pet-friendly suites.

Meadow View K Farm Guest House
Meadow View K Farm Guest Houseis a late 1870’s farm Guest House that is semi-detached from the main farm house. Located in Mount Joy this colonial stone home offers a relaxed country getaway. During your stay, you can experience “life on the farm” and enjoy a farm tour which includes: seeing the 150 cows being milked, bottle feeding a newborn calf, gathering eggs from our chickens each day and so much more. Meadow View K Farm can accommodate up to 8 people making it the perfect place to book for family gatherings, special occasions or a weekend away with friends.

Rocky Acre Farm Bed & Breakfast
Located in Mount Joy, Rocky Acre Farm Bed & Breakfast has a unique history. The property is known as a "century farm" which means that the same family has lived on the property for over 100 years! Not only is that historic in-of-itself, but the property also has ties to the Underground Railroad. As you learn about the history of the farm you can enjoy the beautifully landscaped farm, feed newborn calves, gather eggs, cuddle with kittens, or go fishing in the creek nearby

Blue Rock Bed & Breakfast
Stay together at Blue Rock Bed and Breakfast with suites for families or small groups. Enjoy private entrances, baths, and kitchenettes in their Cabin Family suite. All suites include amenities such as free wifi, parking, and linens. They serve a delicious homemade Pa Dutch breakfast and can accommodate special dietary needs. Located 3.8 miles from Lancaster City Square, minutes from the Susquehanna River; and within walking distance of restaurants, a community park, and a grocery store

Klein Mansion
Stay in luxury at the seven-bedroom Klein Mansion, and enjoy amenities such as a 19-seat movie theater, jacuzzi, koi pond, and more! Klein Mansion celebrated its 100th birthday in 2024; glimpse remnants of its rich history in the antiques and art decorating this spacious home.

Osceola Mill House Bed & Breakfast
The Mill House was built in 1766 and is surrounded by Old Order Amish farms is less than 5 minutes from the popular Village Of Intercourse in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

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Historic Places to Stay in Lancaster, PA

Step into the past and experience the timeless elegance of Lancaster County's historic lodging properties. Immerse yourself in rich history, charming architecture, and unforgettable moments. Book your enchanting getaway today!

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