I find Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to be a second home. I have been coming here for as long as I can remember and it never disappoints. Not only is the amount of history associated with this battlefield town dazzling, but the natural scenery is a reason to visit all in itself. I would recommend Gettysburg even to those who have no knowledge of the Civil War because it is a place that will change lives.
On July 1-3, 1863, thousands of men, both Union and Confederate, clashed in Gettysburg to defend their respective causes. The result was a Pennsylvania town that seems to draw people like a magnet. Gettysburg is a tourist’s dream, with easy access to restaurants that suit every taste. The only problem might come in choosing lodging — if, like me, you travel with a pet. Gettysburg has limited options for those whose traveling parties include furry family members.
The unanimous choice on the most recent Gettysburg excursion was Comfort Inn, located outside the busy main hub at 871 York Road (there is also a new Comfort Inn and Suites on Baltimore Pike, but this locale does not accept pets). Comfort Inn is a large, multi-story hotel. Rooms vary depending on which story you choose — the first time we stayed here, the room was considerably larger than the second time and the decor was completely different. I was pleased to find that on this last Gettysburg trip, room decor was quite modern and eye-catching.
Comfort Inn won my praise further with the large refrigerator and microwave. My traveling party had purchased connecting rooms; there were plenty of places for the resident kitty to explore, but nothing dangerous. The beds had iron panels underneath that stopped a curious feline from getting stuck.
Unfortunately this hotel is a bit out of the way, but it provides easy access to Gettysburg and is not difficult to find. Some people may choose Comfort Inn for this very reason . . . it is much quieter than the places we have stayed before, smack-dab in the middle of town (trucks gearing down all through the night does not provide much of an incentive either, especially if you’re dog-tired from battlefield tours and what-not).
Comfort Inn also has reasonable rates. The view will vary depending on which room you have. On our first trip we had a view of woodland, and on the second, the parking lot and the hotel next door (it was nice, however, watching the sunset). Gettysburg visitors who are train enthusiasts will like the fact that Comfort Inn is across from the train tracks and — though rare — a train occasionally comes through with whistle blowing. This somehow seems very appropriate in a Civil War town!
This Gettysburg hotel suited our needs but, though there was nothing hazardous, it was not very clean. The floors seemed clean enough. Those with allergies may want to keep in mind that dust was a problem, at least in my case. The free continental breakfast, though convenient, did not offer many choices. All in all, those staying in Gettysburg with pets will want to consider Comfort Inn. It may turn out to be a fabulous choice.
