Harrisburg's Hidden Gem: Baymont by Wyndham Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Harrisburg's Hidden Gem: Baymont by Wyndham Review (You Won't Believe This!) - Seriously, Though…
Okay, alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just survived – and dare I say, mostly enjoyed – a stay at the Baymont by Wyndham in Harrisburg. "Hidden Gem"? Well, that’s what the algorithm told me, and honestly, after sifting through hundreds of "perfect" reviews, I figured I needed to see this alleged diamond-in-the-rough firsthand. Expect the unexpected, some serious hotel-induced wanderlust, and maybe a bit of an existential crisis after this… thing.
(SEO/Metadata - I'll try to sprinkle these in, but honestly, I’m still recovering from the buffet.)
Keywords: Baymont Harrisburg, Harrisburg hotels, Wyndham reviews, budget hotels Harrisburg, Pennsylvania travel, accessible hotels, free wifi, pool hotel, spa, clean hotel, safe hotel.
First Impressions & Accessibility (Messy Start):
The exterior? Let's be real, it's not exactly the Eiffel Tower. Think solid, maybe a touch…brown. But hey, Harrisburg’s not known for its architectural fireworks. The car park is free of charge, which is a MAJOR win in my book. Seriously, I’d pay extra for that these days. They also offer car park [on-site], which is a plus.
Accessibility: The website claims accessibility. Getting in was fine, the ramps seemed solid, and the elevator was operational. I’d give it a solid B – adequate, but not exactly Disneyland-level accessibility. I’m not in a wheelchair, so I can’t fully assess its true accessibility. They list Facilities for disabled guests. Now, I hope these are good, otherwise, that's just wrong.
Rooms & Comfort (Post-Buffet Coma):
Okay, the room. I opted for a non-smoking room (Non-smoking rooms). Praise be. It was… clean. Honestly, that’s the most important thing, right? Well, almost. There was a faint aroma of… well, hotel – you know the one - a mixture of cleaning products, air freshener, and possibly the ghost of a previous guest. My room had Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathtub, Bathrobes (yes!), Blackout curtains (crucial for recovering from that dessert bar), Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea and Coffee, Daily housekeeping (thank goodness!), Desk, Free bottled water (always a win!), Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Linens, Mini bar, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Shower, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, and Wake-up service. They even had, thankfully, Wi-Fi [free]. It had Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN, and some Internet in general. I mean these are listed in the room so I guess… they're there.
The Bed - a solid 7/10. It wasn't a cloud, but it also didn't feel like sleeping on a concrete slab. The pillows, though, oh my. They might have been made of concrete. I considered using my bathrobe to make a pillow.
The bathroom was… functional. Additional toilet listed. I never actually saw that. But the Mirror, Shower, and Separate shower/bathtub did their job.
Cleanliness and Safety (Obsessive Compulsive Alert!):
This is where the Baymont actually shined. And I mean that, literally! The room sanitization opt-out is available, which is good. The website listed they used Anti-viral cleaning products. The website also advertised Rooms sanitized between stays. I took a good look around, but I’m not going to lie, I still wiped everything down with Clorox wipes. I’m THAT person. They also have Staff trained in safety protocol, which, in today's world, is definitely comforting. Also, Hand sanitizer and First aid kit, and the all-important Fire extinguisher and Smoke alarms. CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property gave me a weird sense of security, like Big Brother was always watching… and cleaning?
Dining, Drinking & Snacking (The Buffet Incident):
Okay, the buffet. Deep breath. First of all, there was so much food. Breakfast [buffet] was the headline feature. There were Asian breakfast options. Maybe some International cuisine in restaurant, I'm not sure… I’m afraid I can’t confirm the quality of the Asian cuisine in restaurant. They had Coffee/tea in restaurant, a Coffee shop, and Desserts in restaurant (I still have nightmares of the pudding). Breakfast service which I guess is the buffet, and Buffet in restaurant which… yes. They list Alternative meal arrangement and Salad in restaurant, but honestly, I just attacked the carbs. There was also a Snack bar.
The Poolside bar… I didn't investigate. I'm not sure if they had Happy hour. I think my "happy hour" started as soon as I walked in the door. The fact that they have a Poolside bar suggests they have a Swimming pool [outdoor], which is also true. They also have Restaurants, if the buffet wasn't your thing. Room service [24-hour], is also listed, thankfully.
I ate a lot. I regret nothing… mostly.
(Emotional Reaction: Overwhelming happiness and regret.)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Spoiler: Not Much, But That's Okay):
Okay, the website claimed they had a Spa, Spa/sauna, and Sauna and Swimming pool. I saw the pool, and it was clean. The spa? I did not see it. They also listed Body scrub and Body wrap, amongst other things. I was too busy eating to explore, so I can't confirm any of the relaxation options. The Fitness center looked… well-used. Let's just say, it wasn't exactly a state-of-the-art gym. Pool with view. I'm not sure what this actually means. The pool faced some trees.
Services and Conveniences (The Boring Stuff, Sadly Necessary):
They have Air conditioning in public area. They have Business facilities, including Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meeting stationery, whatever that is. Concierge, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Elevator, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, and a Smoking area for you crazies. There is also Xerox/fax in business center. It's your standard hotel stuff. Food delivery. Nice, if you don't want the carb-fest.
For the Kids (Bless Their Little Hearts):
Listed Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, and a Kids meal. So, great for families, I guess.
(Anecdote: The Mysterious "Shrine")
Okay, this is weird. While wandering, lost in a haze of sugar and caffeine, I think I stumbled upon a… shrine? I’m not kidding. It was in a very quiet corner, tucked away. I’m still not sure what it was, but it definitely existed.
Getting Around (Simple Pleasures):
They have Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], and Taxi service. I walked. Harrisburg’s not exactly huge. Plus, I needed to walk off that buffet.
(Quirky Observation: The Elevator's Personality)
The elevator. Oh, that elevator. It was slow. Painfully slow. But it had character. I swear, it made little clicking noises as it went up and down, like it was sighing. I developed a strange fondness for it.
Final Verdict (The Unbelievable Truth!):
Look, the Baymont by Wyndham in Harrisburg isn't the Ritz. It's not going to win any design awards. But it’s clean, it's comfortable enough, and the free parking is a godsend. The buffet… well, you've been warned. Wi-Fi [free] AND it actually works!
Would I stay again? Honestly, yes. Especially if that "shrine" is still there. And if I can get my hands on another plate of those… those… things.
Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars (Mostly for the free parking and the almost-magical elevator).
Suzhou's Hidden Gem: GreenTree Inn - Guanqian Street Luxury!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the unvarnished, slightly chaotic, and definitely opinionated truth about a trip to the fine city of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with a home base at the always-interesting (in a good way, sometimes) Baymont by Wyndham. Prepare for a travel itinerary that’s less "professional document" and more "brain dump of a sleep-deprived traveler.”
Day 1: Arrival and the "Almost Ate My Luggage" Incident
- 3:00 PM: Land at Harrisburg International Airport (MDT). Okay, first impressions: it's… small. Like, "could probably navigate it blindfolded after a couple of beers" small. Which, in my book, is a win. Less stress! But the baggage claim… that's where things got interesting. See, my suitcase – this beast of a thing, I’m talking a roller bag that could probably house a small family of squirrels – comes out looking like it went ten rounds with a linebacker. And then, the horror… it almost got eaten by the luggage carousel. Like, legitimately, I thought it was going to be a conveyor belt buffet. Managed to rescue it, though, albeit with a newfound respect for the engineering of these contraptions. Emotionally: Mild panic, followed by a triumphant victory dance that probably looked ridiculous.
- 3:30 PM: Uber to Baymont by Wyndham. Driving through Harrisburg, my initial thought was, "Huh, lots of trees." Followed by, "Those houses are kind of… charming in a slightly faded glory kind of way." And then, "Wait, is that a giant Hershey's Kissmobile?" (Spoiler alert: it wasn't. Sigh).
- 4:00 PM: Check-in at the Baymont. Okay, The lobby smelled vaguely of chlorine and old coffee. I mean, I’m not saying it’s the Ritz-Carlton, but the staff was friendly enough. Bonus points for the complimentary bottled water, because hydration is KEY on any travel adventure.
- 4:30 - 6:00 PM: Settle in. Room…standard. Bed… functional. Lighting… needs a serious upgrade. It makes me feel like I’m living in an interrogation room. But hey, it's clean, and that's what matters, right? I decide to test the Wi-Fi. It's… well, I’m currently writing this with it and it is very very slow. Still better than my phone's data.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner at "The Millworks." This place is hyped up. It's in a cool, old mill building with exposed brick and everything. Unfortunately, I was a little underwhelmed. The food was…fine. Not mind-blowing. The hipster vibe was strong, but not necessarily my vibe. Quirky observation: Sat next to a couple who were arguing about the merits of sourdough bread for a solid 20 minutes. Honestly, the bread was the most exciting thing on the menu.
- 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM: Stroll around downtown Harrisburg. The Capitol building is impressive. I mean, really impressive. Gold dome… majestic staircase… It’s worth a visit. Walking around after dinner, I got a feel for the layout of the city. The city seems to be cleaning up nicely.
- 9:30 PM: Back to Baymont. Attempt to watch Netflix in the dim lighting of my room. Giving up. Reading a book.
Day 2: Hershey Madness and the Quest for Decent Coffee
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Attempt to find coffee that isn’t brewed in a vat of sadness. The "complimentary" coffee at Baymont… well, let's just say it's an acquired taste. Let's go to a local shop!
- 8:30 AM: Found a coffee shop. Hallelujah! It's called "Little Amps Coffee Roasters." A fantastic cup of coffee!
- 9:00 AM: Head to Hershey (about a 20-minute drive). Emotionally: Pure childlike glee. I'm basically a giant kid who loves chocolate.
- 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Hershey Park! Okay, I'll admit it. Rollercoasters terrified me. I skipped them, but did experience the chocolate factory tour. It was corny but charming. The rides looked fun! The whole place is like a sugar-coated dreamland. Anecdote: Almost got run over by a rogue ice cream cone. No joke.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at a Hershey Park restaurant with a chocolate focus. My stomach does a little happy dance. Opinionated Language: Hershey Park’s food is… good, actually. Not gourmet, but satisfying, and of course everything has chocolate.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Chocolate World. Free chocolate samples? Yes, please! Spent way too much money on souvenirs. Regret? Zero percent. Emotional reaction: Bliss.
- 4:00 PM: Drive back to Harrisburg, deeply regretting the massive sugar rush. Need. Water.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Nap at the Baymont. Needed.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner at a local Italian restaurant. It was okay. I’m starting to sense a pattern here - Harrisburg cuisine isn't exactly knocking my socks off.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM:. Go to the park and stroll around.
- 9:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Attempt to watch some TV. Fail. I'm too wired from the sugar rush. Rambling: I'm starting to think I need a vacation from my vacation.
Day 3: History, Hangovers (Maybe), and Headed Home
- 8:00 AM: Wake up with a slight headache. Blame the late-night sugar coma. Coffee, please! Another attempt at the Baymont brew. Fail. I'm starting to think the chlorine-coffee combination is a conspiracy.
- 9:00 AM: Visit the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building again. Admire the architecture with a newfound appreciation for historical landmarks.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Walk along the Susquehanna River. The views are actually really nice. Think about buying a house and moving here, then immediately change my mind. The river is nice, though.
- 12:00 PM: Check out of the Baymont. Goodbye, questionable coffee! Goodbye,… well, mostly standard hotel room!
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at a diner. Get a burger and fries the way I like it.
- 1:30 PM: Head to the airport, feeling a mixture of sadness (vacation is over) and relief (back to my own bed!).
- 3:00 PM: Board the plane. Realize I forgot to buy any souvenirs for anyone. Sigh.
- 5:00 PM: Land back at home. Begin planning my next adventure, which will undoubtedly include a better coffee-finding strategy.
Overall Impression: Harrisburg is… interesting. It’s not a destination that will leave you breathless, but it has its charms. The Baymont by Wyndham… well, it was a place to rest my head. Would I go back? Maybe. Only if I had to. But hey, at least I survived, right? And that luggage carousel? Still gives me the shivers. Until next time, Harrisburg. And next time, bring better coffee. Final Emotional Reaction: Neutral, with a hint of "I need a nap."
Escape to Paradise: Montara Hotel & Resort, Korat's Hidden Gem
Harrisburg's Baymont by Wyndham: The Unfiltered Truth (Brace Yourselves!)
Okay, spill the tea. Is Baymont Harrisburg *really* a hidden gem, or is this clickbait?
Alright, alright! Let's just say "hidden gem" is doing some serious heavy lifting. Clickbait? Maybe a *little*. The truth? It's an experience. And like all experiences, it comes with its own… *unique* flavor. Think of it as a slightly wonky, but ultimately lovable, aunt's house. You know, the one with the slightly lumpy sofa and the endless supply of Werther's Originals.
Let's talk about the room itself. Cleanliness? Comfort? Anything I should be… wary of?
Okay, so the room situation. Cleanliness… generally, it’s… acceptable. Think of it as "lived-in, but not *uninhabitable.*" I once found a stray sock under the bed, so, you know, check under there. Comfort? The beds are… well, they exist. They're not the cloud-like havens of a Ritz-Carlton, but they'll do the job. I slept, which is a win in my book. Wary? Okay, here's a pro-tip: pack some Lysol wipes. Just in case. And maybe a small flashlight. Just sayin'.
The breakfast. Tell me about the breakfast. Because breakfast is *important*.
Oh, the breakfast. The *breakfast*. It’s… a journey. A journey into the land of lukewarm scrambled eggs and suspiciously orange juice. They *try*. Bless their hearts, they really do. Expect the usual suspects: cereal that's seen better days, a waffle maker that might or might not actually be working, and a fruit selection that's best described as “optimistically presented.” I'll be honest, the best part was the oddly good generic-brand instant oatmeal. Don't judge me. I was hungry!
What about the location? Is it convenient for exploring Harrisburg?
The location is… *decent*. It’s not smack-dab in the middle of everything, so you’ll need a car (or be VERY patient with ride-sharing). It's near a few chain restaurants and a gas station. Getting to downtown Harrisburg isn't a total nightmare, but don't expect to stroll. I found it perfectly fine, actually. I'm a sucker for a decent chain restaurant and a late-night gas station run. You'll have to judge if that fits your needs.
Okay, now the *real* questions. What was the *worst* part? And the *best* part?
The worst part… Hmm… Okay, it wasn't the sock under the bed. Nor the slightly sad breakfast, but, and I'm being completely honest here, it was the *lack* of wifi. I needed to work, and the connection was a joke! I was staring at a loading bar forever. It was the kind of infuriating that makes you want to throw your laptop out the window.
But, the best part? Here's the thing. I was traveling with my family. We were there, we were together, and that's what mattered. The staff, bless their hearts, were genuinely trying to be helpful. And one thing, I kid you not, the pool, while tiny, was actually pretty clean and my kids loved it. I caught a glimpse of someone genuinely enjoying themselves by that pool and that's what I'm going to remember. Also, it didn't break the bank.
I'm still on the fence. Would you go back?
If I’m being brutally honest, and I *am* being brutally honest, it depends. If I need a cheap, conveniently-located crash pad? Probably. If I’m looking for luxury? Absolutely not. It's not a destination, people. It's a place to rest your head. Manage your expectations, pack your wipes, and be prepared for an adventure. And maybe, just maybe, you'll find yourself strangely charmed by the whole experience. Just don't expect perfection. Because, let's be real, perfection is boring.
Let's talk about parking! Is parking a nightmare?
Okay, parking! Surprisingly, no! It was pretty easy. I mean, it's not like an urban hotel where you're circling for 20 minutes. There are plenty of spots. It's free. That's a win in my book. Remember, I like things simple and uncomplicated. Parking fits the bill.
Any advice for maximizing my Baymont experience (other than the Lysol wipes)?
Okay, a few tips:
- Lower your expectations. Seriously.
- Bring your own pillow. Okay, maybe that's extreme, but I'm just saying. Personal preference, you know?
- Embrace the chaos. It's part of the charm.
- If the waffle maker is working, GRAB IT.
- Get a good coffee down the street.
And most importantly? Just be happy you're traveling. You're *away* from the mundane! This is supposed to be FUN!
So, final verdict: Is it a good value?
Alright, the bottom line. Is it worth the money? For the price, yeah, probably. It's not the Ritz, but it's not supposed to be. You get what you pay for. It's a decent, affordable option. The things that annoyed me, mostly the wifi, were made up for by the decent price and the fact that I was with my family. Not all the things I listed were dealbreakers. Sometimes simple is good. Sometimes cheap is good. Sometimes both are fine. So, yeah. It's probably a good value. Just bring the wipes. And maybe extra coffee.
