Harrisburg's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn North Review & Hidden Perks!
Harrisburg's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn North Review & Hidden Perks! (Plus My Personal Chaos)
Alright, folks, buckle up because I'm about to spill the beans on Harrisburg's… well, let's just say it was initially the Days Inn North. And yeah, I know what you're thinking: Days Inn? Groundbreaking? But hear me out! This place, after a rollercoaster of a stay, has revealed itself to be a surprisingly decent haven, a diamond in the rough, a… well, you get the picture. This isn't just some marketing drivel; this is my actual, lived-in experience. So, let's dive into this wild, wonderful, and occasionally frustrating journey, shall we?
First Impressions & Accessibility - The Good & The Slightly Confusing
Okay, so right off the bat: Accessibility is actually pretty solid! Seriously, they’ve got it figured out. Wheelchair accessible rooms are available, which is fantastic, and the lobby seemed easy enough to navigate. Plus, the whole place has this elevator thing – a genuine lifesaver after a long day of, you know, existing. They even had facilities for disabled guests, which, as someone who appreciates a thoughtful touch, gave me a good feeling.
Internet Access & Staying Connected (Because, Let's Be Honest, That's a Must!)
The most important part: Internet Access – Wi-Fi & Beyond. They advertise Free Wi-Fi in all rooms and, generally, it delivers. Now, I'm a bit of a digital nomad, and let me tell you, patchy Wi-Fi is my kryptonite). But, thankfully, the signal was strong enough in my room for me to handle my email without my computer, and my soul, falling apart. Plus, there's Internet [LAN] which, frankly, bewildered me (who even uses LAN anymore?), but I suppose it’s a nice option for old-school techies. There’s even Wi-Fi in public areas,, meaning if you feel like staring at your phone more in the Lobby, you absolutely can!
Eating, Drinking, and Snacking – The Buffet… and a Surprise!
Now, let's talk about food. They have many options: Restaurants, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Breakfast service, Asian breakfast, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], A la carte in restaurant. Now, here's where it gets interesting. The Breakfast [buffet], was… a buffet! Don't expect Michelin stars, but the eggs were edible (a win!), and the coffee was hot (another win!). I’m normally a bagel person, but the toaster was a fickle beast that destroyed my first attempt at a bagel, I let out a few choice words under my breath. But it felt nice to eat food I wasn't used to… It's pretty much what you would expect, but it was there and that's great when you've just got off an overnight bus.
Cleanliness & Safety - Are We Safe Here?
Given the weird times we live in, Cleanliness and safety is paramount. They were definitely trying. I saw signs about Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Room sanitization between stays. They also offered Room sanitization opt-out available (a nice touch), Hand sanitizer everywhere, and Staff trained in safety protocol. They did a good job of maintaining distancing, and it felt clean.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - More Than Meets the Eye?
Okay, this is where the Days Inn North actually surprised me. I didn’t go expecting a spa day, but lo and behold, they had a Fitness center! Listen, I try to work out when I travel, and I can't exactly find a good gym so I took a walk instead. They also seem to have a Swimming pool [outdoor] which is nice for an extended trip.
Rooms, Rooms, Rooms - My Humble Abode
Alright, let's talk about the rooms themselves. I got a room, and here’s the deal: the room had Air conditioning, Air conditioning in public area, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Daily housekeeping, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. It wasn’t palatial, but it was clean, comfortable, and had pretty much everything I needed. I particularly appreciated the blackout curtains (essential for sleeping in after a long day of… well, you know). I also loved the extra-long bed, which was a godsend, and the satellite/cable channels were nice.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Count
The Days Inn also had a smattering of Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace. They had Contactless check-in/out, which I always dig. Parking was easy and free - Car park [free of charge]. Daily housekeeping was consistent, and I even spotted a convenience store on-site.
For the Kids - Family Fun?
Okay, so I don't have kids, but I noticed they were Family/child friendly. They don’t specify what kinds of amenities, but it at least it's a good nod for family travelers.
Getting Around - On Wheels and Feet!
They had Airport transfer. They also had Car park [free of charge], which is a huge plus! They also had Car park [on-site], so you're covered either way. They did not have Bicycle parking, which may be an indicator of your future stay.
The Hidden Perk That Sealed the Deal (My Anecdote)
Here's the REAL hidden perk: The Staff! Seriously, they were incredibly kind. I had a minor issue (a rogue remote control that wouldn't work), and within minutes, someone was in my room, fixing it with a smile. I'm telling you, that simple act of genuine friendliness made a huge difference. It’s the little things, right?
The Quirks and Imperfections (Because Nothing is Perfect)
Look, this isn't the Ritz. Here's the deal: The elevator was a little slow. The hallways had a bit of a generic hotel smell. One of the towels had a suspicious stain on it (which was IMMEDIATELY rectified after I pointed it out to the front desk). These were minor hiccups, but they're important to mention.
The Final Verdict:
This is the real deal: I wasn't expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised. It's not perfect, but the Days Inn North is genuinely a decent, accessible, and surprisingly comfy place to stay.
My Final Thought
Would I stay here again? Absolutely.
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Hyatt House Lewes/Rehoboth: Your Dream Delaware Beach Getaway Awaits!
Alright, alright, alright… so I'm stuck in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Specifically, the Days Inn by Wyndham Harrisburg North. Don't judge. My bank account took a beating this month, and a place with a continental breakfast and a pool – even if that pool looks more like a giant puddle of hope – seemed like the best bet. Here's how it actually went down over the last 24 hours, prepare yourselves, it’s a bumpy ride:
Day 1:
1:00 PM: Arrival and the Saga of the Keycard. Okay, so pulling up to the Days Inn, I felt a flicker of optimism. The sign was… legible. The exterior… well, let's just say it had character. I snagged a parking space, which is a victory in itself. Check in… a flurry of forms, a smile that might or might not be genuine from the clerk (whose name tag, I swear, read "Brenda, Maybe"). Then, the keycard. Oh, the keycard. It was a battle. It failed the first time. Then the second. Then, the third! I swear, after the fourth, I heard Brenda mutter under her breath "It's always this room." Finally, success! I imagine the little electronic beast just needed to be coaxed.
1:30 PM: Room Inspection (and a mini-meltdown). The room. Oh, the room. It smelled faintly of… well, I'm not entirely sure. Cleaning products? Desperation? A tragic blend of both? The carpet was that lovely shade of beige that's seen every spilled coffee and rogue pizza slice known to humankind. The bedspread had seen better days. But hey, the TV worked, and the air conditioning mostly did. So, I decided to channel my inner zen master. "This is temporary. You can do this. You are a resilient travel warrior!" My internal monologue lasted approximately 30 seconds before I started aggressively rearranging the furniture to feel a sense of control. It did not work.
2:00 PM: "Lunch" at the Wawa (because options are VERY limited). Okay, okay, I can’t complain too much. Wawa is a Pennsylvania institution, and the gobblers are actually pretty decent, especially if you're starving, which, let's face it, I always am. I swear, I walked into the Wawa and was suddenly swept away by a wave of caffeine fumes and the scent of fried food. I grabbed myself a "gobbler" on my first round and a large coffee (to keep the spirits up).
2:30 PM: The Pool. (Or, the Sad Puddle of Hope). Remember that pool I mentioned? I went for it, feeling optimistic. The water was lukewarm, the chlorine… present. There was a lone, deflated beach ball bobbing around. I lasted about five minutes. The highlight? A tiny, sunburned toddler, who, bless his soul, looked at me like I was a mysterious aquatic creature. I decided to retreat back to my oasis.
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: The Great Internet Struggle & TV Survival. The WiFi. Dear sweet lord. It was… patchy. Let's just say I spent more time staring at buffering circles than I did actually doing anything. So, I gave up and turned on the TV. There was a strange infomercial about some sort of super-powered blender (that would probably replace my kitchen). I lost all track of time, thanks to the endless parade of talking heads and promises of a better… everything.
6:00 PM: Dinner… Involving Regret. I was hungry. I was tired of staring at the same four walls. So, I succumbed to the siren song of the fast-food options across the street. I am not proud of the chicken nuggets. I am not proud of my life decisions.
7:30 PM: The Hotel Room's Second Act. Okay, I have a new appreciation for my bed. It is soft, albeit in a depressing way. After a shower, I feel a tiny bit better. I’m even thinking about calling my mom. That's how you know you're truly broken.
8:00 PM - 10:00: A Lonely Walk. I needed a walk! I needed fresh air and a change of scenery. I walked a few blocks from the hotel. The world seemed very far away, but the night was still and not too cold.
10:00 PM: Bedtime. The bed is calling. I guess I can finally sleep.
Day 2 (so far):
7:00 AM: Breakfast: The Continental Breakfast Survival. I psyched myself up for this. It's a tradition! Waffles, toast, some sad-looking fruit, and coffee that tastes more like brown water, but hey, it's caffeine. I managed to snag a plastic fork without any issues. Success!
8:00 AM: The great escape I started to pack and leave from the hotel.
9:00 AM: Leaving Harrisburg. The car is on the road. Goodbye Harrisburg and thank you for nothing. On to the next destination, next adventure!
Final Thoughts:
Look, the Days Inn wasn't perfect. It wasn't even close. But, it was an experience. It was a crash course in resilience, budget travel, and the power of low expectations. Would I recommend it? Maybe not. But I won't lie when I say it has its moments. And hey, at least I have a story to tell. Next time? I'm splurging for the Holiday Inn. Or maybe not. After all, the more "real" the experience, the better the story. And God, the stories this place gave me.
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Harrisburg's Days Inn North: The Truth (and Maybe a Little Drama)
Okay, spill the tea! Is Days Inn Harrisburg North really a "best kept secret"? Or is it just... a Days Inn?
Alright, alright, let's get REAL. "Best kept secret" is a strong claim. Look, it *is* a Days Inn. Expect the standard breakfast buffet (hello, questionable scrambled eggs!), a pool (possibly chlorine-y), and maybe a slightly off-kilter vending machine. BUT... and this is a BIG but... for the price, and especially if you're just looking for a crash pad, it can be a lifesaver. Honestly, I've stayed in places *way* more expensive that were *way* worse. Think of it like… the reliable, slightly-worn-out friend who always shows up, even if they're wearing mismatched socks. They get the job done. And that, my friends, has its own charm.
Let's talk rooms. What's the deal? Clean? Comfortable? Is there a ghost? (Asking for a friend.)
Okay, the rooms… well, let's be honest, they’re not the Ritz. But they're usually pretty clean, in that “clean enough to sleep without freaking out” kind of way. I’ve seen worse. Much worse. The beds are… well, they're beds. Not cloud-like, but you won't wake up feeling like you wrestled a grizzly bear. Comfort is relative, right? As for ghosts… I haven't encountered any, but I *did* have a flickering lightbulb once, which sent a shiver down my spine. Maybe it *was* a ghost… or maybe just a dodgy electrical system. Frankly, I’m more worried about the questionable internet speed than spectral visitors. Seriously, it's dial-up in 2024!
What's the pool REALLY like?
Ah, the pool. The siren song of the weary traveler. Look, on a hot summer day, it's *amazing*. That initial shock of chlorine-infused water? Worth it. It's usually clean *enough*. I’ve seen kids splashing around, couples awkwardly canoodling, and me, slowly turning into a prune. It's not the most glamorous pool in the world, but it gets the job done. Just… maybe don't inspect the tiles *too* closely. And bring your own towel. They're not always the *fluffiest*.
The breakfast... what's the DAMAGE? Be brutally honest.
Alright, the breakfast. Here's the deal: Free is free. Don't go expecting gourmet. You're likely to encounter: questionable eggs (a staple, really), some sort of processed meat product (sausage patties? Ham? The mystery is part of the charm), cereal that has seen better days, and maybe… just maybe… a waffle maker. I’m not going to lie, I've had some breakfasts there that I'd rather forget. But I've also had a decent waffle and a passable cup of coffee on a particularly good day. It's hit or miss. Prepare yourself mentally. Bring your own fruit. Maybe some emergency granola bars. And definitely lower your expectations. But hey, it's fuel. And it's free. I can't complain TOO much. (Please don’t tell the hotel I said that!)
What about the location? Convenient or a pain?
The location is actually pretty decent! It's right off the highway, which is great for quick in-and-out access. *But*, it's also near some... interesting… industrial areas. So, you might get a little truck noise at night. Also, eating options nearby are… limited. You've got your standard fast food fare, and a couple of chain restaurants. Don’t expect to be strolling to a charming bistro. Driving is definitely recommended. But, hey, it's close enough to Harrisburg and its attractions, so it's a good base of operations.
Okay, let's get real... What's the absolute WORST thing about Days Inn North?
Oh, this is easy. The INTERNET. Good heavens, the internet! It’s like time travel. Back to the 90s. You start to download an email and you could probably go make a sandwich, watch an episode of something, take a nap, and then maybe it'll be half done. Prepare to unplug (literally). Don't even *think* about streaming anything. Prepare yourself. Download everything ahead of time. Bring a book and a good playlist. This is not a place for digital nomads. It's a test of patience. Honestly, the internet situation is enough to drive a perfectly sane person to the brink of madness. It's truly, utterly, painfully, slow. It's the one thing that consistently makes me contemplate checking out early and finding another hotel. But hey, it also forces you to disconnect, which… sometimes… is a good thing? *Maybe*? (I'm still bitter.)
What's a hidden perk you've discovered? Spill the beans!
Okay, here’s it to you. This happened to me once. I was stuck there during a massive snowstorm. Everything was shut down. And… they let me stay practically *forever*. The staff were actually pretty cool. Very accommodating, even in the face of cabin fever and rapidly depleting coffee supplies. They actually seem to care, which is a nice change of pace. It's not every budget hotel that feels like they’re actually *trying*. Maybe that's a hidden perk. Dependable staff, even when the world outside is chaos. That, and the surprisingly comfortable pillows. Seriously, the pillows are better than they have any right to be. It's the little things!
Would you recommend Days Inn North? Be honest!
It depends. If you’re a budget traveler, need a convenient spot, and can tolerate… well, everything I mentioned… then yes, absolutely. If you’re expecting luxury, high-speed internet, and gourmet breakfasts, then RUN. Run far, far away. For the price, and with the right expectations, it's a solid choice. It won't win any awards, and you might encounter a few minor quirks. But it's a friendly place. And hey, sometimes the best kept secrets are the ones that are a little… rough around the edges. Just don’t expect perfection. Embrace the chaos! (And bring your own coffee.)
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