Wyndham Gettysburg

Upon entering, guests are greeted by a large iron cannon that takes center stage in the hotel's lobby -- it's a historical first impression that gives this chain hotel more character than many of its Wyndham siblings. Tasteful decor has a patriotic theme here, and the lobby is reminiscent of the Oval Office, with high-back leather chairs, Victorian-style couches, classy chandeliers, and a brick fireplace with a regal mantle. Similarly, the 1863 Restaurant and Lounge is an elegant space with chandeliers, white tablecloths, and plenty of natural light courtesy of large windows, while the bar area feels a bit like a western-style saloon with wooden paneling and a star-endowed blue carpet. The five-floor building is surrounded by nicely manicured expanses of grass and offers a small outdoor patio area where guests can be found drinking coffee or reading in spring and summer. The majority of guests here are tourists and families with older children, but the hotel also hosts its fair share of business guests drawn by the extensive on-site meeting facilities.

The hotel is located along a busy highway in the eastern suburbs of Gettysburg, and drives to the historic district and its many attractions take about eight minutes. The immediate area is pretty typically suburban, with all manner of cookie-cutter mid-range hotels, including a Courtyard Marriott nearby, as well as a large movie theater just across the parking lot. Appalachian Brewery, Girabaldi’s restaurant, and a Hertz car rental are also within a four-minute walk of the hotel. Attractions like Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg Cyclorama, Eisenhower National Historic Site, and the Gettysburg National Cemetery are about a 10- to 15-minute drive from here. Liberty Mountain Resort and several other ski areas are less than 30 minutes away from the hotel. Gettysburg Regional Airport can be reached in about 20 minutes, while Harrisburg International Airport is a one-hour drive. It's a little under an hour-and-a-half to reach Baltimore by road, which is the closest major city. 

Room decor features stars and stripes in a red, white, and blue color scheme that somehow feels tastefully executed, though on the whole the look is homey and may seem dated to some. A navy carpet is festooned with cream-colored stars, while a crimson accent wall provides a vibrant backdrop for the bed topped with crisp white linens and a maroon bed runner. Handsome oak pieces of furniture, including the headboard and nightstands add a bit of polish, but curtains and upholstery don't look the most fresh from a design perspective. All rooms come with 27-inch flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi access, mini-fridges, ergonomic desk chairs, and coffeemakers, although the coffee could stand to be bumped up a notch. Standard Rooms are on the small side, but suites offer separate living areas with coffee tables, sofa beds, and ample floor space. Bathrooms are modern with classy granite countertops and either a spacious shower or a shower/tub combo.

The hotel has a large indoor pool and hot tub, as well as a fitness room that offers a few modern cardio machines and a limited set of free weights -- it's an underwhelming set up, particularly given the sheer size of the space. The hotel's 1863 Restaurant and Lounge is popular with both guests of the hotel as well as visitors and locals, and serves a selection of all-American fare including hamburgers, steaks, and salads, though some guests complain that it's overpriced. The saloon-style bar is also open for cocktails and beers. Room service is available, but breakfast is not included in most rates. A small gift shop sells snacks and travel necessities as well as historic souvenirs. The hotel has 18 event rooms and can accommodate conferences, banquets, weddings, and other functions, with a large ballroom that can host up to 850 people. Wi-Fi is free throughout, as is outdoor parking. Pets are welcome for an extra fee.