Value for money and a...
I’m a fan of this old shoe located conveniently off I-76 in East Harrisburg. It’s nothing to look at outside and it attracts its fair share of guest loiterers on the forecourt during summer months. The interior hallways are dingy and the worn carpet with fluorescent pod lights make them look even more so. However, once you’re in your room it’s a very clean and cozy space. In fact, having stayed at 5 Red Roof Inns during my 3-week trip from Europe to the U.S. I realize this is part of Red Roof Inn’s business model. By keeping the outside drab while investing in the rooms themselves, they’re able to offer up comfortable beds, a deep bath, a nice TV a well-lit desk and a proper-sized refrigerator with microwave and safe and all for $55 a night. You’re not analyzing the exterior stairwells or parking lot gloss at 3 AM anyway – you’re sleeping snug and comfortable as you should be, and I have even managed to net rooms for $40 or $45 through on-line booking sites last-minute (note: I have stayed at the East Harrisburg Red Roof Inn 16 times in the past 5 years, and on this trip I also stayed in their properties at Danville, Erie, Clearfield, Lancaster and Oxford Valley and found them all to be excellent value for money). Another benefit to the East Harrisburg Red Roof Inn is its proximity to Gilligan’s restaurant and bar, a favorite of mine, You literally walk across their lawn to access this friendly “multiplex” eatery with its bar and table seating, full menu of classics, good music, pool, darts, in-booth TVs and much else for the weary traveler who wants a small dose of conviviality before bedding down.
Look, I've been clear about the "old shoe" part and it wouldn't take that much to spruce up the interior corridors, add some softer lighting and replace the carpet. But as noted, this is part of the business model and if you want to stay in Pennsylvania's tony capitol city and walk to cool places like Gilligan's and the Capitol Diner you cannot do that for $55 except here. It's extremely good value for money as I generally find Red Roof Inns are these days. I emphasize again that once in your room, it's clean and cozy as could be, with good heat, good A/C, nice hot water and all the modern amenities.