There's a hurricane creeping up the coast right now that forced my sister, her bulldog, and friend's family of seven out of Cape May with less than 12 hours notice. My sister turned to me to find affordable lodging for them all, somewhere near Lancaster, in a place with an indoor pool and pet friendly policies. On a Friday afternoon, that seemed daunting, especially since they needed to check in that night.
Everyone knows it's easy to find a fabulous hotel or restaurant when paying full price, but bargains are another thing. TA did not have good things to say about the motel my sister had tentatively contacted, as in they have a documented bug issue- ick. Last minute tourist area prices are not usually bargains, so I resorted to using Hotwire. This hotel was listed as having an 85% approval rating from Hotwire guests. So, I bit- two rooms for three nights for a total of 5 adults and 3 minors. As soon as the name appeared, I got on the phone because of course, my sister had special requests- last minute special requests- like a ground floor room for the dog, and non-smoking rooms for all. The desk clerk readily accommodated the requests at half past four in the afternoon, and the hotel followed through when the party of eight arrived. That does not always happen even when one books directly with the hotel and has a pile of points with the hotel chains rewards program- believe me, I know.
Fast forward to today- my sometimes borderline OCD sister said "it's a beautiful hotel, the kids love the pool, everything is great, and I actually slept through the night in the bed it was so comfortable." This from a woman who seldom sleeps at night, period, even in her very expensive bed at home.
Given the short notice within the booking was made, the outstanding price offered through Hotwire, the readiness of the staff to accommodate "bargain" guests, and the amenities offered, this hotel is in my opinion a gem. I confess, that while reading the manager's response to some of the complaints, it seemed that he was bordering on spin doctoring/denial at times, but now I am a believer- and I didn't even stay there, I just booked it for a non TA member!
Room Tip: Don't forget the golden rule even when you are paying someone for their service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
29 August 2011
Greetings Trip Advisor Reviewers!
Another great compliment - thank you so very much! This hurricane was a tough ordeal - I hope that their home is safe and sound when they get back. It was indeed our pleasure to be able to help. So many hotels in the area are no longer accepting pets - what is that all about, huh? We are home to many dog shows and all sorts of wonderful families passing through and to deny guests because they have a pet is just not a service first mentality in our opinion.
Im so glad they enjoyed our hotel and as you pointed out - theres no need to overpay for a room. There should be a value for the stay and service to match and thats what we feel we offer everyone and what we do best. Glad to know even in a Hurricane, with all the trying challenges that brings that we didnt waver.
Im also glad to see someone is reading my responses :) ! We DO care here, its never a spin or an attempt to wear the rosy colored glasses - we believe in what we do and live hospitality. Its true that we serve over 3,000 guests a month and so the few reviews we get represent a small fraction of those we serve, and its easier to share a bad expereince than a good one - so we know we did something right when someone takes the time to tell others about it.
So a very big THANK YOU to you and your family for staying - if you ever need us - we are here!
Best Wishes and Safe Travels,
Dan Johnson
General Manager
Holiday Inn Conference Center York PA
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC