Where to stay and “Pre” York...

Might be tough to find decent lodgings now, Steve. We book for the following York when we check out from the current one. We stay with about 20 other friends in the Holiday Inn express in York. Nice people, well maintained, clean and a decent breakfast.

In the evenings we enjoy spending time with each other in the breakfast area - show & tell and our own favorite beverages. We clean up and put the tables and chairs back where they belong at around 10:00PM. The staff appreciates this and welcomes us every six months.

IMHO, I'd avoid staying at the old "Billy Bud" (whatever it is called now), the Super 8 and Motel 6, but even the latter two may be booked at this time.

You might find a decent room and breakfast at one of the Comfort Inns in the areas surrounding York, The one in Centerville is nice, about 1/2 hour from the Fairgrounds.

Good luck. If you are able to get a room at the Holiday Inn Express please join us in the evenings

One other thing, Steve.

On mid Wednesday, other than the two Firehouse shows, you'll find that many "bandit show" vendors will be packed up in order to set up at the Fairgrounds within their time frame. 

We’ll be setting up on Monday at the old Holiday Inn Holidome.    Not sure the new name.  

West York hotels available October 16-20 (link)

The old Holidome now called Wyndham Garden York has a pretty good rate.

Farmer_Bill posted:

The old Holidome now called Wyndham Garden York has a pretty good rate.

Things have really changed over the years. I remember when there was a waiting list for rooms here and, if you were lucky enough to get one, they required a stay from Tuesday night through and including Saturday night

Lionelski posted:

Might be tough to find decent lodgings now, Steve. We book for the following York when we check out from the current one. We stay with about 20 other friends in the Holiday Inn express in York. Nice people, well maintained, clean and a decent breakfast.

In the evenings we enjoy spending time with each other in the breakfast area - show & tell and our own favorite beverages. We clean up and put the tables and chairs back where they belong at around 10:00PM. The staff appreciates this and welcomes us every six months.

IMHO, I'd avoid staying at the old "Billy Bud" (whatever it is called now), the Super 8 and Motel 6, but even the latter two may be booked at this time.

You might find a decent room and breakfast at one of the Comfort Inns in the areas surrounding York, The one in Centerville is nice, about 1/2 hour from the Fairgrounds.

Good luck. If you are able to get a room at the Holiday Inn Express please join us in the evenings

 

 

Thanks for the feedback... actually have some options about a mile from the center of York through hotel.com...ill book soon ...thanks again and look forward to meeting you guys.

The infamous Red Roof Inn? 

I would suggest staying at the Wyndham Garden Inn. It's the closest to everything. By mid Wed most of the bandit meets will be over.

My wife a d I have reservations at the Holiday Inn Express which is on market street. We have stayed there for the last 5 years and have had good luck. It is close to several restaurants which we enjoy.

I've tried a few places, and I agree with Eddie G, the Wyndham Garden Inn is a good choice.

Farmer John,

That is where we've been staying. Join us in the lobby/breakfast area for train chat and show & tell, fun

If I lived far from York, I would probably stay at the Bridgeview B&B in Marysville, PA.  It's an hour from York, but it's a rail fan's paradise.  After a hard day of walking the halls, you could relax and watch the trains go over the Rockville bridge.

Looks like I have a few choices:

Wingate By Wyndham - 1.6 miles from center city

Holiday Inn Express NE -Market - 4.6 from center city

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites York - 3.9 miles from center city 

Best Western Westgate Inn - 2.1 miles from center city

Any suggestions?? Thanks!!!

Why not the Wyndham Garden Inn???

eddie g posted:

Why not the Wyndham Garden Inn???

Not coming up as available on my app.

Avoid the Super 8 - the price is low for a reason (actually lots of reasons).  The Days Inn (formerly Billy Budd) can be hit or miss - they have a number of long-term tenants, and IMO the price is high for what you get, but I've stayed there several times without incident.

Book a refundable room, and check back close to the meet - rooms often become available due to last-minute cancellations.  You might end up at Wyndham Garden for a reasonable price.

One forum member swears by the Rodeway Inn just north of downtown.

Be sure to visit the Red Lion train club on Wednesday or Thursday evening.

eddie g posted:

Why not the Wyndham Garden Inn???

Just booked the Wyndham Garden York. 

I have been staying at the Hampton Inn, Shrewsbury the last few years.

It’s about 12 miles south of the Fairgrounds. The rooms are great and the lobby area is a comfortable place to meet York goers from all over.

Peter

Polarxpress3 posted:

Just booked the Wyndham Garden York. 

Well played!  Good place to stay - good location, excellent breakfast included, bar/restaurant, bandit meet through Wednesday.  I was surprised that they didn't have any availability for the past few weeks, but they must have just released some rooms.

Breakfast will be 95% train folks.  I often wonder what the non-train people think when they see all of us goofy old guys, many of whom are wearing their meet badges.  (Pay $2 for a badge holder at the meet, and you'll be a member of the "in" crowd.)

I'm at the TownePlace Suites at York. I stayed there last October, nice location, good food not to far away(including Red Lobster). First time at York was on East Market Street somewhere close to the Red Lobster. I like TownePlace Suites better.

Hey All,

Here is something I learned. It’s cheaper to book a hotel directly in most cases than with the travel websites. I checked all of them before booking for York, then phoned the hotels directly and got better rates direct in all cases. I hope that helps. I guess it makes sense...hotel would rather have our dollars than pay the website , etc. 

Here’s hoping that little tip will save you some $ and give you more to spend on what we all need.....more trains!!!!

Gerhardt posted:

Hey All,

Here is something I learned. It’s cheaper to book a hotel directly in most cases than with the travel websites.

As a rule, usually cheaper. However, booking direct gives you:

Extra rooms that may be available, that are not "given over" to the travel folks. If the hotel website  says "totally booked", call on your 'phone anyway.

Being able to cancel with 1 or 2 days notice without paying a fee.

Polarxpress3 posted:

Looks like I have a few choices:

Wingate By Wyndham - 1.6 miles from center city

Holiday Inn Express NE -Market - 4.6 from center city

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites York - 3.9 miles from center city 

Best Western Westgate Inn - 2.1 miles from center city

 

Any suggestions?? Thanks!!!

Glad to see you got your booking from one of the best hotels in the area for the TCA show, but also to help you out, the York Fairgrounds are no where close to "center city" York. So just for future references the fairgrounds are actually in West York about 3 miles west of "center city" I know it doesn't really matter, just trying to keep people from possibly booking a hotel "in walking distance" when there is nothing in walking distance of the fairgrounds.

Also on another note, be sure to stop by and visit the "year round" Pre-York meet at the best local hobby shop in the area, White Rose Hobbies. I unfortunately will not be working/able to attend TCA this year as the military is sending me to Germany for the month of October, but I will have some neat things set up at the shop and some great offerings of some collections we purchased over the last year. If you show your membership/show badge at the shop we will have some special deals going on the whole week of TCA.

Walking distance to the fairgrounds would be the gas station just down the road. I know the first time I got my hotel I was looking everywhere. I wanted to be close but there weren't many offerings. Of course it didn't help booking as late as I did, but the stay was still okay. Some of the better offers back then were farther out and probably would have been the better choice. I believe though that since it was later prices were higher in those places than where I chose.

Anyone stay at the Tru Hilton hotel? It's off of 30 past the Super 8. I believe it's new but I don't know how new it is.

I've stayed at the Wingate a few times, it's a decent place.  A review of Best Western Westgate Inn mentioned bedbugs in July 2019, so I think I'd avoid that one.

MTHPRRGURU posted:

Polarxpress3 posted:

Looks like I have a few choices:

Wingate By Wyndham - 1.6 miles from center city

Holiday Inn Express NE -Market - 4.6 from center city

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites York - 3.9 miles from center city 

Best Western Westgate Inn - 2.1 miles from center city

 

Any suggestions?? Thanks!!!

Glad to see you got your booking from one of the best hotels in the area for the TCA show, but also to help you out, the York Fairgrounds are no where close to "center city" York. So just for future references the fairgrounds are actually in West York about 3 miles west of "center city" I know it doesn't really matter, just trying to keep people from possibly booking a hotel "in walking distance" when there is nothing in walking distance of the fairgrounds.

 

Also on another note, be sure to stop by and visit the "year round" Pre-York meet at the best local hobby shop in the area, White Rose Hobbies. I unfortunately will not be working/able to attend TCA this year as the military is sending me to Germany for the month of October, but I will have some neat things set up at the shop and some great offerings of some collections we purchased over the last year. If you show your membership/show badge at the shop we will have some special deals going on the whole week of TCA.

Actually realized that... I booked the Wyndham Garden Inn which is probably the closest one to the fairgrounds and have heard great things about it. Looking forward to meeting many of you!!  

Yep, I usually go for that one now, though I've tried a few of the hotels in the area.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Yep, I usually go for that one now, though I've tried a few of the hotels in the area.

Will you be there this year John? If so, look forward to meeting you.

I'll be at the Wyndham Garden, and I should be making Peter's Thursday Morning Breakfast at the Round-The-Clock Diner.  Of course, I'll be around for the OGR gathering at Quaker Steak.  If you miss me at all those places, drop by Henning's Trains in the Orange Hall.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I've stayed at the Wingate a few times, it's a decent place.  A review of Best Western Westgate Inn mentioned bedbugs in July 2019, so I think I'd avoid that one.

I do believe I had seen the review about the bedbugs, definitely avoided that. Rates may have looked good, but I don't want uninvited guests biting me, save that for the vampires.

I'll make Peter's breakfast, and the Quaker Steak OGR gathering. After all, breakfast is great, and dinner is best with Guinness for me. 

Homewood Suites- Marriott

Looks like I’ll be staying home. Y’all have fun!

Home???  Say it isn't so Bill!

Oh buggers. 

PSU1980 posted:

Homewood Suites- Marriott

That's where we are staying this time.  We always stayed at the Sheraton Four Points, which was great,  but we just wanted to try something different.  And it's still close to Round The Clock Diner!  Used travel points accumulated from all the train purchases I've made over the years, so that's one less expense for the trip.  

We've stayed in Homewood Suites before in other locations and liked it a lot.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I'll be at the Wyndham Garden, and I should be making Peter's Thursday Morning Breakfast at the Round-The-Clock Diner.  Of course, I'll be around for the OGR gathering at Quaker Steak.  If you miss me at all those places, drop by Henning's Trains in the Orange Hall.

How do I attend the breakfast Thursday morning and the OGR gathering at Quaker Steak?  Thanks John!

Booked Red Lion.  I knew it was the right choice when The Mr. Muffin van was next to my room.  A very nice B &B.

Polarxpress3 posted:

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I'll be at the Wyndham Garden, and I should be making Peter's Thursday Morning Breakfast at the Round-The-Clock Diner.  Of course, I'll be around for the OGR gathering at Quaker Steak.  If you miss me at all those places, drop by Henning's Trains in the Orange Hall.

How do I attend the breakfast Thursday morning and the OGR gathering at Quaker Steak?  Thanks John!

Thursday breakfast starts around 7AM at 222 Arsenal Road

Thursday dinner starts around 7PM at 1411 Kenneth Rd

Just show up and ask for OGR crowd

PSU1980 posted:

Homewood Suites- Marriott

We've been staying at the Homewood Suites for at least the last ten years. Room rate includes both breakfast and dinner through Thursday night with complementary adult beverages. Friendly staff goes out of their way for the TCA crowd.

Pete

I would avoid the Super 8. The last time I stayed there I dropped something that rolled under the bed. When i lifted the valance to retreive it the wooden bedframe was splattered with what appeared to be blood. A lot of it! Getting murdered was a concern after that!

Farmer_Bill posted:

Polarxpress3 posted:

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I'll be at the Wyndham Garden, and I should be making Peter's Thursday Morning Breakfast at the Round-The-Clock Diner.  Of course, I'll be around for the OGR gathering at Quaker Steak.  If you miss me at all those places, drop by Henning's Trains in the Orange Hall.

How do I attend the breakfast Thursday morning and the OGR gathering at Quaker Steak?  Thanks John!

Thursday breakfast starts around 7AM at 222 Arsenal Road

Thursday dinner starts around 7PM at 1411 Kenneth Rd

Just show up and ask for OGR crowd

Thanks Bill... truly appreciate all your advice on here. 

I stayed at Homewood Suites- Marriott once there, but I was on the I83 side and traffic noise was bothersome.

FYI, Homewood Suites is part of the Hilton Chain along with Hampton Inns, there is at least one Marriott in town as well. Fortunately our room faces Masonic Dr. Traffic noise has never been an issue.

Pete

Polarxpress3 posted:

Farmer_Bill posted:

Polarxpress3 posted:

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I'll be at the Wyndham Garden, and I should be making Peter's Thursday Morning Breakfast at the Round-The-Clock Diner.  Of course, I'll be around for the OGR gathering at Quaker Steak.  If you miss me at all those places, drop by Henning's Trains in the Orange Hall.

How do I attend the breakfast Thursday morning and the OGR gathering at Quaker Steak?  Thanks John!

Thursday breakfast starts around 7AM at 222 Arsenal Road

Thursday dinner starts around 7PM at 1411 Kenneth Rd

Just show up and ask for OGR crowd

Thanks Bill... truly appreciate all your advice on here. 

Not hard to miss at dinner, just look at everyone in the place. The small crowd is the locals, the large crowd taking up most of the place will be the train crowd.

Breakfast be careful not to miss your turn. My first time out there I told my coworker Bob that I didn't think the road lead to the driveway that there was actually a small one up a bit. Wrong! We tried to make a turn around and wound up heading on the big highway. Took about ten minutes off breakfast time that morning.

Dave NYC Hudson PRR K4 posted:

Polarxpress3 posted:

Farmer_Bill posted:

Polarxpress3 posted:

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I'll be at the Wyndham Garden, and I should be making Peter's Thursday Morning Breakfast at the Round-The-Clock Diner.  Of course, I'll be around for the OGR gathering at Quaker Steak.  If you miss me at all those places, drop by Henning's Trains in the Orange Hall.

How do I attend the breakfast Thursday morning and the OGR gathering at Quaker Steak?  Thanks John!

Thursday breakfast starts around 7AM at 222 Arsenal Road

Thursday dinner starts around 7PM at 1411 Kenneth Rd

Just show up and ask for OGR crowd

Thanks Bill... truly appreciate all your advice on here. 

Not hard to miss at dinner, just look at everyone in the place. The small crowd is the locals, the large crowd taking up most of the place will be the train crowd.

Breakfast be careful not to miss your turn. My first time out there I told my coworker Bob that I didn't think the road lead to the driveway that there was actually a small one up a bit. Wrong! We tried to make a turn around and wound up heading on the big highway. Took about ten minutes off breakfast time that morning.

Fyi on dinner.....Folks start gathering around 5:15 for dinner.  Don't feel as if you have to wait until 7:00.  

I always stay at La Quinta across the parking lot so I don't have to drive after dinner    Except the year the pipe burst..lol

Looking forward to seeing everyone again and meeting some new folks.  Farmer Bill - sorry to hear you can't make it to this York.

-Greg

Polarxpress3 posted:

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I'll be at the Wyndham Garden, and I should be making Peter's Thursday Morning Breakfast at the Round-The-Clock Diner.  Of course, I'll be around for the OGR gathering at Quaker Steak.  If you miss me at all those places, drop by Henning's Trains in the Orange Hall.

How do I attend the breakfast Thursday morning and the OGR gathering at Quaker Steak?  Thanks John!

John

I usually post the details around the 1st of October.......basically, you just show up...the Diner keeps about 6-8 adjoining tables open for us.

Peter

Putnam Division posted:

Polarxpress3 posted:

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I'll be at the Wyndham Garden, and I should be making Peter's Thursday Morning Breakfast at the Round-The-Clock Diner.  Of course, I'll be around for the OGR gathering at Quaker Steak.  If you miss me at all those places, drop by Henning's Trains in the Orange Hall.

How do I attend the breakfast Thursday morning and the OGR gathering at Quaker Steak?  Thanks John!

John

I usually post the details around the 1st of October.......basically, you just show up...the Diner keeps about 6-8 adjoining tables open for us.

Peter

Thanks Peter! Looking forward to it.

When we attended ED York going back about 5 years, we always opted to stay in the Lancaster area. Its generally quieter in the evening but the choices for lodging and food are much larger. There is a nice Hilton Garden Inn, Marriott's, Suite Hotels , hundreds of other places to lodge and many places to shop and dine on authentic Amish food.  Lots or recreational activities there as well.  Its about a 35 minute drive East of York on RT 30.

Is there a DCS meeting at this Octobers meet ?

Thank you

clem k posted:

Is there a DCS meeting at this Octobers meet ?

Thank you

Unfortunately the anwer will not come from Barry.  He did a Yeomans job keeping it together.  Maybe someone with the same passion will come forward and answer the question.  I attended last year, and found it very informative.  Also sat at a table with some wonderful fellow hobbyist.

I haven’t been to York for several years. I decided to attend this year.  I’m staying at the TownePlace Suites.  I’m not sure how far it is away from everything.

clem k posted:

Is there a DCS meeting at this Octobers meet ?

Thank you

In case you didn't see it, there was a thread posted about a week ago that there is.

I think you need to declare your intent to attend and/or eat over on that thread to help make sure it happens.

See thread here.

-Dave

Doug N posted:

I haven’t been to York for several years. I decided to attend this year.  I’m staying at the TownePlace Suites.  I’m not sure how far it is away from everything.

 

If its this one, looks like it's about 8 miles away, depending on the route you drive.  Not bad, but does involve Rte 30.

-Dave

Heads up - I cancelled my reservation for La Quinta, so a room should become available for Tuesday thru Thursday nights.  If you're looking for a room, this is your chance.

Most folks don't consider my recommendation for the Highland Motel which is just up the interstate about 15 miles from York.  Usually runs 40-50.00 per night.  Great accommodations, small kitchen, nice amenities.  I get the usual mindless comment, "oh, geez, so much gas expense" and "just so far away", etc.  So, all you folks blowing over 100.00 a night to stay in York don't realize that what you save in one night at the Highland would cover all your round trip gas expense for the entire TCA event.  I have been staying there for over 20 years...and laughing at all those that waste their money trying to get closer to York.  Just sayin'.  Smoke if you gottem'.

Jim Rawlings posted:

Most folks don't consider my recommendation for the Highland Motel which is just up the interstate about 15 miles from York.  Usually runs 40-50.00 per night.  Great accommodations, small kitchen, nice amenities.  I get the usual mindless comment, "oh, geez, so much gas expense" and "just so far away", etc.  So, all you folks blowing over 100.00 a night to stay in York don't realize that what you save in one night at the Highland would cover all your round trip gas expense for the entire TCA event.  I have been staying there for over 20 years...and laughing at all those that waste their money trying to get closer to York.  Just sayin'.  Smoke if you gottem'.

There are several "Highland Motel" results in PA.  Is this the one at 240 Lincoln Dr. in New Cumberland?  Do they have a website?

If it's the one in New Cumberland, the reviews are "interesting".  Looks like some folks may be confusing it with another motel. 

Thanks for posting this.  Although I'm staying in York, if I get a chance, I'll drive by and check it out.  

Jim Rawlings posted:

Most folks don't consider my recommendation for the Highland Motel which is just up the interstate about 15 miles from York.  Usually runs 40-50.00 per night.  Great accommodations, small kitchen, nice amenities.  I get the usual mindless comment, "oh, geez, so much gas expense" and "just so far away", etc.  So, all you folks blowing over 100.00 a night to stay in York don't realize that what you save in one night at the Highland would cover all your round trip gas expense for the entire TCA event.  I have been staying there for over 20 years...and laughing at all those that waste their money trying to get closer to York.  Just sayin'.  Smoke if you gottem'.

Shhhh!

It's supposed to be a secret that it doesn't take too long to shoot down 83 to get to York!

(I don't stay exactly where you do, but I have been staying just south of Harrisburg for around 20 years also.  No tolls, and the bulk of the trip is on 83, so even with a car that doesn't get great mileage, it's maybe $6-$7 of gas per day.  My rates may vary(use points, etc), but in general, probably $180-$240 (including all taxes) covers me for all 3 nights I have been staying.)

Now, if they ever do a large construction project on the bulk of Rte 83 between Harrisburg and Rte 30, I might change my plan, but so far so good.

-Dave

I would suggest Airbnb's my wife and I use them all the time, they have a web page just like there spelled. We've found one that even supplies breakfast!

Jim Rawlings posted:

Most folks don't consider my recommendation for the Highland Motel which is just up the interstate about 15 miles from York.  Usually runs 40-50.00 per night.  Great accommodations, small kitchen, nice amenities.  I get the usual mindless comment, "oh, geez, so much gas expense" and "just so far away", etc.  So, all you folks blowing over 100.00 a night to stay in York don't realize that what you save in one night at the Highland would cover all your round trip gas expense for the entire TCA event.  I have been staying there for over 20 years...and laughing at all those that waste their money trying to get closer to York.  Just sayin'.  Smoke if you gottem'.

The only thing that matters to me is being able to walk to my hotel from the OGR Forum dinner so I stay at the LaQuinta and before it opened, the Best Western.   Why the need to walk? Because I like to enjoy myself from about 5:30 to 11:00 and though I may very well be able to drive back to a hotel, I guarantee you that it would not be legal for me to do so.  As such, I pay for the ability to walk and it's worth every penny - can't put a price on good times and creating memories....can't take money with you to the grave.

-Greg

I like the Wyndham, that's where the action is. They have a free hot and cold breakfast, but I go to Round the Clock most mornings. My daughter goes with me, and she likes a nice hotel. Swimming pool & workout room.

My wife and I stay at the Holiday Inn Express out on Market street.  Its close to several restaurants and they have a small breakfast there. We have been staying there for the last 6 years. The first year we went to York we stayed at a hotel in downtown York. It was horrible. Then the next time we went to super 8 on 30. What a fricken disaster., .There are some real nice places to stay in in Lancaster which is several miles from York but there are restaurants everywhere. The plays they have at the sight and sound theater at strausburg are great if you can get tickets. If you're with your wife these things are important. 

farmerjohn posted:

My wife and I stay at the Holiday Inn Express out on Market street.  Its close to several restaurants and they have a small breakfast there. We have been staying there for the last 6 years. The first year we went to York we stayed at a hotel in downtown York. It was horrible. Then the next time we went to super 8 on 30. What a fricken disaster., .There are some real nice places to stay in in Lancaster which is several miles from York but there are restaurants everywhere. The plays they have at the sight and sound theater at strausburg are great if you can get tickets. If you're with your wife these things are important. 

I believe that the hotel downtown is undergoing major renovations - hope it works out.  You're right about the Super 8 - used to be nice, then OK, now dirty and scary.  My last stay there was about 5 years ago.  It's significantly cheaper with good reason.