Federal Pointe Inn, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member

Walking up to the Federal Pointe Inn might spark memories of being late to class -- and anyone would be forgiven for having that feeling. The stately brick structure was built in 1896 as the town’s high school and later became an elementary school. However, there's nothing scholastic about the interiors -- instead, this is a quaint and charming hotel boutique hotel that does historical with style. The small lobby features a white front desk with a brass chandelier overhead and several framed prints on the wall depicting local historic sites, plus one glass display case containing a soldier’s jacket and another holding one of the school’s old American flags. The hallways are lined with antique armoires, tables and chairs, plus original details like brick fireplaces. The only main public area is the pub downstairs, which features coal-burning fireplaces that once heated the building. Guests won't find many children here despite the school setting, as the hotel mostly draws couples on vacation.

This property is located near a busy intersection that leads straight into historic Gettysburg’s town square, less than a 10-minute walk away. There are historic homes lining the residential street and guests can pick up groceries at the Gettysburg Shopping Center across the road. There are several coffee shops, local bakeries, and craft shops within a five-minute walk of the hotel. Gettysburg College is about a 15-minute walk away. Other attractions are accessible within a short drive. The Gettysburg Address Memorial is a 10 minutes from the hotel by car, as is Gettysburg National Military Park. The hotel lies about 55 minutes from Harrisburg International Airport and an hour and 20 minutes away from Baltimore-Washington International Airport.

All 18 rooms possess a different size and shape, as one would expect in a former school building, but they are sharp across the board. They are decorated in classic colonial fashion, with wooden bedposts, antique lamps and chairs, and a couple of historical prints on the walls. The color palette is warm, with soft goldenrod walls, whitewashed wooden half panels or wainscoting, soft maroon paisley curtains, and subtly patterned carpets in light tan hues. Suites are large, with lots of open floor space. One room has a sitting area that used to be the principal’s office and one has a pair of defunct coal fireplaces. Another unit has a triangular hot tub tucked into the corner, several feet from the bed. Beds are plush and made with white linens, and all rooms feature small wall-mounted 32-inch flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffeemakers, and mini-fridges. Most rooms come with sofa beds. Bathrooms are modern, with dark-gray granite walk-in showers and spacious black granite vanities -- some units also have separate tubs. Street noise can be an issue due to the hotel's downtown location.

The on-site pub serves light meals (French Dips, crab cakes, and the like) for lunch and dinner and has a full bar with numerous craft beer options. While breakfast is not served at the hotel, free scones and tea are offered every afternoon. The hotel also provides free bottled water and morning coffee. Other features include a banquet room downstairs that's available for meetings and events, but more closely resembles a lounge, with several wooden tables and chairs, dim lighting, a large chalkboard and a chandelier overhead. The fitness room holds only three machines and an oddly placed wooden wardrobe. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and there's free parking in a lot across the street. The hotel can help arrange spa services and tours of local sights.