Lancaster Arts Hotel

Falling right in line with industrial-chic design trends, this hotel is housed in a building that was a tobacco warehouse in the 1800s. However, this property puts a lively spin on the typically sedate contemporary interiors, with plenty of color in its artsy, modern decor. A pair of eye-catching armchairs next to the front desk look like something lifted out of "Alice in Wonderland," with backs crafted to resemble giant leaves. There's a wooden staircase that leads up the building’s four floors plus original details like brickwork and thick wooden support beams throughout. One of the stand-out design features are the paintings and multimedia work that have been created by local artists and are on display everywhere. The hotel's restaurant has a similar feel, with exposed brick and stone walls contrasted by sleek modern furniture
and colorful artwork. The majority of guests staying here are young couples, but the hotel also hosts the occasional business group as well as families visiting the area.

This hotel is
situated near the historic arts district of Lancaster, a relatively easy walk to upscale restaurants, galleries, and local artisan shops. The location is a little off the beaten path, but it's only a 10-minute walk to the section of Prince Street that's home to the lion's share of Lancaster's galleries. There
are plenty of other attractions within walking distance as well, like the Phillips Museum of Art (an eight-minute walk), the Fulton
Opera House (a 15-minute walk), and the Lancaster Central Market (also a 15-minute walk). Historic Strasburg is about a 20-minute drive away, while Amish country and the Amish Farm & House can be reached in about 15 minutes. It's a 40-minute drive to Hersheypark, and 50 minutes to Harrisburg. Philadelphia and the Philadelphia International Airport can be reached by
car in less than an hour-and-a-half.

The hotel's 63
rooms vary in size and shape, but all feature exposed ceiling beams, red brick walls, and a painting or two created by local artists hanging on the walls. The ambience is warm, particularly with the plush beds covered in
high-quality linens, and furniture is a blend of contemporary and slightly vintage shapes and materials (think: metal-and-glass desks alongside Art Deco-inspired headboards). Polished original wood floors in some rooms are a particularly nice touch, though in some of the carpeted rooms we did spot minor stains. All rooms include free Wi-Fi access and a large flat-screen TVs plus iPod docks, coffeemakers, and free bottled water. Nightly turndown service is also offered. Some rooms include a wine
refrigerator and/or mini-fridge and microwave, while higher category rooms like the Presidential Suite have living areas and kitchenettes along with homier decor. Bathrooms are spacious and
modern, with tile floors and walls, granite countertops, and large showers with partial glass walls and metro tiling. On-trend colors like sage green keep them looking fresh, and a few
of the suites have enormous bathrooms plus whirlpool tubs. 

The
hotel's John J. Jeffries restaurant is a popular spot with locals and guests alike, serving gourmet dishes made with organic, locally sourced ingredients such as bison and homemade cheese. A free breakfast buffet is served in the mornings and includes fruit, bagels, and pastries along with unexpected items like Nutella and breakfast burritos. Keep in mind that the breakfast room can get crowded and busy. There is a small fitness room with modern cardio machines and a universal, plus bicycles are available for rent. Meeting rooms and a business center round out amenities for the business travelers that pass through, plus Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. There is a free indoor parking garage as well.