Name: Historic Smithton Inn
Address: US Lancaster - PA Downtown LAN, Ephrata, Ephrata, Ephrata, 17522, United States of America
Rating: 10

Air conditioning

Smoke-free property

Heating

Newspapers

Gift shop

Express check-in/check-out

Garden

Outdoor furniture

General

Room service

Fridge

Indoor Fireplace

Cable TV

DVD Player

Hairdryer

Shower/Bathtub

Shower

Wardrobe/Closet

Bathrobe

Linens

Toiletries

Rooms

Iron and board

Concierge services

Services and amenities

Diet menu (on request)

Meals

Free Wi-Fi

Internet

Library

Recreation

Free parking

Parking

Beach/pool towels

Pool and beach

Massage

Beauty and wellness

Pets Not Allowed

Pets

Location

At the hotel

Room amenities

Ephrata Cloister

Car and Pedal Car Museum

Eicher Arts Center

WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital

Lancaster Airport

Reading Regional Airport

Chester County G. O. Carlson Airport

Harrisburg International Airport

Historic Smithton Inn

Ephrata

child-bed

child-bed-fee

external-private-bathroom

private-bathroom

shared-bathroom

10-beds

11-beds

12-beds

13-beds

14-beds

15-beds

16-beds

17-beds

18-beds

19-beds

2-beds

20-beds

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24-beds

25-beds

26-beds

27-beds

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3-beds

30-beds

31-beds

32-beds

33-beds

34-beds

35-beds

36-beds

37-beds

38-beds

39-beds

4-beds

40-beds

5-beds

6-beds

7-beds

8-beds

9-beds

king-bed

queen-bed

limited-time

lounge

treatment

no-window

bay-view

bosphorus-view

canal-view

city-view

courtyard-view

garden-view

golf-view

harbour-view

inland-view

lake-view

land-view

mountain-view

ocean-front

ocean-view

oceanside

panoramic-view

park-view

partial-ocean-view

partial-sea-view

partial-view

pool-view

river-view

sea-front

sea-view

street-view

sunrise-view

sunset-view

water-view

with-view

annex

basement

main-building

1-bedroom

2-bedrooms

3-bedrooms

4-bedrooms

5-bedrooms

6-bedrooms

not-guaranteed

wired-internet-access

smoking

sauna

duplex

safe

mini-bar

breakfast-for-1

breakfast-for-2

pets-allowed

wi-fi

kitchen

I generally don’t give a negative review unless I feel the need to do so. In this case, I  feel it’s warranted. I made reservations at The  Historic Smithton Inn, in Ephrata, PA. I booked my stay online for two nights. I chose to have breakfast delivered to our room. I do need to mention that breakfast is included with the price of the stay, unless you want it delivered to your room. In that case you pay an extra $15 per person per day that it’s delivered. I was willing to pay for this convenience. Which was $60 extra for my husband and I both. Furthermore, I felt it would be worth it because the website shows and raves about how nice these breakfasts are. Additionally, they show pictures that make them look delicious. When booking and adding these amenities, there is a place on the form that asks about dietary restrictions. I noted  that there was a restriction and noted that specific restriction. 

To make a long story short, the owner called the day we were to check in, to inquire about our accommodations. I had my husband answer, due to me rushing about to get last minute things done before leaving (phone call was minutes before we were about to leave). However, my husband handed the phone to me after several minutes, saying that I should speak to the owner (Karen). She basically asked about the dietary restriction  and another extra I paid to have while there. I reiterated what I had filled out online about the specific dietary restriction (not an uncommon restriction) She seemed annoyed  about the request and mentioned what foods she made other guests. She then asked again if that is what I wanted. I replied yep! She then said goodbye and hung up abruptly. Upon speaking with my husband after the phone call ended, he said the owner had somewhat of a negative response when he mentioned the restriction (a nasty groan of some sort). 

 On the second day of our stay, the owner herself brought the breakfast to our room  (see picture) stating to my husband that it had the ingredient in the waffles that I requested not to add. She did not apologize or offer any kind of an explanation as to why she did not honor my request. The breakfasts themselves were slim pickings. The first day it was scrambled eggs (probably had milk in them, but she didn’t state that they did). Not at all what the pictures show on the website. I feel that, at the very least she should have apologized and offered to not charge for the breakfast. Also, why have the option to request a dietary restriction if it’s going to be a problem. She should have stated from the beginning that she was unable to make our breakfast the way we wanted. That’s it! I could have had the option of making other arrangements. However, she wanted me to pay the extra fee. It seemed like, by the looks of the breakfast, she punished us for the request. Also, the picnic lunch she made us was with stale hard bread. It included two sandwiches, fruit and drinks in a wine tote. Neither the breakfast or the picnic lunch was worth what we paid extra to have. 

To add to this, there was an issue with the TV’s at the Inn. We had to use our own streaming accounts. Which was fine, we never complained or reported this to the owner. However, the website does advertise that it has cable. The owner did send out a text stating that there was an issue with the TV’s not working properly, but said the they were working fine earlier in the day. She also added that it was the entire Inn that was experiencing the issue. She also sent me another text stating that she  could fix the TV, but would need to come into the room herself to do this. I decided not to contact her asking for this,  as I didn’t want the hassle. 

As far as the rest of the stay..the room we booked was clean and looked nice. However, the Inn itself is not on some sprawling countryside in a remote setting. The Inn actually sits at a busy, noisy intersection  right next to the road. You can hear the noise clear up until midnight (it’s extremely noisy)  Additionally, it’s a small property. They tell you on the website that you are welcome to explore the grounds, which is not much bigger than most people’s back yards. 

So, needless to say, I was disappointed! I have stayed at very nice places and some very mediocre places (but knew that in advance, so no need to post a negative review). However, in this situation we didn’t get what we paid for. My goal is to share my experience. So, you can decide for yourself if you want to chance throwing your money away. Or worse yet, have a dietary restriction (hopefully not a serious one) that you can’t trust she will honor. 

I want to note that I do not complain and nitpick to management about things when we are staying places. Nor, did I complain or make any unreasonable requests in this situation. Everything I ordered extra was for an additional fee and the dietary restriction was an option when booking. I did not contact anyone and demand this. I did this because it was an option that was offered when booking our stay.

Smithton Inn (under new ownership). If you have a dietary restriction, don’t eat here!!

My husband and I stayed two nights at Historic Smithton Inn - we stayed in the Sage Room which was very comfortable and clean.  Breakfast was delicious, Karen the owner was very gracious!  We visited the Weathered Vineyards - small wine bar in the Inn - I believe his name was Ken (forgive me if mistaken) was great as well as the wine!  Highly recommend!

Great time at the Historic Smithton Inn

This was our second visit to this historical inn.  We previously stayed in the Red Rose Room, and we chose the Chocolate Room for this visit.  Both were tastefully decorated in colonial style.  Beds were very comfortable.  Towels were soft and fluffy.  Karen, the owner, provides a lovely and creative hot breakfast.  A charming place to stay and very near to the Ephrata Cloister.  We would highly recommend.

A beautiful old stone inn in Ephrata, PA.

The price was good in comparison to other B&Bs in the area. We were able to book 1 night, many others required a 2 night minimum. We stayed in the Blue Room, it was nice, clean, well equipped with a coffee make, water and a refrigerator. The breakfast was okay, nothing fancy. The Innkeeper was responsive and friendly. This is a busy intersection so there was noise from traffic and loud vehicles. The B&B is kept nice, it has a lot of character. Restaurants were close by.

Nice B&B, I would recommend.

Beautiful room, excellent breakfast unique and different each morning. The host Karen is very friendly and helpful. Check in was a breeze. They have their own cute little pub/restaurant which is both inside as well as outside on a nice patio! Terrific stay!!

Terrific place!

We loved our stay at the Smithton Inn.  The owners have kept the feel of the time period but with all of the modern conveniences. Linens, soaps ect. are top of the line!! The winery on site is wonderful with great wine. Breakfast was amazing.  Rebecca and Dave are great hosts and hostesses.  The fire pit outside was a blessing. We were traveling with a group and it provided us with a space to laugh and visit without disturbing other guests.    There is much outdoor space to sit and relax.  Five stars in every category.

Highley recommend this B and B!  

We stayed in the Tailor's Cottage.  The cottage is not a separate building but is separate from the other rooms in the house which made it very private.  The cottage is 2 story - living & kitchen downstairs, bedroom that sleeps 3 & bathroom are up a narrow, winding staircase.  The historic inn was built in the 1700's, a little rustic but still has some of its original charm.  

The cottage was clean and comfortable; it has a kitchenette & dining table; full size refrigerator, microwave, and Keurig which we appreciated for our early morning coffee.

The inn has a wine tasting room, across the hall from the breakfast room, that is opened on the weekend; a selection of bar food is available for purchase along with beverages.  Guests can have breakfast in the dining room or tasting room.

The breakfasts we had were delicious and filling!  Asia, the hostess on duty while we were there is friendly and offered a few sightseeing recommendations.

The location of the inn is pretty central for touring Lancaster and the surrounding Amish/shops areas.  The inn is also close to President James Buchanan home at Wheatland which was a great tour in itself.



Good location for PA Amish area touring

This was one of the nicest Places we have stayed.  The owners were amazing, the atmosphere was over the top and the breakfast was awesome each day.  My wife and I went for a little getaway and were very pleasantly blessed. I highly recommend this for a bed and breakfast getaway. Thank You for making our getaway so special.

What a great place and great atmosphere.

The Inn is a step back into the 1700’s in terms of age of the structure and decor. We had the Tailor’s Cottage for 2 nights. It is so beautiful, comfortable. It has a screened in back porch, which we enjoyed in the evening and morning.   That said, mod cons were present. TV downstairs and up with DirectTV. (Bring your Netflix, prime and/or other sign-in passwords, as they’re available. Jacuzzi in the bath, which we didn’t use and an excellent shower, which we did. Microwave, Kuerig and refrigerator in kitchen. The breakfasts were tasty, varied and not rushed. We ate in the beautiful dining room of the main house.

Welcome to the 1700’s with a touch of 2023.

My husband and I stayed here for our short "baby moon/anniversary" trip to Lancaster County. We stayed in the Red Room; the room was well kept and the amenities were great. Rebecca cooked an amazing breakfast both mornings and was a very friendly host. We appreciated the reserved parking for B&B guests. We wish we could have enjoyed the back yard fire pit and the patio but were unfortunately rained out.
Thank you for a wonderful stay!

Historic Smithton Inn

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