Red Caboose Motel

Red Caboose Motel descritpion

In Lancaster County, this Pennsylvania motel is less than one mile from the Strasburg Rail Road and the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. Free Wi-Fi is available in the public areas.
The Red Caboose Motel's guests stay in train cars that are redesigned into guest rooms. Each of these rooms comes with air conditioning and a private bathroom.
The Red Caboose Restaurant is the motel’s on-site dining option. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner in a dining car.
The Red Caboose has a petting zoo that has goats and ponies. Movies are shown in the barn during the summer and the Sight and Sound Theater is a 10 minute drive away.

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Facilities of Red Caboose Motel

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Food & Drink ：Restaurant

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Free!Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

Services ：Vending Machine (drinks) | Vending Machine (snacks) | Baggage Storage | ATM on site | Fax/Photocopying

Reviews for Red Caboose Motel

Review 1：Just needed better wifi service I had a class to take and had connection problems

Review 2：Loved the staff and staying in the caboose was so much fun for the entire family. This is something my son will always remember. Thank you

Review 3：the room was not really clean and it was a bit suffocating, the air condition is present but not fresh air available from windows. no one welcomed us and even if we got a letter with all the info.

Review 4：nice place if you are freak about train and you desire to stay only one night

Review 5：we had breakfast at the caboose restaurant, the staff was very unfriendly as a matter of fact there was a sign behind the hostess that said smile and greet people, make sure people enjoyed their meals and she did neither. we asked our waitress for some more butter for our toast and she stated that it was already buttered. she brought more butter 15 minutes or so later.

Review 6：we loved the location, privacy of our very own caboose! the room was very clean and comfortable beds. we have been looking forward to staying here and we were not disappointed!

Review 7：Very old, not well taken care of, curtains were full of mold, spiderwebs in the rooms. Felt very dirty.

Review 8：It was very nice to be in a caboose that was very realistic, theplayground and petting zoo were nice as well.

Review 9：My son loves trains; sleeping in a train car was a dream come true for him! Great location and the cars are decorated so cute. The train museum was right around the corner. The horse and buggy ride was nice too; our guide was very nice. Highly recommend staying at the Red Caboose Motel. Thanks for the great time!

Review 10：Not much to do, no pool.

Review 11：The trains,comfort, staff friendly,animals. Breakfast on site a big plus! Fast,friendly and delicious and very reasonable. Also serve lunch and dinner, which we didn't have there.

Review 12：This is NOT a luxury motel. More like cabin/camping experience and not comfortable for more than a 1 night stay. However, the location is excellent and the kids loved the whole concept of sleeping inside a caboose. Also, we loved having a petting farm right on premises. The diner is FAIR for the price and accommodations. And the buggy rides leave right from the motel but not cheap.

Review 13：Caboose theme is unique and fun, and seeing them all lined up on the property is way cool. That said, you stay on the inside, and the interiors are a couple decades overdue for an update. Not expecting the Four Seasons here, but the matresses are worn to the point of being uncomfortable, the covers are almost threadbare, and the carpet and linoleum floors scream "We were cheap back in the 70s when we were new!"

Review 14：Great location near the Strasburg Railroad station; totally cool to spend the night in a caboose.

Review 15：It was a bit high in price for what we got. I didn't like that I couldn't pick the room I wanted.

Review 16：I liked that we slept in a train car. There was a nice playground. It was close to everything.

Review 17：The too we had wasn't updated. The shower was either hot or cold, no in-between(warm), smelled musty and was old looking.

Review 18：Liked the idea of using the train cars as rooms. Staff was nice.

Review 19：Needed to be thoroughly vacuumed, Along baseboard, etc.

Review 20：Great location away from the hub-bub and so cool and different to sleep in a train car vs. A hotel. A Movie was projected on the side of the barn was fun and just relaxing. Amazing views!

Review 21：There was nothing major but it was nice to have a fridge and microwave in the room, but would have liked a coffee maker and a hair dryer. I didn't bring along mine so it was a little inconvenient. The room was clean and rustic but does need a little TLC.It was great to have a little deck out back but would have preferred to have it out front to watch whats going on. Great to see they were doing some upkeep, but we were looking forward to going up the lookout tower, but it was closed for repairs.

Review 22：The Red Caboose Motel was in a perfect location to the attractions we visited....Strasburg Railroad, Hershey, Philadelphia. Right from entering the office, the staff was so friendly and helpful. Upon opening our door to our caboose, it was very clean and rustic, not an ordinary motel room. We enjoyed the breakfast very much, especially my boyfriend with the biscuits and gravy. The grounds were nice for a stroll and to have the horse and buggy rides on site was great. We enjoyed our step back in time. The beds were very comfortable and each day our room was freshened up and new towels left for us. Also great to have free wifi.

Review 23：The smiles on my kids faces because we stayed in an actual caboose and there are 3 different play areas for them. There were farm animals to feed, buggy rides and a dining cart. The kids had so much fun there. It was about 40 minutes away from Hershey Park and about 30 minutes from outlet shopping. Great place for small children, mine are 3 and 6. It is also right next to the toy train museum.

Review 24：The caboose we stayed in could use fresh paint and the inside needs updating. We did not have warm water for our showers

Review 25：The location is great - beautiful view of country! Staff was very helpful and friendly

Review 26：What's not to like?

Review 27：It's across a pasture that looks onto the Strasburg train station and museum which was our main destination. There's a small playground along the small road that the Amish people drive by with there horse and buggy's. People staying there were very friendly.

Review 28：After eating breakfast I presented my room key like I was told by the font desk Lady at checking to receive 25% off but was very rudely told that the offer applies after 4pm although the lady said enjoy your breakfast you can't beat that price 25% off you don't get everywhere. So I was very disappointed because the food wasn't great I could of went anywhere else for what I paid there.

Review 29：People were very friendly, things to do with the kids onsite.

Review 30：We liked every thing the staff was very nice.we had some trouble but the staff fix it very fast.we plan to bring our family back for another trip and stay again.

Review 31：Thevbeds were to small and the game room only had two games out of fifthteen that worked

Review 32：The ambience and the panoramic scenery..from the train cars we stayed in to the Amish people we interacted with made it such a special vacation

Review 33：Some of the cabooses need a little exterior love. Dinner selections were plentiful, but was lacking something (don't know what exactly!)

Review 34：The quaintness of the motel and the surrounding area. Breakfast was fabulous - Bacon & cheese omelette..YUMMM

Review 35：I didn't like that I had to make the 4 bunk beds myself, blankets and sheets were left folded on the bed. The blankets themselves were extremely worn and rough, not even a quality I would give to my dog. Couldn't adjust the shower water temp, kept going to cold. For a family focused motel I felt the playground could have been a little nicer.

Review 36：It was a quiet area. The views were great and children enjoyed staying in the caboose. Liked the free wi-fi.

Review 37：We did NOT have a bad experience but this motel could benefit from some TLC. The steps going into our caboose were quite dirty and I was a little worried but the caboose itself was clean. Water marks on the top of the wall though. bThe outside of the cabooses could use some cleaning up also. The most uncomfortable thing was the mattresses - just not comfortable - maybe need replaced?

Review 38：The whole concept of staying in a caboose is great - especially if you have young children. Staff was great! Due to unforeseen circumstances we stayed only one night - had originally booked for three. The staff enabled us to get a full refund for the two nights we didn't stay. They didn't give us a hard time - they were extremely cordial and pleasant.

Review 39：Absolutely nothing. Everyone in our family of four(2 adults + 2 kids, 5 and 2 years old) love this place and looking forward to our third visit soon.

Review 40：The cabooses are a great idea for a motel, unique experience, my older son 5 wants to come back again for a third time( this was our second visit), and we parents would be very excited to. From location close to so many activities; toy train museum steps away, train station with train rides passing by motel, Hershey park, Dutch wonderland park, turkey hill make your own ice cream experience, Amish farms close by(selling yummy cheese, ice cream and more) , to the onsite activities; buggy rides ( reasonably priced

Review 41：I wish there were cabooses with larger beds. My kids sleep w/ me and we are smashed!

Review 42：There's so much to do! I love that the motel is in farmland territory but you're only a quick drive from the outlets, restaurants, tourist locations, etc. The on-site petting zoo and multiple playgrounds keep my kids busy w/o even having to drive anywhere. And the views are gorgeous!

Review 43：Bathroom was extremely tiny and the toilet was leaking. The bed was very firm and my little girl found a poop streaked pair of dirty underwear under our bed! Guess they don't vacuum under the bed.

Review 44：Loved the motif and location. The restaurant was good. My kids loved sleeping in a choo-choo train, feeding the animals, and playing on the playground.

Review 45：The caboose is not well insulated, so it gets very cold when wind picks up. Toilet clogged and office staff leaves after 8:30 PM. We had to wait until morning to have issue resolved.

Review 46：Overall value of the facilities was great. Children ages 4 to 8 had a blast with all the available activities.

Review 47：Water didn't drain well in shower. Beds could be upgraded.

Review 48：The restaurant had an awesome breakfast. Loved the buggy ride. And location to the Strasburg Railroad.

Review 49：Overall condition of the caboose. Worn carpet, dust/cobwebs, rusty shower rod/heater in bathroom. Worn vanity, old paint throughout. Dirty ceiling fan. Cheap linens. no staff overnight (only 8am-4pm), arcade had maybe 15 of 20 games out of order.

Review 50：Concept is great, stayed here as a kid, unfortunately no updates done since then.

Review 51：Bathroom was a little small Couldn't smoke in train car

Review 52：The adorable train car The location Heat was excellent Staff was super nice Lots of parking

Review 53：Beds were not soft and cozy but firm and hard. Mattresses and pillows were lined in plastic and made allot of noise as you slept on them. Carpet was not clean and smelled strange. Little kids cannot use the teenie tiny table because there were no chairs with backs, only 2 stools. These 2 stools were the only seating in the caboose which slept 5 people. My comments are not complaints, only facts to inform you. I knew what to expect and I was not disappointed. It is a place for kids to have a ball, and they did. We have used before and will use again.

Review 54：The Grand Kids LOVED sleeping in a caboose! They are still talking about it and want to go back. (and we will) Location is right in the heart of all we wanted to do. Rode the train, got off and played at the Cherry Crest Farm, rode train back to the station, played at the station, saw working amish farm, amish horse and buggy ride on site but did not use this time, grounds has play area & petting zoo, diner at the motel was cute, food was good, whole experience was fun!

Review 55：It really needs a makeover on the interior. Nothing's been up graded in a long time. There's no in room coffee it's kind of like sleeping in a camper there were some flys and just Generally in need of a redo.

Review 56：I loved the theme it was an awesome place for the kids made the trip very exciting if your kids like trains this place is a must for 1 night lol

Review 57：The room was so dirty, the selling tv bad room bath room really disappointed if the room.

Review 58：The view was amazing, the railroad farm and the Amish passing by was great.

Review 59：Due to rain we couldn't take in the other things like the look-out tower, petting zoo. Pricey for what you are getting, but kids will remember this! Caboose wasn't level so I struggled with staying on my side of the bed and am very sensitive to anything un-level. Basically felt like I was in a camper....probably won't do again, it was just for kicks for the kids.

Review 60：It definitely was an unique experience.

Review 61：Unique, fun atmosphere. Buggy rides right outside reception. Sleep in a caboose, have breakfast in a restaurant car. 5 minute drive from the Cherry Crest Farm!

Review 62：the bed was leaning and uncomfortable,the shower was dripping all night,and kept me awake.it was ackward tring to watch the tv from the bed.

Review 63：the food in the dining car was real good and the portions were above average,the people in the office were nice and friendly as well as tehe other staff we had contact with.

Review 64：Could have used some clothing hooks on the walls since there is no room for closets. Could use a towel ring in bathroom to hang hand towel on. That's it!!

Review 65：We enjoy being able to stay in retired train cars. We had the family unit which had the most comfortable beds of an 11-day trip around several states. Everything was clean and pleasant. Staff are friendly and accomodating.

Review 66：The squeaky bathroom door, small bathroom and having the sink in the open room and no alarm clock was not the best.

Review 67：The kids loved the bunk beds and seeing the trains and horses. It was a nice unique experience. No noise from Neighbors as you have your own train car.

Review 68：Housekeeping left us with one towel after making 3 beds and seeing a crib! Waitresses were unfriendly ! My daughter asked for another drink and she just walked away! I noticed second morning only one smile! Not good!

Review 69：Loved the location and the town ! Mainly the trains!

Review 70：The room appeared outdated and dirty. The mattresses did not fit the beds. The bunk beds were very uncomfortable. They were literally mattresses on plywood. The room did not look like the picture on the web site. The picture taken must have been when they first opened. The bathroom was very small and dirty. The lights were not working, we had to call maintenance before we could unpack. My 10 year old grandson was on the trip with me. He was very disappointed. He wanted to find a different motel.. Would not recommend the Red Caboose. The second night we stayed at a different motel for the same price. What a difference.

Review 71：Nothing

Review 72：The cost with no breakfast included.

Review 73：The old caboose cars. My dad worked for the Erie and one of the cabooses was from that train line. The location is great for this motel.

Review 74：Doors warped and flies entering through the air gaps. Same around both AC units. Dirty floors and counters. The caboose needs a complete cleaning and overhaul. I had been there six times over 30 years ago and it was really a nice place. There is no way I'll ever recommend RCM to others again. Rooster was crowing from 3:00 AM till 8:00 AM. The food served at the restaurant was OK but the dining car is in need of overhaul as well. I'm surprised that the county allows such a motel to operate.

Review 75：I like the location. The personnel were helpful although they aren't to blame for the rundown motel.

Review 76：Certainly not luxury accomodations but then you are staying in a renovated caboose.

Review 77：Great fun for our 2 year old grandson. Lots of animals to see as well as the trains. He loved being in a caboose and eating breakfast in the dining car restaurant. Very easy access to the Starsburg Railroad. We also took advantage of the horse drawn carriage rides.

Review 78：The staff of the restaurant-poor service.

Review 79：We really liked the location of the motel to the Strasburg railroad, and its facilities. We also liked the comfort of our caboose, the LGB.

Review 80：Our car was not level, so we were rolling out of bed and slept on an annoying incline. Bathroom reeked of cat urine. We could not stand to be in there more than a few seconds. Only one ladder for two sets of bunk beds, left kids stranded in the bunks at night. Shades failed to keep outdoor spotlights out.

Review 81：Kids loved the idea of sleeping in a train car. The whole family could fit in one room. A memory the whole family will never forget.

Review 82：If you accept the fact that this isn't the Ritz, look at your kids. They think it's even better. I wish the cabooses were cleaner and more comfortable but that aside this is a great place. We will be back. Our sons will demand it. The area is gorgeous and the activities are endless.

Review 83：The sheets on the bed were to short it was an uncomfortable feeling for my my legs sleeping on a bare mattress knowing other people slept on it. We had to take a sheet off another bed to cover the mattress. U should use fitted sheets easier to put on and bare mattress will be covered

Review 84：Bugs. Safety (door could be pushed open without key) water marks everywhere from previous leaks (mold anyone?). We couldn't wait to leave.

Review 85：Motif was cute until you entree the caboose

Review 86：We visited the red caboose motel for my son's sixth birthday. We had so much fun, he loves trains. The dining car was great and the food was good. Our room was nice and very clean. We had a great time, would definitely visit again and recommend to everyone, especially people with little boys with a love of trains.

Review 87：It rained and there was nothing there to do. Most of the game machines had out of order signs on them and there was nothing close by. we stayed in the room amd watched tv but there was no place to sit except on the bed and if that person wanted to retire they could not because the bunks were not comfortable to sit on. there was a small tv for the upper bunks but it is so close to the other tv the sounds drowned each other out.

Review 88：we enjoyed the proximity to Cherry Crest adventure farm and the Choo Choo barn. The kids loved to sleep in the train and the fact that you can take a buggy ride directly from the motel is a plus. The kids liked the animals and it is noce to have a restaurant on the premise as well.

Review 89：-The caboose bathroom had no ventilation. -Landing at entrance had a hole in which caused injury to two children in party -Bed frame stuck out in path of walking where someone constantly hit their leg on -Family unit too small

Review 90：-The location

Review 91：It's was okay until bugs start crowling on us wild sleeping. Restaurant need improvement I order salmon it was salty and seams to be old

Review 92：Weather, buggy ride, zoo,

Review 93：The caboose we stayed in was not like the pictures in the website at all. The car felt like it was not level and tilted the whole time. The carpets were filthy. Walked around with socks and turned our socks black on the bottom. We only stayed one night so was able to make due but would not have been fun for any longer. Also the ac units took forever to cool down the tiny caboose and there were two ac units. From website we expected a more updated atmosphere as they advertised.

Review 94：Love the location and the novelty of the train cars. We also liked the idea that there are several things to do on the location, buggie rides, feed the animals, arcade, gift shop and play area for the kids. Also great that it's close to the Strasbhrg Railroad and Cherry Crest. This were our main reason a for being there.

Review 95：no swimming pool,no coffee maker,i needed my glasses on to see the tv...very very small

Review 96：good location.great if you have kids,place to eat on the property,wifi was good

Review 97：The location was far enough out of the city for the experience and close enough to go shopping, eat or whatever else you wanted to do. The caboose experience was unique and was enjoyed by all

Review 98：I reserved a Caboose room as a grandchild is in love with trains. What we got was the dining car. The towels were paper thin, Nd we had to go to the office for internet as no one "knew" why the wifi didn't work in our room. I lived in Lancaster all my life and have seen the red caboose go steadily down hill it's a good thing you can pull on the railroad for business.

Review 99：The location was convenient to many of the area attractions. The children enjoyed the petting zoo and the play ground. It was nice that they offer buggy rides on the property.

Review 100：Cons: Somewhat Expensive Horrible Restaurant Food Not as clean as it should have been

Review 101：Pros: Fun for young children Unique Experience Lovely Grounds Excellent Staff

Review 102：The restaurant closes too early. The hotel should offer at least coffee complementary.

Review 103：You feel as if you are staying in a farm you are surrounded by corn and tobacco field. The train tracks are just in from of the hotel and you can see the old stratsburg rails road with their steam locomotive pass by. They also have a nice petting Zoo. You wake up to the sounds of roosters

Review 104：Our family loved the theme of the cabooses. However they need to be redone so many more people can enjoy it. A pool and a hot tub would be a great addition.

Review 105：No pool.

Review 106：My kids absolutely adore the Red Caboose Motel and ask to return every year! The front desk staff are super friendly and extremely accommodating!

Review 107：The price of the motel was overpriced. Compared to other motels in area wasnalmost twice as much. The shower/toilet area small. Compared to what is offered in other cabooses not a good value.

Review 108：The novelty of Red Caboose was great since going to see THomas the Train. The resturant and food was good. Location to activities was good. The air conditioner worked great.

Review 109：It is run down, the rooms were old cramped had an odor, dusty ceiling tiles were stained and had holes and the walls were stained. Everything also was extra charge they had petting zoo had to buy food buggy ride was extra watch tower was even a small charge. Rooms were not as portrayed on website.

Review 110：My two young children enjoyed the experience of sleeping in a train car it was exciting for them. They had activities on property for them as well playground such as playground and buggy rides staff was very pleasurable.

Review 111：I didn't dislike anything.

Review 112：The location is beautiful and peaceful. The motel itself has the greatest cool factor ever! Who would ever think to turn railroad cars into motel rooms? Our car was nice and clean. My daughter loved having her own bed, tv and air conditioner. It's so close to everything. We would definitely stay there again.

Review 113：The rooms need to be aired out there was a musty smell that bothered us. The bedding needs to be updated possibly loose the carpeting in the room. No bathtub for small children

Review 114：Loved the location and novelty great with a preschooler. Great things on site and within 5 miles

Review 115：We had a wonderful time touring all Strasburg had to offer. The hotel was a bit run down but we didn't mind it at all. It was in a great location and the attached restaurant was convenient. Cherry Crest farms was by far the highlight of our trip. What an unbelievable place for kids and so cheap!!!

Review 116：Rooms would be small for an extended stay in the area and it took a while for the room to cool down once we checked in

Review 117：Great experience for us. Very close to all the attractions we wanted to see in the area. It was a simple overnight stay for 5 adults and an 8-year old child. He absolutely loved it.

Review 118：Excellent location for a families with kids who loves trains and parents who loves farm views and beautiful sunsets! It's also very close to a Dutch Wonderland.

Review 119：Very family oriented

Review 120：Room way outdated and basic. Needs seasonal deep cleaning

Review 121：Location to attractions

Review 122：A little dated..

Review 123：Train experience

Review 124：even with the heat on rooms were very chilly

Review 125：Quirky and fun for a couple of nights. Friendly staff

Review 126：Helpful staff. Location was great short drive to everything.

Review 127：Been coming here for many years. Always a nice chsnge .

Review 128：The mattress was terrible. And the room was an icebox when we got there.

Review 129：It's old, dirty, the help is not friendly.

Review 130：Cute idea.

The Fine Print

You must show a valid photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all special requests cannot be guaranteed and are subject to availability upon check-in. Additional charges may apply.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.