The Inn at Cemetery Hill in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is surrounded by history. Across the street is the house where Jennie Wade, the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg was kneading bread when a bullet pierced through the door. The Jenny Wade House is now a museum. The Gettysburg National Cemetery where Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address is adjacent to the hotel.
Walk in either direction for historic buildings that house a variety of gift and specialty shops. Eateries from cafes to pubs offer a variety of options within a few steps.
The statue of Jennie Wade outside the Jennie Wade Museum
Within a short car ride, we found The David Wills House where President Abraham Lincoln stayed while finishing The Gettysburg Address. With more time, we could have walked there. The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center is a little over a mile. Here you’ll find the Cyclorama painting of Pickett’s Charge.
Although the Inn at Cemetery Hill is not in a historic building, it does embrace the history that surrounds it. The red brick exterior, green shutters, and white rails of the porches of the inn’s Baltimore Street building fit Gettysburg’s architecture. On the second floor, there is a display of Civil War-era household items and artwork. In the lobby, where the furniture is arranged like a living room made for visiting, there is a Civil War board game guests are free to play.
My son and I arrived after midnight to the friendly night staff who quickly checked us in and gave us pointers on how to see Gettysburg highlights during our quick stay. Because the inn has only 51 rooms in three separate buildings, settling in is painless. The ample, free parking definitely lessens the hassle of staying in a historic tourist town.
In addition to the Baltimore Street building, there are the Steinwehr Avenue and the Village Suites buildings. The Steinwehr Avenue building does not allow pets, and doesn’t have an elevator. Village Suites are only for extended stay guests.
Our two double bed room in the main Baltimore Street building was clean, comfortable, and casual– a perfect stay after our late-night drive. Our balcony offered views of the cemetery and the shops that edged the parking lot. Rooms at the front of the building had views of Baltimore Street.
The refrigerator, coffee maker, hairdryer, and charging stations were put to use. Because my son had a Zoom college class in the morning, the desk and free high-speed Wi-Fi were perfect.
I asked for a later check-out which gave us time to pop across the street to browse a few stores before we headed out for more sightseeing before the long drive home. We took in the Cyclorama, the site of the Gettysburg Address and Round Top, the highest point of the Gettysburg Battlefield.
A view of the Gettysburg Battlefield from Round Top
I wished we were able to hang out here longer because the Inn at Cemetery Hill is one of those hotels where guests are treated more like friends than people who are just passing through.
I booked our room through Hotels.com, but check out the inn’s website in case there is a better deal through AAA rates, for example. Currently, room rates start at $144. A walk-in, same-day rate is $100. Pets are welcome for a $20 fee. Most rooms have two double beds, but there are rooms with a king bed or one queen.
During our stay, the breakfast was a grab-and-go version due to COVID. That still stands.
Post and photos by Jamie Rhein
