Red Caboose Motel

Not "lately" but all I can say is "Run Fast, run far".

I was there last month, very good experience with them. The caboose has a full bathroom, cable TV, room was very clean. I would stay there again.

I reported having a problem with the cable TV and somebody came to fix it within 30 minutes.

The motel where you eat is a little pricey(more then McDonald's or Burger King) but not bad, good food.

The Red Caboose Motel, although being in Ronks PA, is near 4 or 5 other things near Strasburg PA, can drive to several places within 5 or 6 minutes. The Choo Choo Barn is short distance away, Strasburg RR & PA RR Museum are just down the road a little. The TCA museum is right next door. You could spend several days in Strasburg PA area.

Lee Fritz

SJC posted:

Not "lately" but all I can say is "Run Fast, run far".

I understand it might not have been good in the past but with new owners I would say lets see the reviews for a year or so and then make the appropriate response. It has only had new owners now for what appears to be 8 months. I see they have plans to renovate 5 more caboose starting in December. As for most part I see high ranks. I do see some lower ones but that could be due to unrenovated  caboose's 

I have never stayed there or know anything about the place but AL NJ stated new owners since Feburary so I would say give them some time to make it better. 

Also you can always ask to see your room before you agree to rent it. 

I haven't stayed there recently, however, when in Strasburg back in August, I did drive through the Red Caboose property ( after visiting the National Toy Train Museum )  It looked clean and orderly and seemed to be doing a brisk business.

My first stay there was in 1989 when the Red Caboose was owned by its original owner and creator, Don Denlinger.  Don and his wife were great folks!!  The RCM was clean inside and out, food in the dining car was descent, and of course the hospitality was first rate.  I stayed at the Red Caboose several times when Don and his wife owned the motel and always found the above to be my experience. 

 After Don sold the place, the quality of the hospitality suffered a bit, and the place seemed to not be kept up as well as when Don had ownership.  The Red Caboose lost its friendly welcoming "vibe" .... at least this is the way I experienced it.  The new management was nice, but understandably did not have the passion about the place as Don and his wife ( largely because the RCM was there brainchild and they brought it to reality ).

Over the last few years, I've eaten in the RCM dining car several times  and the food was always good ( not a five star restaurant... but good ).

I realize my info may not help you ... especially if you are planning to stay at the Red Caboose in the near future.  I just wanted to "pitch in" my experience over the years.   Hopefully the new management/owner will bring some of Don's original hospitality and good cheer back to the Red Caboose.

We were just there last Thursday. We had the  bobber caboose. Clean and updated. Very friendly.

Thanks all.