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Sign reading "Swope Manor" in bold, stylized lettering on a red background.
Gettysburg, PA
(717) 398-2655
Sign reading "Swope Manor" in bold, stylized lettering on a red background.

Swope Manor Frequesntly Asked Questions

Our Answers for Guests

Booking & Rates

How can guests get the best rates, and do rates change?

Best rates are always available on the property website at SwopeManor.com. Rates change daily based on demand, so it's best to book early for popular dates.

Is there a minimum stay requirement?

Most rooms and dates have no minimum stay. Exceptions apply on select dates and are clearly flagged in the booking engine.

What is the cancellation policy, and should guests buy cancellation insurance?

Full policy details are on the website's policy page. We strongly encourage cancellation insurance — it lets guests cancel up to 72 hours before arrival without penalty, at a reasonable cost.

Does the property sell gift certificates?

Yes. They're valid for five years, and recipients choose their own dates, amenities, and décor.

What credit cards are accepted?

Mastercard, Visa, and Discover.

Does the property allow groups?

Yes — groups from two to 15 rooms, with cancellation policies scaled to group size.

Does the property host weddings or special events?

Yes, small weddings and events, typically paired with a whole-house rental.

Does the property offer packages or enhancements?

Yes — current packages and enhancements are listed on the property website.

Check-In & Check-Out

What are check-in and check-out hours?

Check-in is 3:00–7:00 p.m. After 7:00 p.m., guests self-check-in as standard practice — contactless check-in is always available. Check-out is any time before 11:00 a.m.

Are guest rooms refreshed daily?

Rooms are refreshed upon request only, reflecting most guests' preference for fewer housekeeping interruptions.

Rooms & Amenities

How many rooms are there, and are any ADA-accessible or on the ground floor?

13 rooms in the main house and 2 in the carriage house. Four rooms are on the ground floor: one meets full ADA accessibility requirements, and the other three — which include a suite, two rooms with spa bath amenities, and one mid-priced option — suit guests with mobility challenges without meeting ADA standards.

Which rooms fit more than two guests, or have multiple beds?

Swope Suite: two queen beds, sleeps up to 4. Lincoln Suite: king bed and sleep sofa, sleeps up to 3. Miss Dorothy Suite: king bed and sleep sofa, sleeps up to 3.

Are any rooms connected, and do all rooms have private bathrooms?

No rooms are connected. All 15 guest rooms have private en suite bathrooms.

Which rooms have jetted tubs, soaking tubs, or walk-in showers?

Jetted tubs: Garden Chamber, Miss Dorothy Suite, Cabernet Chamber. Soaking tubs: Gettysburg Suite, Colonel Chamberlain Suite. Garden Chamber also has a double shower. 10 of the 15 rooms have walk-in showers. A steam shower is planned for the Gettysburg Suite in 2027.

What in-room amenities are included?

Smart TVs with DirecTV Stream, complimentary high-end toiletries, hair dryers, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and Amazon Echoes. Iron and ironing boards are available in common areas. No rooms are designated fragrance-free, but heavily scented cleaning and laundry products are avoided, and all bedding is feather- and down-free.

Which rooms are recommended for specific preferences?

Most popular: Swope Suite, Carriage House Suite, Gettysburg Suite, Colonel Chamberlain Suite, Garden Chamber, Miss Dorothy Suite. Quietest: Garden Chamber, Colonel Chamberlain Room, Lincoln Suite. Most private: Lincoln Suite, Miss Dorothy Suite, Garden Chamber. Most romantic: Garden Chamber, Carriage House Suite, Miss Dorothy Suite, Southern Spice, Miss Emily Rose. Largest: Lincoln Suite, Miss Dorothy Suite, Carriage House Suite. Nicest bathrooms: Garden Chamber, Gettysburg Suite, Colonel Chamberlain Suite, Swope Suite, Miss Dorothy Suite.

Does the property have an elevator?

No.

Is the property air conditioned?

Yes, throughout.

Is there a refrigerator or coffee available for guests?

Two guest refrigerators are available on the first floor. A Keurig in the breakfast room is available 24/7.

Breakfast & Dining

Does the property offer breakfast, and can guests choose what they eat?

Yes — a full, made-from-scratch breakfast is complimentary and included in the nightly rate, served daily at 8:00 and 9:15 (guests select a time at check-in). Guests don't fully choose their meal, but we offer a multi-course selection, alternate between sweet and savory daily, and accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences provided in advance.

Does the property offer an evening wine reception?

Yes, complimentary, at 5:00 p.m.

Policies

Does the property allow children?

Yes, of all ages, as long as they're accompanied by an adult.

Is the property pet friendly?

Dog friendly. Guests must sign a form accepting full responsibility for their dog's behavior during the stay.

Is the property smoke-free?

Yes, inside both guest buildings. Designated outdoor smoking areas are available off the back deck.

Should guests tip staff?

Tipping is optional but appreciated, and 100% goes to the cleaning staff.

Should guests opt in to text messages?

Yes, strongly encouraged — used for parking and door codes, check-in/check-out details, and following up on guest needs.

Property, History & Location

Where is the property located?

In the heart of downtown Gettysburg, one block from Lincoln Square, about six blocks from Gettysburg College, and within walking distance of most downtown restaurants and shops.

Is the building historic?

Yes. The original structure dates to 1835, pre-dating the Civil War, with a second structure added in 1865. The property sits within Gettysburg's downtown historic district.

Does the property have any connection to the Battle of Gettysburg?

Yes — the property served as a field hospital during the Civil War. One of the 15 guest rooms is named for Lt. Pohlman, a soldier treated there after being wounded.

Has the property hosted any notable guests?

Yes — Mamie and Dwight Eisenhower were frequent guests.

Is the property haunted?

Not that we're aware of.

Is the property LGBTQ+ friendly?

Absolutely — we welcome guests of all races, genders, ages, ethnicities, economic backgrounds, and sexual orientations.

Does the property have a fire suppression system?

Yes, the whole property is sprinklered.

Are there common areas for guests to relax or socialize?

Yes — six interior common areas, plus a large back deck with multiple seating areas, a garden, and a propane firepit.

Does the property have a gift shop?

A small area selling mugs, shirts, books, and food items.

Does the property offer parking, and how can guests save money on it?

There's no onsite parking, but discounted parking is available at the city garage. Guests must check in at the inn first to purchase a daily permit at 50% off standard cost.

Does the property offer tours or experiences?

Yes — recommended Gettysburg tours can be booked directly on the property website. Direct in-website booking is launching later this summer.

What recent improvements has the property made?

New sheets and linens, upgraded toiletry dispensers with luxury products, dramatically improved wifi speed and range, upgraded smart TVs, Amazon Echoes in each room, an elevated breakfast experience, discounted parking, a new nightly wine reception, a curated pillow menu, a revamped website and photography, dynamic pricing, exterior repainting, and in-progress acoustic soundproofing for the guest rooms.

Why are recent reviews notably better than reviews before April 2026?

A new management and innkeeper team came on board in April 2026 and refocused the property on delivering a better guest experience — better food, better amenities, and better hospitality.

What differentiates this property from other Gettysburg hotels and B&Bs?

An elegant historic home in an unbeatable downtown walking location, a wide variety of room types, both dog- and family-friendly policies, standout breakfast and nightly wine reception, comfortable beds, and a strong hospitality-first culture.