Name: Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant
Address: 312 Paradise Lane, Ronks, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States of America, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, US
Price range: $93–$144 per night
Rating: 9.03

What guests think

At Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant, travellers highlight a one-of-a-kind stay in real cabooses, friendly staff, peaceful farmland views, and convenient access to Strasburg sights, making it especially popular with families and train enthusiasts.

Rooms are generally clean and functional, but space is tight by design, storage is limited, and some units feel dated or slightly uneven, with occasional reports of musty odors, bugs, or maintenance quirks. Bed comfort and pillows vary, and bunk beds suit children better than adults; bathrooms and showers can be small. The Casey Jones restaurant earns frequent compliments for tasty breakfasts and hearty portions, though some guests experienced long waits or higher prices. Expect a charming, simple, family friendly novelty stay rather than a standard hotel.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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Facilities

Commonly praised on-site features include the Casey Jones restaurant, a free petting zoo, buggy rides (for a fee), a gift shop, and a small playground; parking beside each caboose is convenient. The barn venue and viewing tower host occasional events.

Related guest reviews

10

luis

Sep 2, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Unique experience - Very cool hotel. I recommend it for the experience, for all ages as long as the person can climb in the caboose. The property has a free petting zoo, buggy rides for a fee, a little shop and arcade. The restaurant is very nice as well. Many places to drive around.

10

Sarah

Jun 14, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Really cute cabooses, a big hit with the kids! There's a gorgeous barn where they have live music sometimes & 75 winding steps up the silo for the most incredible view! Also a walking path around a small pond that is gorgeous! We had dinner in the restaurant in the train car & everything was delicious. We will come again!

10

Scott

Jun 30, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

This is a cool motel, staying in a train car. You are surrounded by farmland and beautiful sunsets. It is a quiet, peaceful area, and you can hear the strasburg train during the day. The property includes the cabooses, small playground, petting zoo, viewing tower, open space, and a couple patios. Lots of places and things to do, all within 10 minutes of motel. The food at the restaurant is not good and it’s overpriced, but there’s plenty of restaurants with good food in the area! Try Katie’s Kitchen - best place to eat!

8

Ryan

Aug 8, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great unique place to stay! I can totally se hosting events and parties there. We never tried the restaurant. Gift shop was great, lots of stuff. Staff is super friendly even with our late check in. They have a process for late check in that is seamless, but you have to call in advance.

10

Richard

Apr 27, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Sleeping in a railcar surrounded by open farm land and farm animals, next to a railroad line, with a great restaurant and a shop full of railroad memorabilia was great for kids and adults

10

Tom

May 28, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The onsite petting zoo and the buggy rides are a nice attraction right there on the premises.

10

Kathryn

Jul 31, 2024

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Stayed 1 night

I mean it’s a farm with old train cars for overnight accommodations BUT it is unique and very well kept and is really a theme destination. Steam trains go through daily, there is a free petting zoo and horse drawn buggy sides, a train car restaurant and super cute gift shop. staff was attentive and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and would stay there again. Beautiful scenery.

10

Daniel

Aug 19, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

An overall great and unique experience. We spent two nights in the Mail Car, which was very clean and seemed to have been recently renovated. It even had central air, which was nice. My daughter loved her Murphy bed, “giant tv”, and her own bathroom. Almost as much as my wife and I enjoyed having a bedroom and bathroom of our own. The on-site petting zoo was a big hit. So was the model train museum right next door. We only ate at the restaurant once but the food and service were both very good. In fact the staff was a standout. Friendly and helpful from beginning to end. Personal touches like a call from the front desk maybe 20 minutes after check-in to make sure we got into the room okay, and the waiter giving my daughter a dollar so she could make the model train go while we waited for our food really matter.

10

Diane

Aug 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Restaurant on site. Cabooses are well maintained and spacious. Would have been nice to have an outdoor space to enjoy the wonderful weather.

10

Kathleen

Dec 4, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

What a fun experience! We took our grandchildren and they loved it! The staff was in train attire, and very willing to answer questions and provide information. The restaurant served large portions, The gift shop was well stocked with something for everybody. The animals at the petting zoo were friendly and very willing to eat, so bring quarters. We will definitely come back the next time we are in Lancaster County.

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Cleanliness

Many guests found cabooses and grounds clean or even immaculate. Others noted dated or worn interiors and occasional issues like musty odors, cobwebs, or bugs.

Related guest reviews

4

Tracy

Jun 23, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Our caboose wasn't ready @ 3pm check in time. I think they need more cleaning staff. The caboose appeared clean, but only on the surface. Our son found a shoe and a ball in his room on the right side of the bed next to the wall. Carpets could use a good cleaning. The bedspreads smelled and looked dirty. First and last stay for us. It was unique. The property was nice. Son enjoyed the petting area of a llama, pony, and goat.

2

Shannon

Jun 12, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The air conditioning units had mouse poop on the vent. When it was adjusted the poop went all over our stuff on the table.

10

Carl

Dec 28, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Parking was easy. The room was clean and comfortable. Staff was friendly and professional.

10

Alicia

Dec 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We enjoyed our stay at The Red Caboose Motel! We loved how unique each room is a train car and the restaurant is in a train car too! The staff were very friendly and pleasant! The room was clean and the bed was comfortable. We ate breakfast at the restaurant and it was delicious!!

4

Michael

Aug 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

So cute in theory but I went out and got my own sheets and towels from target. The rooms were horrible inside I wanted to love it but wouldn’t go back.

8

Robert

Dec 15, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean room and friendly staff.

10

Caleb

Jun 28, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Incredibly clean room. Peaceful environment around property. Parking directly next to room. Would definitely recommend, and I hope to stay again in the future.

10

Linda

Dec 18, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We were delighted with our Caboose. The staff was wonderful and the room was clean. We were thrilled to find out that our room had a jacuzzi. We enjoy all the amenities, including the restaurant and bar.

6

raina

Jul 14, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The caboose we stayed in did not look like the pictures. It was run down. It was older and smelled musty, spider webs in the bunk room and ceiling, There was a spider in my bed and a few bugs around so the kids wouldn’t sleep. It’s summer on a farm so it wouldn’t be a big deal if you are a camper. The windows had dead bugs and dirt around them. I spent a lot to stay there and maybe they should let visitors know they may get an old one.

6

Kristin

Nov 16, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

If a clever setup and delightful staff are all that you care about, to here immediately. It has that. It's also really going to appeal to children. But, as far as hotels go, I'd have to rate it on the lower end of the scale, 2.5 stars. The biggest let down (which the photos are accurate about but stll) was the lack of interior decor. There is neither "choo-choo train" kitsch nor old rail line maps or paraphernalia. Seems like a major missed opportunity. THe interior is just beige drywall which gets the job done, but once you're inside it's hard to remember you're in a caboose. The room comes with the following standard amenities: fridge, microwave, coffee maker, tv (our caboose had 2 rooms and there was a tv in only 1 room), A/C, hair dryer, shampoo/conditioner/soap. No in-room safe. Also the front door didn't have a keyed deadbolt which seemed odd. We weren't concerned for safety, but as the site doesn't have controlled access it was odd. The room was quite clean, just basic and in some cases worn.

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Rooms

Cabooses are cozy with limited storage by design; some larger suites feel spacious. Bed comfort varies and bunk beds fit kids better than adults; a few units sit slightly off-level, and Wi-Fi can be weak farther from the main building.

Related guest reviews

8

Diana

Oct 10, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Such a cute and unique experience! I highly recommend staying here especially families with children. There's a few animals on the property you can take a look at and feeding machine to dispense food. The inside it's cute but tight. We had a large family caboose but only 4 people and thought it was the perfect amount of room. I can't imagine another 2 people in it. I only gave 4 stars because the beds were extremely uncomfortable. The mattresses were very very firm to the point where we had to buy a mattress topper for the second night. My husband who likes firm mattresses didn't even like it. Other than the mattresses, everything was great! Service was great! Everyone was very nice and they even called to make sure we got settled in. We had breakfast at the Casey Jones restaurant and it was good. Typically breakfast foods, nothing special but service was great. We will definitely be back and will be bringing out mattress topper next time!

10

Joanna

Nov 23, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Terrific fun experience staying in a caboose! Room was larger then expected and bonus - mini fridge, microwave, coffee maker, hairdryer, lots of towels. Was concerned it could be cold in November, but the heat worked great. Staff was super friendly and helpful. Gift shop is incredible. Lacks nothing except some background music in the dining car. Lovely property - thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would highly recommend.

10

Melanie M

Sep 1, 2025

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Stayed 3 nights

Staying in a train car was unique. Very close to our events, etc. We also had privacy with nice farmland views too. We have already booked our next stay.

10

Ludmila

Apr 20, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

always a great trip!

10

Janet

Aug 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Caboose was a fun stay. The grounds were great for an evening walk. The caboose is a tight squeeze but well designed inside.

8

jacqueline

Dec 8, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The place was very adorable but rooms were very dated & worn. The door seal was completely gone put a towel down to try to stop the draft. Everyone was very friendly & helpful. Location was the best the train ran right in front of the motel. There is a museum right behind you can just walk to.

10

Fred

Jun 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

If you are looking for a unique, fun experience, this is the place to go. If you are looking for a spacious, modern room, stay away. This is a train caboose and they haven’t made a caboose in decades so they are old but nicely remodeled for a comfortable night rest.

8

Robert

Jan 1, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

My family has stayed here multiple times and love it. The only nitpick is the Wifi is not that great in the caboose we stayed in as it is further away from the main building.

8

richard

Nov 21, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean room. Beds were not meant for adults. Very nice staff.

8

Melinda

Apr 27, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Loved the balcony on our farmhouse unit. Great for waking up and having a cup of coffee on the balcony of our room. Could use a shelf in the bathroom for toiletries. We took a night light with us for the bathroom which really helped. No closet or hangers, so could have used a few hooks on the wall for hanging clothes. Overall, it was very good and we would stay again.

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Service

Staff are consistently friendly, proactive, and accommodating, with helpful check-ins and quick assistance. A few guests reported slow or curt service in the restaurant during busy times.

Related guest reviews

10

Carl

Dec 28, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Parking was easy. The room was clean and comfortable. Staff was friendly and professional.

10

Alicia

Dec 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We enjoyed our stay at The Red Caboose Motel! We loved how unique each room is a train car and the restaurant is in a train car too! The staff were very friendly and pleasant! The room was clean and the bed was comfortable. We ate breakfast at the restaurant and it was delicious!!

8

Michael

Aug 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It was a unique experience staying in a train car. The rooms were clean but the windows behind the curtains were not. It's very good for older couples or families with young children. The check in staff member was very abrupt and unfriendly but the lady who started her shift later that day made up for it. The rest of the staff were very friendly. It is well worth the experience.

10

Chris

Jun 22, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

When have you ever slept in a caboose? The whole staff was the friendlest we have ever met.

10

Tammy

Aug 3, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff was extremely friendly.

10

Zoey

Aug 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Friendly and helpful staff.

10

Linda

Dec 18, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We were delighted with our Caboose. The staff was wonderful and the room was clean. We were thrilled to find out that our room had a jacuzzi. We enjoy all the amenities, including the restaurant and bar.

10

Daniel

Aug 19, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

An overall great and unique experience. We spent two nights in the Mail Car, which was very clean and seemed to have been recently renovated. It even had central air, which was nice. My daughter loved her Murphy bed, “giant tv”, and her own bathroom. Almost as much as my wife and I enjoyed having a bedroom and bathroom of our own. The on-site petting zoo was a big hit. So was the model train museum right next door. We only ate at the restaurant once but the food and service were both very good. In fact the staff was a standout. Friendly and helpful from beginning to end. Personal touches like a call from the front desk maybe 20 minutes after check-in to make sure we got into the room okay, and the waiter giving my daughter a dollar so she could make the model train go while we waited for our food really matter.

10

Scott

Dec 4, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We really liked the little caboose we stayed it. It was cozy and had a refrigerator and microwave for us to enjoy. There was a space heater in the bathroom in case you got cold. Check in was a delight. They went over everything with you and called you to see if you needed anything else. Staying in a caboose was a highlight of our trip.

8

Andrews

Aug 16, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

I found the staff to be pretty sullen but I wouldn't say unfriendly. But they weren't very welcoming. I sat down at the bar and waited 40 minutes until somebody came by. What bugged me most was staff Sitting by the bar in the small tables and saw me and nobody said anything.And I'm the one that had to ask if I could have some water. Who wasn't a great experience with the staff but the property was really nice. They seem to have a better connection with what seemed like locals. But maybe they just don't like people from out of town

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Location

Set amid Amish farmland with quiet, scenic views, and trains passing nearby. Very convenient to the Strasburg Rail Road, Toy Train and Railroad museums, Sight & Sound, and other Lancaster attractions.

Related guest reviews

10

Adam

Oct 10, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We were very happy with our stay. The novelty was great being in a caboose, the location was great, close to all the shops. The property had beautiful views. Everyone was very nice.

10

Christy

Jul 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great place to stay! Quiet and convenient to area shopping and tourist options!

10

Karen

Sep 30, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The location was perfect...immersed in Amish farm country. The staff of both the hotel and adjoining restaurant were excellent. Definitely going to return.

10

Loran

Jul 29, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great spot to stay in Amish Country. Rooms are awesome for rail fans. Strasburg railway runs right next to the property, great for rail fans. Restaurant has great food.

10

David

Jul 21, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great once in a lifetime experience staying in a caboose. The property was great with a restaurant on site that offered good affordable meals, a petting zoo for the kids (and grown up’s) a steam train literally ran outside your door. It was out in the countryside but so close to everything as well.

10

Melanie M

Sep 1, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Staying in a train car was unique. Very close to our events, etc. We also had privacy with nice farmland views too. We have already booked our next stay.

8

jacqueline

Dec 8, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The place was very adorable but rooms were very dated & worn. The door seal was completely gone put a towel down to try to stop the draft. Everyone was very friendly & helpful. Location was the best the train ran right in front of the motel. There is a museum right behind you can just walk to.

10

Michael

Jun 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We stayed here for our daughter’s softball tournament. The caboose car rooms were a unique experience. The staff was friendly and knowledgable about the property and surrounding area. There was a restaurant. Horse/Buggy ride and animals to pet/feed on the property. The Strasburg Train Museum and train ride were conveniently close. The borough of Strasburg is quaint with beer/food options. We would recommend staying here for your Lancaster County stays!

10

Henry

Jul 12, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location and the staff are so friendly. The location minutes away from Stroudsberg RR and the train passes right in front. The rooms were very nice and family friendly

10

Bryan

Sep 14, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Fun place to stay. Great restaurant and within walking distance to the Toy Train museum. Beautiful countryside.

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Dining

Casey Jones is frequently praised for tasty breakfasts, good comfort food, and generous portions. Some guests mentioned long waits or higher prices, and a few found the food average.

Related guest reviews

8

Claudia

Oct 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Breakfast at the dining car restaurant was delicious. Our service was exceptional. Unique stay. Basic accommodations.

10

Scott

Jun 30, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

This is a cool motel, staying in a train car. You are surrounded by farmland and beautiful sunsets. It is a quiet, peaceful area, and you can hear the strasburg train during the day. The property includes the cabooses, small playground, petting zoo, viewing tower, open space, and a couple patios. Lots of places and things to do, all within 10 minutes of motel. The food at the restaurant is not good and it’s overpriced, but there’s plenty of restaurants with good food in the area! Try Katie’s Kitchen - best place to eat!

10

Alicia

Dec 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We enjoyed our stay at The Red Caboose Motel! We loved how unique each room is a train car and the restaurant is in a train car too! The staff were very friendly and pleasant! The room was clean and the bed was comfortable. We ate breakfast at the restaurant and it was delicious!!

10

robert

Nov 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

clean and unique experience. Will definitely go back again. Spaghetti sauce was one of the best I have had at Casey Jones.

8

Misty

Jul 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We liked the uniqueness of the rooms and the cute shop and dinning area. However, they seemed to be short staffed and we waited awhile for our food, but over all everyone wasfriendly and they worked hard. I hope they get help soon to allow the atmosphere flow better.

10

Daniel

Aug 19, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

An overall great and unique experience. We spent two nights in the Mail Car, which was very clean and seemed to have been recently renovated. It even had central air, which was nice. My daughter loved her Murphy bed, “giant tv”, and her own bathroom. Almost as much as my wife and I enjoyed having a bedroom and bathroom of our own. The on-site petting zoo was a big hit. So was the model train museum right next door. We only ate at the restaurant once but the food and service were both very good. In fact the staff was a standout. Friendly and helpful from beginning to end. Personal touches like a call from the front desk maybe 20 minutes after check-in to make sure we got into the room okay, and the waiter giving my daughter a dollar so she could make the model train go while we waited for our food really matter.

10

Nancy

May 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We stayed in one of the train cars which was terrific. These had such a quaint charm. Everything was in great condition and it was super quiet. Even better was waking up and walking over to the petting zoo and petting the goat, donkeys, miniature horses and alpaca. This would be a wonderful place for families and was a great place for a couple as it was relaxing, unique and beautiful. We also had breakfast at the Casey Jones restaurant which was on the premises. It was hearty and charming.

10

Gregory

Jan 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Everything was good. Checkin was quick and easy. Staying in a caboose was really cool. The restaurant was amazing.

10

Norman E

Jan 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Well recommend place to stay if tiu never stayed in a train car before. The interior looks like your in an actual hotel room. I will definitely go back there. There is a restaurant on the premises with very good food and reasonable price

10

Scott

Nov 15, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Cabooses were great, food at the restaurant was excellent! Great gift shop! Absolutely will be back again!

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$91
February	$104
March	$114
April	$123
May	$124
June	$148
July	$143
August	$139
September	$123
October	$123
November	$115
December	$114

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $119	2	3
4 $106	5 $93	6 $118	7 $119	8 $130	9	10
11 $144	12 $117	13 $119	14 $93	15 $133	16	17
18 $94	19 $94	20 $108	21 $119	22 $110	23	24
25 $95	26 $97	27 $96	28 $95	29 $110	30	31

Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant

Prices for Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Farmhouse Suite, 2 Queen & 2 Single Beds (Not a Caboose)

Small Family Caboose, 1 Double Bed and 2 Single Bunks

Farmhouse Efficiency Suite, 1 Queen Bed, 1 Double Bed (Not Caboose)

Large Family Caboose, 1 Double Bed and 4 Single Bunks

Farmhouse Efficiency Suite Sm 2 Queen Beds (Not Caboose)

Double Double Caboose, 2 Double Beds

Farmhouse Small Suite, 1 Queen Bed & 1 Double Bed (Not Caboose)

Baggage Car, 2 Double Beds and 2 Single Bunks

Medium Family Caboose, 1 Double Bed and 3 Single Bunks

Couples Caboose, 1 Double Bed

Mail Car, 2 Queen Beds

Guest reviews of Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant

Prices for upcoming dates

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20 $132	21 $107	22 $116	23 $118	24 $125	25	26
27 $105	28 $93	29 $107	30 $105