Harrisburg \/ Hershey Happy! Lots of space and fun and a great location
About this house rental
Nestled in Harrisburg, this attractive house for RÂ 3,850 per night is a great option for your next trip. A unique and spacious home with a positive vibe that's great for everyone from couples to group gatherings! It's about 20 minutes to Hershey and 5 minutes to Harrisburg and convenient to all of Central Pennsylvania. Such a comfortable, fun, open home. It used to be a church built before the Civil War.....so it's got some history, yet it's got all the modern, comfy-homey stuff we all have come to enjoy. This is a great place for couples, large or small families of all ages or groups of friends for just about any occasion. It's a big, cozy, fun place even for groups but also couples if you want to have a large home all to yourselves! It's not a corporate hotel. So if you're looking for a home away from home this could be it. It's eclectic, warm, cheerful, and welcoming. .....If you're tired of cookie-cutter chain hotels and in the mood for something charming, warm, fun, and different, hopefully you'll enjoy it :) Any questions or special requests; just ask. I do my best to make sure you have a great stay and it helps to ask questions ahead of time. The place is probably a little bigger than the average home and has a wide open first floor, so it's fantastic for entertaining or just relaxing after touring the Central PA region. Keep in mind the rate does vary somewhat due to the number of guests. The website doesn't do a great job at labeling the charges in my opinion. But the reason for varying rates is essentially because if a couple or small family of four were charged the same as a group of 20, they would not likely be able to afford it. So the base rate is far lower than, say, a group of a dozen having an event. Hopefully that makes sense, as I'm just trying to be fair to all involved. It's a true "By owner" rental in that I take a lot of pride in my home and I want everyone to feel at home. When you reserve the home the house is all yours. So please enjoy and make it your home for your stay. I'm just a laid-back guy who likes to decorate in what I think is a cool, fun, retro Americana style. My personal style might not be for everyone. I love American mid-century motif. I can't promise overly fancy or current fashion. Yet, I think all of the conveniences you would expect to find in a house are there, even if I don't have the high-end stuff. For example, there are way more comfy pillows, blankets, and towels than you could ever use, but probably none of the pillow cases will be the same color. There are plenty of dishes and silverware, but there might be ten different colors of plates. So this is definitely not a Martha Stewart home when it comes to matching colors and a name-brand utensil for every course of a meal. However, everything is clean and I'd be surprised if there wasn't a kitchen utensil you won't find. The neighborhood is quiet and very safe. This is the suburbs of the Harrisburg area. It's about 2 miles from the Farm Show, 5 minutes from downtown Harrisburg, 20 minutes to HersheyPark and the Hershey area, 30 minutes or less to Ski Roundtop and less than 2 miles from both I-81 and I-83. It's very convenient to anything in the Harrisburg, Hershey and Central PA areas. It's my home when I'm in town (hopefully you'll consider it your home when you're there and I'm not), so my home is decorated in my taste, which happens to be mid-century Americana. (think young Elvis Presley and '57 Cadillacs) It's very "retro" in style, yet has all of our our modern comforts including high-quality wi-fi. This is a comfortable home and the opposite of a corporate hotel. It's your home when you rent it and all yours. You'll find everything that you'd expect in a normal American home as far as amenities such as cookware, common foods and spices, linens, washer/dryer, pots and pans, and so on. You are welcome to help yourself to anything in the house. You don't have to bring anything other than your smiles. Everything is already here. There's plenty of towels, linens, pillows, etc. I have gone out of my way to have extra blankets, pillows, towels and other things that make it a home. There are extra sleeping bags for kids just in case. You'll always have enough of the "comfort" things. There's always extra soap, shampoo, toothpaste and more in case you forget to bring your favorite things. Truth is you really don't "need" to bring anything at all, unless you plan to cook a specific dish. But even then the odds are the spices you'd use are likely already here. You are always welcome to use whatever you come across. You are more than welcome to cook and make yourselves at home in every way. Feel free to use the appliances, condiments, pots and pans, and anything else you find. There are guitars, a full drum kit, piano, and other instruments there for anyone to enjoy. I trust my guests to use common sense and not beat them up; but they are there to be enjoyed đź‘Ť There's a rec-room, bar-type area downstairs that has air hockey and foosball, as well as a large bar for the adults. There are a lot of old-school board and card games also. There's a large parking lot that can handle around 10-15 vehicles and there is additional unlimited parking 1/2 mile away for approved larger events. There is an outdoor seating area with a picnic table and other tables and chairs for all-season sitting and hanging out. There is a small fire-pit and a gas grill. The gas grill isn't new and fancy, but it works and you're welcome to use it. There are two charcoal grills as well. ....again, nothing huge or fancy, but they work just fine. This is a great place for couples, families, and events. It's great for many occasions: family reunions, pre-wedding get-togethers, a couples night, fantasy football drafts, and more. Sometimes it's just nice to have a place where the whole group or extended family can stay under one roof. Pets: I love dogs! However, they do cause more issues than many folks realize. Please describe your pet when you place your reservation request. There is a pet fee and it covers (2). If you have more than that, please let me know and there would be an additional reasonable fee. Events: *The big exception to the rule as far as "events" go is this: No parties for locals under 30 who just want to have a party just for a party's sake. Unfortunately the only problem guests I've ever had were with a handful of 20'somethings parties. * *Paying for Guests: "Guests" are whoever comes to the house. It's not just who is staying overnight. Please ask if you have questions about this. * My feeling is that you can sleep around 15-20 people in beds. Now, that's two per bed and a couple of pull-out sofas. Most of the beds are queen-sized. So if you're a cozy group and don't mind two beds in a room and two persons per bed, then around 15 people in beds is reasonable. If you're like me and want leg-room and your own bed, then it might be more like 10 people. Then again, one time I hosted a group that was largely young guys in the Boy Scouts and they were fine with sleeping on a few couches and sleeping bags on the floor. If that's the case then I bet sleeping up to 20 would be reasonable. For some reason the site keeps saying "sleeps 30" and that's not true and I keep trying to change it. As far as group size goes, I've had charity events that had over 30 guests. Now, that's the maximum in my opinion and that definitely does not mean overnight guests. An example would be having an "event" in the day with roughly 30 guests and around 15-20 of them stay the night. When you rent the property the home is all yours to do as you please. I want everyone to have a great time . Just please treat my home as you'd like yours to be treated and do your best to leave it as you found it. I live there part of the time when I'm not travelling myself, so it's my home when it's not rented, but it's all yours during your stay. Please keep in mind that while sometimes I pay a housekeeper to help me out with cleaning and pay a handyman to help me with repairs, I do not charge a cleaning fee or ask for a security deposit like many places do. Therefore you are basically on the honor system to clean up after yourselves the best you can. There is a wooded area with a small creek behind the property that can be nice for a short nature walk. There are two parks that are walking distance from the house. *There is an old cemetery next to the house, as the house used to be a church. I think it's pretty neat, but maybe some folks might think it weird so I'm mentioning it. The cemetery is from the Civil War era, so it's mostly historic rather than accepting new "customers" lol* Most folks seem to think it's pretty cool and interesting. I like to think I'm super chill as a host. But please don't fib about the number of guests you will have. The rate does depend somewhat on the number of guests. The reasoning is simple: a group of 0 having a wedding reception obviously uses a lot more resources and adds more wear & tear than a couple or family of four going to HersheyPark and giving themselves a special treat. So please be honest about the number of guests, whether they are actually spending the night or not. Any questions or special requests; just ask! I do my best to make sure you have a great stay and it helps to ask questions ahead of time. This is not a full-time professional business. This is my part-time home when I'm in town. So please treat it as thus. If you place a reservation request please give some idea of what the occasion is for your visit. I try to cater the stay to the occasion the best I can. Hopefully it's a happy and memorable visit!
Amenities
Air conditioner
Pets allowed
Kitchen / Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Laundry
Balcony / Patio
Dishwasher
Hot Tub / Spa
TV
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Harrisburg, PA
Reviews
4.9/5.0
Outstanding(115 Reviews)
5.0
We are local and we’re looking for somewhere to hold a sleepover birthday party for our daughter and Biff’s place was perfect! There was great communication and he was very easy to work with. We had plenty of room for everyone and we had everything we needed. We would definitely recommend staying here!
5.0
This place was just perfect our family to gather for a pre-holiday visit. We’ve stayed in many homes over the years and this was our favorite. It is so unique and inviting, and even the photos can’t fully capture. With the musical instruments on the alter, and air hockey, darts and bar in the basement, there was plenty of activities to keep all entertained. The living room/dining area had ample room for eating and visiting and just enjoying all the unique decor. I’d definitely recommend!
5.0
All eight of us agreed (ages 12 to 65) that this is the most unique Vrbo we have ever stayed in! Biff was above and beyond accommodating. This home is an attraction in itself. We jammed, sang, danced, we played darts, enjoyed a movie and sleept so well! Everything was clean and plenty of pillows and blankets for our whole crew. No more crowded and crammed in hotels for us when we visit Hershey! Can't wait to come back.
5.0
We had so much fun! Thank you!
10.0
We had a big group (12) to accommodate and Biff's place was just perfect for us. Close to Harrisburg, lots of communal space to hang out in as a group and ample beds for us all. We all just wish we had more time to spend there!
5.0
We had a big group (12) to accommodate and Biff's place was just perfect for us. Close to Harrisburg, lots of communal space to hang out in as a group and ample beds for us all. We all just wish we had more time to spend there!
4.0
The pros definitely outweigh the cons, so this place might be perfect for you. I think our weekend was just bad timing. The space is super charming. From the pictures you can see the fun. Scattered about are the eclectic items that make this space special, It's a solid 25 minutes to Hersheypark.The area felt really safe. The things that didn't work for me personally were the staircases. The steps going downstairs the basement did not have a railing. The stairs going upstairs were very steep. I'm afraid of heights so I avoided that whole floor completely. My teens claimed the upstairs and everything was fine until they discovered over 25 dead and alive stinkbugs. The owner gave us a very detailed story about why they were there, and we know stickbugs don't bite, but for kids, having bugs everywhere in your room is definitely offsetting. We ultimately left a day early because they couldn't fall asleep the first night until 3am because they were catching bugs. The next day they slept in incredibly late because of that and it took away half of our day. The rain was also unrelenting, which is probably why the smell in the basement was noticeable. We also were not aware that the owner was also staying in house, but we saw cars come and go and lights turn on and off while we were outside. Overall this place has absolutely everything you need for an event or rental to stay in, and my boys loved the instruments. Walking through the cemetery at night on Friday the 13th was fun too.
5.0
Biff’s place is about as unique as it gets from the decor to the DVD and music collection.
Only knock is the lack of another bathroom.
Hope to stay again.
5.0
Funky, fun, eclectic. Very comfortable and well equipped. Entirely gracious and accommodating host. Definitely recommend!
5.0
Funky, fun, eclectic. Very comfortable and well equipped. Entirely gracious and accommodating host. Definitely recommend!
5.0
Biff was great from booking til checkout. House was clean, fully stocked and there was something for everyone. Was a memorable experience for all kids and adults. Can’t wait to go back.
5.0
Great communication with owner. Place and owner are very laid back and welcoming. Fun place to stay!
5.0
We had a wonderful stay in a place that had something for everyone in the family. Our grandchildren enjoyed all being together and being able to have so much room with so much to do. We were having to get them out of the basement at all hours of night, they were playing air hockey. We would love to stay here again.
5.0
Biff stayed in contact with us for questions or suggestions. Very helpful. Made some great memories.
5.0
This house is so neat and such a great place for a family get together! We stayed here for a long weekend while we attended a family wedding in Hershey. The place was clean, well maintained, and had plenty for everyone to enjoy. We really enjoyed our time and especially appreciate the graciousness of our host, Biff, who was so helpful. Thanks again Biff!
5.0
The property was very clean! There were so many cool things at the house, we were all in awe the entire time, going around the home looking at everything! Everything you could ever possibly need, he had! We definitely will be staying again!
5.0
I would give this cool stay 6 stars if allowed! In a time were more and more of these short-term rentals are owned by corporations and designed to be generic, this place smashed through the wall and was dripping in uniqueness. We all literally dropped our bags at the door so we could explore the shire to all things awesome. The place had everything and then some. The host had all the small things you come to enjoy in a rental home plus some many unique things to look at and enjoy. Staying here was the highlight of our summer vacation that included NYC, Washington DC, and Hersey Park. It should be listed as it’s own tourist destination!
5.0
Beautiful place and very unique style. We stayed 1 night and the place is very welcoming and accommodating. Highly recommend.
5.0
This was the first time I had ever used a site such as VRBO and I was a little trepidatious however, I now can't wait to go back and rent Biff's other house! Beth was very informative, quick to respond to questions, warm and welcoming. Both the adults and the kids loved the house. Just had everything there that I needed to be able to make a large dinner for my entire family, games for the kids to play and amazingly comfortable furniture for the adults to be able to just sit and relax. My daughter realized she had left her hair straightener at the house, and when I reached out to Biff he assured me that as soon as the current guess departed he would show the straightener to her, which he absolutely did. We were there for my autistic son's cyber school graduation and needed something that would be very stress-free for him and this was the perfect answer! We were already planning our next trip, and rental from Biff, before we even left the house. I absolutely could not be happier with their stay!
5.0
A group of friends went to Hershey Park for the weekend for the Blink-182 concert. Biffs house was perfect for our trip. Biff was a great host as well. If we ever come back to the area, we will 100% want to stay here again.
5.0
Great time. Property is so interesting, eclectic, Property owner was so easy to communicate with. Highly recommended!
5.0
We absolutely loved our stay!! This home is so unique. I found something new everytime I looked. Our children (ages 9-13) were amazed by this place! They had so much fun especially with the drums and air hockey table. None of us were ready to leave. Not to mention, communication with Biff was superb! He is very feiendly and informative. Could not ask for a better place to call our home away from home while on vacation. Definitely recommend!!!
5.0
A group of friends went to Hershey Park for the weekend for the Blink-182 concert. Biffs house was perfect for our trip. Biff was a great host as well. If we ever come back to the area, we will 100% want to stay here again.
5.0
Biff's spot was perfect for us to have a home base to come back to while we shot a short film in the area. There were enough beds for everyone and enough room downstairs for everyone to sit comfortably and talk after a long day. The kitchen was functional and had a lot of extras I'm not used to seeing in a rental, so that was a great plus. The decor, art, little band and bar area were conversation pieces all on their own. A very memorable and accommodating stay, and Biff made it all very seamless. Would definitely stay again :)
5.0
Such a fun place! Biff was great!
5.0
Super unique home. Former church with cemetery. Chock full of contemporary schtick and tons of charm! Musical instruments available for the playing along with air hockey and board games among other things. Owner is very communicative and helpful. We are so glad we found this rental. Definitely wish my adult sons could have joined us. Up their alley for sure!!!
5.0
Such a fun place! Biff was great!
5.0
We had an incredibly good time. The house is very comfortable, conveniently located, and fully stocked. The host is easily accessible. We loved the property and our teens had an awesome time with the games in the basement. Will definitely be back!
5.0
Where do I start?! The communication from the start made this an easy process. I had no idea how cool this would be because the pictures don’t do it justice. From the instruments to the game room, fun was had by all. This is a truly unique place to stay and I highly recommend it! We all loved it!
5.0
best weekend stay ever, anywhere.
unique style and lots to do there.
clean, cozy and very homey.
couldn't ask for more
5.0
Great place to hang out and play music!
5.0
I was being deployed to Korea. My friends arranged our last swinger party before we parted ways. This place was the best.
5.0
If you like traveling, and have had your fill of the usual rental home with the typical amenities, then THIS is one of the best places to try. Biff, the owner, is truly a creative and unique individual - with the MOST interesting decor. He's literally taken an old church and turned it into a warm home - plus a musical adventure, complete with a full band stage (which was once the church's altar), well-stocked with musical instruments. Then, as if that's not enough FUN, the basement is like an adult game room, with a full bar and vintage games. Our favorite was the "8-Ball" Pinball machine. The home is quiet, warm in winter, great parking, nice kitchen, great master bedroom with legit jacuzzi tub, and the neighborhood is super quiet yet close to everything. We can't wait to come back with some friends. Thanks Biff!
5.0
Biff is very accommodating and the property is one of the coolest places we’ve ever stayed - great for all ages. Definitely one of a kind and will absolutely book again for our next trip to Hershey!
5.0
Every inch of this place has something fascinating, from a photo of Nixon bowling, to the kitchen nook with a view of the cemetery. 10/10
5.0
It was a fun place to hang out with family!! The musical instruments were so entertaining!! The host, Biff was extremely kind and communicated well!! We loved all the memorabilia and
enjoyed our visit!!
5.0
Super cool spot for the whole family to hang out in central PA. Thanks Biff!
5.0
The rental was super easy. Communications with Biff were great, he was very responsive. The house is amazing! Plenty of beds. So much for the kids to do! My kids thoroughly enjoyed the instruments and the game room. We didn’t have a chance to use all of the amenities, but the house is fully stocked if you need it! Definitely recommend staying at this unique home.
4.0
Very eclectic house (converted church). Needs some upgrading but worked well for the kids. About 25 mins from Hershey Park.
5.0
Great location, and fun property! Basement bar with pinball machine, musical instruments upstairs, and loads of eye candy on the walls. Very cool place.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Harrisburg?
The average price for a rental in Harrisburg is RÂ 2,689 per night. This rental is RÂ 1,161 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Harrisburg \/ Hershey Happy! Lots of space and fun and a great location. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Harrisburg \/ Hershey Happy! Lots of space and fun and a great location pet friendly?
Yes! This house is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at Harrisburg \/ Hershey Happy! Lots of space and fun and a great location?
We found 12 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, pets allowed, kitchen / kitchenette, internet / wifi, and parking.
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