Driving from MA

[Tigger7570]

Hi:
We have driven before, but did straight I-95. This time we are going to go I-81 to I-77 to I-26 to I-95.
We are leaving from the North Shore and plan to drive about 8 hours a day. I think that puts us in PA. I was wondering if anyone had some suggestions for hotels on I-81.
Thank you.

 

[Mikey15]

I’ve stayed at a Holiday Inn Express in Shippensberg PA (maybe too close to home for you?) on I-81, and it was super cheap and as good as any other Holiday Inn Express I’ve stayed at.

Holiday Inn Express
Hampton Inn
Fairfield Inn & Suites
are basically the same tier of hotel from three different brands. They seem to give a nice consistent experience no matter where you are.

Some obviously are in better shape than others. We’ve also stayed at one in Troutville, VA that was slightly rougher. Don’t recall exactly why though.

 

[Jimsig]

I used a starting point of Peabody and 8 hours will put you somewhere between Shippensburg, PA and Winchester, VA depending on how you go.

If you take I-84 to I-81 it's Shippensburg as that's a longer route by 45 min to an hour.

If you take the Tappan Zee (Now Cuomo) Bridge and take I-287 to I-78 to I-81 it's Winchester, VA. Winchester like Shippensburg has plenty of places to stay and eat.

When I have done the Drive to Bristol TN for the NASCAR race we always have done I-78 to I-81 as it's the quicker and shorter route.

 

[Tigger7570]

Thank you for the replies. We have always had luck with the brands you mentioned, so that’s perfect.
AAA is doing a TripTik for us for the route I mentioned. I really appreciate the advice.

 

[David Gardner]

If you do make it as far as Winchester, the SpringHill Suites is nice, the staff are great, and they have a very nice free breakfast spread.

 

[Tigger7570]

Thank you. Definitely will write that down.

 

[LuvOrlando]

What time will you be leaving and what day?

Weekends avoid NE rush hour but can hit beach traffic before you get to PA in summer months. If you need to travel between PA & Mass mid week then leave between 9:30 am and 10 am which should get you past the worst of the traffic bottlenecks by rush hour time. Summer months and holidays the earlier the better and 84 is much better because it skirts beach traffic. I favor 95 down to Tappan Zee because bathroom spots are hard to come by on 84, then 287 to 78 into PA but if you do this then be mindful of the time as 287 evening traffic can be terrible but you can dodge it if you get through 287 and onto 78 before 3 or so. You can take 78 down to Hershey and get to 81 there because they merge right there. When in NJ I search for Shoprite or Starbucks for bathroom breaks near the highways & when in PA I look for Wawa or Sheetz. Bethlehem PA has a Shoprite and a WAWA off 78.

If it was me I'd aim for Hershey which says 6 hrs but which is much more likely around 8 based on my experience with the drive and is on the inside of Harrisburg avoiding that evening rush hour cluster. Hershey is close to 81 but suburban touristy so there will be relatively inexpensive and nice places to stay with franchise restaurants. We used to do the Holiday Inn Harrisburg Hershey, not sure if it is the same as it was but reviews seem ok for a good on off location.

If traffic is light I've heard Shippensburg is nice but very small town, my friends DIL is from there. It is a college town so there are places to stay & there is a Sheetz for gas and snacks plus a Walmart and a Weiss for groceries.

 

[Tigger7570]

We will be traveling the beginning of May. Probably leave on a Sunday around 9:00 am.

 

[leebee]

I used a starting point of Peabody and 8 hours will put you somewhere between Shippensburg, PA and Winchester, VA depending on how you go.

If you take I-84 to I-81 it's Shippensburg as that's a longer route by 45 min to an hour.

If you take the Tappan Zee (Now Cuomo) Bridge and take I-287 to I-78 to I-81 it's Winchester, VA. Winchester like Shippensburg has plenty of places to stay and eat.

When I have done the Drive to Bristol TN for the NASCAR race we always have done I-78 to I-81 as it's the quicker and shorter route.

I grew up in Peabody, lived there until I left for college at 26. It's home!

 

[eandt]

Hi:
We have driven before, but did straight I-95. This time we are going to go I-81 to I-77 to I-26 to I-95.
We are leaving from the North Shore and plan to drive about 8 hours a day. I think that puts us in PA. I was wondering if anyone had some suggestions for hotels on I-81.
Thank you.

There is a Hampton Inn right off the 81 exit at Winchester …never stayed there but looks convenient.

 

[Tigger7570]

Thank you. I appreciate all the replies.

 

[ncc1701]

While I can't add anything about the area. When we are looking , we check what restaurants are in the area via Google maps or some other App. After a long drive we want some options nearby other than fast food.
Hyatt also has 2 lower priced hotel chains, Hyatt Place & Hyatt House. Hilton Garden Inns are also good.