I Took My Kids to the Cartoon Network Hotel… and Lived to Blog About It

Andrea Fuchs
Jul 28
3 min read

Cartoon Network Hotel entrance in Lancaster, PA with Finn & Jake sculpture

My Honest Review of the Cartoon Network Hotel in Lancaster, PA

For years, every time we passed the Cartoon Network Hotel in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, I felt a tug of curiosity. With a massive sculpture of Finn and Jake from Adventure Time towering over the entrance, it’s impossible to miss—especially when you’re riding with cartoon-obsessed kids in the back seat.

Whenever I’m searching for a quick family weekend getaway in Pennsylvania, this hotel is always at the top of my list. And I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve checked availability for this hotel more than 20 times over the past five years.

So what took me so long to book? Simple: the reviews are terrible.At the time of writing, the Cartoon Network Hotel has a 2.9/5 rating on TripAdvisor, and only slightly better on Google. Not exactly reassuring when you’re used to the service at Disney or the fun of Great Wolf Lodge.

But this past weekend, I finally bit the bullet and booked a stay.

What We Booked: The Powerpuff Girls Dream Suite

To be transparent, we stayed in one of the Cartoon Network Hotel’s four themed suites, not a standard room. Ours was the Powerpuff Girls Dream Suite—bright, colorful, and full of character touches my kids loved.

And despite my initial nerves, we had a great time!

Powerpuff splash pad in outdoor recreation area.

What We Loved: Activities, Characters & Cleanliness

Here’s what the Cartoon Network Hotel gets right:

Affordable prices: Starting at just $135 per night, it’s a steal compared to most kid-friendly resorts.
Kid-focused entertainment: From crafts and character meet-and-greets to movies and pool time, there’s a steady stream of activities all day.
Beloved characters: My kids were more excited to see Finn from Adventure Time than they ever were at Disney World. That’s saying something!
Clean, themed rooms: Our suite was simple, fun, and most importantly—clean.

The vibe is relaxed, playful, and perfect for young families.

What Wasn't Perfect (but Didn’t Ruin the Trip)

Let’s keep it real—this isn’t a luxury resort. Here’s where the hotel fell short:

Low-quality bedding: My kids mistook the comforters for bath towels. Not exactly plush.
Understaffed restaurant: During breakfast, we waited for basics like coffee and eggs to be restocked.
Unexpected hiccups: Someone threw up in the outdoor pool, which had to be shut down for an hour (not the hotel’s fault, but still inconvenient).

But even with these bumps, we had a blast.

So… Is the Cartoon Network Hotel Worth It?

If you’re expecting five-star luxury for under $150 a night, this isn’t the place for you.But if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, kid-focused hotel where your children will be thrilled, entertained, and go to bed smiling—then yes, it’s absolutely worth it.

Rant Alert: Lower Your Expectations, Raise Your Joy

Here’s where I get on my soapbox:Why are we expecting five-star amenities from a two-star price tag?

You’re booking a cartoon-themed economy hotel. You’re not getting a Michelin-starred chef or spa robes. You’re getting convenience, color, characters—and a lot of fun for under $150 a night.

We don’t go to Taco Bell and expect José Andrés.So why do we treat economy hotels like they should deliver the Four Seasons?

When you adjust your expectations to match your budget, you free yourself to enjoy the experience. You stop hunting for flaws—and start finding joy.

Final Verdict: Would I Go Back?

Yes. Not because it was perfect—but because my kids loved it, we made memories, and it didn’t break the bank.

So if you’re considering a visit to the Cartoon Network Hotel in Lancaster, PA, go for it—with eyes wide open and expectations realistically in check. You might just be pleasantly surprised.