James Buchanan Hotel
A 1796 landmark where American history still occupies the building
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The James Buchanan Hotel in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania dates to circa 1796 and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978. The building is the boyhood home of James Buchanan, the 15th U.S. President, and sits within the Mercersburg Historic District. It is a three-star, full-service hotel with an on-site restaurant, bar, coffee house, outdoor garden with fireplace, and free parking. Rooms start from $119 per night.
Should you book James Buchanan Hotel?
A genuinely historic property with period character, a full-service restaurant open Tuesday through Saturday, and straightforward rooms at moderate prices.
Best for
- History and heritage travellers
- Couples on a mid-Atlantic road trip
- Families visiting Gettysburg or Antietam
- Skiers heading to Whitetail Mountain
Maybe not ideal for
- Travellers needing dining options seven days a week on-site
- Those wanting a modern, design-forward property
A building with a presidential past
Built around 1796, this is the documented boyhood home of James Buchanan and part of the Mercersburg Historic District. The National Register listing dates to 1978, giving the building nearly two and a half centuries of recorded history.
The Pub and restaurant
The Pub occupies the space where James Buchanan Sr. once ran a store. The adjacent restaurant serves traditional American cuisine. Both run Tuesday through Saturday, with the bar open until 10PM. Themed dinner nights and happy hour are also on the calendar.
Outdoor garden and fireplace
The garden includes an outdoor fireplace and dedicated furniture — a practical spot between excursions to nearby battlefields or ski slopes, without requiring guests to leave the property.
Ski access and storage
Whitetail Mountain Ski Resort is one of the named nearby experiences. The hotel has ski storage on-site, making it a workable base for a ski trip without the need to load and unload equipment daily.
Rooms & rates
Queen Room - Non-Smoking
sleeps 2 · 1 large double bed
Air conditioning · Private bathroom · Free WiFi · Toilet · Bath or shower · Telephone
One-Bedroom Queen Suite - Non-Smoking
sleeps 2
Private suite · Air conditioning · Private bathroom · Free WiFi · Toilet · Bath or shower
What you'll enjoy
Gallery
Amenities & facilities
Great for your stay
- Restaurant
- Parking
- Private bathroom
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Free parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Street parking
Bathroom
- Private bathroom
Outdoors
- Outdoor fireplace
- Outdoor furniture
- Garden
Ski
- Ski storage
Activities
- Happy hour
- Themed dinner nights
- Hiking
- Skiing
Food & Drink
- Coffee house on site
- Fruits
- Wine/champagne
- Bar
- Restaurant
Location
15 N Main St, Mercersburg, Pennsylvania
James Buchanan Hotel is located in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania.
4 sights nearby, all within 0.5 mi; the closest is Upper West Conococheague Church at 0.1 mi.
Things to do nearby
- Upper West Conococheague Churchplace of worship0.1 mi
- First Church of Godplace of worship0.2 mi
- John W Angle Veterans Memorial Parkpark0.3 mi
- Mercersburg Lions Clubpark0.5 mi
Straight-line distances from the property · data © OpenStreetMap contributors
What guests say
7.2 / 10 · Good on Booking.com, from 54 guest reviews
The James Buchanan Hotel wins genuine affection for its historic atmosphere, well-renovated rooms, and central Mercersburg location, with many guests enjoying the attached bar and restaurant. However, it is let down by serious operational shortcomings: a near-universal complaint about breakfast being falsely advertised, inconsistent cleanliness, unreliable WiFi, and a skeleton staff that leaves guests feeling unsupported.
Reviews scoring 9–10: 11 · average 9.5
They wrote about: room, cleanliness, staff
Reviews scoring 7–9: 10 · average 7.7
They wrote about: breakfast, room, staff
Reviews scoring 5–7: 2 · average 5.5
They wrote about: breakfast, cleanliness, bathroom
Reviews scoring Under 5: 7 · average 1.4
They wrote about: room, staff, breakfast
No reviews in the selected score range.
Good to know
House rules
- Check-in
From 3:00 PM
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in.
- Check-out
Until 11:00 AM
- Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
- Age restriction
The minimum age for check-in is 21
- Pets
Pets are not allowed.
As published by the booking provider · always reconfirm with the property
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is the James Buchanan Hotel?
The hotel is in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, within the Mercersburg Historic District. It is convenient to Gettysburg, Antietam National Battlefield, Washington DC, and Baltimore for travellers covering the mid-Atlantic region.
Is parking available at the hotel?
Yes. Free private parking is available at the hotel, and street parking is also accessible nearby. There is no charge for parking.
Is there a restaurant on-site?
The hotel has a full-service restaurant and The Pub, both serving traditional American cuisine. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 4PM to 9PM, with the bar open until 10PM. The restaurant is closed Sunday and Monday.
What room types are available?
Two room types are available: a Queen Room with one large double bed sleeping two, from $119, and a One-Bedroom Queen Suite sleeping two, from $136. Both are non-smoking.
Is breakfast included?
The highlights reference a continental breakfast option. Confirm current inclusion at the time of booking, as availability may vary by rate.
Is the hotel suitable for families?
Family rooms are listed among the hotel's amenities, and board games and puzzles are available on-site. The surrounding area includes outdoor attractions such as Cowans Gap and Long Acres Alpaca Farm.
Can I check in late or outside of front desk hours?
After-hours self-check-in is available, according to the hotel. The front desk also operates 24 hours. It is worth confirming the self-check-in process directly with the hotel before arrival.
Is WiFi free?
Yes. Free WiFi is included in all rooms and is listed as a property-wide amenity.
What is the hotel's historical significance?
The building dates to circa 1796 and is the boyhood home of James Buchanan, the 15th U.S. President. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978 and is part of the Mercersburg Historic District.
Is skiing accessible from the hotel?
Whitetail Mountain Ski Resort is one of the nearby experiences associated with the hotel. On-site ski storage is available, making it practical for guests visiting during ski season.
Can the hotel host private events or weddings?
Yes. The hotel lists private events and weddings as an on-site experience. Contact the property directly for availability and details.
How do I book?
Rooms can be booked through the hotel directly or via online travel platforms. The 24-hour front desk is available to answer questions about rates and availability before booking.