Years ago, downtown Altoona had a relatively modern high-rise motel called the Town House, with good views of the former PRR. Unfortunately, most business activity is concentrted on the other side of the ridge, along Pleasant Valley Boulevard (US 220), which is not located within sight of the railroad. The Town House went out of business in the late 1980's.
BUT, if you're coming to Altoona from the East, or planning any activity involving Penn State, I'd recommend a motel called the Vista-Vu, about 4 miles east of Huntingdon on US 22. Most of the rooms have a good view of the former Pennsy main, which is directly across the highway. The Spruce Creek Tunnel area, probably the most photogenic location on the former Middle Division, is situated between Huntingdon and Altoona. At Water Street, take Penna Route 45 North for about 5 miles The road descends into the Juniata Valley on a sttep grade and ducks undere the PRR main. This was also reportedly a favorite fishing spot of President Carter during his years in the White House.
In addition, the former HUNT interlocking tower, in downtown Huntingdon, was preserved, and was operating as headquarters for the local para-transit agency the last time I visited which, regrettably, was quite a few ywars ago. And it's only another 15 miles or so to the East Broad Top, and its well-preserved steam shop complex, at Orbisonia.
What a revoltin' development this is! (William Bendix)
