The Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Pennsylvania is a deliciously sweet hotel! And I’m not just saying that because they give you chocolate at check in, or their bath products smell so good you want to eat them. It’s a getaway that even surprised me.
Here are some fast facts for the discerning traveler: Basic internet is complimentary, as is valet parking, also, there’s no resort fee. Win, win, and win!
Hotel Hershey is the immersed-in-chocolate universe that’s not quite, but almost equivalent to being like the immersed-in-Disney universe when staying onsite at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Except you’re in Pennsylvania, which sorry but not sorry is not nearly as exciting. But this hotel is! Which is why I say it surprised me. It’s truly a destination in itself.
First – the things to do! And I’m not even talking about the theme park, chocolate world, or the gardens (free for Hotel Hershey guests).
Hotel Hershey offers three pools. What surprised me about them is the amount of staff – from servers to lifeguards – they are in no shortage of help, and safety is clearly top priority. Unfortunately, the adult pool was off limits this time around, since we traveled with our 6 month old, but it looked extremely inviting. It even has a large whirlpool, and despite being right next to the main pool, it’s quiet and they do an amazing job ensuring no younger guests get anywhere near the serene adult-only area.
While we were floating around the main pool, I think at one time I noticed no less than seven or eight lifeguards spread throughout.
The zero-entry main pool is on point – with water features, fountains, waterfalls, slides, etc. It’s everything you want in a pool. It’s extremely large in size, but never felt crowded, and even though it was busy when we arrived mid-day we had no problem getting chairs and an umbrella.
The indoor pool is probably one of the nicest I’ve ever seen. It’s large, the temperature is good, there’s a whirlpool, and even a small splash pad for kids.
Yes, there’s a lifeguard at the indoor pool as well. Literally shocked by the amount of staff at this hotel!
What’s super unique is you can request a pool room, which are rooms that literally walk out or overlook the indoor pool, and speaking of accommodations, there are some really interesting options here, like the poolside rooms, cool suites, and even woodside cottages!
We had a regular king room in the main building on the third floor. It definitely had some great aspects, like a short walk and convenient to everything, but the main building has a few big drawbacks as well.
For one, it’s an old building (even though it’s SO WELL maintained you’d have no idea). TIP: Be sure to stop and look at the pictures spread throughout the hotel and read up on it’s rich history! Anyway, being an old hotel, it only has one elevator, so I’ll leave you with that wait. Also, the rooms are small and the walls are thin, so you hear a lot when trying to sleep at night (which is no fun when trying to get a baby to sleep!). Nevertheless, our room was clean, well appointed, and overall stunning.
I think it’s so awesome they include two luggage racks! Also, I should mention the view! We overlooked Hersheypark.
The bathroom was definitely a tight squeeze!
I will say, by 7pm we returned to our room after dinner and a quick indoor pool swim, and turndown service had yet to come, which was a little late for us with a 6 month old. We ended up just calling for the things we needed, but it would have been nice to have the full turndown service experience.
The hotel grounds are well maintained and BEAUTIFUL. There are fountains, terraces, and many walkways to take a stroll.
The hotel was built to look similar to Milton Hershey’s favorite hotel in the Mediterranean, and I love the European flare!
Aside from the pools, there’s a ton of other things to do. I’m only sad I didn’t have the opportunity to visit the spa. There was a chocolate massage on the menu that I was definitely eyeing. Also, there are fun shoppes, hikes, golf, and falconry.
Like I said above, your hotel stay includes admission to Hershey Gardens, which has an amazing butterfly exhibit, a children’s garden, amazing views of the hotel on one side and the park on the other, and some of the prettiest roses I’ve ever seen!
The gardens are literally across the street from the hotel and it’s a really easy walk!
Next, I’ll get into dining. There are enough places to eat that you never have to leave the property. We didn’t get to try all the restaurants, but we did sample most of them. Poolside service was excellent. Trevi 5 was a nice atmosphere, but the food and service were nothing to write home about. We did say maybe we ordered the wrong things, and are open to giving it another try.
I really loved the look of the Iberian Lounge and am super sad we didn’t get to have a drink here, because, well, baby.
We went to the Circular for breakfast and absolutely loved it.
It’s a gorgeous restaurant, but what surprised me the most were the prices. I don’t think I’ve ever visited a hotel with such an affordable brunch or a la carte breakfast. The food was great too! I even took a picture of the menu because I was so shocked by the affordability!
We went during a peak breakfast time, and as we were leaving they had one of the Hershey characters hanging out in the lobby area, and here’s a special appearance from Baby A!
Hotel Hershey offers many types of packages, some of which include park tickets, etc. Parking at the park is pricey, and while they do offer a complimentary shuttle for hotel guests, they do not offer free parking at the park, which would be a nice touch for those onsiters. Hersheypark is a quick 5 minute drive (depending on traffic), and honestly I liked this hotel so much I’d stay here without even visiting the park!
I’m going to do a quick write up of the park itself, as well as Chocolate World, so stay tuned!
Right now Hotel Hershey (Summer 2017) is offering rates as low as $379 per night.
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