The Hotel Hershey is a deliciously sweet hotel! 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. This place is a win!
Hotel Hershey is the immersed-in-chocolate universe that’s not quite, but almost equivalent to being immersed-in-the-Disney universe when staying onsite at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Except you’re in Pennsylvania, which sorry but not sorry is not nearly as exciting. But Hotel Hershey is! It’s a destination in and of itself.
Aside from the theme park, chocolate world, or Hershey Gardens (free for Hotel Hershey guests), there’s plenty to do right at this resort.
There are three pools. What surprised me about them the most is the amount of staff – from servers to lifeguards – there’s no shortage of help, and safety is clearly a top priority. Unfortunately for us, 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. They do an amazing job ensuring no younger guests get anywhere near the serene adult-only area.
While 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 – complete with water features, fountains, waterfalls, slides, etc. It’s everything you want in a pool. Extremely large in size, but never crowded, and even though it was busy when we arrived mid-day we had no problem getting chairs and an umbrella.
Then there’s the indoor pool. It’s probably one of the nicest I’ve ever seen. It’s large, the temperature is perfect, there’s a separate whirlpool, and even a small splash pad for kids.
There’s a lifeguard at the indoor pool as well. Literally so shocked by the amount of staff at this hotel!
A unique room here is a pool room. These are rooms that literally walk out or overlook the indoor pool. Other cool accommodations include specialty suites and woodside cottages. We had a standard king room in the main building on the third floor. It definitely had some great aspects, like being a short walk and very convenient to everything. However, the main building has a few big drawbacks as well.
For one, it’s an old building (even though it’s SO WELL maintained). 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 not fun when trying to get a baby to sleep)! Nevertheless, the rooms are clean, well appointed, and overall just stunning.
I think it’s so awesome they include two luggage racks! Our view wasn’t too shabby either. We overlooked Hersheypark.
The bathroom was definitely a tight squeeze!
By 7pm we returned to our room after dinner (and a quick indoor pool swim), and turndown service had yet to come. It was a little late for us with a 6 month old, so we ended up just calling for the things we needed, but it would have been nice to have had the full turndown service experience.
The hotel grounds are well maintained and BEAUTIFUL. There are fountains, terraces, and manicured walkways.
The hotel was built to look similar to Milton Hershey’s favorite hotel in the Mediterranean, and I love it’s European flare!
I’m sad I didn’t have the opportunity to visit the spa during our stay. There was a chocolate massage on the menu that I was definitely eyeing. Other onsite things to do include shopping (just off the lobby), hikes, golf, and falconry.
All resort guests receive admission to Hershey Gardens included. Hershey Gardens has an amazing butterfly exhibit, a children’s garden, fanatic views of the hotel on one side and the theme 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!
For 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 hit 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 it’s worth 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.
Circular is a gorgeous restaurant, and 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 before. The food was great too!
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 for pictures!
Hotel Hershey offers many types of packages, some of which include park tickets. Parking at the park is pricey, and while they do offer a complimentary shuttle for hotel guests, they do not offer free parking for them, 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.
Right now Hotel Hershey (Summer 2017) is offering rates as low as $379 per night.
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