Hershey, PA, is a popular family vacation destination due to the amazing Hersheypark and Chocolate World attractions.
As one of the official Hershey Resorts, the Hotel Hershey is a popular choice for families. But is it right for your family?
As a Sweet Insider for 2024, we received a complimentary one-night stay at the Hotel Hershey. And we were impressed! This almost century-old hotel offers a lot to enjoy.
If you’re planning a trip to Hershey, the guide below shares everything you need to know about the Hotel Hershey, including the downsides. So, let’s start planning your sweet adventure!
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Hotel Hershey History
Ever the visionary, Milton Hershey knew he needed a place for visitors to Hersheypark to stay overnight.
With the country in the middle of the Great Depression, Hershey decided that constructing a hotel would be a great way to employ many of the area’s builders.
The construction of the Hotel Hershey began in 1932 and took almost a year to complete. Finally, in May of 1933, the hotel opened to the public.
Hotel Hershey Ambiance
When you visit Hotel Hershey, you’ll want to spend time exploring the hotel. It exudes old charm in every nook and cranny.
We loved the Fountain Lobby (decked out for Christmas since we visited in December) and the details in the hallway and rooms.
Of course, one of the more stunning features is the stained glass ceiling at the main entrance. It feels very elegant when you arrive.
We also enjoyed looking at the photographs on the walls depicting old scenes of the hotel, Hersheypark, and the factory.
Don’t forget to head outside to the Formal Gardens. Even in winter, they were pretty to look at!
Rooms at the Hershey Hotel
You have several room options at the Hotel Hershey. From king rooms to large suites. You can also choose to stay in a room overlooking the indoor pool.
Style
Since the hotel is almost 100 years old, the rooms at the Hotel Hershey reflect its age and the norms of the time when it was built.
The rooms are beautifully decorated with subtle “Gilded Age” accents. I was a little disappointed not to see more chocolate touches like at the Hershey Lodge. However, it’s understandable that it’s more elegant than kitsch.
Size
We had a two-queen corner room, and it was a nice size. There wasn’t too much room between the bed and the wall, but the room was deep enough to have plenty of space at the foot of the beds. Even with four people in the room, it never felt too crowded.
The bathroom was very small but typical for the time it was built. You couldn’t fit more than one person at a time at the sink, so everyone had to take turns getting ready for bed.
Miscellaneous
We noticed a lack of outlets in the room, but again, that’s due to the hotel’s age.
The heating/cooling unit worked well to keep the room comfortable, but the bathroom was cold first thing in the morning. They have one of those heat timers, but who is getting out of bed, turning it on, and then waiting a few minutes to use the bathroom first thing in the morning?
Our room had a coffee maker that used small pods (smaller than a Keurig), a refrigerator, and a microwave. I’m not sure if that is standard in all rooms, but it was nice to have.
And, of course, we were treated to some Hershey’s Kisses in the room upon our arrival!
Hershey Hotel Restaurants
There are plenty of places to eat at the Hotel Hershey if you don’t want to go out to eat in town. Three of the dining options are on the first floor off the Fountain Lobby.
The Circular
When the hotel was constructed, Milton Hershey wanted a dining room without corners, so the Circular lives up to its name!
The menu features more upscale and fancy dishes like foie gras and duck confit.
It’s one of the only places to eat breakfast at the hotel. It closes for lunch and is open for dinner on select nights during the week.
Trevi 5
If you enjoy Italian food, you’ll love Trevi 5.
Open for both lunch and dinner from Tuesday through Sunday, Trevi 5 offers pizza, pasta, and traditional Italian dishes, as well as specialty cocktails and an impressive dessert menu.
Harvest
Located outside of the main hotel building, Harvest is a more casual (but still not super casual) option for brunch, lunch, or dinner. The menu features a variety of food, from fish and chips to pan-seared cobia.
As of publication, Harvest is closed on Wednesdays.
Chef’s Market
A quick service eatery right off the main lobby, guests can purchase breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
Everything is pre-made and then heated up for you. It’s not fancy, but it works if you want something quick and easy.
The Chef’s Market opens daily at 6:30 am and stays open until 10 pm or one hour after Hersheypark closes.
Villas Concierge Lounge
The Villas Concierge Lounge is only for guests staying at the Villas at Hotel Hershey. It is essentially a club-level experience. Throughout the day, they offer a continental breakfast, grab-and-go snacks, fountain soda, and s’mores roasts.
Amenities at the Hotel Hershey
There are so many things to do at the Hotel Hershey!! To fully capitalize on all that’s available, try to visit during the summer months. But even other times of the year, you’ll have plenty to do.
Sports Complex
There are several sports activities included with your stay at the Hotel Hershey. They include basketball, volleyball, bocce ball, horseshoes, tennis, pickleball, cornhole, disc golf, and more!
Indoor & Outdoor Pools
The Hotel Hershey has two pools; one indoor and a large outdoor pool. Inside, you’ll find a large pool, hot tub, and splash area.
Outside, the pool is massive, with zero entry, a splash area, and several water slides.
Daily Activities
When you check in at the Hotel Hershey, you’ll be handed a guide listing the activities during your stay. While we were there, they offered things like trivia, bingo, arts and crafts, and family-friendly movie-watching.
Hiking Trails
There are 3 miles of hiking trails on the Hotel Hershey property. They include a paved walking trail, a nature trail, and a longer trail that follows the backside of the property.
Shopping
There are several stores inside the Hotel Hershey. There is a gift shop and several clothing stores selling brands like lululemon and Lilly Pulitzer.
The Spa at Hotel Hershey
We didn’t get a chance to enjoy the offerings during our visit, but many of my friends and family members have, and they loved it! The spa offers several options, including massage, facials, nails and hair, and hydrotherapy baths.
Perks of Staying at the Hotel Hershey
Just like staying at the Hershey Lodge, you have some fun perks when you stay at the Hotel Hershey.
FREE Museum and Garden Admission
Anytime you stay at an official Hershey hotel, you’ll receive FREE admission to the Hershey Story Museum and the Hershey Gardens. The Hershey Gardens are right next to the Hotel Hershey, so it’s easy to build into your stay.
You’ll also want to visit the Hershey Story Museum, which is one of our favorite things to do in Hershey and is so well done.
Preview Plan at Hersheypark
One of the best things about Hersheypark is the Preview Plan. Guests can enter the park the day before their visit, up to two hours before closing.
However, guests staying at the Hotel Hershey can enter up to three hours before closing!
FREE Hersheypark Shuttle
Instead of dealing with the hassle of parking at Hersheypark, guests of the Hotel Hershey can take the FREE park shuttle. It drops you off right at the gate at Hersheypark and Chocolate World.
FREE Chocolate at Check-In
One of my favorite parts about staying at any official Hershey resort is the FREE chocolate at check-in. During our stay, we had a choice of Kit Kat, Hershey’s Special Dark, or Hershey’s Chocolate Bar.
Hotel Hershey Review: Is It Worth the Price?
We enjoyed our stay at the Hotel Hershey.
If you’re debating between Hotel Hershey or the Hershey Lodge, it’s a good choice!
It is a gorgeous old hotel with elegant features and high-class service. I would love to visit during the summer to fully enjoy the gardens and outdoor pool complex.
But for a fun overnight stay to enjoy Christmas Candylane at Hersheypark, it was very enjoyable.
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