If you’re planning a trip to Hershey and are deciding between staying at the Hershey Lodge and the Hotel Hershey, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve stayed at both resorts and had a great time at each one. They are both awesome for families and provide some great perks, including FREE chocolate at check-in!
However, the two resorts have some differences, which I have shared below. So, if you’re debating the Hershey Lodge vs Hotel Hershey, hopefully, you’ll have your answer by the end of this post.
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Perks of Staying at a Hershey Resort
No matter which Hershey resort you choose, guests at each hotel receive these complimentary perks.
Park Transportation
When you stay at an official Hershey Resort, you are provided with FREE shuttle service to and from Hersheypark. The shuttle runs pretty regularly from both hotels.
The shuttle stop at the Hotel Hershey is much nicer than the one at the Hershey Lodge. It is covered and has a few benches for guests to sit on while they wait. Since it’s just across the street, it’s also a shorter drive to Hersheypark.
Free Admission to Hershey Attractions
One of our favorite things to do in Hershey (in addition to Hersheypark and Chocolate World) is visit the Hershey Gardens and the Hershey Story Museum.
As guests at official Hershey Resorts, you are provided complimentary admission to both attractions.
Free Chocolate at Check-In
The check-in process is a little sweeter at the Hershey Lodge and Hotel Hershey. Guests receive complimentary chocolate bars upon arrival.
We noticed a difference between the two resorts, though. Hershey Lodge only offered Hershey’s Chocolate bars, while the Hotel Hershey gave us the option between Hershey’s Chocolate, Hershey’s Special Dark, and Kit Kat bars. (But free chocolate is free chocolate, and I will never complain about that!).
Extended Park Time
A stay at one of the official Hershey resorts includes FREE extra time at Hersheypark!
During the summer, guests of Hershey Lodge or the Hotel Hershey can enter Hersheypark an hour before the official opening time.
And although everyone can participate in the Preview Plan (one of our favorite perks), resort guests can get an extra hour.
Visitor’s Tip: Maximize your preview time by knowing which rides your kids are tall enough to go on ahead of time!
Hershey Lodge vs Hotel Hershey
Now that we have reviewed some of the similarities between Hershey Lodge and The Hotel Hershey, let’s talk about the differences.
Rooms
Both hotels offer beautiful accommodations with either a single king bed or two queens as standard rooms.
There are some differences in design and space. The rooms at the Hotel Hershey range from 270 to 340 square feet, while the Hershey Lodge rooms are just over 300 square feet.
The bathrooms at the Hershey Lodge are larger than those at the Hotel Hershey, mainly because the Hotel Hershey was built almost 100 years ago! There is also more counter space in the Hershey Lodge bathrooms.
We loved the elegance of the rooms at Hotel Hershey, but the chocolate touches at the Hershey Lodge (like the Hershey’s Kisses bedsheets and wallpaper) are more fun overall.
Dining Options
Both the Hotel Hershey and the Hershey Lodge offer several dining options. However, the restaurants at the Hershey Hotel are upscale, and the options at the Hershey Lodge are more casual.
We also felt the quick-service cafe at the Hershey Lodge, the Cocoa Beanery, had better and fresher options than the Chef’s Market at the Hotel Hershey.
You can’t go wrong with dining at either resort. It just depends on how fancy you’re feeling!
Not interested in eating at the resort? There are several other good food options in town!
Pool
If you have children who can’t get enough water play time, your choice between the Hotel Hershey and the Hershey Lodge might depend on the time of year you visit.
During the summer, you’ll want to stay at the Hotel Hershey. The outdoor pool is massive, with zero entry grade, a spray area, and waterslides. The indoor pool is also nice, but is pretty basic.
However, if you’re visiting Hershey during Christmas or even the winter months for a weekend getaway, you’ll want to stay at the Hershey Lodge.
The indoor pool area, known as the Hershey’s Water Works, offers many activities, such as water slides, sprayers, basketball, and more. The outdoor pool at Hershey Lodge is also nice, but like the indoor pool at the Hotel Hershey, it is pretty basic.
Don’t forget to check out the Boardwalk area of Hersheypark in the summer for more water fun!
Activities
The activities offered at Hershey Lodge and the Hershey Hotel are pretty similar.
Both have scheduled activities throughout the day, such as character meet and greets and crafts. They also have additional things to do pickleball, spikeball, cornhole, mini golf, and more.
Adults, however, may enjoy the Hotel Hershey more with the spa offerings!
Layout
Of the two resorts, Hotel Hershey has the best layout. With only 276 rooms, it’s relatively small and easy to navigate. From the main entrance, it doesn’t take too long to reach your room.
In contrast, the Hershey Lodge is large and a bit confusing to navigate. Although there are entrances throughout the property to make it easier and faster to get to your room, it still can feel like you’re making a long trek.
Parking
There is ample parking at both the Hotel Hershey and the Hershey Lodge.
However, due to the layout of the Hershey Lodge, it might feel like you can’t find a parking space near your room, especially if you enter near the Hershey’s Water Works indoor pool.
After staying at both properties, we determined that the parking at Hotel Hershey was less stressful overall. They also offer complimentary valet parking, which is a big plus.
Main Differences Between the Hershey Hotel and Hershey Lodge
Overall, there are a few notable differences between the Hotel Hershey and the Hershey Lodge.
First, the pools. As noted above, the Hershey Lodge has a better indoor pool, while the Hotel Hershey has a better outdoor pool.
Second, the restaurants. Both resorts have a nice selection of restaurants, but the ones at Hershey Lodge are more casual and family-friendly, while the ones at the Hotel Hershey are more upscale.
Lastly, the overall vibes and atmosphere at each resort are different. The Hershey Lodge is more casual. You notice it as soon as you walk into the lobby, as it is darker with a more cozy atmosphere, including the large fireplace in the center. The Hotel Hershey feels more elegant, with the marble flooring and the stained glass ceilings.
Hotel Hershey or Hershey Lodge: Which One is Best For Families?
Which Hershey resort is the best for families? Honestly, either one is a great choice!
It all depends on what you think you and your family would enjoy more. Between the fun activities for kids at both locations, including character meet and greets, kids will enjoy either hotel.
It comes down to the time of year of your visit and what kind of ambiance you’re looking for. But you can’t go wrong with either one.
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