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Find your way to Hershey, Pennsylvania for a family-friendly adventure focused on chocolate. From thrilling rides at Hersheypark to tasting and adventures at Hershey’s Chocolate World and themed hotels to continue the fun. We’re sharing the details and benefits of the official Hersheypark hotels along with other nearby lodging options.
The Sweetest Place on Earth
You really can’t beat a place with intersections like Chocolate Avenue and Cocoa Avenue. The street lamps shaped like Hershey’s Kisses add even more proof that this is the sweetest place on earth. Named for Milton Hershey who built his chocolate empire in this pretty little community, Hershey’s fun reaches beyond the chocolate. Unwrap the story behind the chocolate at The Hershey Story Museum on West Chocolate Avenue. Squeal with delight on the roller coasters at Hersheypark. Visit the animals at ZooAmerica. Catch a Hershey Bears ice hockey match at the Giant Center. Or, enjoy a concert at Hersheypark Stadium. This family-friendly getaway offers something for everyone.
Some families choose to stay at one of the official Hershey resort properties while others prefer a familiar brand. Each comes with pros and cons depending on your preferences. Here’s a closer look.
Hershey Resort Properties Benefits
Hershey offers three distinct resort properties: The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and the Hersheypark Camping Resort. Each of these properties comes with standard offers for all guests.
Curated packages combine lodging, Hersheypark tickets, discounted ZooAmerica admission, complimentary admission to The Hershey Story Museum and Hershey Gardens. Stay and Play packages also include free breakfast.
A free shuttle provides transportation to and from Hersheypark with a front gate drop-off exclusively for resort guests. Additionally, resort guests receive extra hours at Hersheypark not available to the general public.
Golf enthusiasts score with access to the Hershey Country Club–home to two private courses.
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All properties offer free WiFi. Also, a Trip Planner feature on the destination website helps resort guests build their own one-of-a-kind getaway. And no matter which property you choose, candy bars are handed out at the front desk.
Each property offers unique accommodations, amenities and dining features in addition to these general resort property benefits. Here’s the scoop.
The Hotel Hershey
Perched above the town of Hershey, the grande dame of the Hershey hotels has 276 guest rooms including 48 cottages. The 5-star hotel also boasts 25,000 square feet of meeting and function space. Premium guest rooms range in size from 400- to 500-square-feet. More space and luxury await in the 2,100-square-foot Milton Hershey Suite with two bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a sunroom, living room, dining area and outdoor patio. The 1,450-square-foot Catherine Hershey suite offers similar features.
An excellent option for families, the Woodside Cottages border the lush Pennsylvania woodlands behind the main resort property. Individual cottages have exterior porches, a private entrance and adjacent parking. Reserve an entire cottage for larger groups and enjoy a multi-functional great room, cathedral ceilings, fireplace, microwave and wet bar with refrigerator. Four- and six-bedroom cottages are available providing a perfect option for multi-generational family travel.
Hotel Hershey Amenities
Resort amenities include an indoor pool and an outdoor pool complex with cabana rentals. The Sports and Fitness Complex includes tennis courts, a basketball court, sand volleyball courts, croquet, hiking trails and a fitness center.
The Cocoa Clubhouse gives the kids a chance to meet new friends while enjoying arts and crafts, fitness activities, ice cream making and the Children’s Garden Butterfly House. Grown-ups will enjoy slipping away to The Chocolate Spa for the ultimate chocolate indulgence.
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to dining at Hotel Hershey. At The Circular—the property’s flagship restaurant—indulge in elevated American cuisine. Home to the Hotel Hershey Grand Breakfast Buffet, the restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner. The children’s dinner menu includes impressive choices like pan-roasted salmon and beef tenderloin along with kid favorites like mac & cheese and chicken fingers.
Trevi 5 serves authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist for lunch and dinner. Open for lunch and dinner, Harvest serves seasonal and locally sourced American cuisine. For a grab & go option, check out the Chef’s Market for continental breakfast favorites and a variety of sandwiches, flatbread pizzas and salads. Adults will want to check out the Iberian Lounge for a nightcap. I highly recommend the chocolate martini!
Free parking applies to both self-parking and valet. Complimentary electric charging stations are also available. Access to the business center keeps work goals on track.
Depending on current offerings, prices for packages (based on a family of four) range from $357 per night to $585 with seasonal variations. Standard rooms start at $229 USD.
The Hershey Lodge
Created with kids in mind, the Hershey Lodge doesn’t just welcome kids, it gives them their own check-in desk. Rather than signing a credit card receipt, the kids sign the “Kids at Hershey Lodge” guest book, participate in a Hershey’s candy guessing game and receive their own chocolate surprise. Kids also get a lanyard that can be personalized with their name and contact information. Special kid-centric activities add to the fun including Hershey Character Appearances, Animal Encounters with ZooAmerica, chocolate bingo and s’mores roasts.
A large stone fireplace stands at the center of the lobby surrounded by inviting leather chairs. Subtle signs of chocolate pop up everywhere—even in the wallpaper. With 665 guest rooms and 100,000 square feet of space for business meetings or functions, it’s the largest of the Hershey resort properties. For larger groups, there are more than 16 suites featuring a variety of layouts. Each wing bears the name of a favorite Hershey candy. Do you prefer the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup wing or the Hershey Kisses? Either way, you’ll find cocoa-infused toiletries and chocolate treats ensuite.
Hershey Lodge Amenities
An arcade featuring air hockey, ski ball, the claw machine and more kept my grandkids busy as they racked up points on guest games cards redeemable for prizes.
Another favorite attraction, Hershey’s Water Works boasts 30,000 square feet of water fun with attractions like Twizzlers Twists water slides and Reese’s Water Walk. A zero-entry pool and numerous interactive water features add to the splashing good times.
There’s also an outdoor pool, basketball court, tennis court, miniature golf course, sports equipment, board games and a fitness center.
For dining, the Cocoa Beaner supplies coffee, baked goods, soups and sandwiches for quick bites. The hockey-themed Bears’ Den serves up a variety of burgers, salads and other sports bar favorites. The kids’ menu includes favorites like grilled cheese and hot dogs. For elevated comfort food, check out Fire & Grain. Gathering tables and a fire wall provide a unique engaging atmosphere. Fire & Grain offers a breakfast buffet or table service from 7 AM to 11 AM. Happy Hour features half-priced starters and drink specials from 4 PM to 6 PM. Dinner service runs from 5 PM to 10 PM. On the menu, plentiful choices include small plates, salads, flatbreads, pastas and a range of entrees from vegetarian to fish, chicken and beef.
Complimentary electric charging stations are available along with free parking. Valet parking is available for $27 USD per day.
For standard guest rooms, Hershey Lodge rates start at $159 USD. Stay & Play packages are also available seasonally with varied prices.
Hersheypark Camping Resort
If a family camping trip excites your family, the Hersheypark Camping Resort has you covered. Situated on 55 acres, this year-round campground offers 50 cabins and over 300 open and shaded campsites. For RV travelers, choose from regular and pull-through campsites with partial or full hook-ups.
If you prefer real walls, check out the log cabins. Extended log cabins sleep up to 8 and others sleep up to 4. All deluxe cabins include indoor plumbing, bathroom/shower; electric, heat and AC, TV with cable, refrigerator, microwave and kitchenette appliances. Outside fire rings with grates are the ideal place for nighttime s’mores. Standard smaller log cabins do not include indoor plumbing; however, restrooms and showers are nearby.
Tent camping sites are also available for you hardcore campers. The campground is pet-friendly; however, dogs aren’t allowed inside tents or cabins.
The Historic Landis Barn houses the Country Store-Sweets and More stocked with camping items and a gift shop. The barn also includes a family fun center, laundry facility, restrooms and showers.
More Campground Amenities
Basketball and volleyball courts keep the family-friendly competition going. Swings and slides at the playground entertain the younger kids. You’ll also have shuffleboard courts, horseshoe pits, two swimming pools and a kiddie pool to keep everyone entertained.
During summer and fall, Hershey Character visits, animal encounters hosted by ZooAmerica and movie nights add to the fun.
Cabin rates range from $59 USD to $189 USD depending on dates and size. Campsites begin at $59 USD.
Read More: Best Family Resorts in Pennsylvania
Hotels Near Hersheypark
We get it, sometimes you don’t want the resort hotel or the crowds that often accompany your stay. Or perhaps you have a loyalty program with a brand like Hilton or Marriott and want to take advantage of those perks. Fortunately, the Harrisburg Hershey area has plenty of lodging possibilities. Here are some of the best hotels in the area for every budget.
Hampton Inn & Suites Hershey
Part of the Hilton family, the Hampton Inn & Suites Hershey Provides a free breakfast, free parking, free WiFi, fitness center, business center, indoor swimming pool and whirlpool, pet-friendly rooms and digital keys. Rooms start at $150 USD with most featuring a microwave and mini-refrigerator as additional amenities.
Hilton Garden Inn
Also part of the Hilton brand, the Hilton Garden Inn is located in nearby Hummelstown. An easy drive into Hershey or to explore Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s capital city, this economical hotel includes an indoor heated pool, free hot breakfast, free parking, free WiFi and room service. Rooms start at $139 USD.
Tru by Hilton Hershey Chocolate Avenue
The newest member of the Hilton family, Tru by Hilton Hershey displays a vibrant fun lobby area complete with foosball tables and sofas for hanging out. Located on Chocolate Avenue close to all the action, rooms start at $150 USD at this pet-friendly hotel where you can build your own breakfast each morning. An indoor heated pool continues the fun for the kids.
Fairfield Inn & Suites
A Marriott brand, the Fairfield Inn & Suites includes free parking, free hot breakfast and a heated indoor pool. Located in the heart of all the Hershey attractions, Fairfield Inn & Suites’ amenities include a sundry shop, indoor pool, business center, free parking and free breakfast. Rooms start at $166 USD.
Courtyard by Marriott Hershey Chocolate Avenue
This brand-new hotel located minutes from Hersheypark includes a restaurant, The Bistro serving breakfast, dinner and cocktails. A 24-hour fitness center, heated indoor pool, high-speed complimentary WiFi and free parking are among the amenities. Rooms start at $185 USD.
Springhill Suites
Also part of the Marriott group, Springhill Suites Hershey Near the Park is the only all suites hotel in Hershey. Amenities include an indoor pool and whirlpool, fitness center, on-site laundry, beauty shop, car rental, safe deposit boxes and complimentary hot buffet breakfast. Rooms start at $159 USD.
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Hershey
Part of the Wyndham Hershey group of properties, Howard Johnson’s houses a restaurant serving American cuisine for lunch and dinner as well as a full bar. An outdoor pool is available during warmer months. Free WiFi and free parking are also included in a budget-friendly stay starting at $79 USD. Also, kids 17 and under stay free with an adult.
Travelodge
Also a member of the Wyndham Hershey brand, Travelodge stays include access to laundry facilities, heated indoor pool, free breakfast, free parking and free WiFi. Guest rooms start at $79 USD and include mini-refrigerators and microwaves.
Days Inn by Wyndham Hershey
Days Inn by Wyndham Hershey brings convenience to its list of amenities. Located on W Chocolate Ave, it’s the closest hotel to Hersheypark. Start the day with a free light continental breakfast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 24/7 access to guest laundry machines. Rooms at This dog-friendly property come equipped with flat-screen TVs, microwaves, and refrigerators. There’s also a high-performance fitness center and the indoor pool and game room keep the kids entertained. Rooms start at $169 USD.
Holiday Inn Express
Located in Hummelstown close to the Harrisburg Hershey area, this newly renovated Holiday Inn Express is pet friendly and also has a dedicated dog walking area. A heated indoor pool, fitness center, sundry shop for late night snacks and a free breakfast add to the amenities list for this moderately priced hotel starting at $136 USD.
Comfort Inn at the Park
Situated between Harrisburg and Hershey, in the heart of historic Hummelstown, the Comfort Inn at the Park provides easy access to all the local attractions. The property includes guest laundry facilities, indoor heated pool, free hot breakfast and a business center. Reasonably priced rooms start at $83 USD.
Simmons Motel
Family-owned and operated for nearly 60 years, the Simmons Motel consists of a complex of 27 units: 17 motel rooms, 6 apartments and 4 suites in the main hotel along with two separate historic Hershey homes. Both family and group-friendly, the property includes an outdoor pool and barbeque grills for backyard cookouts. Still in charge, Grandmother Mary makes certain everything remains clean and comfortable for all guests. Kitchenette rooms are also available–a valuable amenity for families. Rates start at $54 for rooms and $75 for apartments.
In the End, It’s All About the Chocolate
No matter where you decide to stay for your Hershey getaway, just remember, it’s really all about the chocolate. Enjoy!
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