When you think Hershey, you probably think of two things: chocolate and Hersheypark. And you’re right on track with both of them. But there’s a lot more to Hershey than both of those things (although those things are pretty good).
Sure, Hersheypark is home to 13 thrilling roller coasters and one of my favorite attractions, Hershey’s Chocolate World (free, by the way, and open year-round). But did you know that you could spend days there and still not see it all?
For example, there’s The Hershey Story, also known as The Museum on Chocolate Avenue, the Hershey Theatre (the building itself is worth a visit) that shows Broadway-style shows, the Hershey Gardens showing 23 acres of nature’s beauty, and even an Antique Auto Museum for car lovers like me.
And all this time you thought it was just a day trip.
So if I’ve convinced you that Hershey is at least worth an overnight trip, let me offer three different accommodations that I’ve seen firsthand, friendly for every budget and none of them disappoint!
1. Hersheypark Camping Resort
Want to rough it while in Hershey? You can do that. They offer tent sites with and without hookups (this was my favorite – right along the river) and also RV sites with full or partial hookups. I actually own a tent. Maybe one day I’ll use it.
Want to sort of rough it? You can do that too.
Basic log cabins are available with no indoor plumbing available. But it is camping, right?
If you’re looking for full-on glamping, then you need the deluxe cabin, where I’m planning a girls weekend this fall. I don’t have the invite list planned yet but these cabins sleep 7, so let me know if you’re in.
There are brand new one and two bedroom cabins available that are totally blinged out. You might be a little crowded with 6 other people but it’s got everything you need.
And when you’re not snuggled up in your tent or cabin, you’ll find a playground, arcade, gift shop, and rec center right there on the grounds. (And if you find the camp director, you just might hear a few ghost stories about the original farmhouse on the ground!)
But maybe camping isn’t your thing. Or maybe you know your family need a little less togetherness. This next option might be for you.
2. Hershey Lodge
I’m just going to go ahead and say it. Can I go ahead and say it?
If you’re looking for a Disney-like experience with your hotel, this is the place for you. From the moment you enter the large lodge, everything says “Hershey,” even the check-in counter.
And because Hershey knows that kids love Hershey (and that check-in is boring), they have their very own check-in as well.
What else can you expect? A true lodge experience and if you’re lucky, you’ll find some of the Hershey characters wandering around the lodge just looking for photo opps with you or your kids.
You can also expect nicely appointed rooms.
And all the amenities one would need for a family vacation: a gift shop full of sweets, a family friendly eating place (themed after the hockey team, the Hershey Bears), a list of the day’s activities, and, of course, a bar.
I can tell, you’re almost sold on the Hershey Lodge. But you’re wondering what to do if you really have your eye on luxury travel (like me!). You’re in luck.
3. The Hotel Hershey
While it’s as family-friendly as all of the other official Hershey accommodations, you might want to reserve a room at The Hotel Hershey for a fancy girls weekend or a couples getaway.
I love new and modern hotels but I also love the charm of historic hotels like The Hotel Hershey, built in 1933. I was so taken by the charm that I forgot to take pictures. But don’t worry. I took video so you can see exactly what it looks like inside one of the rooms.
Yes, they did actually gave me chocolate bars at check-in.
But there’s more to this hotel than a luxury room and chocolate (although that would be enough, wouldn’t it?)
We enjoyed the nightlife at the Iberian Lounge and relaxing just outside in this Mediterranean themed courtyard.
In addition to the courtyard, there were beautiful views everywhere looked. From an outside vista to stained glass in the entryway to The Circle, a historic circular dining room, The Hotel Hershey is a beautiful setting.
But what makes this location ideal for me, whether with a husband in tow, or a few girlfriends, or no one but me, is The Spa At The Hotel Hershey.
Take a deep breath and get ready for your 30 second tour.
And after all that indulgence, you can work it all off on the many hiking trails surrounding the property or at the fitness center and pool.
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Are you ready to plan your Hershey getaway now? Have you decided if you’re going to rough it, take the family, or plan an exclusive retreat? I’m doing one of them next month and I can’t wait to tell you why. Stay tuned for my next Hershey announcement next week! (It’s gonna be good!)
Hershey provided me complimentary accommodations at The Hotel Hershey in April of this year and hosted tours of all of the properties listed above as part of their Sweet Welcome 2015 blogger event.
2 comments
This was such a great event. I miss all you ladies so much. I can’t wait to see you all again soon.
All these places look like fantastic options in Hershey! Since it’s only about a 45 minute drive for me, we don’t normally make plans to stay overnight (though we have made a few exceptions!) Now, I really want to stay in one of those cabins – that looks like so much fun!