The Hotel Hershey is the town's grand address, a Mediterranean-style resort perched on a hill overlooking Hershey. Milton Hershey commissioned it in the early 1930s, partly to give the community a showpiece and partly to keep local workers employed through the Depression, and it has remained the destination hotel ever since. The look is more Spanish and Italian villa than Pennsylvania, with a long approach, a terrace and a formal lobby, and rooms and suites that range from classic to elegant. Guests come for the hilltop setting, the quiet that arrives once the day-trippers leave, and amenities that few other hotels in the area can match: a full-service spa with chocolate-inspired treatments, multiple dining rooms, gardens and walking paths, and an easy relationship with Hershey Gardens just down the slope. It is the natural choice for anniversaries, weddings, weekend splurges and anyone who wants the chocolate-town story told in a grand setting.
The location changes the character of a stay. You are a short drive from Hersheypark, Chocolate World and the main attractions, but the hotel sits above the activity, which gives it a retreat quality. Mornings on the terrace, dinner in a formal dining room and evening walks through the grounds add up to a stay that feels like a resort rather than a base for sightseeing. Families are welcome and many rooms suit them, but the atmosphere leans toward couples and adult travelers.
Plan ahead. Rates and availability follow the park calendar, with summer weekends and holidays among the most expensive and the quietest weeknights offering better value. Book the spa and any special dining as soon as your dates are set. If you are traveling with children, ask about family-friendly room types and pool arrangements, and check what the property offers during your dates, since some amenities run seasonally.
The hotel works as a base for the whole area. From here you can reach Hershey Gardens on foot or a very short drive, the Hershey Story Museum in a few minutes and Harrisburg in under half an hour. It is also a smart choice for the Oktoberfest and Rise and Dine trolley tours, since both are easier after a relaxed morning. Confirm parking, resort fees and dining reservation policies when you book.
Think about timing within the stay. Check in early if possible to enjoy the grounds before dinner, and plan the spa and any formal dining for the days when you are not committed to a long outing. The property has a polished, quiet character that suits slow mornings, so avoid cramming the schedule. Ask the front desk about seasonal events and garden walks, and consider a room with a view of the town or the gardens, which are worth the small premium.
Weddings and events are common, so ask about any large functions during your stay if peace is important. For a splurge that is still practical, combine two nights here with a further night at a cheaper chain hotel, using the extra money for the spa or a food tour.
Why stay here
- ✓Hilltop Mediterranean-style resort
- ✓Full-service spa on site
- ✓Multiple dining rooms
- ✓Formal gardens and walking paths
- ✓Terrace with town views
- ✓Close to Hershey Gardens
- ✓Short drive to Hersheypark
- ✓Suites and family rooms
Good questions
When was the hotel built?+
In the early 1930s on the orders of Milton Hershey, as a showpiece for the town and a source of work during the Depression.
Is it good for families?+
Yes, many rooms suit families, though the mood leans toward couples and adults. Ask about family room types and pool arrangements.
How close is it to Hersheypark?+
A short drive. The hotel sits above the town, away from the busiest areas.
