Make your visit to Hersheypark — the sweetest place on earth — a bit sweeter by staying at the Hershey Lodge, an official park resort located in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The property originally opened in 1967 as the Hershey Motor Lodge and eventually became the largest convention resort between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. And it’s been attracting families ever since. Here’s why we love it.
Access to the Parks
Staying at Hershey Lodge grants guests free admission into Hershey Gardens — which features the new Butterfly Atrium — and the Hershey Story Museum. Guests also get the best pricing available for Hersheypark. Plus, there’s free parking and shuttle service to Hersheypark, running every 30 to 40 minutes.
A Warm Welcome
This full-service resort has 665 guest rooms spread across 100,000 square feet — but you’d never know it’s so big. There’s a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, thanks to its rustic decor, leather chairs, large stone fireplace and Hershey candy characters walking around to greet guests. Upon arrival, kids get their own version of checking in by signing the “Kids at Hershey Lodge” guest book. The guest book includes a fun Hershey candy guessing game with a chocolate surprise. Kids are also given a lanyard and craft supplies to personalize it any way they want.
Pools Galore
Kids of all ages can enjoy the indoor and outdoor pool complex for free while they are staying here. The 30,000-square-foot indoor pool has lots of water features, games, Twizzler Twist water slides and a Reese’s Water Walk. The zero-entry outdoor pool is open Memorial Day through Labor Day and has a spray fountain and lounging area.
Tons to Do
You name it — chocolate bingo, s’mores roasts, Hershey’s character appearances, animal encounters with ZooAmerica, kids’ crafts, a family game room. You’ll never get bored here. Sports equipment is also available for those who want to take advantage of the basketball and tennis courts on the property. For families in search of a quieter time, board games are available upon request. The falconry experience, run by master falconer Jack Hubley, is another great interactive activity that features falcons, hawks and a golden eagle. It’s a chance to see these birds fly, watch a hunt demonstration and even have the birds land on your hand. The lodge also has an all-new arcade that grants 24/7 access to guests via their room key. You can cash in points for sweet treats and prizes.
All That Food!
You’ll also never go hungry at Hershey Lodge, with dining options ranging from bar food to buffet-style meals to fine cuisine. Room service is also available for any meal, as well as amenity baskets that come with a variety of chocolates, snacks and balloons. The Cocoa Beanery is a cozy little coffee house offering specialty coffees, chocolate desserts, as well as soup and sandwiches for lunch. There are four other restaurants located at the nearby Hotel Hershey, another Hersheypark official resort.
The Rooms
Accommodations range from a basic guest room that sleeps two up to the sprawling, bi-level suite that can sleep up to eight. And this is Hershey Lodge, after all, so it makes sense that every room is decorated with chocolate-themed artwork. Sweet dreams!
By Carey Reilly
For more on Hersheypark check out: Why You Need to Visit Hersheypark Now.