The Hershey Hotel is a destination resort in the truest sense. The 1930s hotel, built by Milton S. Hershey himself, strives to be all things to all guests -- a decadent couples’ getaway, a major conventions venue, and a family-friendly playground. The hilltop grounds feature manicured lawns and beautiful gardens filled with colorful flowerbeds and evergreen trees. Brick pathways wind throughout, leading to charming fountains and cozy nooks with stone benches. Inside is the lavish fountain lobby, with its blue-sky ceiling mural, spectacular terrazzo floor, and majestic fountain with an intricate tile base. The two-story, rectangular lobby resembles a Mediterranean town square or courtyard, with vintage street lamps, stucco arches, and large palms. Several separate sitting areas invite guests to relax and take it all in. The reception area is impressive in its own right, with large white columns framing a lighted ceiling of stained glass. More impressive tilework is showcased at The Circular, the hotel’s flagship restaurant that has no corners and features an oval bar. Throughout this sprawling complex, guests can be found enjoying themselves in an elegant and welcoming environment. 

The hotel occupies a picturesque spot overlooking all the hustle and bustle of downtown Hershey and its nearby attractions. It’s a bit isolated and not within walking distance of downtown or other restaurants, but the hotel compensates for it with a free shuttle service to area attractions. The only major attraction within walking distance is the lovely Hershey Gardens. 

• One-minute walk to Hershey Gardens
• Three-minute drive to Hersheypark
• Three-minute drive to Tanger Outlet Hershey
• Four-minute drive to ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park
• Five-minute drive to Hershey Country Club
• Five-minute drive to Hershey’s Chocolate World
• Eight-minute drive to Hersheypark Stadium
• Eight-minute drive to Hershey Lodge
• 10-minute drive to Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
• 15-minute drive to The Pennsylvania Turnpike
• 20-minute drive to The Amtrak Station in Middletown 
• 20-minute drive to Harrisburg International Airport

Guest rooms at the Hotel Hershey are divided into two main categories: those in the main hotel, and those in the cottages. Both options feature a tasteful traditional style, however the Woodside Cottages are individually decorated. In rooms, light-gold wallpaper is blended with bedding, carpeting, and drapes in shades of gray, and marble- or granite-topped grayish wood furniture. Etched mirrors above the dark wood desks lend a touch of glamour. All rooms and cottages have mini-fridges, safes, and one-cup coffeemakers. The iHome docking stations and DVD players (with movies available through the concierge) are nice touches, along with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Room service and turndown service with Hershey's chocolates are standard. Bathrooms are upscale and polished but somewhat small, with beige marble tile, shower/tub combos, and wood vanities with magnifying mirrors. Comfy robes, and premium toiletries from The Spa at the Hershey Hotel are provided. 

Though rooms offer enough space to be comfortable, standard rooms are not large. The standard King, Queen, or Two Queen Rooms range from 220 to 340 square feet. Premium Kings are a bit more roomy at 400 to 500 square feet and each includes a sleeper sofa, large jetted tub with overhead shower, and sitting area. The Two Queen Rooms that overlook the indoor pool have patios or balconies. Junior suites are similarly sized at 400 square feet, and each includes a sleeper sofa and parlor separated by glass French doors. Larger suites of 1,450 to 2,100 square feet have multiple bedrooms and bathrooms and living/dining room areas. Woodside Cottage rooms are spacious (525 square feet) and have darker brown carpet and dark wood furnishings. Their bathrooms are also much larger and more luxurious, with flat-screen TVs, twin marble vanities, walk-in showers, and separate soaking tubs. Guests can reserve just one room or the entire four- or six-bedroom cottage that features a common room with vaulted ceiling, stone gas fireplace, dining table, and wet bar with mini-fridge and microwave. 

Features at the Hotel Hershey are extensive and aimed to appeal to a broad range of guests from family groups to business travelers to couples on spa and golf trips. For on-site dining, there are three full-service restaurants (including Italian and standard American cuisine), a coffee shop with pastries, a cocktail lounge, and poolside food service in season. Breakfast, such as the popular buffet at The Circular restaurant, is not included in room rates. 

The large, full-service spa and salon offers a wide range of facial, massage, and body treatments. It includes steam and sauna rooms and an upscale boutique. Several other on-site retail shops sell various items including jewelry, home goods, signature apparel, and sweets. The expansive fitness center includes Life Cycle cardio and weight-training equipment. There is a large indoor pool and adjacent whirlpool, and a huge outdoor pool with cabanas available for rent. The outdoor entertainment center includes tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts, a croquet lawn, hiking trails, and guided Segway tours. Guests of the hotel and the Hershey Lodge get exclusive access to two golf courses at the Hershey Country Club. 

For families, the resort offers babysitting services and a Cocoa Kids' Club in high season and on holidays and select weekends in off season. And for business travelers, the hotel has 25,000 square feet of indoor meeting space in 20 separate rooms, and a business center with Internet access and printers. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. There is a full-time concierge staff, and valet dry cleaning and laundry services are available. The hotel operates a free shuttle to area attractions, and airport and train station shuttles for a fee. Both valet and self-parking are free. Note, only service animals are allowed on the property.