If you’re planning a sweet escape to Hershey, Pennsylvania — the town where chocolate dreams come to life — the Hershey Lodge is likely at the top of your list. In this review, I’ll share my personal experience at the Hershey Lodge — from check-in to check-out — so you can decide if it’s the right place for your next getaway.
As you enter the Hershey Lodge the first thing you notice is the smell of chocolate that fills the lobby. Then you realize this is no ordinary place.
The Hershey Lodge is full of family fun activities, like the Hershey Lodge Water Park, restaurants, and is a perfect family weekend getaway.
When we pulled up to the resort, we were blown away by how large it is. The lobby has a fire place and a warm ambiance that makes you feel at home.
If this sounds like a place you would love to stay at keep reading for all the details and review of Hershey Lodge at Hersheypark.
Hershey Lodge Hotel Review
My quick first impression of Hershey Lodge is positive. This is a fun resort that is perfect for families. They offer Kid’s Check-In especially for little ones, lots of family friendly amenities, and shuttle service to Hersheypark.
Because it is so family friendly Hershey Lodge tends to be very busy. There are often sports teams and other groups staying at the hotel. This is not necessarily a bad thing but be prepared for a busy, not quiet stay!
We have stayed at Hershey Lodge Hotel numerous times and it is always a great spot for our family.
Perks of Staying at the Hershey Lodge
Guests staying at the Hershey Lodge receive perks that off-site guests do not. They are:
- Complimentary shuttle service to and from Hersheypark
- Up to 3 Extra Hours for Preview Plan the day before your visit. Learn more here.
- 1 Hour Early Access with Sweet Start. Hotel guests enter Hersheypark 1 hour before official park open.
- Free tickets to: Hershey Gardens & The Hershey Story Museum Experience
- Free chocolate at check-in.
- Indoor & Outdoor Pool, Access to Hershey Lodge Water Park
Hershey Lodge Rooms
At the Hershey resorts you will find accommodations for families of all sizes. They offer standard rooms and suites. The standard rooms have two queen beds and suites can fit up to 8 people.
The premium 2 queen guest room is 329 square feet and has 2 queen beds and a double sleeper sofa making this a great choice for larger families.
The guest rooms at the Hershey Lodge are moderately decorated with a Hershey theme. They have Hershey Kiss wallpaper and kisses on the linens.
The beds were really comfortable and we were close to the water park! We loved the location to the water park but we did have to walk outside to get to it.
Cost
The cost of a room at Hershey Lodge starts at $299 during the off-season and will be significantly more during the summer season. During the summer months nightly prices were starting at $300.00. (Prices are accurate as of date of published.)
Hershey Lodge Amenities
Guests at the Hershey Lodge at Hersheypark can use all the on-site amenities. They include indoor water park, outdoor pool area, fitness center, arcade center and game room, mini golf course, and basketball hoops.
There are also daily resort activities that include crafts and activity room, character meet and greets, Family Bingo and more.
Guests receive early entry access into Hersheypark as well as a free transportation to and from the Hershey Chocolate World, Chocolatetown, and Hersheypark.
This is a huge perk to avoid parking and be some of the first guests into the park. Hershey Lodge offers complimentary shuttles from the lodge to Hersheypark. The shuttles run every 30 minutes.
Dining at Hershey Lodge
There are 4 restaurants on site sit down dining at the Hershey Lodge.
Fire & Grain offers breakfast and dinner options. Hershey Grill and The Bear’s Den offer American Fare. Cocoa Beanery is a grab and go option.
The Revelry is a little fancier but all of the restaurants are family friendly. There is also a coffee shop, lobby bar, room service, and the Cocoa Cabana located at Water Works.
We ate most of our meals outside the lodge at Hersheypark on our most recent visit but we also got take-out from The Bear’s Den that was perfect after a long day at the park.
Final Thoughts
We really loved the family friendly atmosphere as soon as we entered the Hershey Lodge resort. It has a welcoming cozy vibe and perfect for a family weekend getaway.
At check-in the kids received the daily kids activities and a sweet treat for all of us!! Most of the time you will receive Hershey Chocolate Bars or Hershey Kisses during your stay.
We received a schedule that had all the hours of the Hershey Lodge water park and restaurants, as well as the hours for the family activities.
Hershey Lodge may not be in your budget, and you can find off-site accommodations that are more affordable, the big perk of staying at the Hershey Lodge is the early access into Hersheypark.
This is especially important during the summer months when crowds are large and wait times are long. Hersheypark is a very popular amusement park and the perks of staying on-site may out weigh the cost.
Overall we felt like it was worth spending a bit more to stay at Hershey Lodge but we might not during the less busy season. Hershey Lodge is a great resort that families will love.
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Leah has been traveling with her family of 5 since 2012 and sharing her expertise on planning family vacations and visiting theme parks since 2016. Leah has been featured in Visit Rochester, Undercover Tourist, and Home Publications. She has worked with brands like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Hersheypark, Toyota, and various Tourism boards and destinations. Leah creates family travel itineraries based on real trip experiences with her family. Her guides and tips help others plan great family vacations. Learn more about Leah and Five for the Road.