Ever have a moment where you just know you and your family need a weekend getaway? Well, I recently had one of those moments, and I’m kind of glad that I did! Early last month, on a Friday after work, I picked up my son from school, and we headed up the highway to The Sweetest Place on Earth!… Hershey, PA! I made arrangements to stay at Hershey Lodge, a full service resort, known for it’s sweet hospitality.
Warm & Inviting Atmosphere
As we drove up to Hershey from Maryland, we encountered a little bit of snow. Boy was it cold! But the first word that came to mind as I drove up to Hershey Lodge was “peaceful.” I love the serene atmosphere where the Lodge is located. There is even a lake out front where you can sit on a bench or relax in the gazebo, to enjoy the view.
Then when I walked through the front doors of Hershey Lodge, the next word to come to mind was “warmth.” Overall Hershey Lodge has such a warm and inviting feel to it.
Friendly “welcomes” and “hellos” from the staff as I headed to check in was such a nice touch. They even have a seasonal Kids Check-In, which my son loved! It is such a nice way for children to feel welcomed and special. Your children can sign the “Kids at Hershey Lodge” guest book, participate in a Hershey’s candy guessing game, and receive their own chocolate surprise. My son even got a lanyard personalized with his name and contact information. This is in case a child ever becomes lost.
And I need to mention the stone fireplace! There are comfy chairs surrounding the four-sided structure that that invite you to sit down and relax. However, my son opted for a seat in front of the fire…
Relaxing by the fire with your favorite cocktail is definitely a lovely way to end the day. For your convenience, there is a small bar off of the lobby just a few feet from the fireplace.
Our room, in the Hershey Kiss Tower, was spacious and inviting. The furnishings are crafted regionally, and chocolate is featured in both the decor and artwork. The beds were comfortable, and I loved that there was a micro-fridge available in the room for our use.
Modern flat screen TVs were a plus! You can actually request a DVD player too through the concierge. My son especially appreciated a desk so that he could practice his writing (or really just drawing.)
In addition, suites and ADA accessible guest rooms are available at Hershey Lodge.
Our bathroom was clean and in pristine condition. Always a plus!
Hershey’s Water Works
I think what attracts us the most to staying at Hershey Lodge is access to Hershey’s Water Works at Hershey Lodge indoor water park. This is an exclusive amenity for overnight guests of the Lodge! The water park features 30,000 square feet of interactive pool-splashing fun, including the popular Twizzlers Twists water slides and the Reese’s Water Walk.
There is also a zero entry pool, and a sand castle spray zone!
My son also enjoyed the lighthouse tipping buckets!
There are also basketball hoops…
… and for the adults, there is a HOT TUB! (Check out Twizzlers Twists water slides in the background!)
Water Works opened up at 8 AM and you bet that was the first thing my son wanted to do the next morning after we arrived. At 5 years old, my son knows how to swim, but he’s not exactly the strongest swimmer. Luckily there are pools and water features for kids of all ages, whether they are a swimmer or not!
He really enjoyed the interactive features throughout the water park, like the sand castle.
… but Reese’s Water Walk was a no go for him. This feature was very popular among the older kids at the pool though.
If you find yourself hungry, or in need of a beverage (or two), there is the Cocoa Cabana right next to the pool! They offer pizza, quesadillas, chicken tenders, nachos, and more.
And speaking of dining options…
Variety of Dining Options
A really attractive aspect of Hershey Lodge is that they offer a wide variety of dining options. Whether you want to enjoy a filling dinner of steak and seafood, or catch the big game while chowing down on a burger, or even sip a cocktail while relaxing by the pool… Hershey Lodge has it all:
Start your day off right with a cafe style breakfast at Cocoa Beanery. For lunch or dinner with the family, visit The Bears’ Den or Hershey Grill, and gourmet dinners are best enjoyed at The Forebay.
During our visit, we had time to check out the Bear’s Dean, Hershey Grill, Cocoa Beanery, and Coco Cabana. The Cocoa Beanery was our go-to for breakfast. Coffee and egg sandwiches were a nice way to start the day!
My son’s favorite restaurant there is the Bear’s Den, a Hershey Bears hockey themed establishment. He just loved the hockey themed decor and sports arena atmosphere.
There are 28 HD TVs, and an enormous 7′ x 12′ HD video wall tuned in to all the sports action!
Plus they offer a nice selection of meals on the children’s menu. For a start, the Bavarian Hot Pretzels were a hit at our table!
One of my favorite meals there is the Portabella Garden Burger Stack. I think it paired quite nicely with the Hershey’s Special Dark® Martini!!
Now I previously had the opportunity to enjoy a delicious breakfast at the Hershey Grill. (Pssst! Order the S’mores French Toast!) For this trip though, we made it in for lunch. I enjoyed the Chicken Margherita Sandwich. Think grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, sliced tomato, balsamic aioli, and basil leaves over grilled focaccia… Delicious!
And why yes, I did enjoy a HERSHEY’S® KISSES® Signature Chocolate Martini too.
Next month, Hershey Lodge will open their newest addition, Fire & Grain restaurant. The restaurant will serve “an innovative breakfast and dinner menu of completely re-mastered comfort food featuring appetizers, entrees, drinks, and desserts.” I can’t wait to try it!
One of the Official Resorts of Hersheypark
There are so many benefits and perks to staying at one of the official resorts of Hersheypark Amusement Park! All guests of Hershey Lodge are offered the best price on Hersheypark tickets, early access to select rides and attractions, and complimentary shuttle service just to name a few. While Hersheypark was not open yet during our most recent stay, it was such a time saver to use the Lodge’s shuttle service to and from ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park and the Giant Center for the Hershey Bears hockey game. In the off season, free admission may be available to the Hershey Story Museum and Hershey Gardens for those who stay at official Hershey Resorts.
Did I mention that Hersheypark opens very soon? April 8 to be exact! There is so much going on at Hersheypark in the spring time, including the opening of their new ride, the Hershey Triple Tower attraction! Check it out…
We caught a quick glimpse of the Hershey Triple Tower attraction when we visited ZooAmerica, but we can’t wait to actually experience it in person!
Furthermore, since Hershey Lodge is an official Hershey Resort, my son loved seeing the famous “Hershey” characters all over the property. He participated in a Hershey candy themed photo hunt (where he won more Hershey candy!). Make sure you pick up the list of weekend activities when checking in. We were sad that with our busy schedule we missed out on the movie nights and Bingo, but that just means we have something to look forward to during our next visit!
And keeping up with the Hershey theme, I love love LOVE that the soap, lotion, shampoo, and conditioner offered in the room are chocolate scented.
If you find yourself loving them as much as I do, no worries… they are available in the gift shop!
Of course the gift shop has REAL chocolate to enjoy as well. You can even order a gift basket and have it delivered to your room to enjoy!
Other fun Hershey themed amenities include the arcades (one each in The Bear’s Den and water park). Skee-ball and air hockey were my son’s favorites!
Overall… Hershey Lodge is a great family resort that has something for everyone. Even with Hersheypark closed, thanks to Hershey Lodge, we were easily able to create a fun-filled weekend full of memories in the Sweetest Place on Earth!… Hershey, PA.
Don’t forget to connect with Hershey, PA on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Plus check out Hershey Lodge on Facebook.
What do you love about the Hershey Lodge?
I received complimentary and media-rated tickets and accommodations during our stay at the Hershey Lodge. All opinions are 100% my own.
Rosey says
Everything there looks amazing. I would love to visit, and when we head to PA this summer, may well just do it!
Stephanie Jeannot says
The fireplace and the pool are such inviting aspects of this lodge. I remember my parents taking our family to Hershey Park as a child. What fun that was.
Liz Mays says
Wow, they really do make this lodge family friendly. Fun, comfort and convenience are priorities for us so I think it sounds like a wonderful place to stay.
Shauna says
The whole experience looks amazing. The water works looks like a lot of fun. I think my kids would love it. And well, the chocolate too.
Matt says
That water park looks like a lot of fun in the winter! A perfect place to get away from the cold and the city and the cold for a while and pretend its summer again! And not too crowded, so you don’t have to worry is you summer body is still under construction!
Rebecca Bryant says
this is going to my must see places. I am a huge fan of Hershey’s chocolate and to get to stay at a lodge like this would be heaven. so many wonderful things.
Lois Alter Mark says
I think I would spend a fortune in that gift shop! I’m a huge chocoholic and I think it’s time for me to go back to Hershey and stay at Hershey Lodge for a night or two or ten!
Jenn says
WOW, it looks so much like I remembered :). We used to go almost every Christmas when I was growing up, so many great memories!! I cant wait to bring my kiddos one year when we go back up to visit family
Keikilani says
Everything about Hershey looks amazing! I would love to take my family there. So much fun to be had.
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
I saw a portion of the Hershey Lodge going back a year and a half I think. It did look very warm and inviting. And who wouldn’t want chocolate on their bed!
Christine says
I have been wanting to go to Hershey for quite some time and your post got me talking more to my hubby about it! The lodge is AWESOME and the water area – WOW! My kids would LOVE that. Might have to plan an spring break trip to Hershey for next year!!!
Sarah says
I’m not sure what looks the most appealing to me, it all seems superb! I would adore spending hours relaxing with my family in front of that inviting stone fireplace and playing all day in the water park. I love that they have a classy and cozy atmosphere inside of the hotel while still having very kid/family oriented activities available. I had no idea this place existed and now I hope I can travel there with my kids when they’re a little older!
Jennifer says
I love everything about Hershey Lodge! Every. Single. THING! It is so beautiful there, and there’s chocolate everywhere!
Marysa says
What a cool place! We would love to go sometime as a family road trip. Long drive, but not too far! I had no idea how much stuff they have there.
Kristin says
I’ve heard nothing but great things about this place! Such a wonderful spot for family quality time. Can’t wait to take mine someday!
Sapana V says
This Hershey Lodge looks so comfortable and a perfect place for family outing. Great pictures.
Kimberly Croisant says
I’ve read lots of reasons to stay here. I hope to one day be able to take my son here. I’ve heard quite of few people have enjoyed their stay.
Kristi says
Looks like the perfect get away to me! The chocolate theme and the water park would be paradise for my kiddos!
Harleen says
It looks like a perfect place to stay!
Laurie says
Just booked 3 nights then saw this… and I’m even more excited! Thanks for your review.