I am so unbelievably excited to share that Mommy University has partnered with Hersheypark, The Hotel Hershey and The Hershey Story to share with you all their sweet learning adventures. This holiday season, we were hosted at The Hotel Hershey and provided passes to Hersheypark and the Little Elves Workshop so we can bring you all the magical adventures Hershey, PA has to offer!
From the moment we pulled up to The Hotel Hershey I was in awe of its beauty and grandeur. It immediately took my back to the time of Milton Hershey when the hotel represented success, prosperity and, most of all, happiness. The Hotel Hershey opened in 1933, and although there have been some updates and expansions, it continues to possess the charm and class of that era. The Hotel Hershey also offers modern amenities that will make any guest feel at home.
Since I was a little girl I have been visiting Hershey, PA. In all the years we vacationed there, only once did we stay at The Hotel Hershey. I have longed to return ever since. As an adult, I have had the pleasure of eating at the hotel and enjoying the amazing spa, but had still not fulfilled my dream of being a true guest until now.
Walking up to The Hotel Hershey is like arriving at a castle. From the beautiful fountains to the magnificent views, The Hotel Hershey is breathtaking. My kids were even in awe of the sight.
The Hotel Hershey is spectacular from the moment you arrive. (This is a picture taken last summer and is one of my favorites!)
When we entered the lobby, we fell in love with its class and beauty. From the gorgeous decorations to the stunning glass ceiling, we knew this would be a spectacular visit. The woman at the front desk was extremely pleasant and helpful, and the check-in process went quickly which is helpful after being in the car for over 2 hours. The room wasn’t ready yet since it was only 12:45pm and check-in is at 4pm. We received our key cards, chocolate bars and other goodies and off we went to explore the town.
The check-in lobby is gorgeous!
For those who don’t know, when you stay at The Hotel Hershey, you receive passes to the Hershey Story and the Hershey Gardens. My plan was to visit the museum while we waited for the call from the hotel. Unlike most hotels that just text you when your room is ready, The Hotel Hershey provides you with a personal phone call to let you know when you can check in to your room. This shows how important the guests are to the hotel!
Guests of The Hotel Hershey get free passes to The Hershey Story Museum!
When we returned from the museum, we went right to our room. As soon as we opened the door to our sleeping quarters, we knew this place was special. We had a corner room which provided magnificent views of the grounds and of Hersheypark. The beds were so cozy and inviting that I wanted to take a nap right then and there.
The “oohs” and “aahs” did not stop there. The room offered a giant closet for storage and hanging clothes, and there was a very comfortable chair to relax in. A flat screen television was mounted on the wall to enjoy holiday movies while resting in the beds. The bathroom was spectacular with a gorgeous sink.
What did I love the most though? The bath soaps and shampoo! They smelled like a sinful combination of orange and chocolate. Forget the nap, now I wanted to take the longest shower ever. Another favorite of mine was the coffee. While most hotels offer a coffee pot with coffee, at The Hotel Hershey you get Starbucks coffee. It’s like they knew everything I needed to feel special!
To make the experience even more personal, in the room was a present for my son whose birthday was that weekend. The smile on his face was picture perfect. He felt so important and loved!
Trevor was so excited to get a special present for his birthday!
Now, I wanted to take a shower full of the aroma of chocolate and oranges and then sleep in the cozy beds; however, I have an almost 4-year-old and a 6-year-old in tow so bed jumping and looking out the window it is! Since their energy could not be confined in the 4 walls of our room, we decided to explore the hotel. I could not wait to show my boys what The Hotel Hershey had to offer.
As we walked the halls, I pointed out all the pictures on the wall which showed the history of the town and the hotel. My older son was fascinated with seeing what it looked like in the “olden times” as he calls it. It was a wonderful way to spark conversations and discuss events in history.
This picture shows what the check-in desk used to look like!
First, I showed the boys the grand Fountain Lobby. The kids literally stopped and stared in awe. With the ceiling painted like the daytime sky and a magnificent fountain in the center, it felt like we entered a different era or traveled to another land.
Next, I showed them the restaurants. They especially loved Trevi 5 as “Trevi” is my little one’s nickname. We also checked out the Iberian Cocktail Lounge and The Circular, both beautifully decorated for the holidays. After that, we checked out the pool. “Mom, we are definitely coming back here!” The pool is a great size and there is a hot tub for adults so I said, “Of course we are coming back!”
We then headed back to the lobby to take a quick picture with a Hershey character who was scheduled to arrive to meet guests. My boys were so excited to meet Reese’s, and I was even able to get in the picture!
The last place we explored was the outdoor fountains. It was sunset so the views were breathtaking. My boys loved the “maze” (as they called it) made out of bushes that was surrounded by twinkling lights. Although my kids were running around, somehow I felt a sense of peace.
The grounds of The Hotel Hershey are amazing at sunset!
A daytime view of the bushes my kids called a “maze.”
From there we walked to the Hershey Gardens to explore Santa’s Secret Garden. Remember, admission to the Hershey Gardens is free when you stay at The Hotel Hershey. Adorned with gorgeous lights and a natural winter landscape, the gardens were a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.
After having dinner out, we returned to our room for a relaxing evening. We were delighted to have found Hershey kisses in our room and our beds turned down. We also found an adorable Hershey teddy bear waiting for us on the bed. What a wonderful way to return to our room!
My kids curled up in their bed with their stuffed chocolate bars and dreamt about what adventures the next day would bring. I snuck downstairs to The Circular and purchased a dessert fit for a queen. Then I enjoyed it in bed, in my pajamas. It was a sweet end to the sweetest of days!
We love Hershey, PA, and now we LOVE The Hershey Hotel too. We can’t wait to continue our sweet family adventures!
In full disclosure, we were provided hotel accommodations in exchange for our honest review.
You may also enjoy:
5 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in Hershey
Dinner for Two at The Hershey Hotel
Relax, Unwind and Rejuvenate at The Spa at The Hotel Hershey
I had dinner there once, but I’ve never stayed there. Sounds divine!
It really is divine yet perfect for kids too. It’s a perfect combination of luxury and family-friendly!
I’ve also eaten there but have never stayed there – now inspired to make the trip with my 8 year old!
You and your son will LOVE it Deanna!!
I love it there! We went for Halloween one year when we got slammed with a snow storm. Events were cancelled, but they had their generators on. There’s nothing like swimming while watching all the glittering icycles outside your window!
We were there that same weekend Gina! I remember Hersheypark was closed by Chocolate World was still open. It was a cool experience!