Sponsored post – Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company hosted us at the Hershey Lodge. All opinions are my own.
If you’re planning a Hershey, Pennsylvania trip to enjoy the multitude of family-fun opportunities and become immersed in the scent and taste of chocolate, then Hershey Lodge is the place to stay to enhance the chocolate-loving fun.
It’s an official resort of Hersheypark, which means there are extra perks to staying at the Lodge, including early entry into the park during the summer operating season (Sweet Start), shuttle transportation to the park, discounts on park tickets, and even free tickets to The Hershey Story (museum) and The Hershey Gardens. The Lodge also boasts an on-site, indoor water park, arcade, restaurants, a coffee shop, and gift shop.
Our stay at the Hershey Lodge was during the holiday season, and the lights and decor certainly gave it a festive feel. When we arrived to check-in, the lobby and large gathering area was beautifully decorated with a sleigh, Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and a large fire place in the center of the space was keeping everyone warm and cozy.
We quickly checked-in and headed to our room because the first item on the agenda was going to the indoor water park. Everyone receives a full-size Hershey bar at check-in! There’s even an area for the kids to check-in. The activity schedule for the day is posted in the lobby, so check that schedule for kid’s check-in time, character meet and greets, and more fun activities.
The Water Works recreation center includes an indoor water park, arcade, refreshment stand, and fitness center. When we arrived at the water park, we were greeted with warm air and the sounds of families having fun.
My oldest daughter was excited that she was tall enough for the two large tube slides (42″ or taller barefoot) that actually exit the building and reenter into a water filled landing strip in the corner of the park.
My youngest headed straight to the toddler slide castle play structure and enjoyed the kiddie slides and fountains. My oldest also enjoyed the lily pad walk, but instead of the typical water park’s lily pads, the Hershey Lodge water park had Reese’s peanut butter cups!
After exhausting themselves in the water park, we relaxed for a bit with some slushies from the Cocoa Cabana refreshment stand. The Cocoa Cabana serves adult drinks, ice cream, and some hot food. Then, we explored the arcade, which is right beside the water park.
We then headed back to our room for the night, and it was so convenient to just walk down the hall and put the kids to bed. To top off the evening, you can order room service with options like Hershey’s milk and cookies for the family!
Breakfast the next morning can be pre-ordered through the room service menu, but there are other equally delicious options at the Lodge restaurants including Hershey Grill, The Bear’s Den, Fire & Grain, or the Cocoa Beanery.
There are activities scheduled throughout the day for kids, including character meet and greets, craft times, bingo, and more (availability may vary due to current circumstances). We were even surprised to see an eagle in the lobby of the resort, brought for a visit by the animal educators at ZooAmerica.
After enjoying everything the resort had to offer, we continued our Hershey-fun weekend with trips to the Hershey Story, Chocolate World, and of course, Hersheypark. With so much to see and do in Hershey, the weekend went quickly, and we had a ton of fun.
Hershey Lodge Tips:
- Shuttle services from the Lodge to Hersheypark saves money on parking! Plus the buses drop off right at the front gate.
- Free tickets to The Hershey Story and Hershey Gardens offer additional value to a stay at the Lodge.
- During the summer season, enjoy Sweet Start at Hersheypark, which gets you into sections of the park an hour before it opens to the public! Sweet Start is reserved only for guests of Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge, Hershey Camping Resort, and season pass holders.
- The indoor water park at the Lodge is a great option for water-fun in the winter or an indoor activity in case of inclement weather in the summer.
- The fun of Hershey comes to you while staying at the Lodge. Character visits, ZooAmerica animal meet and greats, and the sweet taste of the Hershey’s chocolate handed to you at check in!
Want more information for your trip to Hershey? Check out this post about the attractions at Chocolate World.
Looking for tips for visiting Hersheypark? Check out this list of Hersheypark tips.
Sponsored post – Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company hosted us. All opinions are my own.
