Some towns are famous for a chocolate bar. This one built an entire hilltop resort around the idea.
High above the streets of Hershey, Pennsylvania, sits a grand old hotel where families come back across generations, where kids return as parents, and where dessert is treated like serious business. The dining room alone has earned its own following, and the cake named in the title has become a kind of edible souvenir.
But the story goes far beyond one plate. There are formal gardens, a spa built around a cocoa theme, a falconry experience, pools for every age, and cottages with stone fireplaces.
There are also a few honest quirks worth knowing before booking. Keep reading for the full picture, from the history and the grounds to the practical tips that make a stay here go smoothly.
A Hilltop Address in Chocolate Town
Every sweet adventure needs a starting point, and this one begins at 100 Hotel Rd, Hershey, PA 17033, in the United States.
The Hotel Hershey sits inside the larger Hershey resort, perched on a hill that looks out over the town that chocolate built.
It is a full service resort hotel, not a quick overnight stop. The property mixes historic architecture with modern comforts, so it works as a destination in its own right.
Guests come for the rooms, the dining, the spa, the pools, and the grounds. Plenty of people also use it as a polished home base for exploring everything else Hershey has to offer.
The hotel holds a strong reputation, with thousands of guests sharing their stays over the years. Its overall standing lands well above average for a property of its size.
Many arrive for the amusement park down the hill. A good number leave talking more about the hotel itself.
The setting gives the place a tucked away feeling, even though major attractions are only minutes away. That balance is a big part of the appeal.
So with the map pinned and the hill climbed, the next question is a simple one: how did a hotel like this end up here in the first place?
Old World Charm on Purpose
Milton Hershey did not do anything halfway, and his hotel shows it.
The property carries the vision of the man who shaped the entire town, and many guests say his legacy still shines through the experience.
This is a historic hotel, and it leans into that identity. The decor and layout keep a classic, old world style that feels like a trip to another era.
Some guests call it dated. Others say the vintage character is exactly the point, and that it adds to the experience rather than taking away from it.
The history does come with practical side effects. Some rooms in the main building are smaller than modern hotel rooms, and certain bathrooms are tight, which matters for taller guests or larger groups.
Families return here year after year, sometimes for decades. One long time staff member has worked on the property for around 40 years, a detail that says plenty about the place’s staying power.
The hotel’s age also means it has stories baked into its walls. Weddings, anniversaries, and childhood trips all pile up over time.
Fans of grand historic hotels tend to fall for it quickly. Those who prefer sleek and brand new should know what they are signing up for, then decide.
Formal Gardens and Grounds That Steal the Show
Ask almost anyone what stood out about their stay, and the grounds come up fast.
The landscaping is a major talking point, with well kept lawns, formal gardens, and paths that make a simple walk feel like an event.
The formal gardens get special attention from guests. They work well for strolls, photos, and quiet moments away from the busier parts of the resort.
Then there is Hershey Gardens, which sits just a short walk away. It is about four minutes on foot from the hotel, so getting there takes less time than choosing an outfit.
Seasonal access to the gardens is included as a complimentary perk for hotel guests. That makes it easy to add a garden visit without extra planning.
The grounds also explain why the hotel feels so separate from the rest of town. Many guests describe it as a world away, even though attractions are close.
Morning walks, evening loops, or a slow wander between activities all fit naturally here.
It is the kind of property where the space between buildings is as memorable as the buildings themselves, and that is a rare trick for any hotel to pull off.
Minutes From the Roller Coasters
Close enough to visit, far enough to rest. That sums up the location better than any brochure.
Hersheypark and its amusement rides are about a 10 minute walk from the hotel. Proximity to the park is one of the most mentioned perks among guests.
ZooAmerica sits roughly a mile away, which adds another easy outing for families with animal lovers in tow.
A complimentary resort shuttle helps guests get around without moving the car. Parking is also free, which takes one more cost off the list.
Many first timers book specifically for park days. They spend the day on rides, then head back up the hill for a calmer evening.
The hotel also works well for anyone who wants to do all the classic Hershey things. A tour through downtown and its chocolate spots pairs nicely with a stay here.
One heads up for event nights: when big concerts come to town, traffic near Hersheypark Drive can back up for a long time. Fields below the Milton Hershey School are used for parking, and that area sits just down the hill.
Planning around concert schedules can save a lot of time sitting at a light, and that time is far better spent on a coaster.
The Dining Rooms Behind the Legend
Food is where the hotel turns a stay into a story.
The Circular is the best known dining room on the property. It serves breakfast that families rave about, and some packages include free breakfast for kids.
Staff in The Circular often earn warm praise, especially for how well they handle tables with young children.
The 1933 Restaurant and Tavern offers a steakhouse experience. Guests looking for a hearty dinner tend to land here.
The resort also lists an Italian restaurant and a sleek cafe among its dining options. A bar rounds things out for evening hangouts.
Room service is available too, though wait times can stretch during busy periods. A little patience helps.
Many guests call the restaurant food very good, with the setting doing a lot of the heavy lifting. Dining here feels like an occasion, and plenty of locals save it for birthdays and celebrations.
The restaurants sit on the first floor, a detail some guests only discover on day two. Asking at check in saves a scavenger hunt.
And of course, there is the dessert that gives this article its name, which deserves a section all its own.
Save Room for the Chocolate Martini Cake
In a town named for chocolate, skipping dessert feels a little like skipping the rides at Hersheypark.
The Chocolate Martini Cake has become the signature finale for many meals in the hotel dining room. It is the kind of dessert people plan their whole dinner around.
The kitchen takes cake seriously in general. Whole birthday cakes are made right on site, and they earn glowing praise from diners celebrating special occasions.
That fact alone hints at why dessert carries so much weight here. A hotel built by a chocolate pioneer was never going to treat the last course as an afterthought.
Here is a useful strategy. Entree portions in the dining room tend to be on the smaller side, and some guests suggest adding an appetizer.
Smaller entrees, though, leave the perfect amount of space for a big finish. Think of it as built in dessert insurance.
Prices in the dining room sit on the premium end, so it helps to go in expecting a special occasion meal rather than a quick bite.
Whether it is a birthday, an anniversary, or simply a Tuesday that deserves upgrading, ending with cake here feels like part of the Hershey tradition. Few people walk out without at least one forkful.
A Spa With a Cocoa Theme
Of all the topics guests bring up, the spa leads the pack by a wide margin.
The Chocolate Spa is the hotel’s signature wellness space, and it lives up to the town’s theme in name and spirit.
Treatments include massages, body scrubs, wraps, and pedicures. Some guests build an entire day around a lineup of services.
A typical spa day might pair an 80 minute massage with a body treatment, then a pedicure. Therapists earn frequent compliments for their skill.
Lunch at the Oasis is part of the spa experience for many guests. It turns a few appointments into a full afternoon of downtime.
Staff in the spa are described as friendly and knowledgeable, which matters when choosing between treatments.
Couples often book massages for birthdays or anniversaries. Friends plan spa getaways too.
The spa works well on its own or as a break between park days. After hours of walking and rides, a massage makes a strong case for itself.
Booking ahead is wise, since the spa is clearly one of the most popular parts of the resort. A little planning keeps the relaxing part relaxing.
Pools for Every Kind of Swimmer
Splash zones and quiet laps share the same property here, which keeps everyone in the family happy.
The hotel offers both an indoor pool and an outdoor pool. That means swimming is on the menu even when the weather does not cooperate.
The outdoor pool gets frequent praise from families. Kids treat it as a highlight, sometimes ranking it right next to the amusement park.
Lifeguards are on duty at the pools, a detail parents appreciate when little ones are in the water.
Adults have their own option too. An adult pool gives grown ups a calmer place to unwind away from the cannonball crowd.
A hot tub adds another way to rest after a long day of walking around town.
On busy days, pool seats can be hard to find. Heading down earlier in the day tends to improve the odds of grabbing a lounge chair.
The pools also make a great plan B. If rain cancels outdoor plans, the indoor pool keeps the schedule afloat, pun fully intended.
Rooms, Suites, Cottages, and Villas
Sleeping arrangements here range from classic hotel rooms to private cottages, and the choice shapes the whole stay.
Standard rooms come with sitting areas, minifridges, flat screen TVs, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi.
Suites add separate living rooms, which helps families who need a little elbow room.
The cottages and villas are the top tier. They feature fireplaces, marble bathrooms, and soaking tubs.
Guests who stay in the villas often point to the stone fireplace, the spacious bathroom, and windows that actually open. Beds in this area win high marks for comfort.
The main building is where opinions split. Some rooms are compact, and several guests feel certain rooms are due for updates.
Housekeeping earns praise in many stays, and turndown service is offered, though not everyone learns about it at check in.
Room choice matters more here than at many hotels. Asking about room size and bathroom layout before arrival is a smart move, especially for groups of four.
Those wanting the most polished experience should consider a cottage or villa. Those focused on the park and the grounds may be perfectly content in a standard room.
Falcons, Fairways, and Late Night Hoops
Not every hotel lets guests meet a bird of prey before lunch.
The falconry experience is one of the more unusual activities on the property. It shows up often in guest conversations, and it gives the stay a memorable twist.
Golfers have plenty to work with too. Seasonal access to three golf courses is included as a complimentary amenity.
The sports complex is another hit. Families describe it as well organized, with early morning tennis and late night basketball both on the table.
Sports courts give kids and teens a place to burn off energy that is not a hotel hallway.
A fitness center covers the basics for anyone sticking to a workout routine on the road.
Kids activities are part of the mix as well, and parents say they are well run.
The variety means a family can split up for a few hours and regroup happy. One person tees off, another meets a falcon, and someone else claims the basketball court.
With this much on site, a rainy afternoon or a day off from the park still fills up fast.
Jazz Nights and Wedding Days
Music drifts across the property on certain evenings, thanks to the Jazz on the Veranda concert series.
The series brings live bands to the hotel, and it even played a role in the July 4th celebration marking America’s 250th birthday.
One performance shows how the team handles surprises. When rain blew in minutes before showtime, staff set up a ballroom and moved the whole show inside in about 30 minutes.
That kind of quick pivot matters a lot to anyone planning an event here.
The hotel is also a popular wedding venue. The gardens, historic architecture, and ballrooms give couples plenty of backdrop options.
Special occasions of all kinds land here. Birthdays, anniversaries, and family milestones fill the calendar.
A business center supports work trips and meetings, so the hotel handles more than leisure.
Group bookings can take some persistence. Phone lines for reservations sometimes have long hold times, and the hotel suggests emailing info@hersheypa.com for inquiries.
For anyone dreaming of a celebration with a historic setting and a chocolate twist, this property makes a strong opening argument.
Who Feels Most at Home Here
A nine year old once had a magical stay here. At 37, she came back with three kids of her own to recreate it, and the trip exceeded her hopes.
That story captures the hotel’s core audience. Families who want tradition, structure, and plenty to do will feel right at home.
The property is kid friendly, with pools, activities, lifeguards, and breakfast that suits small appetites.
Couples looking for a spa escape also fit nicely, especially those booking cottages or villas.
Fans of historic hotels will appreciate the old world style. Guests who want ultra modern rooms may want to read the fine print first.
The hotel is also pet friendly, which opens the door for travelers who bring a four legged family member.
Accessibility features are listed among the amenities, and the property is smoke free throughout.
First time Pennsylvania travelers often leave planning a return. Long time regulars keep booking despite occasional gripes, which says something about the pull of the place.
In short, this is a resort for people who value setting, history, and a full slate of activities over sleek minimalism.
Smart Tips Before Booking
A little homework goes a long way at a resort this size.
Nightly rates start around $310, and peak dates or upgraded rooms can climb much higher. Some guests have paid several hundred dollars more per night during busy seasons.
Parking is complimentary, and valet service is available at the entrance. The resort shuttle and airport shuttle add more ways to get around.
Check in can involve a wait at busy times. Asking for a quick rundown of the restaurants, pools, and turndown service helps avoid surprises later.
Packages sometimes include perks like kids breakfast. Confirm vouchers at arrival and review the final bill at checkout.
Front desk experiences vary, while housekeeping and retail staff often earn warm thanks.
Request details on room size and bathroom layout, especially in the historic main building.
Cancellations through the reservations line can involve long holds, so plan ahead if dates might change.
Laundry service, free Wi-Fi, and air conditioning cover the everyday needs.
Checking local concert dates is also wise, since event traffic near the hotel can be heavy. A smooth stay often starts with these small steps.
A Sweet Verdict From the Hilltop
So, does the hotel earn its spot at the top of the hill? For most guests, the answer is yes, with a few asterisks.
The strengths are clear. Gorgeous grounds, a beloved spa, great pools, standout villas, and a location minutes from Hersheypark make a powerful combination.
The dining rooms add a sense of occasion. And the dessert course, led by the famous cake in this article’s title, gives every dinner a proper finale.
The quirks are real too. Some rooms in the historic building feel small or tired, and front desk service can be uneven.
Going in with clear expectations makes all the difference. Choose the room type carefully, ask questions at check in, and keep an eye on the bill.
Families chasing nostalgia, couples craving spa time, and anyone who loves a grand historic setting will likely find plenty to celebrate.
This is a place where memories stack up across generations, much like layers in a good cake.
Book the stay, plan a park day, reserve a spa slot, and whatever happens, do not leave the dining room without dessert. The town would never forgive it.
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