Even though there’s a recession on, and the US is feeling it keenly, the hotel was packed. Families, business travellers, conferences: it was heaving with people. But the hotel is large enough to take it. 

 

On checking in, we were asked ‘the most important question’ would we like a milk or dark chocolate bar? And so begins the overindulgence of staying in this hotel. 

 

I was shocked at finding that my beautiful room bared no hint of chocolate. Perhaps that was best as to over do it is certainly easy at The Hotel Hershey. The room was large and sumptuous with a fabulous bed that was soft enough to ease my jetlag out of me over the course of my 3 night stay.

 

The bathroom sported a shower that woke me up with a bang every day and the in-house toiletries were provided by The Spa at The Hotel Hershey, made by Gilchrist and Soames. I had a selection of Mint or cocoa delights (natch) and I confess that as a seasoned traveller who hardly ever scoops up the toiletries, these ones did indeed make the transatlantic journey back with me.

 

A stroll around the grounds was a delight as there is a large formal garden leading down to an ice-rink, which is open for most of the year. The American delight of S’mores made with marshmallow and Hershey chocolate were available during the warm nights. Character actors appeared to assist in the fun throughout the grounds and at certain times in the lobby.

 

 

The hotel has a few restaurants to its name and we tried Harvest on our first night, a sort of upgraded Harvester to you and me. Large portions of fresh food, which were sourced locally included scallops, burgers, ribs and some sticky looking confections for dinner. Just writing about it is making me hungry again. Americans do food well, and they do it large. Harvest was no exception.

 

The hotel’s piece de resistance, is its large terrace, which is almost the same size as most of the hotel. Overlooking the scenic view of Hershey, Pennsylvania we indulged in some rather fabulous bottles of Malbec while watching the sun go down over the fields. 

 

The Hotel Hershey does service with a smile and even offers a free shuttle to and from the many nearby attractions, even the outlet mall which isn’t part of the Hershey brand. Although sadly my shuttle never arrived and I hitched a lift back with a kindly shopper. But that’s another story. 

 

Written by Lorna Strickland-Cook

 

http://www.thehotelhershey.com/