The Hotel Hershey: 10 Things You Didn't Know

Is The Hotel Hershey too fancy for kids? Is it too upscale? Is it too expensive? As a self-proclaimed Hershey, PA expert, people ask me those questions all the time! If you haven't read my in-depth review of the Hershey resorts and attractions, please visit my Hershey Insider Page for answers to many of the common Hershey resort-area questions.  If you have an upcoming trip planned to The Hotel Hershey (or if you were thinking about planning one), I have some fun facts and tips for you in this post, as well! And this year, The Hotel Hershey is celebrating its 90th anniversary! 

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post! I was not paid or compensated in any way. I just really love Hershey, and I feel like it's my duty to sprinkle magic Hershey dust everywhere I go. Since writing this post, I was chosen to be a part of the Hershey's Sweetest Families Panel, which enabled me to share opportunities, events and more with you from Hershey Entertainment and Resorts. 

Now, do me a favor and Pin this fabulous image (below) for later! I know you'll want to visit Hotel Hershey someday and check out all of these fun facts for yourself!

Many thanks to The Hotel Hershey for providing us with a special tour during our visit, and allowing me to share these fun finds with you.

1. The Hotel Hershey was built in 1933

You might've already known this fun fact, but it still amazes me. The Hotel Hershey, built in 1933, has managed to keep much of the '1933 feel' with a clean and modern twist. I have been in old hotels that smell old and feel old, and that's not what you get when you visit The Hotel Hershey, trust me. Milton Hershey would never have stood for that!

2. The Lobby Used to Be a Parking Garage

It's hard to imagine, but when you enter The Hotel Hershey, that beautiful lobby was actually not the main check-in area. The fountain lobby was the original main entrance to the hotel, and the area where guests check-in now was actually the parking garage.

The Fountain Lobby still has much of the original furniture from 1933, as well as the original tile. The Mediterranean style was inspired by the many travels of Milton and Catherine Hershey (*FYI, you can see a fun collection of their travel photos in the lobby of the 4D movie at Hershey's Chocolate World, and many of their original photos at The Hershey Story Museum).

3. The Topiary Shrubs Spell Out HH for Hotel Hershey

It's hard to realize it when you walk the outdoor gardens at The Hotel Hershey, but the bushes actually form the letters HH, with a Hershey's Kiss between them. The flowers are changed out seasonally, too, so the colors aren't always the same. We were able to see this beautiful view from the outdoor patio of the Castilian Ballroom.

And the photo below shows the view from the ground. Not too shabby from this angle, either!

4. Oasis Lounge & Restaurant is Located in The Spa at The Hotel Hershey

I am almost embarrassed to admit that during all of my trips to The Hotel Hershey (and there have been many), I have never received any spa services. I've drooled over the options. I've used their toiletries and products. I've walked through on a fabulous private tour provided to me by the hotel. But I've never experienced the joy of the spa. Even during our last moms-only trip, we opted to visit Hersheypark for the day instead of taking advantage of the spa ('cause I guess we're just a bunch o' fun-lovin' gals!). Anyway, The Spa at The Hotel Hershey has its own website and it's recommended you make spa appointments 3-4 weeks prior to your trip. I was amazed to see this gorgeous restaurant and lounge hidden away inside the spa (it's called Oasis, get it?). You can eat here in your comfy robe, as long as you're a spa patron.

5. Yetis, Yetis Everywhere!

Nope, that's not a typo. The amazing artist who painted many of the murals and decor at The Hotel Hershey (his name is Irvin) hid Yetis in his paintings. They're not always easy to spot. Can you see the one below? He's walking across the 4th tile from the left. This yeti was found in the Castilian Ballroom.

And the yeti (pictured below) is in the negative space in the sky (just below the flower vines on the right). This painting is on the ceiling in The Hotel Hershey Spa.

There are beautiful murals and paintings all over the hotel. You just have to open your eyes and look around!

6. You Might See a Raptor in the Fountain Lobby

The Hotel Hershey offers all kinds of recreational activities, and one of their most unique offerings is the Falconry Experience. It gives guests of all ages the chance to participate in an interactive demonstration featuring hawks, falcons and even a golden eagle. You can't say that about too many hotels! Their gorgeous golden eagle (and her handler) visits the fountain lobby at certain times of the day (usually weekends). Don't be afraid to go up to the handler and ask questions. They might even let you pose for a picture!

7. The Koi Ponds Are Deep!

The very first time I visited the Hotel Hershey, the pond outside was filled with koi fish. The next few times I visited, I didn't see the fish (but I saw a lot of ducks). The ponds are actually 30 feet deep, and there is a way for the fish to swim from one pond to the other (they're connected), which is why you might not always see them. But I haven't seen any koi in the hotel ponds for a few years now. If I find out why that is, I will certainly let you know. 

Can you spot the duck in the above photo?

8. The Painting in the Iberian Lounge Holds a Secret

The beautiful painting behind the bar at the cozy Iberian Lounge holds a secret. If you walk slowly past it, you'll see that the path in the middle appears to change direction with you as you walk, almost like it wants you to step inside and follow it. Try it and you'll see!

The Iberian Lounge is super cozy and quaint. I don't usually get to visit here unless I'm sans child, if you know what I mean. The Iberian Lounge was built during the time of Prohibition, so it was originally used as a library. Wink, wink.

9. Signature Chocolate Martinis are Available 

You really can't visit The Hotel Hershey without trying one of their signature chocolate martinis. We tried the Signature Hershey's Kisses martini during our last visit. I think the picture of it speaks for itself, no? It's available at Trevi 5 (pictured below), Harvest, The Circular, Iberian Lounge, poolside, and probably through room service (although I've never tried to order it there). There is also a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup martini, a Hershey's Special Dark martini, and a Hershey's Chocolate Caramel martini available (none of which I've had the pleasure of trying...yet). *Full disclosure, not all flavors are available all the time, but the Signature Kisses martini is pretty much always available since it's the OG!

10. Nobody Puts Milton in a Corner - Why The Circular Restaurant is Circular

Milton Hershey traveled a lot in his lifetime, often alone. When he dined alone, he was usually placed at a table for one in the corner of the restaurant, near the noisy kitchen! When Milton planned The Circular, he wanted to make it curved so that no patrons would ever be sitting in a corner. Not only that, they'd never be near the kitchen, either, since it is situated below the actual restaurant.

My breakfast view (below) from The Circular. Not in a corner!

For more reviews, tips and travel information about the Hershey resorts and Hershey attractions, click this link or click the image below to visit my Hershey Insider Page! You'll find all of my Hershey articles there, in one convenient place.