The scent of chocolate permeates the air, avenues have names like Cocoa and Chocolate, and street lamps shaped like Hershey's Kisses light up the town. This is Hershey, Pennsylvania known as Chocolate Town, USA — the sweetest place on earth.
Here chocolate indulgence doesn’t end when the bag of Kisses is empty. Restaurant menus offer sweet and savory chocolate entrées and desserts, chocolate martinis rule and the Spa at the Hotel Hershey — affectionately known as The Chocolate Spa — takes indulgence to the point of chocolate nirvana with its array of chocolate-based spa treatments.
During the Great Depression when most of the world was conserving resources, chocolate magnate Milton Hershey announced his plans for a $2 million hotel construction project. A long-time dream of his and his wife, Catherine, who died in 1915, The Hotel Hershey was modeled after a Mediterranean property they once enjoyed in their travels together. The project provided employment to more than 600 steelworkers, masons, carpenters and other craftsmen and laborers during a time when jobs were scarce, an example of the vision of Milton Hershey and his commitment to his community.
Situated high atop the town of Hershey, the hotel has 276 guest rooms including 48 cottages, as well as 25,000 square feet of meeting and function space. A recipient of the Forbes Four-Star award and the AAA Four-Diamond Award, the property is one of The Official Resorts of Hersheypark alongside Hershey Lodge and Hersheypark Camping Resorts.
For the ultimate luxury stay on the historic property, choose the 2,100-square-foot Milton Hershey Suite. Designed to complement the original artwork that pays tribute to Milton Hershey's life, the suite includes two bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a sunroom, living room, dining area and an outdoor patio. The 1,450-square-foot Catherine Hershey Suite pays homage to Catherine's love for her gardens, specifically her signature yellow roses. The master bedroom is furnished similarly to her own bedroom in the Hershey's home, High Point Mansion.
Premium guest rooms also complement the historic character of the property. Ranging in size from 400- to 500-square-feet, the rooms include full resort amenities and views overlooking the resort. The Woodside Cottages are the newest addition to The Hotel Hershey's lodging options. Bordering lush Pennsylvania woodlands and nearby walking trails, the intimate cottages feature upscale furnishings, marble bathrooms and native stone hearths. Individual cottages have exterior porches, a private entrance and adjacent parking. Reserve an entire cottage and enjoy a multi-functional great room, cathedral ceilings, fireplace, microwave and wet bar with refrigerator. Four- and six-bedroom cottages are available providing a perfect option for multi-generational family travel.
Resort amenities include indoor and outdoor pool complexes and cabana rentals. The Sports and Fitness Complex includes tennis courts, a basketball court, sand volleyball courts, croquet, hiking trails and a fitness center. Explore the resort and nearby woodlands with a fun off-road Segway tour or tackle a series of rope obstacles, climbing challenges and a zip line with The Odyssey through Hershey Outfitters. Other options include kayaking, paintball, fly-fishing and tee times at one of three award-winning golf courses.
The Cocoa Clubhouse gives children a chance to meet new friends while enjoying arts and crafts, fitness activities, ice cream making and the Children’s Garden Butterfly House. While the little ones are occupied, slip away to The Chocolate Spa for the ultimate chocolate indulgence.
Located in the Hotel Hershey, the interior of the Chocolate Spa is largely based upon the design of High Point Mansion. The three-story European-style spa showcases marble landings, hardwood flooring, warm pecan paneling and yellow walls. As Catherine's favorite color, yellow assumes a primary role in the spa's décor. A replica of a stained glass window from the Hershey's home provides the backdrop for the reception area. The entire spa evokes the sense of luxury and timeless elegance.
The Chocolate Spa menu offers both signature and seasonal treatments including options specifically for men and teens. Therapies have delicious names like Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry, a signature chocolate-themed treatment featuring a Strawberry Parfait Scrub followed by the Chocolate Fondue Wrap. Or choose from the Cuban Experience options like Cuban Immersion, a signature Cuban body treatment featuring a Mojito Sugar Scrub followed by the Mojito Body Wrap.
The Oasis lounge located on the first floor of the spa offers lunch exclusively to spa guests. Its sanctuary-like environment includes Marrakech-inspired architectural details, overstuffed lounge furniture and multi-colored crystal chandeliers. A variety of healthy lunch choices are available to complement your spa experience.
As you might imagine, the biggest dilemma at the Chocolate Spa is choosing between the array of luxurious treatments. Save yourself the agony by customizing a spa package or choose one like the Chocolate Escape Package. This signature chocolate-themed package starts with a soothing Whipped Cocoa Bath followed by a skin smoothing Chocolate Sugar Scrub or Chocolate Bean Polish, a nourishing Chocolate Fondue Wrap and a relaxing Cocoa Massage. The package also includes lunch in The Oasis. It is 3.5 hours of pure chocolate decadence!
Should you ever leave the spa, an array of delicious dining options awaits. Inspired by local and regional products Harvest offers a fresh take on American cuisine perfect for the entire family. The menu features seasonal fare and a variety of beverages including micro-brews, cocktails and an American wine list.
At Hershey, the emphasis is on quality cuisine with chocolate incorporated into sweet and savory creations when possible. Start the day with the Hotel Hershey Grand Breakfast Buffet. For lunch or dinner choose from a selection of small plates with drinks at the bar or indulge in an intimate meal overlooking the resort’s beautiful formal gardens. The Circular is the resort’s flagship restaurant offering a menu of fresh innovative flavors under the direction of award-winning Executive Chef Ken Gladysz.
Celebrate your day of chocolate decadence with a night cap by the grand fireplace in the inviting Iberian Lounge. The chocolate martini is the perfect indulgence!
