The Hotel Hershey Celebrates 90 Years
A proud tradition since 1933, The Hotel Hershey celebrates 90-year history
For guests who have yet to visit The Hotel Hershey, our 90th anniversary summer is the perfect time as we celebrate the rich history and elegance of a one-of-a-kind property - opened on May 26, 1933.
At a time when the nation was gripped in the throes of the Great Depression, chocolate magnate Milton S. Hershey undertook the building of a magnificent hotel high atop the town of Hershey overlooking his chocolate factory. During construction, Mr. Hershey gave his architect a postcard showing the front view of a 30-room hotel he visited in the Mediterranean. The architect used the design to guide his creation of a 170-room hotel with a tower at either end, featuring a Spanish patio, tiled floors, a grand fountain and a dining room without corners. Learn more about the Hotel's history.
*Photos courtesy of Hershey Community Archives
Today, the Hotel - now a 276-room property with 25,000 square feet of meeting space, three full-service restaurants and a spa offering signature chocolate treatments - is recognized as one of the finest Historic Hotels of America. The Hotel is known for its refined elegance, signature service and abundant amenities and is a longtime recipient of the Forbes Four-Star Award and the AAA Four-Diamond Award.
90th Anniversary Weekend Festivities
The Hotel Hershey will commemorate its milestone anniversary with special festivities for guests throughout Memorial Day weekend. Check out our Memorial Day Weekend Guide for more things to do across the destination.
Anniversary Cake & Punch
On May 26, 2023, from 3:30-5 p.m., guests of The Hotel Hershey are invited to gather in the beautiful Fountain Lobby to enjoy delicious anniversary cake and punch made by the Hotel's talented pastry team. As one of the Hotel's most impressive public spaces, the Fountain Lobby makes for the perfect setting to celebrate. Originally the main lobby, its design was inspired by a Spanish-style courtyard like the ones Mr. Hershey enjoyed during his travels to Cuba.
Anniversary Cocktail
Throughout the anniversary weekend - from Friday, May 26 through Monday, May 29 - the Hotel will also offer a special cocktail in the Iberian Lounge inspired by the Prohibition era when the Hotel first opened in 1933. The Antique Old Fashioned will feature bourbon from a single barrel of Weller Antique 107 that was hand-selected specifically for The Hotel Hershey.
Did you know, the Iberian Lounge was originally designed as a Reading Lounge since the Hotel was built during Prohibition? It became a bar and lounge in 1968 and today offers signature chocolate cocktails, over 100 whiskies from around the world and delicious lite fare.
Stay with us for our 90th anniversary summer
Following our 90th anniversary weekend, guests can celebrate our history all summer long with a stay at The Hotel Hershey. From the moment guests arrive, they are continually reminded of this special property's sweet history starting with the full-size Hershey’s bar received at check-in. Throughout their stay, guests can also enjoy:
- Chocolate-scented bath amenities in guest rooms
- Cocoa-inspired dishes and signature chocolate martinis
- Signature chocolate treatments at The Spa At The Hotel Hershey
- 90th anniversary retail at The Shops At The Hotel Hershey
- Hotel history tours every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10 a.m.
Summer Packages and FREE Resort Benefits
This summer, guests can save on their stay with sweet multi-night packages that include daily Hersheypark admission, deluxe accommodations, and more. As an Official Resort of Hersheypark, all guests also receive FREE Resort Benefits, including the best price on Hersheypark tickets, complimentary shuttle service to and from the Park, extra hours at the Park, complimentary admission to Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story's Museum Experience and more.
Summer Recreation & Activities
While on property, guests can also look forward to splashes at the Hotel’s outdoor pool complex (open Memorial Day-Labor Day), featuring a family pool with zero-grade entry, two large slides and a kiddie spray deck; an infinity edge adult pool and whirlpool; and 14 poolside cabanas. Additional recreation includes an outdoor sports complex with basketball, tennis, pickleball and more; an 18-hole putting course; disc golf; indoor pool; fitness center; and more. The Hotel also offers daily resort activities in the summer ranging from chocolate bingo and Hershey Character visits to s’mores roasts and glow putting - perfect for guests of all ages.
The Hotel Hershey continues to build upon a dream that Milton Hershey realized in 1933 and is dedicated to preserving his legacy. At our one-of-a-kind destination, guests can expect to leave with sweet chocolate-filled memories that can only be made at The Hotel Hershey.