Hershey's Sweetest Escape: Days Inn Hershey (PA) - Book Now!
Hershey's Sweetest Escape: Days Inn Hershey (PA) - Book Now! …Or Maybe Not? (A Rambling Review)
Okay, folks, buckle up. This isn’t your typical, sterile hotel review. This is my experience with the Days Inn Hershey, and let me tell you, it was… an experience. Let's dive in, shall we? I'm already exhausted just thinking about writing this, but here we go.
SEO & Metadata Stuff (Yawn… Gotta do it, I guess):
- Keywords: Days Inn Hershey, Hershey PA, Hotel Review, Accessible Hotel, Family-Friendly, Swimming Pool, Breakfast, Cleanliness, Spa, Fitness Center, Pennsylvania.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest and hilarious review of the Days Inn Hershey, PA. Find out if this hotel truly offers a "Sweetest Escape" or if it's more of a… sugar crash. Accessibility, dining, amenities - the good, the bad, and the awkwardly average.
Getting There & The First Impression: The Elevator of Doom (Services and Conveniences; Check-In/Out)
So, picture this: you’ve driven for hours, the kids are screaming, you’re desperate for a bathroom break, and you finally pull up to the Days Inn Hershey. You heave a sigh of relief… until you see the elevator. Now, I’m generally not one for hyperbole, but this elevator… it felt like it was plucked straight out of a 1970s horror movie. Slow. Murky. Constantly groaning. Thank goodness they have an (elevator) for facilities for disabled guests! Honestly, it was the first sign that the 'shine' on this place might be a little… dull.
The check-in process (contactless, blessedly) was smooth enough, though the enthusiasm of the front desk staff wouldn’t exactly set the world on fire. Efficiency is key, I guess. But, hey, at least it's a 24-hour front desk; might be helpful in the event of an elevator emergency…
Accessibility Matters (Accessibility):
Okay, accessibility. This is important, and I'm happy to say… they do try. Facilities for disabled guests are available; thank goodness. There are elevators, but, as I've said, its terrifying. They mentioned accessible rooms, and I saw ramps leading into the building. It's important to note, it's not perfectly seamless – getting around the pool area (which we'll get to) might present some challenges. But it feels like they've made a good-faith effort, and that counts for a lot.
The Room (Available in all rooms, cleanliness and safety):
We opted for a room with… well, everything. Air conditioning was present and necessary, thank the heavens. The blackout curtains actually worked! (A rare win in my experience). The Internet access [wireless] was, thankfully, free. And the Internet access – LAN was there, I guess, if you're into that sort of thing. The TV was an OK size and had the usual channels.
The room felt… clean. More than clean, actually. It felt like they'd really tried. They have room sanitization opt-out available, which is a nice touch and, of course, all the rooms are Rooms sanitized between stays. This meant lots of Anti-viral cleaning products which is nice, I suppose, and lots of Hand sanitizer everywhere. I assume they use Professional-grade sanitizing services.
The bathroom was… functional. No surprises. The separate shower/bathtub, while a nice idea, was just slightly underwhelming, like a slightly used Lego set. Additional toilet was not available in my room, but if you are lucky enough to have one, kudos! Linens were crisp (yay!). They have daily housekeeping of course.
Things to Do (Swimming Pool, Spa, Gym, etc.):
Ah, the amenities! Here's where the "sweet escape" promise starts to… wobble a bit. The swimming pool (outdoor) was… fine. It was a little crowded, and the view wasn’t exactly breathtaking (mostly just parking lots and, well, Hershey), but the kids were happy. The poolside bar was closed, which was disappointing.
The fitness center/gym? Hmmm. Let’s just say it was “compact”. Think: a treadmill that looked like it might die at any moment, a few weights, and the overwhelming feeling that you were intruding on someone’s storage room.
There's a Spa/sauna! But I didn’t get a chance to try it, which makes this a very incomplete review. I'm curious if you can get all kinds of Body scrub and Body wrap treatments.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Restaurant, Breakfast, etc.):
Breakfast. The most crucial meal of the day, the fuel for theme park adventures. The Days Inn offered… a buffet. A very standard buffet. Breakfast [buffet] was offered and Breakfast service was available. You had your scrambled eggs (questionable origin), your sad-looking muffins, and your… coffee. Let's just say the coffee wasn't exactly gourmet. Coffee/tea in restaurant were available, though. I ended up sticking to the Breakfast takeaway service; no time for the buffet!
There were Desserts in restaurant; I'm a sucker for a good dessert, so I'll try anything. The Happy hour and the Poolside bar, were a missed opportunity. They have Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant and a Vegetarian restaurant.
Cleanliness and Safety (Essential Stuff):
This part, they did well. I give them credit. The rooms were clean, as noted above. The Staff trained in safety protocol. I even saw them cleaning in the common areas. They have CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property! Fire extinguisher and Smoke alarms were in place. Hygiene certification was present.
For the Kids (Babysitting, etc.):
This is a family-friendly hotel, so it has For the kids, Family/child-friendly. It has Kids facilities, and a Babysitting service, too! Kids meal is an important aspect. They should be doing a great job here.
The Verdict (My Rambling Opinion):
Look, the Days Inn Hershey won’t blow your mind. It's a budget-friendly option, and it tries. It's got a good location, and the staff seem genuinely, if unenthusiastically, nice. It's fine for a quick trip to Hershey Park. But if you're looking for a true "sweetest escape," you might want to temper your expectations a bit. It's more like a perfectly adequate escape. The price, as they say, is right. The elevator might haunt your dreams. The coffee is drinkable. And, hey, at least the kids had a blast.
Would I stay again? Maybe. Probably. Realistically, it probably won’t be my first choice. But for a quick trip to Hershey, it gets the job… mostly done.
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly polished itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL, a messy, glorious, Hershey-induced rollercoaster of a trip to the Days Inn in… well, you know. Let's get this chocolate show on the road!
Hershey Hustle & Hotel Humdrum: A Days Inn Diary
Day 1: Arrival & Anticipation (or, Where's the damn check-in?)
- 1:00 PM: Landed in Harrisburg, PA. Already sweating because, hello, Pennsylvania humidity. The rental car was a Toyota, bless its dependable little heart. Driving towards Hershey, humming along to some classic rock - "Pour Some Sugar on Me" felt especially appropriate.
- 2:30 PM: Arrive at the Days Inn. Okay, let's be honest, the exterior isn’t exactly screaming “chocolate paradise.” It's…Days Inn-esque. The parking lot, however, feels quite active; a bit like an ant colony on steroids. The lady at the front desk, bless her, looked like she'd seen things. And possibly forgotten the password to the wifi. (First obstacle!)
- 3:00 PM: Finally in the room. First impression? Well, it smells like a slightly musty version of "freshly cleaned." The TV remote is older than me, but hey, it works! The bedspread? A vibrant floral pattern that screams "1998." I suspect the last time this room saw a deep clean was… well, never mind. (But the air conditioning is blasting, thank God.)
- 3:30 PM: The quest for food begins! A quick recon of the area reveals a plethora of chain restaurants. Sigh. Opt for the nearest Subway. The only thing more depressing than the ambiance is my rapidly evaporating bank account.
- 4:30 PM: Back at the hotel. An absolutely mortifying encounter at the vending machine. My money got eaten, and I got, uh, nothing. This is the kind of travel experience that makes you question your life choices.
- 5:00 PM: Plan this trip to Hershey Park. I mean, duh, it’s the reason we’re here! I read up on the park's layout as well as the best food recommendations.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner time. I am looking forward to finally eating some food.
- 8:00 PM: Early night tonight. I'm already too exhausted to do anything else.
Day 2: HersheyPark Mania (and Meltdowns)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast! The free continental breakfast. It's… an experience. Waffles that taste like cardboard, but the coffee is surprisingly decent. Small victories, people. Small victories.
- 9:00 AM: Head to HersheyPark. I’m ready!
- 9:30 AM: HersheyPark! The smell of chocolate hits you the second you walk in. Pure, unadulterated joy! The lines, however, are already insane.
- 10:30 AM: Rollercoaster time! I start with the classic, the Fahrenheit. I scream, I laugh, I nearly lose my lunch. Adrenaline is a powerful drug. Definitely worth the wait.
- 11:30 AM: The Skyrush. It felt like flying!
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at the Chocolatier! I had a burger, it was good, the atmosphere was great!
- 2:00 PM: Chocolate World. Free chocolate samples? YES, PLEASE! I may, or may not, have gone back for seconds, and thirds… and… look, it was a hot day, okay?
- 3:00 PM: Okay, meltdown imminent. The crowds, the heat, the sensory overload… it's all a bit much. Found a quiet bench, ate a giant chocolate bar, and contemplated the meaning of life. Chocolate helps. Always.
- 3:30 PM: Back to Rollercoasters! After taking a breather, the energy is back!
- 5:00 PM: Decided to go to the water park section! It felt nice to cool off.
- 7:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I could barely move from all the fun I had!
- 8:00 PM: Bedtime time!
Day 3: Sweet Surrender & Departure (or, Hershey Highs and Hotel Woes)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast again. Same waffles, same coffee. Comfort food.
- 10:00 AM: I visit the Hershey Gardens. It's beautiful and relaxing, a perfect antidote to the theme park chaos. The butterflies are particularly enchanting.
- 11:00 AM: Then, I head to the Hershey Story Museum. I learned so much about the history of Hershey, and the place is filled with a rich history.
- 12:00 PM: Check out. The front desk lady is still there, bless her. I ask for a late checkout and receive it! Score!
- 1:00 PM: One last hurrah! I decide to get my last bit of Hershey energy at a local chocolate shop!
- 2:00 PM: Arrive at the airport.
- 3:00 PM: Fly!
- 4:00 PM: Land back home.
Final Thoughts (or, The Chocolate Coma):
So, the Days Inn in Hershey? It wasn't fancy. It wasn't perfect. It definitely had its quirks (and questionable upholstery). But it was a base. It was a place to recharge between chocolate binges and rollercoaster rides. It was… part of the experience.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Hershey Park is a blast, even if the lines are a total drag. And that smell… oh, that wonderful, intoxicating chocolate smell. It's worth it for that alone.
And maybe, just maybe, I'll check out a different hotel next time. But hey, every trip needs a bit of grit, right?
Now, if you'll excuse me, I’m suddenly craving a Hershey's Kiss. And a nap.
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Hershey's Sweetest Escape: Days Inn Hershey (PA) - FAQs (and a WHOLE LOT more!)
Okay, so...Days Inn in Hershey? Is it actually, you know, *sweet*?
Look, let's be honest. It's a Days Inn. Expectations need to be tempered. I've stayed in Days Inns that felt like they hadn't seen a cleaning product since the Reagan administration. But Hershey? That *sounds* like a promise of something more. The "Sweetest Escape" part, you know? I went in… cautiously optimistic. My kids, on the other hand? Pure, unadulterated hype. They were picturing chocolate rivers in the lobby, I swear.
The reality? It's... functional. Clean-ish. The staff are generally nice, which is a huge win. I mean, after a full day of screaming kids and sugar highs at Hersheypark, that's half the battle, right? Let's just say, the "sweetness" is more implied by proximity than demonstrably present *in* the hotel itself. Though, I did find a stray Hershey's Kiss wrapper under the sofa. Proof! (Maybe.)
What's the deal with the location? Is it truly close to Hersheypark?
Yes! Thankfully, yes! This is one of the MAJOR upsides. I'd say it's a short drive, maybe five minutes, tops. Which, after you've spent eight hours navigating crowds and dodging rogue strollers, is basically heaven. You can practically roll out of bed and into the park. Though, I wouldn't actually *recommend* that. Packing is important, people!
We actually tried to walk one day. Big mistake. HUGE. Google Maps said it was doable, but Google Maps clearly hasn't dealt with a pre-teen meltdown fueled by a lack of churros. The walk felt like it took an eternity. Stick to driving. Learn from my mistakes. (Note: I also learned that "eternity" in a 10-year-old's vocabulary is roughly equivalent to 20 minutes. Still, not fun.)
Are there any amenities I should know about? Like, beyond just a bed and a roof?
Okay, here's the lowdown. There's a pool (indoor, which is a lifesaver in the unpredictable Pennsylvania weather), a complimentary breakfast (more on that later), and… that’s about it. Don't go expecting a spa and a concierge service. Think basic comfort.
The pool… yeah, it's a pool. Clean enough (ish). My kids loved it, of course. I sat on the edge, judging their cannonballs and secretly contemplating my own mid-life crisis (it's usually at its peak after a day at an amusement park). Bring your own towels. Trust me. And try to arrive early-ish because it can get packed.
Let's talk breakfast. Is it edible? 'Cause hotel breakfasts...can be a gamble.
Ah, the breakfast. The cornerstone of any successful (or disastrous) family vacation. Here's the brutal truth: don't get your hopes up. It's complimentary, sure, which is a huge plus. Free food is always a win in my book. But it's not gourmet. It's the standard continental fare. Expect: waffles (the star, in my kids' eyes), cereal (a soggy, sugary mess in my opinion), some sad-looking bagels (bring your own cream cheese!), and instant coffee that tastes vaguely of burnt tires.
My advice? Lower your standards. Fill up on carbs for energy to face the day at Hersheypark. And BYO coffee. Seriously. My sanity (and blood pressure) depended on it. I actually snuck instant coffee and a travel mug into the room, just in case. #sorrynotsorry
Is it noisy? I need my beauty sleep (or at least, some semblance of it)
Ah, the sacred sleep. This is a mixed bag, my friends. It depends heavily on your neighbors. We had a room that looked like it was directly next to the ice machine. That was a symphony of clanging and thumping at all hours of the night. Earplugs are your best friend. Seriously. Invest in some.
Also, be prepared for hallway chaos. Kids running, doors slamming, the general cacophony of vacationing families. It's part of the charm (said with a heavy dose of sarcasm). I’d recommend requesting a room away from the elevators and ice machines… and maybe even the pool. Unless you enjoy the sound of screaming and splashing at 7 am.
What about parking? Do I have to fight for a spot?
The parking situation is actually pretty decent! There's a good amount of space, and we never had a major issue finding a spot, even during peak season. It’s free, which is always a bonus. Just be prepared for a bit of a walk, depending on where your room is located. Because, let's face it, you'll be doing a *lot* of walking during your Hershey adventure. Your legs will hate you. But hey, at least you can park the car without too much drama.
Is it worth the price? Should I just splurge on some ridiculously fancy resort?
Okay, the big question. Is it worth it? Honestly? For what you get, and *especially* considering the location, I'd say yes. It's a budget-friendly option that allows you to spend more money on the *actual* fun stuff: Hersheypark, the chocolate factory, the souvenirs… (My god, the souvenirs!)
Sure, a fancy resort with a water park and a chocolate fountain in every room *sounds* dreamy. But let's be real – you're mostly going to be at Hersheypark the whole time. You're there to experience Hershey, not the hotel. The Days Inn is a solid base of operations. It provides shelter, a place to sleep (mostly), and a convenient spot to collapse after a day of rollercoaster madness. It does the job. And sometimes, "doing the job" is enough. Plus, think of the money you'll save! You can buy *more* chocolate.
And consider this: I survived. My kids survived. Everyone had fun. And that, my friends, is what truly matters, even if the "sweetest escape" part is more metaphorical than literal. Now, if you'll excuse me, I believe I'm craving a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. Suddenly.
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