Name: The Spa at The Hotel Hershey
Type of Spa: Resort Spa
Summary:The Hotel Hershey is a family-friendly resort near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with something for everyone -- a luxurious spa, golf, and a nearby theme park and other kiddie attractions. Expect mostly families in the peak summer season while couples and girlfriends take advantage of off-season packages. It’s popular with people who live in Philadelphia, Washington D.C., New York City, Long Island and New Jersey.
The Setting for The Hotel Hershey: This AAA Four-Diamond hotel was built by Milton Hershey back in the 1930s in a lavish Mediterranean style. It’s set high atop a hill and has 300 wooded acres with running paths. Attractions like Hershey Park, Hershey Gardens, ZooAmerica and Chocolate World are nearby. That’s why they call it “The Sweetest Place on Earth.”
Accommodations for The Hotel Hershey: The 257-room hotel is Victorian minimalist – fancy floral motifs without all the bric-a-brac. You’ll enjoy all the black and white photos that tell the history of Milton Hershey, the hotel, and the company’s ongoing work for underprivileged children. The rooms were all recently refurbished and have very comfy beds.
The Spa at The Hotel Hershey: This is a multi-level, 30,000 square foot spa with three waiting areas, 50 treatment rooms, a lounge where you can eat lunch in your robe. After you change, a “spa host” answers any questions and gives you a tour of the facilities, including the whirlpool soaking tubs where they offer the “Whipped Cocoa Bath” ($45); and the “Inhalation Room”, a small waiting room that smells like flowers. Up a grand staircase are two more waiting areas called “Quiet Rooms,” complete with cakes and coffee. I’ve never seen so many people in robes! After your treatment, you can take the elevator straight down to the Oasis Lounge and eat from a buffet for $17.
Signature Treatments at The Spa at The Hotel Hershey: The most popular treatments here have chocolate connection – but no, you can’t eat them. I tried the body treatment called “Chocolate Fondue Wrap.” ($105) that starts with a light brushing of your skin to remove dead skin cells. Then a mineral-rich “moor mud” scented with oil of cocoa is applied to your body. You’re wrapped up in plastic, covered with a blanket, and left to rest for 20 minutes. When the therapist returns it is all washed off with a delicious seven-headed Vichy shower. Other food-friendly treatments include scrubs scented with strawberry, peppermint, lime, even coffee. If you don’t care for a chocolate scented massage ($95 for 50 minutes), try the new Noche Azul massage which uses a beautiful Jasmine-scented oil.
Rates at The Spa at The Hotel Hershey: Rates are based upon the following seasons: Value Season (1/1-4/7)- doubles from $269; Spring Season (4/8-5/26)- doubles from $349; Summer Season (5/27-9/4)- doubles from $369; and Holiday Season (9/5-12/31)- doubles from $349. Accommodations can be booked online at www.hersheypa.com . You can also check the website for special packages.
What’s Special: The staff is very friendly and outgoing, and the story of Hershey is fascinating. All the profits still go to a school that educates underprivileged.
What Could Be Better: More healthy food options would be nice.
Bottom Line: This spa is for you if you want a family-friendly spa and love sweets.
This spa is not for you if you want to lose weight. Temptation is everywhere!
Contact Info for The Spa at The Hotel Hershey: : The Hotel Hershey, 100 Hotel Road, Hershey Pennsylvania, 17033-0446. Reservations: 1-800-HERSHEY, www.chocolatespa.com
