Highlights: The Hotel Hershey

•This historic grand hotel is situated in the rolling hills of picturesque central Pennsylvania

•Hershey candy bar given out as part of the friendly and inviting check-in process

•Service is genuinely warm and welcoming, and the staff’s formal uniforms speak to the hotel’s historic past

•Each guest room has a view of either formal gardens, the lush front terrace, or the town of Hershey in the valley below

•One main restaurant, two cafes, and a beanery provide quality food and drinks in casual and unique settings

•Beautiful full service Spa at Hotel Hershey specializes in unusual treatments that mix chocolate into massage, facials, and hydrotherapy

•Multitude of nearby attractions, including formal gardens, Hershey Park, Hershey’s Chocolate World, 36 holes of golf, and the Giant Center, home to the Hershey Bears hockey team

Amenities: The Hotel Hershey

• 234 rooms, 5 story. Check-in 4 pm, check-out Noon. High-speed Internet access. Two restaurants, bar. Children's activity center. Fitness room, fitness classes available, spa. Indoor pool, outdoor pool, children's pool, whirlpool. Tennis. Ski in/ski out. Airport transportation available. Business center. Credit cards accepted.

General Impressions: The Hotel Hershey

Nestled in the hills of central Pennsylvania, The Hotel Hershey reflects a rosy glow of historic significance. Hallways are lined with sepia-toned photos of Milton and Kitty Hershey’s life and times, many taken in the 1920s and 1930s. The hotel’s Mediterranean style is no accident: it was inspired by the couple’s travels throughout Europe. Although the main downstairs lobby is nondescript, go up a flight and you’ll find the beautiful upstairs lobby, with its Moorish arches, Spanish tile floor and central fountain. A landscaped terrace off the second floor space is used for smoking and lounging on comfy chairs and ottomans. Idling buses below sometimes interfere with the idyllic scene.

I found the hotel to be an excellent choice for the business traveler. A full-service business center handles computer, printing, faxing and copying needs, and the hotel is Wi-Fi throughout.

But I’d also choose this hotel for a romantic getaway or leisure traveler. The countryside and nearby gardens are bucolic, the dining and spa services are exceptional, and what’s not to like about all that chocolate? Families are also well accommodated, and I found the hotel to be quite kid friendly. There’s a children’s activity program, two swimming pools, bike and nature trails, and a giant amusement park right next door.

Service throughout my stay was very good, genuinely welcoming, and efficient. Check-in and checkout were handled in a friendly and professional manner, and any requests I made to the concierge, bellman, and housekeeping staff were handled in a timely manner.

My deluxe guest room, although on the small side, was well appointed and cozy. The hotel offers 232 rooms and 29 suites, including the extravagant Milton S. Hershey Suite, named for the hotel’s founder.

Dining options range from 24-hour room service to fine dining in the gorgeous Circular Dining Room with its stained-glass windows reflecting scenes from the Pennsylvania countryside.

(+) Attractive public spaces, lots of chocolate, and nearby attractions suited for guests of all ages

Guest Services: The Hotel Hershey

The Hotel Hershey staff does an excellent job of making guests feel welcome. Across the board, I found staff members to be upbeat, friendly, and genuinely concerned for my satisfaction. When I made my reservation, the reservation associate was welcoming, but could have been more descriptive about the room types and rates. She did talk about the hotel amenities in general, and closed with polite remarks that anticipated my visit.

My arrival and check-in were handled with great professional courtesy. Friendly smiles greeted me when I arrived. The doorman welcomed me within seconds of my arrival, escorting me to the front desk. Registration was handled without delays -- I was checked in within three minutes. And where else does a guest receive a Hershey bar when they arrive? Just another sweet detail that lets you know you’re in chocolate world.

In general, service reflected a keen attention to detail, whether it was the concierge asking me if I’d made a reservation for lunch or the housekeeping staff promptly delivering a toothbrush upon my request.

It’s easy to spot a hotel staff member, from the slightly retro look of the bell staff -- speaking to the hotel’s historic past -- to the crisp uniforms of the front desk staff and housekeeping team.

(+) Intuitive, professional service anticipates guests’ needs, without being overbearing

Guest Rooms: The Hotel Hershey

The Hotel Hershey offers 232 deluxe guest rooms and 29 suites, with rooms available with one king-size bed, one queen-size bed, or two double beds—all dressed in the finest of linens to ease you into a quick sleep.

The guest rooms feature a classic elegance with warm colors, wooden furniture, original artwork prominently displayed, and views of landscaped gardens or the lush green valley below. There’s even a quaint sitting area with two armchairs and a small table, ideal for reading the newspaper or enjoying tea.

The suites are a bit larger and each feature a unique theme, such as a town built on chocolate or Milton S. Hershey’s room with its additional parlor and sunroom overlooking the town.

Although my room wasn’t large, it was well arranged, with a color scheme of warm golds and earthy greens, and traditional finishes that seemed freshly done. Original artwork depicting indigenous Pennsylvania flora and fauna adorned the walls. My room even offered a verdant view of the rolling hills outside. A desk provided ample workspace, and two comfy robes hung in the closet. Turndown was handled beautifully, complete with a mat beside the bed for my feet, and a Hershey kiss on the pillow.

A small refrigerator in the bathroom offered a convenient place to keep water or other beverages chilled. Both my room and the bathroom were immaculately clean, although I did notice that the finish on the tub was worn, and the toilet was noisy. I tried not to let that take away from the experience, and took comfort in how the little details were taken care of, such as the quality bath amenities thoughtfully and elegantly placed on the counter.

Although I was physically comfortable in the room, the outside hall noise intruded into my serene environment; but I understood that the rooms aren’t as soundproof as other hotels because it’s an older building from the 1930s.

(+) Elegant guest rooms and themed suites are warm, inviting
(-) Rooms aren’t entirely soundproof, but that’s to be expected of an older 1930s building

Facilities & Activities: The Hotel Hershey

One of the hotel’s highlights is undoubtedly the 30,000-square-foot, three-level European-style spa overlooking the hotel’s reflecting pools. The Spa at Hotel Hershey, which opened in 2001, is known for its signature chocolate treatments, including the whipped cocoa bath, a chocolate fondue wrap, chocolate bean polish, and cocoa massage. I found the spa staff to be knowledgeable about all of the treatments, focused and helpful. Before beginning my treatment, the therapist explained the procedure and asked if I had any questions, making me feel very comfortable. The therapist for my second treatment, although friendly, seemed to rush through the procedure. This is a beautiful facility that includes a wonderful lounge area for relaxing, a steam room and sauna, and even freshly made cocoa if you need a chocolate fix. Indoor and outdoor pools and a whirlpool are also available. The locker room is well-equipped with amenities.

Guests receive complimentary access to a well-equipped fitness center, with its Cybex treadmills, recumbent bicycles, elliptical machines, Stairmasters, and weight equipment. Daily classes in everything from yoga to stretching and weight training are offered for a $10 fee per class.

(+) A beautifully appointed European-style spa offers signature chocolate treatments

Dining & Lounge: The Hotel Hershey

In addition to 24-hour room service, which offers an extra array of decadent chocolate desserts, guests have a good variety of main restaurants, cafes, and quick-fix joints to satisfy any craving.

The main eating area is the amazing Circular Dining Room, designed in the round by Milton S. Hershey so that no guest would have to sit in the corner. Guests can enjoy contemporary American cuisine and quality wines chosen from an extensive list. When you’re ready for an after-dinner drink, head over to the Iberian Lounge for a signature chocolate martini in front of the grand fireplace as you take in the elegant hardwood floor and Moorish artwork and décor. It also features a traditional bar that offers live entertainment on the weekends.

The Fountain Café is open for lunch and dinner with its eclectic and innovative menu, and patrons can sit in the bright, casual café or outside on the patio overlooking the landscaped grounds.

The Cocoa Beanery, conveniently located in the hotel lobby, is a chocolate lover’s delight serving hot chocolates and pastries with hot chocolate and specialty coffees. If that isn’t enough sweets for you, the Club House Café & Creamery serves light snacks seasonally in its outdoor venue.

My dining experience was excellent, from the discreet -- but never hovering -- service to the appetizing and well presented food served in generous portions. Although the menu’s offerings were varied, it could be expanded to include heart-healthy options for diners concerned with calories and nutrition.

I also took advantage of the in-room dining service. The server was excellent, offering to pour my beverages and conveniently setting up my table. My dirty dishes were removed promptly, within three minutes of my phone call. I was disappointed, however, that the staff member who took my order couldn’t answer basic questions about the menu.

(+) A variety of options and a beautiful main dining room set an upscale tone
(-) A lack of health-conscious choices on menus

Business Services: The Hotel Hershey

The hotel caters to the business traveler with its 23,500 square feet of meeting and banquet space and four on-staff meeting planners to help plan any corporate meeting or retreat.

Those conducting business on the road will be delighted with the business center, which includes a computer station, along with a copier, fax machine, and printer. If a guest needs to use the center during off hours or on the weekend, arrangements can be made through the front desk. The first time I stopped by to check my e-mail, it was closed without explanation. On subsequent visits, I found the staff helpful, well spoken, and polite, and I wasn’t charged for services.

Those who carry laptops or other wireless devices will be able to use Wi-Fi in the guest rooms and public spaces.

(+) A business center and flexible meeting space accommodate business travelers