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The Hotel Hershey, opened on May 26, 1933, is a historical landmark, four-star hotel located on a hilltop overlooking Hershey, Pennsylvania. It has 276 guest rooms and 23,500 square feet (2,180 m2) of event space.
The Hotel Hershey's architectural style has Spanish and Italian influences, mosaic tiles and archways, and a villa-style balcony overlooking the twinkling lights of Hershey and the expanse of Hershey Gardens. Historic photographs and original artwork line the halls and decorate guest room walls, as well as the Iberian Lounge, which takes the guest back in time to dim, fireplace-lit cigar lounges.
The Hotel Hershey is a member of Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
History
During the Great Depression, Milton S. Hershey, founder of The Hershey Chocolate Company, faced with the challenge of either employing his town's construction workers or providing for their welfare, decided to build a hotel on Pat's Hill overlooking the town and his factory. Originally planned to be a recreation of the famous Heliopolis Palace Hotel, construction plans changed and were delayed due to costs, the death of Hershey's wife, Catherine, and the outbreak of World War II. When construction began, the new plans drew on Mediterranean and Spanish influences.
Construction began in 1931 and the hotel was completed on May 23, 1932. The effort employed as many as 800 workers. The bill for the hotel was around $2 million. The Hotel officially opened on May 26, 1933.
In 1934, a nine-hole golf course was added to the grounds and in 1961, an outdoor swimming pool was added.
In 1977, a new 100 room wing was added to the hotel along with a new indoor pool and fitness center.
In 2001, a full service spa called "The Spa At The Hotel Hershey" was added. The spa features innovative treatments inspired by chocolate such as the Whipped Cocoa Bath, Chocolate Bean Polish, and the Chocolate Fondue Wrap.
Throughout 2009, The Hotel Hershey officially unveiled its $67 million building campaign known as “The Grand Expansion,” which launched as part of the Hotel's 75th anniversary celebration. Along with upgrades to the Hotel’s front entrance, the expansion included 10 new luxury guest cottages; one meetings cottage; a multi-pool swimming complex with an infinity edge pool; new recreation area; 130-seat restaurant, Harvest; and seven new boutique shops known as The Shops At The Hotel Hershey.