Hershey's Sweetest Escape: Travelodge by Wyndham Review & Deals!
Hershey's Sweetest Escape: Travelodge by Wyndham - A Real(ish) Review & Deals!
Okay, folks, buckle up. We're diving headfirst into the chocolate-scented, adrenaline-fueled world of Hersheypark and, of course, the essential component: finding a place to crash. Today, we're wrestling the Travelodge by Wyndham in Hershey, PA. And let me tell you… it’s a journey. Consider this less a professional review and more, well, a chaotic, caffeine-fueled rant/rave fueled by a week of sugar rushes and rollercoaster-induced nausea. Prepare yourselves!
SEO & Metadata Time! (Ugh, fine… here it goes):
Keywords: Hershey, Pennsylvania, Travelodge, Wyndham, Hersheypark, Hotel Review, Deals, Accessibility, Family Friendly, Pool, Free Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, Restaurant, Spa, Fitness Center, Wheelchair Accessible, Non-Smoking, Pet-Friendly (sort of…), Parking, Breakfast, Room Service, Air Conditioning.
Meta Description: Need a sweet escape in Hershey, PA? Read our warts-and-all review of the Travelodge by Wyndham! Find out about accessibility, amenities, cleanliness, and – most importantly – if it's worth the price of admission! Includes real-life anecdotes, deal hunting tips, and the truth about those complimentary mini-shampoos.
(Okay, SEO is done. Now for the REAL fun…)
First Impressions (and the Scramble for Parking)
Let's be honest, the first thing you really notice after a day of screaming on The Comet is… how tired you are. And how far the walk seems from the parking lot to the hotel entrance. First impressions of the Travelodge? Well, it’s… there. Clean-ish. The exterior is standard motel-fare: a two-story building with a parking lot that, depending on the time of year or if you're arriving after Hersheypark closes, feels like navigating a landmine of minivans. The Car park [free of charge] is a blessing, don't get me wrong, but the sheer volume of vehicles can be overwhelming. Car park [on-site] is also available, though in high season, good luck finding a spot.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (My Mom's Not Happy!)
This is where things get… complicated. For my mom, who relies on a wheelchair, the Accessibility situation was a real mixed bag.
- Wheelchair accessible: Technically, yes. The ramp at the entrance was okay, and the elevators (thank goodness!) worked.
- Facilities for disabled guests: The room setup was, again, "okay." There were handrails in the bathroom – a definite plus.
- Exterior corridor: This, though, presented a challenge. The long hallways of the Exterior corridor certainly weren't ideal for maneuvering a wheelchair.
- Elevator: was a must-have and working, thankfully
- Things to do: Well, you're going to Hersheypark, so that's the main attraction, but there is convenience store in-side for last-minute purchases.
My Mom's Rant (Paraphrased, but Accurate): "It's adequate, but not ideal. It works, but I was really glad I had my phone to take photos so I could tell my friends- it's fine, but it's not luxurious."
Rooms: Decent, with a Few Quirks
We booked a double room, and honestly, it was… standard. Non-smoking rooms, thankfully. The Air conditioning worked like a champ (essential in the summer heat!), and the Internet access (primarily Wi-Fi [free]) was surprisingly reliable.
- Available in all rooms: A/C, Alarm clock, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Desk, Hair dryer, Ironing facilities, Non-smoking, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free]
- Additional items: The Refrigerator, that's a deal breaker for me. We bought a bunch of snacks for the room. Coffee/tea maker, very appreciated!
- The Imperfections: The Carpeting looked like it had seen better days. The Bedding was generic, but clean.
- Room Decorations: A weird floral print on the walls. Not my taste. But, hey, I wasn't expecting the Ritz.
- Bathroom: The Separate shower/bathtub option was a plus, with Bathtub and Shower inside. The water pressure was decent. The Mirror was helpful.
Cleanliness and Safety: A (Hopefully) Sanitized Experience
Honestly, after the pandemic, this stuff matters. The Travelodge seemed to be taking things seriously, though I’m always a bit skeptical.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: I saw some spray bottles!
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Good.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere (yay!).
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Supposedly.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: I'm assuming so, cause I saw a few masked
The overall feeling was "cleaned." Let's call it that.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Carb-Loading Begins
Okay, let's be real. You're in Hershey. You're going to eat. A LOT.
- Breakfast [buffet]: it's pretty average. Cereal, waffles, toast, and the usual suspects. They did have Breakfast service which was a nice touch.
- Restaurants: There is a Restaurants in-side, for a quick bite.
- Snack bar: A lifesaver for late-night cravings.
- Coffee shop: This really saves my life! It's the fuel for my day!
Services and Conveniences: The Good, The Bad, and the "Meh"
- Front desk [24-hour]: Helpful, if a little… robotic.
- Concierge: Didn't notice one.
- Daily housekeeping: They were on it.
- Luggage storage: A nice touch.
- Cash withdrawal: There should be an ATM, just make sure to check if this is what you need!
- Food delivery: Well, you are in-side of a hotel, just find a place with Food delivery.
For the Kids (or the Kid in You):
- Family/child friendly: Absolutely. It's Hershey!
- Babysitting service: Not from what I saw.
- Kids facilities: Nope. You're on your own, parent of a small child!
The Amenities (and the Missing Ones):
- Swimming pool: Yes, Swimming pool [outdoor]. It's small, and gets crowded.
- Gym/fitness: There's a tiny fitness room, which is good if you have had too many Desserts in restaurant.
- Spa/sauna: No spa. That's a bummer for my mom.
Things to Do (Besides Rollercoasters):
Well, other than Hersheypark, there's not a ton right at the hotel. You're mostly there for the park.
Getting Around: The Parking Predicament
- Car park [free of charge]: Yay!
- Car park [on-site]: Also available, but as mentioned, good luck sometimes.
- Taxi service: Available.
Emotional Rollercoaster (Just Like the Comet!):
Look, the Travelodge isn't the Four Seasons. It's not going to blow your mind. But it's adequate. It's a place to sleep, shower, and recover from a day of sugar overload and screaming. The location is good. The price is generally reasonable (especially if you look for deals).
My Verdict:
Would I stay here again? Maybe. It depends on the price, the season, and how desperately I need sleep. It's not perfect, but it gets the job done. I’d rate it a solid 3 out of 5 Hershey Kisses.
Deals, Deals, Deals! (Because We Love a Bargain):
- Look for off-season pricing: Weekdays, outside of peak summer season and holidays, are your best bet.
- Check for packages: Sometimes, you can bundle the hotel with Hersheypark tickets.
- Sign up for Wyndham rewards: You might get a discount.
- Be flexible: If you’re willing to stay a bit further out from the park, you might find better deals.
My Anecdote (The Definitive Moment):
Okay, so picture this: I'm at the Swimming pool [outdoor]. It's hot. The kids are shrieking. And I'm desperately searching for a lounge chair. Then, this guy, who I swear, looks like he lives in the pool, grabs the last chair. I ask him if he needs
Marriott Park Ridge: Your Dream NJ Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your pristine, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is my Hershey, PA, odyssey, a messy, glorious, probably-slightly-sugar-crashed adventure. I'm staying at the Travelodge, because, well, let's be real, I'm not made of money and I still want to have some kind of trip. Let's just hope the free breakfast isn't just stale bagels and watery instant coffee. Right, here goes:
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and the Quest for… Decent Coffee?
1:00 PM: Arrive at the Travelodge. (Ugh, parking's a nightmare. Already off to a bad start.)
- The front desk lady? Sweet as could be, bless her heart. Definitely a pro. But the lobby smells faintly of chlorine and… sadness? I don’t know.
- Room Reality Check: Okay, it's a room. With a bed. And a vaguely suspicious floral pattern on the curtains. It's clean-ish. Good enough.
- Anecdote Sparking Up: Remember that time I booked a "luxury" hotel in, like, Rome? The "luxury" turned out to be one tiny elevator and a bathroom that would make a hamster feel claustrophobic. This is an improvement. Barely.
1:30 PM: The Caffeine Crisis & Hershey's Chocolate World Pilgrimage
- Alright, first things first. My brain is operating at about 20% capacity without serious caffeine. Gotta find coffee. Not just any coffee, decent coffee. The prospect of the Travelodge coffee is already giving me hives.
- The Search Begins: Google Maps beckons! "Coffee shops near me…" Oh, thank the heavens. A Starbucks (I know, I know, basic, but I need a jumpstart).
- Encountering Hershey's Chocolate World: I stumble into Hershey's Chocolate World. It's MASSIVE. Like, Willy Wonka threw up a theme park. The line for the free chocolate bar is, unsurprisingly, insane. I almost bailed. But the lure of that free chocolate…
- Quirky observation: The air smells like chocolate. It's… overwhelming. Like being trapped in a giant cocoa bean. I have a feeling my blood sugar is about to take a wild ride. Time to face it.
- Emotional Reaction: okay, I was actually a little overwhelmed with the sheer CHOCOLATE. Everywhere. Is this real? I don't know! But, dang, did I enjoy that free Hershey bar.
3:00 PM: The Hershey's Chocolate Tour (The Messy Part)
- The tour begins! It's like the ultimate chocolate commercial. You sit in a little car and get whisked around while animatronic cows moo and show you the chocolate-making process. Truthfully, I zone out about half of the time.
- Imperfection Alert: Okay, I definitely spilled some chocolate sauce on my shirt during the "sampling" at the end. The "sampling" was like feeding time at the zoo, complete with shrieking children.
- Messy Structure: I'm starting to feel a little… overwhelmed again. This could be the chocolate overload, or the crowds, or the fact that I haven't eaten an actual meal yet. Or all the colors. Or the ride itself.
4:30 PM: A Sigh of Relief & the Quest for Dinner (And Sanity)
- Finally out of the Chocolate World! The sun is setting. Time to plan dinner and a general re-evaluation of my life choices.
- Opinionated Language: This place is… a lot. Fun, for sure, but a lot. There is too much chocolate for a regular person, and I am not kidding you. I'm thinking… something savory. Something… not brown.
7:00 PM: Dinner in Hershey & a Moment of Serenity
- Found a cute little Italian restaurant. Pasta and garlic bread: the perfect antidote to a day of pure sugar.
- Anecdote-ish Rambling: I saw a family there. They were having a blast. And for a moment, I kinda wished I had a family to drag to Hershey. Then I remembered the kids yelling in Chocolate World and promptly reconsidered. Alone is just fine.
- Emotional Reaction, Positive this Time I do feel like I'm enjoying myself, even if it's in a delightfully overwhelmed kind of way.
9:00 PM: Back to the Travelodge. Room Service? (Just Kidding)
- Crashing, guys. Crashing hard. The bed is calling my name. Time to catch some zzz's. Praying the AC works.
Day 2: Theme Park Mayhem, Possibly Regretful Decisions, and a Farewell to Fudge
8:00 AM: The Breakfast Battleground
- Well, here we are. The free breakfast. The moment of truth. (Deep breaths…) Uh… it was a bagel. Stale bagel. Coffee was better than I expected.
- Imperfection Detected: I had to scrape the bagel off its plate. I can already feel my breakfast starting to turn into a low-key mental breakdown.
9:00 AM: Hersheypark: The Roller Coaster Apocalypse
- Okay, mentally prepare yourself to get through this.
- Opinionated Rampage: Hersheypark is HUGE. And crowded. I swear, I saw a guy wearing a Hershey Kiss hat get into a fistfight over a cotton candy. (Okay, maybe I didn't see that, but it wouldn't surprise me.)
- Doubling Down on a Single Experience: I spent, like, hours waiting in line for the Reese's Xtreme Cup Challenge. Was it worth it? Yeah, it probably was. Until I had to wait for another HOUR. After the ride, I was absolutely exhausted. But, man, that ride was amazing and I almost forgot how insane the crowds were.
- Quirky Observation: The theme song loop for the park is now permanently etched into my brain. I'll probably be humming it for the next six months. Thanks Hersheypark. You're welcome.
1:00 PM: Lunch at Hersheypark
- Okay, well, I got lunch. More theme park food. Expensive, but it fueled me to attempt to make the most of the lines. After getting two more rides, I was done
4:00 PM: FUDGE!
- Yes, I bought some fudge. I have no regrets. Especially during the rain.
6:00 PM: Heading out
- Okay, I am heading out. I've had enough fun, and I am ready to go home.
- My hotel? Not bad, really.
In Conclusion (Or, My Very Messy Hershey Wrap-up):
Hershey, PA? It's a whole experience. It's loud. It's sweet. It's overwhelming. And yeah, it’s a little messy. But honestly? I kinda loved it. Even the stale bagels. Even the screaming kids. Even the questionable floral curtains. It was a real, honest, gloriously imperfect trip. And isn't that what life is all about? Now… time to find a good dentist.
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Hershey's Sweetest Escape: Travelodge by Wyndham - Seriously, What's the Deal? (My Brain Dump)
Okay, so...Hershey Park. Awesome. But the Travelodge? Is it REALLY a "Sweetest Escape" or more like a "Salty Disappointment"?
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't going to be a sterile, corporate review. This is *me* talking. Yes, Hershey Park is pure, unadulterated joy. The Travelodge? Well, it's a mixed bag. Think of it like a giant Hershey's Kiss – looks shiny and promising, but sometimes you get that weird, slightly waxy aftertaste.
Let's be honest: you're not picking the Travelodge for the 5-star luxury. You're picking it because you're trying to survive the Hershey Park onslaught without selling a kidney for a night at the Hershey Lodge. Been there, done that, and vowed never again. So, expectations need to be managed. Think "clean-ish," "convenient-ish," and "affordable-ish." Got it?
My last trip? I'm walking in, kids are already screaming about the chocolate, and honestly? The lobby looked... fine. The "free continental breakfast" was, shall we say, optimistic. Think bagels drier than the Sahara and a coffee urn that likely hadn't seen a good scrub in a while. But hey, it was *there*, and my sugar-crazed offspring devoured it like it was gourmet. (Kids, am I right?)
Location, Location, Location – How close *are* we to the chocolatey goodness? Is it walkable? (Please, no)
Okay, this is a BIG win for the Travelodge. It's *super* close. Like, seriously, you're not going to break a sweat walking (maybe a *light* perspire, depending on the Pennsylvanian summer heat). We’re talking a quick car ride or, if you’re feeling ambitious (and have kids who haven’t melted into puddles of whining), a decent-ish walk. I wouldn't recommend it with little ones, though – all that chocolate-fueled energy will turn into a meltdown marathon before you reach the park.
The proximity is crucial. After a full day of roller coasters and sugar rushes, the last thing you want is a long, drawn-out drive back to your hotel. Been there, done that, and the memory involves a lot of car-seat screaming and a desperate plea for earplugs. Seriously, location gets a HUGE thumbs up.
What about the rooms? Are we talking Motel 6 chic, or something…better?
Alright, let's address the elephant in the room: the rooms. They're… functional. Think clean-ish again. Look, they're not going to win any design awards, okay? But they *usually* have the basics: a bed (or two, or three, depending on your room), a bathroom (with questionable water pressure), a TV (that might actually work), and sometimes, a mini-fridge (score!).
My last experience? We got a room that looked like it had been recently... *updated*. I'm talking new-ish carpet, fresh-ish paint (though the lingering smell of cleaning products was a bit intense). The bathroom? Well, let's just say the showerhead aimed more at the wall than at me. But hey, the beds were decently comfortable after a day of walking. And honestly, after a day at Hershey Park, you’ll be so exhausted, you could probably sleep on a pile of rocks.
Just remember: manage your expectations. It's a place to crash, recharge, and escape the parental responsibilities for a few hours. Consider it a base camp, not a luxury resort.
Okay, the "free breakfast". What's really happening there? And is it worth getting up for?
Ah, the legendary Continental Breakfast. Reader, it's a gamble. A bold, breakfast-y gamble. I'd say the odds are about 50/50. Sometimes you score, and there's a mildly edible spread. Sometimes...well, sometimes you wished you'd just stayed in bed and ordered a pizza. (And yes, I HAVE considered ordering pizza for breakfast.)
Here's the truth: the selection is usually pretty basic. Bagels, toast, maybe some sad-looking pastries. Coffee (as mentioned, potentially questionable origin), juice (orange, likely from concentrate), and maybe some cereal. My kids, bless their little sugar-fueled hearts, usually devour it all with gusto, regardless of quality. Me? I usually try to grab a piece of fruit (if they haven't been completely ravaged) and a coffee. You're not exactly getting a gourmet experience, but it'll fill you up before you hit the park.
My advice? If your kids are picky eaters, pack some pop-tarts or granola bars. If you're a coffee snob, BYOC (Bring Your Own Coffee). Otherwise, embrace the breakfast adventure. You might be pleasantly surprised, or you might end up reaching for a Snickers bar by 10 AM. Either way, it's part of the experience.
Are there any hidden fees? Because, let's be real, I hate hidden fees.
Ah, the dreaded hidden fee! I've been burned too many times to count. Thankfully, the Travelodge generally doesn't seem to be *too* bad on this front. (Emphasis on "generally.") You'll likely be charged a parking fee, which is pretty standard for the area, so be prepared for that.
Always, and I mean *always*, double-check your bill at check-out. Scrutinize it like you're deciphering ancient hieroglyphs. Look for any unexpected charges. I once got hit with a mysterious "resort fee" at a hotel in Vegas (a *resort* fee at a place with a view of a parking lot? The Audacity!), but I don't recall having any major surprises like that here (knock on wood!).
Honestly, though, I *hate* fees. They feel like a slap in the face. So, just be vigilant. If something doesn't look right, ask. Politely, but firmly. You're the customer, you're entitled to know what you're paying for.
What about the staff? Are they friendly? Helpful? Or just… there?
Staff friendliness can vary, which is honestly my experience with pretty much any hotel. Sometimes you get a gem, a truly lovely person who seems genuinely happy to help. Other times... well, they're surviving. Probably a Friday morning kind of feeling. (Been there.)
My personal experience? It's been a mixed bag. I've had check-in folks who were perfectly pleasant and helpful. I've also had some who seemed utterly exhausted. But, I've never encountered outright rudeness. They're generally just… *there*. And look, I get it. They probably deal with screaming kids, tired parents, and the general chaos of a tourist boom all day long. AWallet Friendly Stay
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