Harrisburg Hershey Courtyard: Your Dream PA Getaway Awaits!
Harrisburg Hershey Courtyard: My PA Escape (AKA: Did I Finally Find My Happy Place?) - A Deep Dive
Okay, let's be real. Planning a trip to Harrisburg-Hershey isn't exactly thrilling on paper. But after staying at the Courtyard, I might just be eating my words… and a whole lotta Hershey's chocolate, naturally. Buckle up, buttercups, because this review is gonna get messy, honest, and probably a little bit… chocolaty.
SEO & Metadata (Before I Forget!):
- Keywords: Harrisburg Hershey Courtyard, Hershey PA Hotels, Accessible Hotel Hershey, Family Friendly Hotel Harrisburg, Spa Hotel Pennsylvania, Free Wifi Harrisburg, Indoor Pool Hershey, Hotel Review, Pennsylvania Getaway, Business Travel Harrisburg, Hershey Attractions
- Metadata Description: Honest and detailed review of the Harrisburg Hershey Courtyard, covering accessibility, dining, amenities, safety, and room details. Find out if this PA hotel is the perfect dream getaway.
- Meta Title: Harrisburg Hershey Courtyard Review: My Honest PA Getaway Experience!
First Impressions: The Accessibility Angle (Important for Me!)
Right off the bat, HUGE props to the Courtyard for their commitment to accessibility. I’m always a little apprehensive, you know? So many hotels say they're accessible, but "accessible" often translates to, well, a ramp and a prayer. This place? Solid.
- Wheelchair Accessible? Absolutely. Wide doorways, ramps everywhere, and the elevators were actually speedy (a rare and beautiful thing!).
- Getting Around? Easy peasy. Everything felt thoughtfully laid out.
- The Room Itself: Plenty of space to maneuver, grab bars in the bathroom, and a roll-in shower. Like, they actually thought about the details, not just slapped a sticker on the door. Made me feel comfortable and, let's be honest, safe. That's HUGE.
On-Site Grub & Lounging: Fueling the Fun (or Avoiding the Hangry Monster)
Okay, let's talk food. 'Cause, frankly, food is life, especially when you're on vacation.
- Restaurants: They had a restaurant right there on-site! Convenient is an understatement. I'm all about convenience when my tummy starts rumbling.
- Coffee Shop: Yep, they had a Starbucks, which is basically a requirement these days. Coffee was good, but let's not pretend I'm not a basic b*tch when it comes to my caffeine addiction.
- Breakfast Buffet: Alright, so it's a classic hotel buffet. Expect the usual suspects: eggs, bacon, waffles. It was serviceable, but nothing that's going to make me write home about it. But, hey, free(ish) breakfast? Can't complain.
- Snack Bar: Perfect for those late-night chocolate cravings. (And let's be honest, those are frequent cravings.)
- Poolside Bar: I actually didn't use this, due to my current situation, but how fun could these places be.
The Spa: Dreaming of Relaxation (Did It Deliver?)
Now, the real reason I was excited for the Courtyard? Supposedly, the spa. Now, I'm all about self-care and unwinding so the sauna, massage, and Steamroom were a huge draw.
- The Spa Experience: Sigh. This is where things kind of fell apart. The massage was okay, but not mind-blowing. The sauna was decent. But, the steam room? It was… off. Like, not hot enough, and slightly…smelly. (Insert sad face emoji here).
- Overall Spa Vibe: It was okay. Not the sanctuary of serenity I'd envisioned. I feel like this is an area where they could really up their game.
Cleanliness & Safety: In a Pandemic World (Did I Survive?)
Okay, look. This is a big one. Because, you know… COVID. I'm a chicken, and I was incredibly happy with what I saw.
- Cleanliness SPOT ON!! The rooms were spotless. Hand sanitzer everywhere, and I felt that they were taking precautions seriously.
- Staff training: They were all masked up and the staff followed safety protocols. Made me feel so comfortable.
- Room Sanatization: I was very impressed how the room was sanitized before my arrival.
Rooms: My Humble Abode (Did I Love It?)
The rooms – they were great, they had everything from the basic toiletries all the way to a hair dryer.
- The Bed: Comfortable! I slept like a log, which is always a win.
- The View: Not breathtaking, but hey, I was here for Hershey Park, not the vista.
- The Internet: Free Wi-Fi, which is a must-have these days. And it actually worked. No buffering nightmares while I watched my silly shows.
- The Details: Nice touches – like plenty of outlets, a comfortable desk area (I did a little work, unfortunately).
- Room for Improvement: I think they could definitely work on updating the decor to feel a little bit more luxurious.
Things to Do: Beyond the Chocolate (Yes, There's More!)
This hotel is in the perfect location, you can get to so many Hershey attractions.
- Hershey Park: Obviously a must-do. Rollercoasters, chocolate, what's not to love?
- Hershey Gardens: Beautiful! A great place to relax and escape the crowds.
- Hershey's Chocolate World: Free chocolate samples? Yes, please!
- ZooAmerica: Nice location.
Amenities: Extras! (Did They Matter?)
The extras were great, I had access to so much:
- Indoor Pool: Great for a swim.
- Fitness Center: I have to confess, I didn't actually use it! But it looked well-equipped.
- Laundry service: Very convenient.
- 24-hour Front Desk: This is a huge plus, especially when you’re arriving late or have any questions.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Yep. Despite the slightly disappointing spa and the slightly-better-than-average breakfast buffet. The Harrisburg Hershey Courtyard won me over. It's clean, accessible, well-located, and genuinely staffed by people who seem to care. It's not perfect, but it's a solid, reliable choice for a Hershey getaway. Plus, the endless supply of chocolate nearby helps with any minor imperfections, if you know what I mean.
My only real complaint? I'm still dreaming of a truly amazing spa experience. Come on, Courtyard, make it happen!
Houston's HOTTEST Hotel Near Energy Corridor: Courtyard I-10 West!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're not just planning a trip to Harrisburg-Hershey, we're living it. This isn't some pristine, Instagram-filtered itinerary. This is gonna be messy, real, and probably involve me yelling at a vending machine at least once.
Courtyard Harrisburg Hershey - My Reality Breakdown (aka, the Itinerary of Chaos)
Day 1: Arrival and Chocolate Overload (Prepare for Bliss and Possible Sugar Coma)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Harrisburg International Airport (MDT). Okay, first hurdle: get out of the airport without buying a ten-pound bag of Hershey's Kisses. Wish me luck. Seriously, those things are calling my name.
- (Reality Check: Found my luggage! Victory! But…the rental car line is a mob scene. Currently channeling my inner zen master. Namaste, Budget Car Rental, Namaste.)
- 2:30 PM (ish): Finally, freedom! Driving into Hershey…and the smell. Oh. My. Sweet. Lord. It’s the smell of chocolate. Pure, unadulterated, glorious chocolate. I could cry. I might cry.
- 3:30 PM: Check into the Courtyard Harrisburg Hershey. Expect standard hotel stuff…but with a heavy dose of anticipation. Is the pool gonna have Hershey's in it? Probably not. Sigh.
- (Mental Note: Pack a swimsuit. And maybe a hazmat suit, just in case.)
- 4:00 PM: Hershey's Chocolate World. Okay, this is the big kahuna. THE source. The…I can't even. The free chocolate tour ride! (Yes, I'm still a kid at heart, don't judge). Expect pure, unadulterated glee. Expect me to maybe, maybe lose my mind. Also, the gift shop…prepare to be severely judged. I'm going to bring the whole family.
- (Anecdotal interlude: Last time I went to Chocolate World, I blacked out in the chocolate fountains. Woke up covered in chocolate. Don't ask. This time, I'm playing it COOL. Totally. )
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant. I'm thinking something that isn't brown. Maybe. Depends on how much chocolate I ate. Probably something that's brown.
- 7:30 PM: Stroll around Hershey. Check out the lights. Soak in the atmosphere. Feel the… chocolatey magic.
- (Quirky Observation: The streetlights in Hershey are shaped like Hershey Kisses. I'm pretty sure this is heaven.)
- 9:00 PM: Collapse in hotel room. Possibly covered in chocolate. Reviewing the day.
Day 2: Rollercoasters, Gardens, and Existential Chocolate Dread.
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Question life choices. Did I dream about roller coasters or did they become a reality?
- 9:00 AM: Hershey Park. Okay, time to face my fears. I'm not a huge rollercoaster person. But I'm going to do it, because, well, I have to.
- (Emotional Reaction: The first climb. That initial clack-clack-clack up the hill? My stomach will be in my throat. )
- (Messy structure note: Between rollercoaster rides, there’s the inevitable search for sunscreen. And a bathroom. And more snacks. Gotta keep that energy up, folks!)
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the park. Pretzel or pizza? Always struggle.
- 2:30 PM: Hershey Gardens. A little bit of calm amidst the chaos. Time to appreciate the serene. Until…
- (Anecdote: Last time I went to a garden, I tripped over a rosebush. This time is going to be different. This time I'll remain graceful. That is, until someone spills ice cream all over my shoes.)
- 4:00 PM: Back to Hershey Park! Time for round two of the rides.
- (Opinionated language: The lines at the popular rides are atrocious. Plan ahead, people! I’m not waiting an hour for a five-second thrill ride.)
- 6:00 PM: Dinner out. Maybe tacos. Maybe pasta. Maybe CHOCOLATE.
- 7:30 PM: Evening entertainment in the area. Finding music? Maybe a show.
- (RAMBLE: It's time to relax, maybe write more, or just stare at the ceiling.)
Day 3: History, Departure, and the Aftermath
- 9:00 AM: Check out of the hotel. Goodbye beautiful Hershey… It's been real.
- 10:00 AM: Visit the Pennsylvania State Capitol building. Maybe learn something. Probably just take pictures.
- 11:30 AM: Lunch near the Capitol building.
- 2:00 PM: Head to the airport. Say goodbye to the sweet smell…for now.
- (Stronger Reaction: I'm going to miss this. Even the rollercoaster. Even the lines. Even the chocolate. Sniff…)
- 3:00 PM: Board the flight. Start planning my return.
- (Imperfection: I'll probably cry when I see the Hershey's Kisses at the airport shop. It's okay.)
Important Notes:
- Flexibility is key: Things will change. Plans will get derailed. Embrace the chaos.
- Hydration is crucial: Drink water. Lots of it. Especially if you're, you know, covered in chocolate.
- Sunscreen is your best friend: Don't be a lobster.
- Bring snacks: Seriously. You'll need them.
- Have fun! That's the whole point, right?
Harrisburg Hershey Courtyard: Your Dream PA Getaway...Or Is It? (FAQ - The Unfiltered Edition)
Okay, Okay...What *IS* This Place? The Harrisburg Hershey Courtyard...Is It Worth It?
Alright, buckle up. The Harrisburg Hershey Courtyard...well, it's a Courtyard. You know. The Marriott kind. Clean, predictable, maybe a little *blah* at times. But listen, it's strategically placed. Like, *really* strategically placed. You're talking prime real estate for Hershey Park adventures, the Hershey Gardens, and all that chocolatey goodness. Is it worth it? Depends on what you're after. If you want pure, unadulterated, chocolate-fueled fun with the least hassle...yeah, probably. Especially if you've got kids. They’ll love the pool, I promise.
My personal experience? Mixed. We went last year. My husband, bless his heart, booked it figuring it would be the "easy" option. He wasn’t wrong, technically…but "easy" doesn't always equate to "magical." (More on the "magical" part later, or, you know, *lack* thereof. Heh.)
Location, Location, Location! What's the DEAL with the Actual *Spot*?
Okay, listen up. The location is *key* to the Courtyard's…well, its existence's value. It's practically *next door* to everything. You can practically *smell* the chocolate from your room (okay, maybe not literally, but you get the point!). Hershey Park is a short drive, the Hershey Gardens are a hop, skip, and a jump… honestly, it's fantastic for maximizing your time with the theme park.
Now, navigating the parking lot… that's a whole other story. Seriously, practice your patience. It can get *insane*, especially during peak season. I swear, the other guests were more competitive than the roller coasters.
The Rooms! Are They Decent? What's the Vibe? (And Is the Bed Comfy?)
The rooms? Predictable. Which, in a good way, is *sometimes* a comfort. They're clean, modern, and functional. You've got your standard two queen beds situation, or a king if you're lucky/booked in advance (pro tip: book *way* in advance!). The vibe is… well, Courtyard-esque. Think muted colors, a desk you'll never use, and a TV that probably has too many channels you’ll never bother to watch. They’re definitely not luxurious, but they're perfectly serviceable for a few nights of sleep and showering.
THE BED, though...that's where things get interesting. My husband and I, we differ on this. He thought it was "fine." I, on the other hand, was kind of meh. It wasn't a *bad* bed, per se, just… unremarkable. (Important: always bring your own pillow if you have strong opinions about pillows. I’m a pillow snob, and I learned *that* the hard way.)
Breakfast! Do They Serve It, And More Importantly, *IS IT GOOD*?
Okay, breakfast. This is a big one, because breakfast is *vital* to a successful theme park day, right? I mean, you need to fuel up! They *do* offer breakfast. It's...well, it's a Courtyard breakfast. Meaning, it gets the job done, but don't expect gourmet. You've got your eggs, bacon/sausage (usually), some fruit, maybe some yogurt. The coffee is pretty mediocre. The service depends on the day, and they often run out of the popular stuff, and it's a mad rush.
The *one* redeeming quality is the waffles. They have a waffle maker, and yes, you can make your own. I ate like, three waffles a day. No regrets.
Anecdote Time! One morning, the waffle batter, my personal savior, ran out completely. There was a near riot. I kid you not! Children were crying, and the grumbling from the adults! It was a sight to behold. The poor hotel staff, they were running around like mad. They eventually got more batter, but I think I still have PTSD from the whole situation.
The Pool! What's Up With the Watery Fun?
The pool. Ahhh, the pool! This is where the kiddos *really* shine. It's an indoor pool, which is a *huge* win. That means you can swim rain or shine, which is pretty important in Pennsylvania, where the weather is… well, it's Pennsylvania weather. The pool itself is decent in size, but it can get *packed*. You have to time your swim sessions carefully, because competition for chairs is a real thing.
I'm not a huge pool person, to be honest (sunburn, ugh!), but my kids LOVED it. They were in there for hours. It kept them occupied, which, let's be real, is worth its weight in gold when you’re dragging around tired kids all day at Hershey Park.
Is There a Gym? (Because, You Know, All That Roller Coaster Food...)
Yes, there is a gym. I confess, I *looked* at it. From the outside. (I, personally, am more of a "walk around Hershey Park all day" kind of exerciser). It looked clean and had the usual cardio machines and some weights. So, if you’re into keeping up your fitness regimen, you’re in luck! If not…well, there’s always chocolate!
Parking! (Because, Oh Boy, Is It A Thing!)
Parking at the Courtyard? It's…adequate. Sufficient. Fine. Until it's not. During peak season, it's a total free-for-all. You're circling, you're praying, you might have to park, you know, far away. (And by far, I mean, across the parking lot.) Be prepared to walk. Be prepared to swear under your breath. Be prepared to just…accept it. It's part of the Hershey experience.
Pro Tip: Go back to the hotel in the off hours. You might get lucky with a better spot. I've parked really far away. The worst. The absolute worst.
Overall - The Verdict. Should I Book It?
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