Escape to Hershey & More: Budget-Friendly Inn Near Harrisburg!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because here's a review of "Escape to Hershey & More: Budget-Friendly Inn Near Harrisburg!" that’s less brochure, more… well, me. Prepare yourself for a bumpy, honest ride! (And maybe a slight grammatical collision or two – I’m aiming for real here, people.)
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The Initial Vibe: Expectations vs. Reality (Spoiler: Mostly Good!)
So, right off the bat, "Budget-Friendly" is the key here. Don't roll in expecting the Ritz. I went in with the expectation of a clean, comfy crash pad close to Hershey Park. That's exactly what I got, plus a few surprises. The inn feels a bit… retro. Think well-loved, not brand-new. But that's part of its charm, right? It's like visiting your quirky aunt's house – comfortable, familiar, and occasionally… you learn to love the mismatched furniture.
Accessibility: The Real Deal, or Just Lip Service?
Okay, this is important, right? Because “accessibility” can be a tricky word. Did they really mean it? I’m happy to report (Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible, Facilities for disabled guests) – Yes. The website promised it and, surprisingly, delivered. Wide doorways? Check. Ramps? Check. Grab bars in the bathroom? Check, check! Seriously impressive for a place in this price range. Felt genuinely welcoming to all. Way easier to get around than some of the high-end, supposedly “accessible” places I’ve been to. Big thumbs up. This is a win!
Cleanliness & Safety: My Inner Germaphobe Took a Deep Breath
I'm going to be brutally honest: I'm a bit of a clean freak. Seriously, I carry hand sanitizer in my car. (Seriously, it is a thing.) So, the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Room sanitization between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol, and the fact that they use Professional-grade sanitizing services were HUGE for me. Look, we’re all a little germ-conscious these days, and I felt genuinely safe. Everything was… clean. And the room? Spotless. Zero mystery crumbs. Major relief.
Rooms: Cozy, Comfortable, and Surprisingly Well-Equipped (Finally, the Good Stuff!)
Okay, let's talk about the room (Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safe/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Shower, Smoke detector, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens). I booked a standard double because, budget, honey! It had everything I needed. The bed? Super comfy (Bedding and comfort). The extra-long bed was a bonus (I'm tall, ok?). Free Wi-Fi? Yep, and it worked flawlessly. Blackout curtains were a godsend after a long day at the park. The bathroom was… well, it was a bathroom. Clean, functional, and with decent water pressure (important!). The coffee/tea maker was a life-saver in the mornings, especially with the Complimentary tea and free bottled water. I also liked the in-room safe box – always a good thing.
The "More" in "Escape to Hershey & More" (And Where They Shine!)
This place isn't just a room; it actually has some cool stuff too!
- Swimming Pool (Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view): The outdoor pool was a lifesaver after a scorching day in Hershey. Simple, clean, refreshing. Nothing fancy – just pure, unadulterated swimming. And yeah, seeing the trees from the outdoor pool made for a calming experience.
- Spa Area and Sauna: The sauna was a bit small but it got the job done. The spa area was fantastic. They offer Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, and Spa/sauna. I indulged in a massage - it was just what I needed to unwind.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Foodie Adventures (or Lack Thereof)
Okay, let’s be honest. Dining isn’t the strongest suit of the Inn. They have Restaurants, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Room service [24-hour], Snack bar. Breakfast was… standard. Think your typical Buffet in restaurant or Western breakfast. Nothing mind-blowing, but enough to get you going. The Coffee shop and the Poolside bar were great to have, though. I did order some Coffee/tea in restaurant and it was a nice pick-me-up. I am going to admit, I didn't sample the Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Free Car Park [on-site]: Huge win. Finding parking in tourist towns can be a NIGHTMARE.
- Contactless check-in/out: Smooth as silk. Especially appreciated in the modern age.
- Daily housekeeping: Fresh towels and a tidied-up room every day? Yes, please!
- On-site event hosting, Meetings, Seminars, Audio-visual equipment for special events, and Indoor/Outdoor venue for special events - They even host events here.
- Concierge, Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Doorman, Elevator, Ironing service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, and Gift/souvenir shop - Well, this is like an actual hotel!
- Air conditioning in public area, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Smoke detector, and Valet parking - They've got it all.
For the Kids and the Family:
Family/child friendly, Babysitting service, Kids facilities, Kids meal - Definitely family-friendly. The pool is a big draw. I didn't see any specific "kids facilities," but the place has a relaxed, welcoming vibe where kids seemed to be comfortable.
The "Almost-Perfect" Bit (Because Nothing's Ever Perfect)
Look, no place is perfect. The Inn isn't a luxury resort. There might be an occasional creaky floorboard. The decor is a little… plain. But come on, we are here for budget-friendly!
The Dog Dilemma: (Pets Allowed, Unfortunately) But…
I put this in because I know a lot of us travel with our furry friends. Though, the website says (Pets allowed unavailable) the Inn is really not pet-friendly. This is something to clarify with them directly.
The Verdict: Book It, But with Realistic Expectations
Escape to Hershey & More: Budget-Friendly Inn Near Harrisburg! isn’t perfect, but it's a genuine win. If you are looking for a clean, accessible, conveniently located, and yes, budget-friendly place to stay near Hershey, book it. Just go in with the understanding that you're getting solid value, not a pampering experience. You are going to have a blast!
Are you a family on a budget? Yes! You are going to have a blast!
Do you like reliable cleanliness and great accessibility? Ding, ding, ding, you've found your place.
Are you looking for a luxurious getaway? Maybe not.
My Final, Stream-of-Consciousness Thought: I'd stay here again in a heartbeat. I had low expectations and still enjoyed it because they delivered! So if you’re looking for a pleasant, clean, and convenient base for your Hershey adventures, this is a seriously good option.
Final, Final Plug (Because, SEO):
Book your Hershey adventure now! Escape to Hershey & More: Budget-Friendly Inn Near Harrisburg! is offering a special package for [Insert Current Season] that includes a [Give details about deals, discounts, or packages, such as “free parking” or “discounted Hershey Park tickets”]. Don’t miss out on this great deal! Visit [website URL] or call [Phone Number] to book your stay!
Unbelievable Deals: Your Dream US Getaway Awaits at Best Western Inns!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to embark on a wild ride through…Budget Inn country! More specifically, the hallowed (and potentially slightly depressing) grounds of New Cumberland-Harrisburg-Hershey-York, Pennsylvania. This isn't going to be your pristine, Instagram-worthy travel diary. This is the real, sweat-stained, "did I REALLY eat that gas station hot dog?" chronicle of a budget adventure.
Day 1: Arrival and the Cumberland Conundrum (New Cumberland)
- Morning (ish) - The Great Escape: Arrive at Harrisburg International Airport (MDT). "International" is stretching it, let's be real. It’s more “Regional and Often Delayed.” Finding the Budget Inn - New Cumberland was a breeze, and the front desk guy, bless his heart, looked like he'd seen a ghost of a good night's sleep about a decade ago. Check-in was smooth, or as smooth as it gets when you're juggling luggage and the lingering smell of chlorine from the indoor pool (seriously, is this thing a myth?).
- Afternoon - Exploring the Cumberland: Okay, so New Cumberland. Is it… a place? Honestly, it's charming in the way that a slightly rusty swing set is charming. I walked around, looking for something… anything. Found a decent diner, "The Country Skillet", that was a solid 7/10 for greasy spoon goodness, where I eavesdropped on a couple discussing the merits of different types of tractor tires. Riveting.
- Anecdote: There was this one lady… with a PERM… and a LOT of floral print. She ordered a burger loaded with so many toppings I thought it might fall off the plate and attack the small dog asleep at her feet. It was pure, unadulterated Americana. I loved it.
- Evening - Budget Inn Bliss (or Lack Thereof): Back at the Budget Inn. The room? Well, it wasn't the Ritz. But hey, it had a bed, a TV with a questionable selection of channels, and the all-important… free Wi-Fi. I ate my pack of ramen noodles, watched a marathon of some local news channel, and wondered if I'd made the right choices in life. (Spoiler alert: Probably not, but here we are!)
Day 2: Hershey's Heaven (or Sugar Overload) and the York Yawn
- Morning - The Chocolate Chase: Headed to Hershey! The anticipation was REAL. I mean, CHOCOLATE! I walked the park with a huge smile, took a picture of the Hershey Kiss street lights, and got a t-shirt that read "Hershey's Happy!"
- Quirky Observation: The Hershey's Kisses are a surprisingly elegant architectural detail on the streetlights. Who thinks of these things?!
- Afternoon - Sugar, Sugar Everywhere Hershey Park was a sensory overload in the best possible way. Rides, shows, chocolate… it's like a candy-coated dream. Then, when I was at the chocolate shop, I swear I heard a small child scream after their parents told them they weren't allowed the chocolate milkshake.
- Evening - York's Yawning: York, PA. I was tired. A little chocolate-saturated. Visited the York Central Market - which was bustling but a little overwhelming since I wasn't sure what was what. Went to bed.
Day 3: Harrisburg's Hubbub and the Great Escape Continues
- Morning - Harrisburg's Hints: Headed back towards Harrisburg (a longer drive than expected, thanks to some charming Pennsylvania backroads). Explored the State Capitol building - impressive, but I'm more of a "small town charm" kinda gal. Found a cool little coffee shop, but the coffee was super weak!
- * Emotional Reaction: Found the capitol building surprisingly beautiful. Maybe the quiet halls and open space were a temporary high.
- Afternoon - River Adventures (Maybe): The plan was to take a boat tour on the Susquehanna River, but… it was closed. Apparently, "seasonal closures" are a thing, even in the height of tourist season? Feeling a slight tinge of disappointment. So, I wandered the shops, again.
- Evening - Budget Inn Part Deux: Back at the Budget Inn, again, in my familiar, slightly musty room. Ordering pizza, and watching a movie.
Day 4: Reflections and Departure
- Morning: One last (very mediocre) continental breakfast at the Budget Inn. Reflecting on the trip. It wasn't glamorous, but it was real.
- Afternoon: Head off to the airport.
The Verdict:
This trip? It was a mixed bag. The Hershey's experience was a highlight, York was okay, but… New Cumberland, well, it's a place. But in all seriousness, I am so glad I went.
Peakstones Inn: UK's Hidden Gem? You WON'T Believe This!
Okay, so "Escape to Hershey & More": Is it actually *near* Hershey, or is this false advertising? Because I've been burned before by hotels that claim to be "close" and then require a hazmat suit and a week-long trek through the wilderness to reach them.
Alright, hear me out. "Near" is subjective, like, seriously. It *is* near Hershey, but like, drive-able near. The website says 20-ish minutes, which, in the grand scheme of things, is actually accurate. I drove there. I survived. I ate chocolate. It wasn't an epic quest. But, *and this is a big but*, if you're envisioning that sugary utopia being literally across the street... well, adjust your expectations. You're not *walking* to Hersheypark. You're probably not *biking* either, unless you're feeling particularly masochistic and have a penchant for hills. So, yes, it's near, but you'll need a car. Trust me, your legs will thank you -- and so will all the ice cream you'll be able to eat without having to worry about all the walking.
Is it *actually* budget-friendly? Because "budget-friendly" these days can mean anything from "slightly less expensive than a kidney" to "requires you to sleep in a pile of questionable blankets." Spill!
Okay, *this* is where "Escape to Hershey & More" actually shines. It's genuinely budget-friendly. I'm talking, "spend more on chocolate than on the room" budget-friendly. I went expecting… well, let's be honest, I expected a slightly glorified Motel 6. And, okay, it wasn't the Ritz. But the rooms were clean (and trust me, I *inspect*). There was hot water. The bed didn't try to swallow me whole. You can definitely make it work for a quick trip without breaking the bank and letting you actually focus on the fun stuff – CHOCOLATE. Seriously, there's a reason I keep mentioning chocolate.
What's the vibe? Is it like, a super-loud family hotel with screaming kids, or a silent monastery where you're afraid to even *breathe*?
The vibe is... let's call it "comfortably chaotic." Picture this: you're walking down the hall, and you hear the muffled sounds of a toddler screaming in delight, followed by the quiet murmur of someone trying to assemble a Lego castle, or the tv blaring and you have zero idea what they are watching. It’s all very… real-life. I wouldn't say it's a party hotel, but it's definitely not a place where you need to whisper. It's welcoming, and the staff, well, some of them are super friendly. You aren't getting the high-end, perfect service, but they try. And, honestly, sometimes that's better. It's a place where you can relax, and not worry too much about being judged for that awkward morning stumble to the coffee machine. (Which, side note: the coffee was decent! A minor miracle.)
Okay, let's talk about the rooms. Are they… decent? Do they have, like, a functioning bathroom? (Because I've seen some things, man. Things I can't unsee.)
The rooms were fine. Seriously, fine. Not luxurious. Not Instagram-worthy. But functional. The bathroom *functioned*. The water was hot. The shower wasn't a trickle. There were towels! Clean towels! It's the little things, people. My stay wasn't perfect, but they don't claim to be. I felt a little like I've stepped back in time, but that's okay. The bed was comfortable enough, and the TV *worked*. That's really all I'm asking for. There's a level of honesty here, and it gives this slightly a-typical Inn a touch of charm that isn't immediately apparent (like that hidden chocolate bar I found tucked away in a drawer).
Is there anything *else* to do? Is it just Hershey, or are there other distractions to fill up your time (and more importantly, to keep you away from the inevitable sugar crash)?
Okay, so here's the thing: Hershey is the main event. Let's not kid ourselves. The chocolate, the rides, the general sensory overload… it's fantastic. But, yeah, there's more. Harrisburg is surprisingly close! I mean, *close* like the website promises (shocking, I know). There are breweries, I ended up there, of course I did. It’s a chance to escape the theme park crowds and indulge in some real-life stuff. You can hike, you can see some history. There are museums. I saw… a… well, let's just say I saw something. My brain kind of short-circuited with all the places to choose from! The point is, you aren't trapped. Escape to Hershey & More is a great starting point to something bigger than just the park. Okay, a quick word of warning. The traffic getting in and out, be prepared. It's worth it. But definitely, consider what days you go and when. Make sure your vehicle of choice is up to the trip.
What's the best *and* worst thing about the "Escape to Hershey & More" experience? The absolute pinnacle, and the "never again" moment?
Alright, here we go, the juicy bits. The BEST thing? The *value*. Seriously, the price-to-experience ratio is shockingly good. I mean, it's clean, it's comfortable, it's close. You've saved cash and can throw down on some Hersheypark passes. That, and finding that hidden chocolate bar. Pure joy. The WORST thing? The lack of breakfast options, okay, there is some coffee, which is a blessing. But a quick grab-and-go that isn’t too terrible, would have been great. Maybe the staff could have offered a little advice on local finds to eat, outside of the hotel. But, you can't complain. You get what you pay for. Overall? A solid, affordable, and refreshingly unpretentious basecamp for your Hershey adventures. Would I go back? Honestly, yes. I would. Because honestly, the imperfections are part of the charm. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need.
