Red Lion Inn & Suites Hershey

With the Hershey Medical Center within a five-minute drive, this hotel draws patients, their families, and others with business at the Medical Center. Guests tend not to linger in the small lobby after breakfast or check-in. A renovation in 2016 opened up the lobby space and added some cozy armchairs, but guests usually hustle in and out. In the summer months, the pool buzzes with activity in the afternoon -- the pool is large and curvy with a mushroom-like fountain at one end that douses kids playing under it. The game arcade room is another highlight for children.

The hotel is situated off busy West Chocolate Avenue near the Hershey Lodge and Penn State Milton South Hershey Medical Center (a three- to five-minute drive). Downtown Hershey and Hershey Park Stadium are five minutes away by car. There are some restaurants within a two-minute walk, while a wider range of restaurants, grocery stores, and pharmacies are five to seven minutes away on foot. ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is a five-minute drive and other major attractions, including the Hershey Gardens, Hershey’s Chocolate World, and Tanger Outlet Hershey are within an eight-minute drive. The Amtrak Station in Middletown is about a 15-minute drive from the hotel, and the Harrisburg International Airport is about a 20-minute drive. The Pennsylvania Turnpike is about a 10-minute drive from the hotel. 

Guest rooms at the Red Lion Inn & Suites Hershey Inn, emphasizing earth tones and dark wood, are somewhat dated, with matching beige bed throws and bed skirts. Standard Rooms do not have desks, and the only seating is one green-upholstered armchair, but some King Rooms have upholstered sleeper sofas and coffee tables. The plaid-pattern drapes are dark blue, red, and tan. Mirrors cover the entire walls, capturing light from the windows to brighten the space. Guests have complained about carpet stains, musty smells, broken hairdryers, and showerheads, and less-than-thorough cleaning. Small, tan-granite vanities are positioned outside the cramped beige-tile bathrooms, which have rainfall showerheads and acrylic shower/tub inserts. Standard Rooms come with two double beds or one king. Some suites are significantly larger. The Hoover Suite offers a full kitchen with granite bar and stools, dining table, and a spacious living room that is separate from the bedroom. Room amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, magnifying mirrors, and free Wi-Fi. Microwaves are available upon request for a fee. 

Although it has no restaurant, Red Lion Inn & Suites Hershey Inn serves a free continental breakfast and free coffee all day. Snack vending machines are located in the video arcade and pool area. The outdoor heated pool is large and meanders in an "S" pattern. It includes a whirlpool and is surrounded by lounge chairs. Free on-site parking is available on the hotel’s surface lot. The fitness center has several cardio and weight-training machines, and guest laundry facilities are on-site. A computer with Internet access and printer is available for guests' use, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Meeting space is available, and free newspapers are offered on weekdays. Pets are welcome in select rooms with a surcharge.