Lodging Near Hershey, PA - Suggestions?

[FitzIngarage]

I might take my family on a vacation into PA with a stop at Hershey to do the theme park and the antique car museum. The hotels in Hershey seem to cost well over $200/night which is apparently fine with most people, but not us. Does anyone who lives in that area have suggestions on nice hotels that are affordable? Things seem to get a bit less expensive in Grantville and Lebanon; we don't mind staying a dozen or so miles distant. Thanks for any suggestions.

[hunterdan]

Try looking into the Middletown, Elizabethtown, Harrisburg Area. Middletown and Elizabethtown are very close to Hershey, and Harrisburg is only about 30 minutes away. If you look into areas around I-83, I-283, I-76, and I-81 you should find something that is much cheaper than that. Not sure if your into it or not, but there is also a Bass Pro Shops right off of I-83 on Paxton street. They are in a mall and have a large aquarium full of different fish. The mall also has a fountain/pond with a bunch of trout in it just outside of the store.

Dan

[bumbeh]

I stayed at the Hershey lodge a few years ago. Nice, but expensive. As far as some cheaper places. Not sure I live close enough that i can drive in a few hours so i don't stay out there too much.

[jerryp58]

I've only stayed in a hotel in the Hershey area a couple of times ago and it was so long ago I don't remember the cost. I do remember the rooms as being somewhat expensive and fairly small.

I know that's not any help, but I wanted to add (in case you haven't been to that area before) that if you have the time, the Pretzel factory in Lititz, Amish Village, and the Strasburg railroad would probably be fun for the kids (assuming they're not too young).

[FitzIngarage]

Originally Posted by jerryp58

... the Strasburg railroad would probably be fun for the kids (assuming they're not too young).

My wife and I rode the Strasburg many years ago before becoming parents. We love trains and will probably ride again so that our kid can enjoy it too. Strasburg is definitely one of the very best, most authentic train rides in the entire nation. I think there's a caboose motel nearby and I've thought of staying there (about $115/night) and driving to Hershey from Strasburg.

And I've made notes about Middletown, Elizabethtown and the Harrisburg area too. Yes, the inns within the Hershey park look wonderful, but pricey. In tonight's mail I received a package from the PA Dept. of Tourism, so maybe there will be some more information in there.

Thanks a bunch everyone!

[stevet47]

I live in Lebanon, and although it isn't a place like Strasburg where there is cool stuff to do, it might be cheaper, and it is only about 20min from Hershey.