Harrisburg Hershey Getaway: Candlewood Suites Review & Best Deals!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the Harrisburg Hershey Getaway: Candlewood Suites review, and trust me, it's going to be…a ride. Prepare yourself for a raw, unfiltered, and slightly chaotic look at what this place actually offers. Forget polished brochures; we're going for "authentically human," which, let's be honest, is a lot more fun.
The SEO Monster: (Yes, gotta do this, even if it kills the vibe a little)
Keywords, keywords, keywords! We're talking Harrisburg Hershey hotels, Candlewood Suites review, Hershey Park lodging, ADA accessible hotels Hershey, family-friendly hotels Harrisburg, free breakfast Hershey, pet-friendly hotels Harrisburg, swimming pool Hershey, fitness center Harrisburg, best hotel deals Hershey, family suites Harrisburg. Got it? Good. Now let's forget them (mostly) and get real.
Arrival and the "Accessibility" Saga:
Alright, so accessibility. This is huge for me (and hopefully for a lot of you). Candlewood Suites claims to be accessible. Let's just say, it's… mostly true, with some caveats. The elevator? Check. Ramps? Check. Accessible rooms? Yes, they have 'em. But here's the thing: sometimes, the "accessible" room feels a little…clinical. Like it was designed by someone who read about accessibility but didn't live it. The bathroom, though, was spacious enough, and that's always a win. My heart sank a little when I saw the slightly dated decor though, it's a hotel, this is a first world problem, but it does add to the overall experience!
- Accessibility Breakdown:
- Wheelchair accessible: Yes, but check the specific room details. Call ahead and ask specific questions, like, "Is the turning radius in the bathroom sufficient?" (Believe me, you'll thank me later if you have a wheelchair).
- Facilities for disabled guests: They say they have them, but see above.
- Elevator: Yes, thankfully.
- Exterior corridor: Yes, making it easier to get to the room.
- Things to consider: While the room was accessible, the hallways felt a bit narrow. Also, the parking was decent for the accessible spots, but could be tricky during peak season.
- Check-in/out [Contactless]: Very convenient. No complaints there.
- Check-in/out [Express]: Nice to have the option.
The Room: Where the Magic (and Minor Annoyances) Happen
Right, the room. Available in all rooms: This is where the list gets long, so I'll try to pick out the key bits.
- The good: HUGE bed (extra long, naturally), a mini-kitchenette (refrigerator, microwave, stovetop – HUGE for budget travelers or families!), a decent desk space if you need to work, and a reliable Wi-Fi connection. And, yes, free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (I might have screamed a little when I saw that, because paying for Wi-Fi is the bane of my existence). The blackout curtains? BLESS.
- The not-so-good: The decor is a bit dated. Think "beige on beige," which I have nothing against in principle, but still. The lighting could be brighter. The pillows were the kind that disappear when you lay your head down. (This is a CRITICAL detail.)
- In-Room Amenities:
- Air conditioning: Essential.
- Alarm clock: Yes, but it's probably your phone, right?
- Bathroom phone: Really? Who uses these?
- Bathtub/Shower: Separate Shower available.
- Blackout curtains: YES!
- Coffee/Tea Maker: Yes.
- Free bottled water: A nice touch.
- hair dryer: Present.
- Internet access – wireless/LAN: Reliable!
- Ironing facilities: Standard.
- Non-smoking: Yes. (Thank GOD).
- Refrigerator: Super useful
- Seating area: Always welcome.
- Smoke detector: Safety first!
- Slippers/Towels: Present.
- TV (satellite/cable channels): Standard fare.
- Washroom Kit: Yes.
- Window that opens: Great for FRESH AIR!
The Food (or Lack Thereof): A Culinary Adventure…Literally, You Adventure to Get it.
Okay, so. Dining, drinking, and snacking are… a mixed bag.
- Breakfast: Breakfast [buffet] is not actually available in this hotel, which is a shame. Breakfast takeaway service however is available!
- *Asian breakfast,Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, are also not present.
- Restaurants: There's no actual restaurant in the hotel. Big bummer. There's a lot of other dining options nearby, but you'll have to venture out.
- Convenience Store: There is a small convenience store, which is a lifesaver.
- Snack Bar: In the area.
The "Things to Do" Scene: Pool, Fitness, and the Pursuit of Serenity
Swimming Pool [outdoor]: Yes! I mean, it's a standard hotel pool, but it's there, which is good for kids and some outdoor time.
Pool with view: Nope, it is not.
Fitness Center: Yes. It was… adequate. Think treadmills, elliptical, and a few weights. Honestly, I prefer to walk outside.
Spa/Sauna, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Sauna, Steamroom, Foot bath: None. This is not a spa hotel. Plan accordingly if you are looking for pampering.
For the Kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: I did not use these services, but the hotel seemed family-friendly.
Cleanliness and Safety: Did I Live to Tell the Tale?
- Cleanliness and safety: This place seemed to be doing what they could, in terms of Covid-19 protocols.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: Check, check, check.
- Room sanitization opt-out available.: I didn't opt out, but the option was there.
- Safe/Security, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms: Standard safety precautions.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Currency exchange No. Cash withdraw with a fee is available.
- Contactless check-in/out: Definitely a plus.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes, thank goodness.
- Elevator: Absolutely.
- Dry cleaning/Laundry service: Provided.
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes.
- Concierge: No, not really.
- Doorman: No.
- Essential condiments: Provided.
- Food delivery: Available.
- Gift/souvenir shop: No.
- Meeting/banquet facilities/Business facilities: Yes, but I didn't use them.
- Luggage storage: Provided.
- Smoking area: Present.
- Valet parking: No.
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes, which is HUGE.
- Wi-Fi for special events: Likely, but I didn't conduct one.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Present.
The Verdict: Worth it? Maybe, With Caveats.
Okay, so… would I recommend the Candlewood Suites for your Harrisburg Hershey getaway? Yeah, probably.
- The Good: The price is right. The room size is good. The kitchenette is a game-changer. The free parking and free wifi are awesome. The location is decent to Hershey Park, and a ton of restaurants and shops.
- The Bad: It's not a luxury experience. The decor is dated. No on-site dining is a bummer. The accessible room felt slightly… impersonal.
- The Verdict: It's a solid, practical choice, especially if you're on a budget, travelling with family, or need accessible accommodations. Don't expect the Ritz, but you'll get a clean,
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-organized travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into my Harrisburg-Hershey adventure, staying at that oh-so-familiar, yet slightly-too-beige, Candlewood Suites. Prepare for glorious imperfections, questionable life choices disguised as travel decisions, and a whole lotta me rambling.
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and the Pre-Hershey Fizz
1:00 PM - Arrival at Candlewood Suites (Harrisburg-Hershey, woot woot!)
Okay, first impressions: The lobby is clean-ish. The air…well, it smells faintly of chlorine and ambition. I mean, that's the aroma of Candlewood, right? It's either chlorine or that weird, vaguely chemical scent that's supposed to be "clean." I'm hoping for the chlorine. A quick check-in and a deep breath of whatever-this-is, and I'm in the room. It's…fine. Standard. Beige. The perfect canvas for a weekend of questionable decisions.
Anecdote: Last time I stayed at a Candlewood, I got stuck in the elevator for a good fifteen minutes. Panicked, I started aggressively hitting the emergency button, only to realize (after what felt like an eternity, and a lot of hyperventilating) that I was on the ground floor. Let's hope this time it goes better, and my trip will be more smooth sailing!
1:30 PM - Unpack & Recon
Okay, unpack is misleading. More like, "flung my bag onto the bed." I'm not about that perfectly-folded-underwear life. Recon is key. A quick survey of the room. Fridge? Check. Microwave? Present and accounted for. The most important question: does this place have coffee? Please tell me it does. The fate of my sanity hangs in the balance. Oh, and…the view. It's a parking lot. Sigh. But hey, at least I can see my car.
*2:00 PM - Caffeine Procurement and the "Plan"
Success! Coffee maker triumphantly discovered. This is where the "plan" starts to develop (loosely). I'm thinking a quick drive into Hershey. Maybe hit up the Hershey's Chocolate World on Friday. Then, hopefully, I want to visit Hersheypark with a friend on Saturday. And…there's a farmers market I've heard about. Okay, that's a starting point. I will need to refine the idea later.
4:00 PM - Stumble Upon a Gem
Took a wrong turn (shocking, I know). Ended up near a random park. Strolled! It had a beautiful view (for a change) and a few people. I felt slightly more human after the whole adventure. It was just what I needed!
6:00 PM - Dinner Shenanigans
Decided to skip the "hotel-adjacent" options (ugh, microwaved food) and hit up… a chain restaurant. I won't name names, but let's just say the "craft beer" selection was more like "the saddest beer aisle this side of the Mississippi." Ordered the burger. It was fine. The cheesecake, however… that's the kind of cheesecake you could get stuck in your mind, to never forget it.
7:30 PM - Evening Wind-Down
Back in the room. Switched on a cheesy movie on the TV. The channel selection is abysmal. But, hey, there's something comforting about terrible TV after a day of travel. Scrolling through my phone, I remembered I had a few Hershey Park tickets to use. Excitement is building up!
9:00 PM - Bedtime Bliss
Okay, I know I said I wasn't a "perfectly-folded-underwear" type, but a comfortable bed is non-negotiable. And the bed here? Surprisingly plush. I'm going to need some serious sleep for the Hershey adventures ahead.
Day 2: Hersheypark - The Chocolate-Covered Rollercoaster Marathon
9:00 AM - Hershey's Chocolate World!
Got my coffee and headed to the park early, with some hope that the park will be less crowded. Did the ride. It was okay. Not my favorite, but whatever. The chocolate samples were a nice touch, though.
10:00 AM - Hersheypark - The Big Day Begins
Alright, time for the main event! Hersheypark. I'm still buzzing from seeing real-life rollercoasters! It's going to be all about the coasters, because there's not much else I'm there for.
First Coaster - The Comet: What a start! Slightly terrifying, but exhilarating! This coaster is a classic. My stomach did a weird flip, but it was worth it. The views from up there? Amazing. I swear I could taste chocolate just from the air.
Second Coaster - The Lightning Racer: This was the most aggressive ride I've been on. I felt like I was going to be thrown out of the car. I think the park had the best rides in the world!
Third Coaster - The Skyrush: Talk about a thrill ride! The speed, the drops… I screamed, I laughed, I may have cried a little. But it was FREAKING AWESOME. I don't remember exactly how much time I wasted in the line, but it was totally worth it.
1:00 PM - Lunchtime Mishaps
Lunch was a blur of greasy food. Everything tasted fantastic, no matter what. I'm pretty sure I accidentally ordered a whole tray of something. Ate the whole thing. Oops.
1:30 PM - More Coaster Adventures
More coasters and more screams! After this, it was time to get back to my room. Need a break!
7:00 PM - Exhausted and Happy
Back at the hotel, showered, now just relishing the moment. I loved the whole experience!
Day 3: Farmers Markets, Departures, and a Chocolate-Induced Sugar Coma
9:00 AM - Sleepy and Disoriented
Woke up exhausted! Washed my face and drank coffee. I needed a good day.
10:00 AM - The Farmers Market Quest
Found a local Farmers Market. Amazing. There were cakes, coffee, and so much food!
12:00 PM - The Departure
Packed up and left.
1:00 PM - Home Sweet Home
Back home.
And there you have it. My less-than-perfect, but totally real, Harrisburg-Hershey adventure. Remember to embrace the unexpected, laugh at your own mistakes, and always pack extra chocolate. Because let's be honest, you can never have too much chocolate.
**Nashik's BEST Hotel Near the Railway Station! Unbeatable Prices!**
Harrisburg Hershey Getaway: Candlewood Suites – The REAL Deal (and a Few Rambles!)
So, Candlewood Suites Harrisburg Hershey: Worth It? The Big Question!
Okay, let's be real. You’re probably here for the Hersheypark fun, right? And you need a place to crash that won’t break the bank. Candlewood Suites? Here's the unvarnished truth. **Generally, yeah, it IS worth it.** But... (and there's ALWAYS a but!), it depends. Are you expecting the Ritz? Nope. Are you okay with practical and comfortable, with a kitchen that's a lifesaver when you've got kids who *only* eat chicken nuggets? Then you're in the right ballpark.
My own experience? Well, we went last summer. Three kids, a mountain of luggage, and a desperate need for air conditioning (thank GOD for AC!). The room was, well, it was *a room*. But the *kitchenette*… that was a game changer. Seriously. Microwave, fridge, stovetop… we avoided eating out every single meal, which, let me tell you, saved us a small fortune. And sanity. Less hangry kids = more happy parents.
What's the Deal with Those Kitchenettes? Are They Actually Useful?
Okay, back to the holy kitchenettes! THEY. ARE. GOLD. Especially with kids. I’m not a chef, mind you. Give me a microwave and a can of soup, and I'm happy. But being able to make a quick breakfast (cereal, anyone?) before hitting the park? Amazing. Leftovers from dinner? Stored perfectly. And think about the cost savings! Eating out every meal in Hershey? You'll need a second mortgage.
The downside? They're not exactly Michelin star kitchens. It's a practical, get-the-job-done kinda setup. Expect slightly outdated appliances, but they work. And clean them! Seriously, wipe down the counters. You're not at home, but hey, hygiene is still important, right? (Don't judge me, I'm talking to *myself* here!) My only real gripe? The lack of a decent can opener. Seriously, Candlewood, invest in a decent can opener! We wrestled with a particularly stubborn can of beans for a solid 15 minutes. It was a comedy of errors.
Are the Rooms Actually *Clean*? (And Are They Quiet?!)
Alright, let's address the elephant in the room: cleanliness. I'm a bit of a neat freak. I admit it. So, I was cautiously optimistic. Overall? Pretty good. My room experience was... Mostly good. Our first room? Spotless. (I actually *did* a happy dance.) Our second room? Well, let's just say, I'm pretty sure I saw a rogue Cheerio chilling under the sofa. And while that's not ideal, it wasn't a biohazard situation. My advice: check the place out when you first arrive. If something's amiss, *tell them*. They're usually pretty good about fixing stuff.
As for quiet? Depends on your neighbors. We had one night where someone was clearly auditioning for a heavy metal band (at like, 3 AM!). But the walls weren’t *thin*. Usually, it was fine. Bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper, just in case. And if you get a noisy neighbor? Don’t be afraid to complain! (I failed at this. Too polite, I guess. My regret.)
Breakfast: Is it Included? What's the Deal?
Nope. No free breakfast. Bummer, I know. Honestly, it's a bit of a pain. You gotta fend for yourself in the morning. That’s where those lovely kitchenettes come in handy again. Cereal, oatmeal, pop tarts… you got this. Or, you could hit up a local diner or fast food joint. But honestly? I embraced the "make it yourself" breakfast. It's cheaper, and you can stay in your PJs longer!
Location, Location, Location! Candlewood Suites Hershey: How Close to the Action?
Okay, this is a BIG win for Candlewood. It's *relatively* close to Hersheypark. "Relatively" meaning a short drive. Traffic can get brutal, especially in the mornings and evenings during peak season, so factor that in. Plan ahead. Leave early. Pack some snacks for the car – those hangry child demons don't care about traffic jams. But seriously, it's not a terrible commute. Much better than some of those hotels that are a *massive* drive away. Plus, you’re close to other attractions in the area, too – the Chocolate World, the Zoo, etc. It's a good home base for your Hershey adventures.
Parking: Easy Peasy or a Headache?
Parking? Generally, pretty easy. I don't remember having a major issue. It's usually ample parking space, which is a relief after wrangling kids and luggage. Sometimes, you might have to walk a *tiny* bit further, but nothing that's going to break your back… unless you’re carrying all those groceries. Good luck with that. You've got this.
Best Deals: How to Snag a Cheap Stay!
Alright, let's talk money! This is where Candlewood Suites really shines. They *tend* to be more affordable than many other hotels. Here's the insider scoop for scoring a good deal:
- Book in advance! Seriously, the earlier, the better. Prices fluctuate like crazy, especially during the peak season.
- Check for discounts! AAA, AARP, military discounts… see if you qualify for anything! Those pennies add up.
- Be flexible with yourFind Hotel NowCandlewood Suites Harrisburg-Hershey By IHG Harrisburg (PA) United States
Candlewood Suites Harrisburg-Hershey By IHG Harrisburg (PA) United States
