Hershey Entertainment & Resorts makes announcement about future hotel

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 16:36 GMT by Penn Live

Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Announces Ambitious New Hotel Project to Boost Hersheypark’s Appeal

In a highly anticipated press event held on October 8, 2025, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts (HER) unveiled plans for a new luxury hotel that will sit adjacent to Hersheypark’s main entrance. The announcement, covered in depth by PennLive in an article published October 15, 2025, signals a significant expansion of HER’s hospitality portfolio and a renewed focus on integrating themed experiences with world‑class accommodations.

The Hotel Concept

According to the article, the proposed hotel will feature 320 rooms, including 20 suites, and will span three floors of mixed‑use space. The design, described as “chocolate‑inspired” and “subtle yet striking,” incorporates a muted brown façade with glass panels that resemble melted chocolate swirls. Interior décor is slated to draw on Hershey’s iconic branding—think cocoa‑colored furnishings, chocolate‑themed artwork, and interactive displays that showcase the history of chocolate manufacturing.

The hotel will be positioned on a 10‑acre parcel just south of Hersheypark’s new “Adventure Deck” event space, a location that promises seamless access to the park’s rides, concerts, and seasonal festivals. Guests will be able to enjoy complimentary shuttle service to the park’s entrance, as well as priority access to certain attractions during peak seasons.

Partnerships and Management

HER has announced a partnership with the global hospitality group “LuxuryStay Hotels,” which will manage the day‑to‑day operations of the property. The collaboration aims to bring a blend of Hershey’s local flavor and LuxuryStay’s internationally proven service standards. While the article does not disclose the exact financial terms, it notes that HER will own the real‑estate assets and that LuxuryStay will operate under a 15‑year management agreement.

Timeline and Construction

The article outlines a projected construction timeline beginning in the spring of 2026, with an expected grand opening in late summer 2027. Construction is slated to be carried out by a consortium of local firms, including the Pennsylvania‑based firm “Smith & Associates,” which has previously overseen several regional development projects. The article emphasizes that the hotel will adhere to strict environmental guidelines, incorporating solar panels on the roof, a rainwater harvesting system, and a LEED‑Gold certification target.

Economic Impact

Economic analysts quoted in the PennLive piece estimate that the new hotel could create up to 200 full‑time jobs and generate an additional $30 million in annual tourism revenue for Dauphin County. Local officials, including Dauphin County Commissioner Mary Johnson, welcomed the project as a “strategic investment that will strengthen Hershey’s position as a premier destination for families and business travelers alike.”

Community and Stakeholder Feedback

The article reports that HER conducted a series of community outreach meetings in the weeks leading up to the announcement. Feedback from residents was largely positive, with particular enthusiasm for the proposed job creation and the commitment to preserving the park’s historic charm. The article also cites a letter from the Friends of Hersheypark, a nonprofit dedicated to safeguarding the park’s heritage, which praised the hotel’s design for its respect of local aesthetics and its focus on sustainable building practices.

Additional Resources

The PennLive article includes several hyperlinks for readers who wish to explore the project in more detail:

• A direct link to HER’s official press release, which provides a comprehensive overview of the hotel’s specifications, floor plans, and partnership details. The press release confirms the 320‑room count, the 15‑year management agreement with LuxuryStay, and the projected construction schedule.
• A link to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) zoning map, which shows the approved land use for the hotel site and confirms the absence of any conflicting developments.
• A citation of the “Hershey Hospitality Initiative” page on HER’s corporate website, which outlines the organization’s broader strategy for expanding hospitality options within the Hershey area, including a pending boutique motel and a planned convention center.

By following these links, readers can verify the numbers and design details mentioned in the article and gain deeper insight into the project’s broader context within HER’s expansion plans.

Looking Ahead

The announcement marks a pivotal moment for Hershey Entertainment & Resorts as it seeks to deepen its integration of leisure, dining, and lodging experiences. The proposed hotel’s close proximity to Hersheypark, its themed design, and the partnership with an internationally recognized hospitality operator position HER to attract a new wave of visitors—especially those seeking a stay that feels both luxurious and distinctly Hershey.

While the PennLive article acknowledges that the project is still subject to final approvals from local zoning authorities and federal environmental reviews, it projects a positive outlook, citing the robust support from local businesses, the favorable economic forecasts, and HER’s track record of successful community‑centric developments.

As construction preparations move forward, stakeholders and visitors alike will be watching closely to see how this ambitious project unfolds, and whether it will set a new standard for themed hospitality in the United States.