Cheap Accommodations near Hershey

As much as I go to amusement parks, I am ashamed to say I have never been to Hershey Park. So, this year I am planning to take the whole family (12 of us, part from Connecticut and the other part from Ohio) there for a long weekend. Do any of you know any cheap places to stay near Hershey, camping or motel??? In advance, thanks!!!

when you decide when you are going check out http://tickets.priceline.com/default.asp?rdr=1#

Accomodations in the town of Hershey tend to be considerably more expensive than most other amusement park/summer tourist spots I have visited. I have found a reasonable hotel to be the Quality Inn on N. Mountain Rd. in Harrisburg, PA (it's outside of the city and north of Hershey). It is not too expensive, and the facilites are basic, but clean. There is a nice continental breakfast inclused also. The ride to Hershey is a pleasant 15 minutes or so which is mostly over rural and suburban roads.

Another option is to stay in Harrisburg to the west of Hershey (via Rte. 322). There are numerous cheaper hotels in that area which is more urban. The ride to Hershey is also about 15 minutes, but more urban and not as scenic in my opinion.

We have also stayed at the Hampton Inn in Grantville (10-15 min. north of Hershey). This is a very nice hotel with an indoor pool and a more elaborate than usual continental breakfast, and the drive to Hershey is down a scenic country road, but the hotel is somewhat more expensive (still much cheaper than in Hershey though).

You mentioned camping, so you might consider the Hershey Highmeadow Campground. It is owned by the Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company (as is Hersheypark, Hotel Hershey, and Hershey Lodge), and it looks to be a very nice place. They offer free transportation to Hersheypark also.

I'd stay in Harrisburg personally. The hotels tend to be much cheaper. Don't forget to stop at a Giant grocery store and get cheaper tickets if you haven't already done so.

The last time I was there I stayed at a Red Roof Inn right along the highway (I-83) just to the east of Harrisburg. There were a couple of other hotels in the vicinity also, all very nice. It was only a 20-30 minute drive to Hershey from there.

I have stayed at that same Red Roof. :-) I will remember the Giant store too when I go up there this Spring.

Harrisburg IS much cheaper and just a short distance from the park.

-Tina

We usually stay at the Econolodge in Grantville, right across the street from the Hampton Inn...no frills, but dirt cheap and clean. Usually it's about $45 a night, the most we've paid was $60 a night in July. Nice scenic drive down 743 to the park..just watch out for the cows!! : ) *** Edited 2/24/2004 8:02:19 PM UTC by Jason Staie***

Cows? The only thing I ever saw along 743 are deer!

There are a few campgrounds along I-81 a few exits north of Hreshey. Those would put you 30+ minutes from Hershey Park but only an45 min to an hour from Knoebels as well.

Stayed in a Super-8 in Harrisburg, which was rather pleasant and pretty cheap. About 15 mins to HP at most.

I am from the area, and I can tell you that after memorial day most of the hotels around hershey are expensive. I alway use choice hotels when travelling. I am a choice member, and I get a free night after I pay for 3 nights. Comfort Inn, Sleep Inn, Econolodge, Quality Inn, Rodeway Inn, and several others are all part of choice hotels. You usually can't go wrong with staying at one of their hotels. The facilities are basic, but most include a pool and the rooms are clean. I did a search for you of the hotels around hershey.

http://www4.choicehotels.com/ires/en-US/html/HotelList?sid=TN60.2X5MAJNpIi.4&areaid=HERSHY&name=Hershey+Park%2FChocolate+World&state=PA&country=US&radius=40.22&latitude=40.288227&longitude=-76.657005&chain=A

Any of the ones that are 18 miles are less away from hershey are all within a reasonable 25 minutes or less away. Id suggest not to stay at any that are farther than that away from hershey. I noticed the Econolodge at 650 Gettysburg Road, Mechanicsburg, PA has the best rate. $46 a night is very reasonable, and its not the worst hotel. The rate is also for June, and that is when they are the most expensive. I am sure you can find a hotel in that list for the price you want.