The Spa At The Hotel Hershey

Reviews 3

AM

Amanda Hill

If I could give zero stars I would. I recently took a trip with my mother over this past weekend to Hotel Hershey for a spa weekend. Let me first say that the hotel aside from the spa was fine. The room was nice, food was good and generally speaking there were no issues there. The spa however is a nightmare that is still unfolding. We had a number of spa services but the one that ruined the trip and will be an ongoing matter was the relaxation swedish massage. As someone who has back and neck issues and sees a MT/chiropractor regularly I got approval to get just this massage due to my conditions and to be cautious not to get any aggravation. During my massage the masseuse was extremely rough and only spoke of a few things being out of place. I was hesitant but entrusted he knew what he was doing. Once he went to my legs I had to stop him as the amount of pressure was excruciating. He acknowledged for a few minutes then went back to being extremely forceful on my arms like I had said nothing. As a smaller woman when asked how I was doing ( this was before he started on my legs) I said I am good I left the spa and wandered the hotel to try and enjoy the rest of our stay. I want to note as well that it was intimidating with how physical he was being after I asked him to be more gentle and then he went back to being aggressive again. It is a very vulnerable situation to be in with someone who you have paid good money and have inherent trust will do their job. In hindsight I wish I would have walked out and now I am paying the price for not doing so. The next morning the horror began. The first thing I noticed was several bruises on my arms and legs where he had been too aggressive. Then a very odd bruise around my ribs. All the areas I have gotten treatment over the last 6 months were extremely sore and the "knots" he claimed he was working out felt like rocks.I complained to the spa as soon as I noticed the problem and they sent an email to a manager with no response despite saying they would get right back to me. I then walked down to the spa and spoke with the manager who did apologize and said nothing of this sort has ever happened before. He refunded my money and gave me his card to follow up if needed. He asked what I wanted to do and at that moment I simply wanted them to be aware and of course get a refund. The following day another manager called me who typically handles these issues checking in on me and said he would confirm the refund. The reason I didnt do anything further is while still in pain I wasnt sure how bad it was. This morning I found out... I went to my chiropractor who revealed significant tissue bruising as well as a significant setback in my neck and back alignments. I now have weeks and dozens of more sessions to treat the mistakes and ignorance of a seasoned massage therapist who turned a relaxation massage into something I can call none other than nearly abusive with what the results are. Every protocol he needed to follow he did not. I have had deep tissue massages every month for a year and never had this issue. This is an expensive and highly recommended spa that did this. As my second time here - I will not be returning. I am hopeful Hotel Hershey will do right beyond just a massage refund because this is now going to cost me far more in terms of discomfort and treatments. Outside of the massage the other few services I got were fine and I was pleased with. However the negative and ongoing discomfort I will have to deal are important to note here. If Hershey does indeed do right by me I will be true to my word and post an update but for now I highly recommend you find other accommodations. $2200 for 3 days is a joke when you get treatment like this.

JO

Joy Snow

The atmosphere was beautiful. I enjoyed walking around the reflecting pools and gardens outside. The Oasis Lounge was nice and quiet because my daughter and I were the last appointments of the day. However, I booked a massage for my 50th birthday and it was supposed to be a mother/daughter day with my 15 year old. I was told from the start on the phone that she wouldnt be allowed to have a massage and that she wouldnt be allowed in the spa area. She had a choice of facial or mani/pedi. We were disappointed and would have booked elsewhere but this was the only spa open on a Sunday and we wanted to do this on my actual birthday. I was under the impression she would be allowed to use the sauna and steam room with me prior to our appointments but was told the day of the visit that this was not the case. Teens are not allowed in any area of the spa section including the quiet rooms for relaxation after treatments. She was taken to the locker room for teens and I was taken to the spa locker room to change into robes. She was then taken to the salon for her facial. I enjoyed the aromatherapy massage but if I ever did decide to go there again, which I probably wont since there are other spas in Lancaster that are much cheaper and that allow teens, I would tell the technician that I wanted quiet for the most part. She chatted continually and kept pulling me out of my relaxed state with conversation. Also, I would tell her not to use too much pressure. At the time I thought pain was probably a good sign and that I was getting a deeper massage. However, my shoulders and upper back were sore for several days and I had bruises on the top of my feet! I felt the spa attendants were too strict about enforcing their "no teens" policy and could have made an exception for someone for their 50th birthday. But, they were almost Gestapo about it. My daughter said she felt discriminated against. We did enjoy meeting in the Oasis Lounge after our treatments and we enjoyed the hot tea, hot cocoa, and chocolate muffins. However, we were only allowed to rest there for about 30 to 40 minutes before one of the "spa Nazis" came to run us off because they were closing. I guess thats what we get for booking the last appointments of the day. The spa was not crowded while we were there and I think if it had been I wouldnt have enjoyed the experience at all. I can imagine it does get crowded during Hersheyparks busy seasons. I think the spa could be an enjoyable experience for someone who doesnt try to take their teenage daughter and who books during a non-busy time and allows plenty of relaxation time after a treatment. Also, I would advise telling the massage technician ahead of time not to use too much pressure and whether or not you prefer quiet. The aromatherapy oils were wonderful however, so Im giving the experience 3 stars.

A

Anonymous User

If you love spas this is definitely the place to go. The best way to experience the Hershey spa is to make a whole day of it, as there are various amenities available to all spa guests. Most of the prices are not any more expensive than other spas I have been to (except for the mani and pedi..theyre a little bit pricier..). When you factor in everything that is available though, the prices are definitely worth it. I would say the best time of year to go is during the late spring and all of summer. The hotel just built a new gorgeous outdoor pool complex that is available to all spa guests for the entire day, complete with hot tub and waterslides. Also available to all spa guests is the fitness room, steam room, sauna, indoor pool, and any fitness classes they are having the day you are there. There are relaxation rooms to sit in while waiting for your treatment as well, with complimentary pastries, cocoa, coffee, tea, and ice water. The food purchased in the outdoor pool area was good, I would have liked it to be a little bit cheaper but it wasnt too bad (approx 8 dollars for an appetizer sized portion, good for 2 people). Drink prices in the outdoor pool area were average-- 8 dollars for a large cocktail. As for the treatments themselves, I have only gotten massages so far and they have been great. I have gotten great reviews from friends for the facials as well. The whole experience is very relaxing, I have had no problems at all. The staff is very friendly, helpful, welcoming. One employee from the Spa even went all the way outside with us from the spa area to show us the quickest way to get to the outdoor pool. Note: If you want a specific day, especially weekend days, make your appointment a few weeks in advance-- Especially if youre going with a group of people!!! Or else you might not get the day/time/service you want. I am going back in June for my birthday for a salt scrub and body wrap and cant wait!

Other organizations