The Hotel Hershey

This project consisted of the renovation and reconstruction of an upscale hotel while operational, including providing value-engineering services during construction. The project had a stringent schedule featuring two phases of construction over 15 months.

The changes to the hotel improved accessibility, storage space, retail space, and back-of-house for bellmen, kitchen staff, and facilities personnel. The new lobby was fitted with additional check-in desks to welcome children and guests with additional needs. The concierge space was expanded to a private room which includes two flat-screen monitors and beautiful custom-made furniture. Each retail shop was fitted with casework and custom finishes catering to each store’s theme. The entrance also includes overhead heaters for winter and a fire pit on the veranda for sunset evenings at the bar. The registration area at The Hotel Hershey was originally designed as the valet’s parking garage in 1933.

The interior design sought to create a dramatic new entry, reminiscent of those found in elegant hotels of Europe and inspired by architectural detailing found throughout the hotel. Working within the constraints of the low ceilings (ranging from 8'-9" to 9'-4") and a forest of columns, they developed a plan that reflected the refined symmetry of a classic hotel entry and used details and proportions to make the ceilings appear higher.

Drawing inspiration from Milton Hershey’s High Point Mansion (completed in 1908), a dramatic 40-foot-long stained-glass ceiling leads from the entry vestibule to the registration desk. The ceiling design is inset and raised, with backlighting to enhance the openness of the lobby as well as to give the illusion of natural daylight within an otherwise windowless space. The concept is highlighted by handmade period stained-glass dish pendant lighting fixtures and European hand-woven wool carpeting in the hand-woven Aubusson style. The accent colors of the stained glass ceiling above were introduced into the decorative patterned rug that leads an inviting path to the lobby registration desk. The finished product is classic and refined, yet adapted and re-envisioned for the modern traveler.