[2] The Lodge is a popular hotel among visitors of Hersheypark due to its shuttles to and from the park and Harrisburg International Airport, bundled admissions to local activities such as the Hershey Gardens, and its comparatively lower price point than the nearby Hotel Hershey.

[3][4] The hotel first opened in 1967 as the Hershey Motor Lodge after executives of Hershey Entertainment and Resorts realized the need for additional lodging for visitors to the town of Hershey, especially in anticipation of the planned expansion of Hersheypark which was to begin in 1971.

[5][6] The Hershey Lodge has a history of hosting inaugural celebrations for multiple Governors of Pennsylvania, from both major political parties, including Republican governor Tom Ridge and Democratic Governor Tom Wolf.

[7] The Antique Automobile Club of America hosts its annual Eastern Fall Meet, the largest antique car show in the United States, in Hershey.

The Hershey Lodge is one of several sites used by the club during the event, and is notably the location of its awards ceremony.