Holiday Inn Harrisburg (Hershey Area) I-81 by IHG

Frequent IHG member that does love this hotel but what’s got me writing this review is a real bother. First and foremost, every staff member I have come across is absolutely incredible and very pleasant. I’ve come in all hours before and yet to meet a rude employee. The location of this hotel is superb as it’s right by 81, easy on and easy off. A issue that I personally have (other may not agree) is not all the rooms have a microwave. When you come in at all hours of the day a microwave is essential to eating. My most recent stay I checked in at 3am and had to grab a frozen pizza out the cooler box (no problem and very thankful they offer foods of such) but I get to my room and there’s no microwave? Why do you sell food that requires to be heated without a way to heat it? Being hungry I thawed the pizza in hot water and ate soggy have thawed pizza for dinner.( the bag the pizza was in and a hole in it) This is my first hotel that doesn’t offer a microwave in the room. When I went to ask if there was a general microwave downstairs I was told no. Aside from this the hotel is truly wonderful. Truck parking is a pain right now because of all the trailers they have stashed (rightfully so as they go under construction) but it’s overall a great nights sleep in a clean bed. Can we just fix the microwave issue at this location?

EDIT - THERE WAS NOT A "STRONG ODOR" WHEN WE CHECKED OUT AS MANAGEMENT HERE WAS TRYING TO CLAIM IN RESPONSE TO THIS REVIEW!! THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO WAY THAT ROOM NEEDED TO BE EMPTY FOR 72 HOURS AFTER I CHECKED OUT!! YET AGAIN, I DO NOT SMOKE!! PLAIN AND SIMPLE! END OF STORY! I would now UNQUESTIONABLY caution against staying at this hotel unless you have absolutely no other choice. I discovered that this hotel made an additional charge to my credit card without any notice. When I called to ask what the extra charge was about, I was informed that it was for "smoking in the room". Neither myself nor my 12-year-old son smoked in their room. I don't smoke at all PERIOD! I've now spent several weeks and left multiple messages in just trying to get in touch with someone in hotel management who could resolve this issue. No, no one in management has really worked to actively follow up and address the issue here. Oh and you also risk having someone randomly enter you room while you are still in it - as we did on the morning we checked out.

I recently stayed at the Holiday Inn Harrisburg (Hershey Area) I-81 by IHG for the 2025 PA Bonsai Conference, and I couldn’t be more impressed! From check-in to check-out, the staff was incredibly welcoming, professional, and attentive—truly a standout team that made the experience feel smooth and enjoyable. The hotel is currently undergoing improvements, and it’s clear that they are committed to creating an even better guest experience. Despite the updates in progress, everything was clean, well-maintained, and fully functional. I appreciated the ongoing enhancements, which show a real investment in the property’s future. One of the absolute highlights of my stay was the incredible front desk staff. Every interaction was warm, professional, and genuinely helpful. Whether it was answering questions about local dining, assisting with early check-in, or providing directions around the area, they went above and beyond to make sure guests felt taken care of. That level of attentiveness is rare and very appreciated. The attached conference center was perfect for our event—spacious, well-lit, and easy to navigate. Between sessions, it was great to relax in the indoor pool or take advantage of the business center, which made handling some quick work tasks during the conference a breeze. Hotel restaurant was nice as well and clean. Morning hot breakfast buffet was rotational and was fresh. Worth the price tag as well. Parking was plentiful and easy to access, and the location couldn’t be better—right off I-81, making it a central and convenient hub whether you're traveling for business or leisure. Great location near Hershey and the state capital. Highly recommend this hotel for conferences, family stays, or business trips. Great service, excellent amenities, and a team that truly cares about your stay!

This was truly the hotel from hell. Substandard in every way. We stayed 3 nights; 2 with our cycling group. We regret staying and paying for a 3rd night, but had no idea what we were going to experience. Having stayed at hundreds of hotels, I can truly say the room malfunctions were unbelievable. Our 1st room had a toilet that did not work, A/C that did not work, & telephone that did not work. So we moved; and the 2nd room's toilet had to be plunged, so we did it ourselves. The TV did not work and shower head was missing. Ever take a shower where water came out like using a hose. Also, Keurig did not work, chair was broken, and telephone did not work but they did replace it along with a lamp that was missing a light bulb. Front desk promised a fix the shower and TV and this did NOT happen. AND, since remodeling is taking place on the 2nd floor, one has to change floors to get down to the lobby; AND there are no signs indicating how to navigate getting to one's room and getting to lobby. Massive chaos ensured as many cycling participants had to be personally directed by the hotel's director. A no-fun experience.

I know that they are in the middle of doing renovations but I was given the wrong directions to get to the room. I asked for extra blankets and got dirty blankets. I had to tell the front desk 2 times before they brought clean blankets and then they left the dirty ones in the room. The heated pool was cold , the whirlpool and fitness center were closed. On the plus side for the most part the staff was helpful and pleasant. We had an event in one of the ballrooms and had this high pitched noise , we were told it came from the roof. It was very annoying!