OP here. We just came back from our 2 day trip from Hershey park. We stayed in Comfort Suites in Hummelstown, about 6 miles from the Hershey Park. We got a great price and the location was perfect.

We did this a few years and pretty sure we stayed at a courtyard
(or similar Marriott property) that had breakfast. Easy in and out of the park....definitely recommend it.

Best option is to stay at one of the park properties—Hotel Hershey or Hershey Lodge or Cabin at campground. I think you can enter the park an hour earlier and you may be able to get into the park the evening before. At this time of year there may be minimum stay requirements but always worth a try.

I plant to take my child and nieces to Hershey Park and Hershey Chocolate World next week. We are thinking to drive from DC over there and stay for one night. Which hotel ( preferably with breakfast) nearby Hershey Park would you recommend?