Looking for a kiss? Need a hug? You will find a kiss—a Hershey Kiss—and a hug—a Hershey Hug—in every martini at the Iberian Lounge of the Historic Hotel Hershey in Hershey, PA.

The Iberian Lounge of the Mediterranean-style hotel was constructed during Prohibition, which meant no bar. So it started as the Reading Lounge with oriental rugs, oak-paneled ceiling and columns, and comfortable chairs around the large fireplace. Today it retains its genteel atmosphere. But in 1935, two years after the repeal of the 18th Amendment ending Prohibition, the Iberian Lounge was retooled as a service bar and a wine cellar was added.

Gene Zvolensky, the Beverage Manager, points to the expansive mural behind the bar, “Do you notice anything unusual about the Mural?” he asks.

I looked at the Spanish waterfront scene by Robert von Ezdorf. “No.”

“Now stand at the other end of the bar. Notice anything unusual?”

“The tile road leading to water looks like it moved to this side of the mural!” The mural, part of the original décor, creates the illusion that the road is always directed toward the viewer, no matter where the viewer stands.

“It’s fun watching people walk back and forth in front of the bar checking it out. And, it’s even more fun when those who are not aware of the phenomena look at the pacers wondering what is going on!”

Zvolensky offers us a dark colored martini. “Here try this. It is the Hotel Hershey Martini, our signature drink.”

The Hotel Hershey Martini is a chocolate delight. The glass, rimmed first in Hershey syrup then dipped in Hershey powdered chocolate, contains a mix of Belvedere Vodka, Vanilla Vodka and Crème de Cacao.

“There’s a kiss at the bottom!” Zvolensky says. “All of our martinis come with a Hershey Kiss or a Hershey Hug. The Mocha Martini is my own creation. I combine Starbucks Liquor, Baileys and chocolate milk, sprinkled with chocolate shavings, served with a Kiss, of course.” The selection of martinis also includes the Chocolate Amore (click here for recipe) and a Black Martini.

It comes as no surprise that the Iberian Lounge offers plenty of chocolate drinks. “We even have Young’s Double Chocolate Stout made in England’s oldest brewery and Deco, a chocolate wine. But, it is the chocolate martini that is currently the most popular. Coffees are also a favorite,” he says.

Guests can relax around the fire after dinner in the comfy leather chairs with one of the Hotel Hershey’s Specialties Coffee. The names are as creative as the coffees: Milton Hershey Chocolate Coffee Kiss, The First Class Lady, Chocolate Escape, and Midnight Kiss. Lingering in the Iberian Lounge is the perfect place to end a day in “The World’s Sweetest Place.”

Sandra Scott is a frequent contributor to travel publications and to Copley News Service and has co-authored two books on local history. She lives in Mexico, NY.
Photos by Sandra Scott. 

Images by Sandra Scott, John Scott, and Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company.

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