Penn State Health - Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Heart and Vascular Institute

Overview and Travel Assistance


Hershey, Pennsylvania is 14 miles east of the state capital, Harrisburg, in the south central part of the state. It is 94 miles northwest of Philadelphia and 75 miles southwest of Allentown. Although Hershey is an unincorporated community with no legal status, it is marketed as “The Sweetest Place on Earth.” Milton S. Hershey selected this location to open his now-famous chocolate company in 1905, and his milk chocolate was the first of its kind outside of Europe. He initially built the town of Hershey as a model town for his employees to live in, with all the most modern amenities, in addition to constructing his namesake amusement park as a place for them to spend their time off. Hershey also funded local school initiatives and the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, which has since graduated over 2000 students from its School of Medicine. He was initially supposed to sail on the Titanic but missed the boat due to a family emergency, allowing him to live until age 88. Hershey’s Kisses, M&Ms, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups remain the top 3 candies in the United States.


Hershey has very seasonal weather, with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Fall and Spring are more mild. Don’t forget to check the weather a few days before you visit.

To learn the basics for the Penn State Health Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program, click here. For a deep dive into all of your travel and housing options, expand each of the categories provided on this page. To dig into local lodging, including hotels and short-term rentals, scroll down, and click on the tab of your choice.



Travel Assistance

General tips

  • Use points from credit cards or other loyalty programs to cover some or all of your travel costs.
  • Sign up for loyalty programs with credit cards, airlines, and hotels in order to earn points for your travel. This is particularly useful if you know you will be visiting your COE multiple times and can continue to accrue those points.
  • Considering joining AAA. Members receive excellent discounts, especially at hotels.

Lori Fund 

  • The HCMA Lori Fund will provide micro travel grants to HCM patients traveling to an HCMA-recognized Center of Excellence for care or HCM patients traveling to a facility for heart transplant care. Awards up to $600.00 are available per calendar year. 

To see all five tabs below on mobile, scroll to the right.

Getting To & Getting Around Hershey

Getting To Hershey


Air Travel


Domestic Airports within 100 miles

International Airports within 100 miles


Angel Flight East (215-358-1900) provides free air transportation to qualified patients and their families by arranging flights to distant medical facilities. Mention that you are affiliated with the HCMA.


MiracleFlights (800-359-1711) provides free flights to those in need of life-changing medical care not available in their local communities.



Car

  • East-West highway routes: Routes 322 and 422
  • North-South highway routes: Routes 39 and 743

Approximate driving times to Hershey are:

  • 1 hour 30 minutes from Baltimore, MD
  • 2 hours from Philadelphia, PA
  • 2 hours 45 minutes from Newark, NJ
  • 3 hours 30 minutes from Pittsburgh, PA

Rental car

Amtrak


The Keystone and Pennsylvanian lines stop at: 

Click here to navigate to the HCM Center of Excellence via public transportation.

Take a rideshare to the HCM Center of Excellence.


Bus

Greyhound Bus and FlixBus stop at:

Click here to navigate to the HCM Center of Excellence via public transportation.



Getting Around Hershey


The Penn State Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program is located at the University Physician Center in the IO Silver Clinic at 200 Campus Drive, Hershey, PA 17033. Start here for an overview of getting to the COE. Below are more specifics:


Car


Rental car

Car service, taxi, or rideshare

Download these rideshare apps to your phone to see local rates and services


Public Transportation


Bicycle share/bike lanes or paths


Navigating the COE & Accessibility

Penn State Health - Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Heart and Vascular Institute

IO Silver Clinic

200 Campus Drive

Entrance 2, Suite 600

Hershey, PA 17033

Phone: 717-531-4554


The Penn State Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program is located in the University Physician Center Building’s IO Silver Clinic at 200 Campus Drive, Hershey, PA 17033. Patients should use Building Entrance 2 and take the elevator to Suite 600. Some imaging and testing is also performed at this location. The HCM Program is part of the Heart and Vascular Institute at Penn State Health’s Hershey Campus. The University Physician Center is next to the main hospital, which is the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center at 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033. Testing, imaging, and procedures are all done at the hospital. The two buildings are connected via a Pedestrian Bridge, linking the 1st Floor of University Physician Center to the 2nd Floor of Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Parking for both locations is in the Centerview Parking Garage.


Maps



Parking

Self-Parking

Parking is free to patients and visitors.


Valet Parking


Valet parking is available at the main hospital entrance for patients and visitors for a nominal fee per vehicle. Those with a disabled designated vehicle may valet park at no charge. Valet parking is available from 5:00 am-9:30 pm. After 9:30 pm, your keys will be available at the main information desk. Valet parking is also available at 30 Hope Drive and the University Physician Center building for outpatient appointments. Just drive right up to Entrance B of 30 Hope Drive or to Door 4 of the University Physician Center and hand your keys to one of our valets. This free service is available from 7:00 am-5:00 pm, Monday-Friday.


Shuttle Services


Campus Shuttle

Two shuttles, marked Shuttle Bus 1 and Shuttle Bus 2, are available for transport. There are “Campus Shuttle” signs indicating where the shuttle picks up.

Campus Shuttle Stops

  • Hospital Main Entrance
  • Hospital North Lobby Entrance
  • University Physician Center
  • Centerview Parking Garage
  • Academic Support Building 

Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 6:30 am-6:30 pm.


On-Demand Shuttle

On-Demand shuttle service is available via the Transloc on-demand app for your smartphone or by calling the main hospital information desk at 717-531-0003, x287310.

Hours of operation: Monday-Friday: Minivan: 5:30 am-11:00 pm; Shuttle Bus 5: 6:30 am-5:00 pm.



Accessibility

  • Language Assistance Services - Free medical interpretation services are always available for patients and their families in more than 150 languages and dialects, as well as American Sign Language. Interpretation options include video chat and telephone service. On-site sign language interpreters can be arranged in advance. Notify any staff member if you would like an interpreter.

Email: interpreters@pennstatehealth.psu.edu 


Item Link

Hotels and Lodging

Lodging


There are plenty of lodging options in the Ann Arbor, MI area. The Michigan Medicine Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program is located in the Frankel Cardiovascular Center (CVC) at 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Level 3, Reception C, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. It is behind Michigan Medicine’s University Hospital, which is also located at 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. Several facilities on the University of Michigan Medical Campus have the same official address, so for better GPS results, you may use the CVC’s unofficial street address: 1425 East Ann Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. (Please do not use this address as a mailing address.) Click on the tabs above for our specific recommendations.


Specialized Accommodations

Families of children receiving care at Michigan Medicine can find low-cost rooms in this community-run facility located next to the medical campus. A donation per family per night is requested. 

Provides lodging for patients and families travelling to Michigan Medicine for appointments or hospitalization. The home provides continental breakfast, shuttle service (for a fee), washer/dryer, and kitchen access. Children must be 16 years of age to stay at the Guest Home. 

A non-profit hospitality house designed to offer temporary lodging for out-of-town patients and families receiving care at one of the local medical centers, including University of Michigan Hospital (Michigan Medicine). 

A “home away from home” where military and Veterans’ families may stay at no cost while their loved one is receiving care at the VA Ann Arbor Medical Center (or are receiving care at a local hospital authorized by the Veterans Health Administration VHA). Visit the website or call to learn more about eligibility criteria.


A few items of note:

  • The Michigan Medicine Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program is located in the Frankel Cardiovascular Center (CVC) at 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Level 3, Reception C, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. It is behind Michigan Medicine’s University Hospital, which is also located at 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. Several facilities on the University of Michigan Medical Campus have the same official address, so for better GPS results, you may use the CVC’s unofficial street address: 1425 East Ann Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. (Please do not use this address as a mailing address.)

Michigan Medicine Lodging (800-544-8684 or 734-936-0100)

A travel agency/concierge service that helps patients and families who are seeking care find overnight lodging during their time at Michigan Medicine.

Best Rates for the Options You Want: Their team members will work with you to match your preferences with a local lodging option at the best rates possible.

Onsite Reservations for Med Inn: They make reservations for the 30-room on-site Med Inn hotel.

  • Partnership with Area Hotels and Motels: Michigan Medicine Lodging also partners with more than 30 hotels and motels, to provide uniquely tailored services matched to your specific needs. They will take your information and preferences on accommodations, make your reservations at the best rate, provide you with information about hotel amenities, give directions to the hotel and answer any questions you may have. Michigan Medicine Lodging can help you make arrangements at many of the hotels and organizations often at a better rate than what you might otherwise receive.
  • Click here to complete their online reservation request form.

The following services are available if you need durable medical equipment at your lodging location:


Hotels


The annual average nightly hotel room rate in the Ann Arbor, MI area (excluding taxes) in 2025 is: $125 from September 1-March 31 and $146 from April 1-August 31. To find the best deals on hotels that don’t offer a COE discount, check the Offers or Specials page of the hotel website. 


Many lodging options that do not include a kitchenette do have refrigerators and/or microwaves available to guests. You may need to request them in advance.


We’ve researched some HCM patient-friendly amenities you may wish to take advantage of, including patient pricing discounts, connecting rooms, kitchenettes, and courtesy shuttles. While you can use the Michigan Medicine Lodging List, our list of hotel recommendations is below.


-------------------------------


We hope you’ll use the list below to assist in your hotel search:


NOTE: Contact Michigan Medicine Lodging at 800-544-8684 or 734-936-0100 to receive the best rates on our recommended hotels and many others.


Residence Inn Ann Arbor Downtown (734-662-9999)

3-star hotel; There is a "University Hospital Rate," which is $189/night plus tax for a Standard Studio King Room (King bed and a pull-out sofa); call the hotel directly to book. Some connecting rooms are available (Studio King to 1-Bedroom Suite) but cannot be guaranteed. This is an all-suites hotel with full kitchens in every room. Parking is available off site, one block (0.1 miles) north of the hotel in the Ashley Ann Public Parking Garage.

  • COE Discount Available
  • Connecting Rooms Available
  • Kitchenette
  • Handicap Accessible
  • TripAdvisor Top 10 Reviews
  • Google Top 10 Reviews

Graduate by Hilton Ann Arbor (734-769-2200)

4-star hotel; There is a Michigan Medicine room rate of $189/night plus tax for any room type; this can only be booked via Michigan Medicine Lodging (Med Inn) at 800-544-8684 or 734-936-0100. Connecting rooms are available but cannot be guaranteed. There is a fridge in every room, while communal microwaves are available on select floors of the hotel. Some suites have sofas. Valet parking, with unlimited in/out privileges, is available on site. 

  • COE Discount Available
  • Connecting Rooms Available
  • Handicap Accessible
  • Valet Parking Available On Site

Bell Tower Hotel (800-562-3559)

3-star hotel; There is a "Hospital Rate," available Sunday-Thursday nights, of 10% off the best available rate, based on occupancy. Connecting rooms are available in the form of King Atrium Suites, which are on the historic side of the hotel, so they are not handicap-accessible and cannot have the discounted room rate applied. Mini fridges and microwaves are available upon request for an additional fee; the fridge fee can be waived if you need it for medical reasons. Valet parking, with unlimited in/out privileges, is available on site.

  • COE Discount Available
  • Connecting Rooms Available
  • Handicap Accessible
  • Valet Parking Available On Site
  • TripAdvisor Top 10 Reviews
  • Google Top 10 Reviews

Hyatt Place Ann Arbor (734-995-1234)

3-star hotel; There is a Michigan Medicine room rate, which varies nightly; this can only be booked via Michigan Medicine Lodging (Med Inn) at 800-544-8684 or 734-936-0100. Connecting rooms are available (1 King to 2 King) but cannot be guaranteed. There is a mini fridge available in every room, while microwaves are available upon request. There are sofas in every room, some of which are pull-outs. There is a Hotel Courtesy Shuttle, which operates 7:30 am-9:00 pm, 7 days a week, every 30 minutes; it travels anywhere within a 3-mile radius of the hotel, plus the University of Michigan Medical Center Campus. Free self-parking is available on site.

  • COE Discount Available
  • Connecting Rooms Available
  • Handicap Accessible
  • Hotel Courtesy Shuttle
  • Self-Parking Available On Site (free)
  • TripAdvisor Top 10 Reviews
  • Google Top 10 Reviews

Short-term rentals


Short-term rentals are available in the Ann Arbor, MI area, and the list below includes sole occupancy/single unit properties, some of which have one or more accessibility features. Review each individual listing for specifics. 


Contact Michigan Medicine Lodging at 800-544-8684 or 734-936-0100 for information regarding local short-term leases, including McKinley Suites, Signature Club Apartments, Woodbury Gardens, and other temporary housing.


The Garden Flat - Central Downtown Ann Arbor

  • Average review (1-5): 4.91
  • House
  • Self check-in
  • Kitchen
  • On site parking

Tranquil Farmhouse - Kerrytown Historic District

  • Average review (1-5): 4.82
  • House
  • Self check-in
  • Kitchen
  • On site parking

Apartment near Kerrytown Concert House

  • Average review (1-10): 9
  • Apartment/Condo
  • Onsite laundry
  • Kitchen
  • On site parking

Modern apartment with fitness center

  • Average review (1-10): 9.8
  • Apartment/Condo
  • Onsite laundry
  • Kitchen
  • On site parking


Places to Eat & Amenities

Places To Eat


At PennState Health

  • Rotunda Café - Located near the rotunda on the first floor of the Medical Center’s main building. Open Monday-Friday, 6:30 am-midnight
  • Tree House Café  - Located on the 1st floor of the Children’s Hospital. Open Monday-Friday, 7:00 am-3:00 pm
  • Starbucks Coffee - Located in between the Medical Center and the Children’s Hospital. Open Monday-Friday, 5:30 am-6:00 pm; Saturday-Sunday, 6:30 am-3:00 pm

Restaurants

Grocery Stores

Delivery Services

Download these food delivery apps to your phone to see local rates and services:

  • Grub Hub
  • Doordash
  • Postmates
  • Uber Eats
  • EatStreet

Amenities


Pharmacy

  • Pharmacy at PennState Health at University Physician Center, 200 Campus Drive, Suite 1200, Hershey, PA 17033
  • CVS at 130 Hockersville Road, Hershey, PA 17033

Post Office

Shopping areas:


Tourism & Recreational Destimations

Tourism/Recreational Destinations

Visitor Information


  • Visit Hershey & Harrisburg
  • PennState Health Things to Do

Sports

  • Harrisburg Senators minor league baseball
  • Hershey Bears minor league hockey
  • Harrisburg Heat indoor soccer

Outdoor Activities/Scenic hiking/trails

  • Boyd Big Tree Preserve
  • Wildwood Park
  • Swatara Creek Water Trail

Parks and Playgrounds

  • Township of Derry Public Parks
  • Shank Park - Bullfrog Valley Road
  • Brookside Park - Church Road
  • Founders Park - Homestead Road

Museums and galleries

  • The National Civil War Museum
  • AACA Museum, Inc., America’s Transportation Experience
  • The State Museum on Pennsylvania
  • The Hershey Story
  • Susquehanna Art Museum
  • Hershey History Center

Performing Arts

Music

Attractions

Have you recently visited your COE and would like to share an experience, tip or edit to be made to the guide?  Please visit the link below to share your valuable travel advice!

 

Share your Feedback



Travel information is provided through a collaboration between The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association and Reasonable Accommodations LLC.

The HCMA and Reasonable Accommodations will make their best effort to keep the Patient Travel Planning Guide as current as possible. The HCMA cannot give any guarantees with regard to the prices, opening times, and availability of any specified facilities. Additionally, just because facilities are mentioned does not necessarily mean that these will always be available. Changes may also have been made to the specified prices, opening times, and availability.