Hershey Lodge

To whom it may concern, I am writing this email on behalf of myself Racheal Popoola and my coworker Lisa Fary who I've cc'd on this email. Both of us are special education teachers at an alternative, accelerated program in Philadelphia that works with overage/under credited students from typically marginalized groups.

Our students are often victims of oppressions and discrimination. We both decided to attend the PATTAN conference for the first time in an effort to glean resources and supports that could aid us in serving our students better. I would like to inform you of our experiences at the Hershey Lodge during our recent stay while attending this conference on the days of 03/02-03/04. Foremost, I want to express my sincere disappointment and shock in regards to our check in process and stay.

Your site states the following: "Warm, welcoming, and distinctly Hershey, Hershey Lodge is a full-service resort location in Hershey, Pennsylvania affectionately known as Chocolate Town U.S.A." I can unequivocally state with firmness that the front desk embodied none of the sort. Our check in process was cold, stand offish, and left a sour taste in both of our mouths. As it stands now Hershey to us is known as an "unreasonable town". I will explain.

There was a bit of confusion with the HR department at our school. We explained the situation a few times. Josh was unwilling to compromise or seek a solution to be helpful. The buildings close early on Wednesdays.

As a result, HR attempted to call to make payment on the phone to no avail. The required form was completed with payment, but Josh refused to accept it via email, text, etc. I'm not quite sure what the preferred method was but in the year of 2022, I find it difficult to believe that only way one of submission is allowed. I understand that every establishment has its own rules and procedures.

However, we were obviously there for the conference with badges clearly displayed. We asked multiple times for alternative ways to send the form. Josh refused to help and despite speaking with HR via my phone, he refused to yield. He kept repeating, "I cannot issue you a room without payment".

The most frustrating part of the ordeal was that there was a card on file that was used to make the deposit. He again, refused to acknowledge this or even offer a solution. Please keep in mind that myself and Lisa Fary drove over 2 hours from Philadelphia to attend this conference and were shocked by the lack of empathy or consideration for our plight. Following this further, Josh's tone was dismissive at best and condescending at its worst.

It wasn't until I literally, copied the information HR sent onto a blank form he grudgingly handed us that we were given rooms. Not once, did he address us with any respect of courtesy by either using ma'am, saying please, thank you, offering a smile, etc. As an African American woman you can imagine my discouragement to hear and see him give those courtesies and niceties to the next woman in line who did not share my descriptive features. Following this further, efforts to charge meals to the room from the Fire & Grain restaurant was an ongoing tedious process.

Not only did we not receive a receipt, but meals could only be charged to 1 room instead of both. When I asked for a simple condiment such as BBQ, I was told that they didn't have any. Only for a man to whisper to me that he would get it for me, which he did. At this point it's been months and I've sent several emails.

Your site states that you hope we'll "enjoy the hospitality and iconic chocolate details around every corner." I speak not only for myself, but also Lisa Fary when I say that we did NOT. I have not spoken with the PATTAN planning committee or anyone else for that matter because I wanted to give Hershey Lodge a chance to right the wrongs that were committed against us.

I hope that you will give this matter the adequate attention that it deserves and turn this sour experience into a sweet one...one as sweet as chocolate. ~Racheal Popoola