Hollywood Casino Penn National is 15 miles from Inn of the Dove in Grantville, PA — about 20 minutes up I-81 North. It is one of Pennsylvania’s largest gaming properties, combining a full casino floor with Penn National Race Course, multiple dining options, a sportsbook, and regular live entertainment. For couples based at the hotel, it offers a complete evening out — dinner, gaming, a race or a show — with a private suite waiting 20 minutes away when you’re done.

This page covers what’s at the casino, how the nearby attractions combine, what the drive looks like, and how Inn of the Dove works as a base for a gaming weekend in the Harrisburg area.

The short version: Adults only at the hotel — no children, no pets. Every suite has a private hot tub. The casino is 20 minutes away, open 24/7. Penn National Race Course runs live thoroughbred racing on select dates. The casino never closes, so you set your own timeline and come back to a private hot tub whenever the evening ends.

What’s at Hollywood Casino Penn National

Hollywood Casino Penn National opened in 2001 and has grown into one of the premier gaming destinations in central Pennsylvania. The property sits on a large campus in Grantville — about midway between Harrisburg and the Hershey area — with the casino building connected to Penn National Race Course and a full dining and entertainment complex.

~15 Miles from Hotel
24/7 Casino Hours
I-81 Direct Route
Free Parking

Casino Floor — Slots & Table Games

Hundreds of slot machines and video poker terminals cover the main gaming floor. Table games include blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker variants. The floor runs 24 hours — you can arrive for a late dinner and stay as long as you like, with no pressure on timing.

Penn National Race Course

One of Pennsylvania’s premier thoroughbred horse racing tracks, operating on the same campus. Live racing runs on select dates from spring through fall — grandstand seating is available, and the atmosphere of a live race evening is genuinely distinctive. Simulcast wagering on other tracks runs year-round inside the casino.

Dining Options

The Terrace Buffet is the main dining option, with a wide selection for casual dinners. Additional dining and bar options are located throughout the casino floor. Check hours and current offerings on the casino website before visiting — hours can vary by season and day.

Sportsbook

Hollywood Casino Penn National has a full sportsbook for live sports wagering. Watch games on large screens while placing bets — a popular option for couples who want to combine a sporting event and casino visit in one evening. Pennsylvania’s legal sports betting market is well-established and covers all major leagues.

Live Entertainment

The casino hosts live entertainment events throughout the year — concerts, comedy nights, and special events. Check the Hollywood Casino Penn National events calendar before your stay. A live show followed by a night on the gaming floor is a natural full evening for couples.

Free Parking — Large Surface Lot

Hollywood Casino Penn National has a large free surface parking lot. No parking fees, no parking structures to navigate. Drive straight from Inn of the Dove on I-81 North, exit at Grantville, park free, and walk directly into the casino. The whole process from hotel to gaming floor takes under 25 minutes.

Getting there: From Inn of the Dove, take Route 39 East to I-81 North. Exit at Grantville (Exit 80). Hollywood Casino Penn National is directly at the exit — 777 Hollywood Blvd, Grantville, PA 17028. GPS routing is reliable. Total drive: 15 miles, approximately 18 to 22 minutes depending on traffic.

The Suite You Come Back To

The casino is open 24 hours. You decide when the evening ends — and when it does, Inn of the Dove is 20 minutes away. A private hot tub, a fireplace, and total quiet. No shared lobbies, no noise from other guests. Adults only, so the atmosphere at the hotel is as calm as the casino is lively.

Adults Only
No Children on Property
No Pets Permitted
Free Private Parking
Best Rate — Book Direct
Total In-Suite Privacy
  Romantic

Rose Jacuzzi Suite

Jacuzzi tub for two
Fireplace
King bed
Private entrance
View Suite & Availability →
  Private Pool

Beach Swimming Pool Suite

Private heated indoor pool
Private jetted hot tub
Coastal-inspired design
King bed
View Suite & Availability →

All suites are on the Rooms & Suites page. The Sweetheart Romantic Suite and Honeymoon Suite are also excellent alternatives if the pool suites are unavailable on your dates.

Casino Weekends Book Fast

Friday and Saturday nights fill 2 to 3 weeks ahead — particularly when a live event or major race day is scheduled at the casino. Check availability now and book direct for the best rate.

How a Casino Evening Looks

Check In — Early Afternoon

Check-in is 3:00 p.m. Settle into the suite, unwind, and take your time. The casino is 20 minutes away and open around the clock — there’s no need to rush out. A late departure from the hotel works perfectly for a casino evening.

Dinner at the Casino — 6:30 or 7:00 p.m.

Drive up I-81 North — about 20 minutes from the hotel. Dinner at The Terrace Buffet or the casino bar before the evening ramps up. Check the race schedule in advance if Penn National Race Course has a live racing date during your stay — a race-and-dinner combination is one of the best evenings the property offers.

Gaming Floor — Evening

Slots, table games, the sportsbook — spend as much or as little time as you like. The casino atmosphere is lively on weekend evenings. There’s no fixed closing time, so you control when the night ends completely. Two hours or five hours — the suite is always 20 minutes away.

Live Racing (Seasonal — Check Dates)

On race days, Penn National Race Course runs live thoroughbred racing in the evening. Grandstand access is typically included with casino entry or available at a low admission fee. Live racing adds a distinct dimension to a casino visit that most people don’t expect — worth checking the schedule before you book.

Back to the Suite — 20 Minutes

Leave whenever you’re ready. I-81 South, 15 miles, 20 minutes. The hot tub is waiting. Fireplace if you want it. Checkout is 11:00 a.m. the following morning.

Romance Packages — Set the Suite Up Before You Arrive

A casino evening and a suite decorated with roses and candles before check-in is a strong anniversary combination. Call 717-540-5540 to arrange any package in advance.

$129
Lots of Love Package
Rose petals, fresh roses, candles, bubble bath, and a teddy bear — arranged in your suite before check-in.
$79
Candle Light Package
Roses, chocolates, flowers, teddy bear, candles, and champagne. Perfect for an anniversary casino night.
$79
Romance Package
Rose petal pathway, roses, chocolates, candles, and teddy bear. Add to any suite at booking.

Bathrobes available at $19.99 per pair. See all options on the Packages page.

Other Attractions Near Hollywood Casino Penn National

Hersheypark

12 min south
100 W Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033
70+ Rides May–Sep Theme Park

Hershey’s Chocolate World

12 min south
251 Park Blvd, Hershey, PA 17033
Free Tour Ride Year-Round Candy Bar Making

Giant Center

14 min south
550 W Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033
10,500 Capacity Concerts AHL Hockey

City Island — Harrisburg

25 min west
City Island, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Baseball Apr–Sep Riverboat Cruises Riverfront Trail

ZooAmerica Wildlife Park

14 min south
100 W Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033
200+ Animals Year-Round 5 Habitat Zones

Roundtop Mountain Resort

30 min southwest
925 Roundtop Rd, Lewisberry, PA 17339
Skiing Dec–Mar Zip Lines Year-Round Activities

Practical Notes Before You Book

  • Casino hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Address: 777 Hollywood Blvd, Grantville, PA 17028. Take I-81 North from the hotel, Exit 80 (Grantville).
  • Parking at the casino: Free, large surface lot. No fees.
  • Live racing dates: Check the Penn National Race Course schedule before your stay — race evenings are significantly more atmospheric than non-race nights.
  • Dress code: Smart casual. No formal requirement, but clean and neat attire is expected.
  • Check-in / Check-out at Inn of the Dove: 3:00 p.m. / 11:00 a.m.
  • Parking at Inn of the Dove: Free private parking included for all guests.
  • Best rate guarantee: Book direct with the hotel for rates up to 15% lower than third-party sites.
  • Front desk hours: Sunday–Thursday 9 a.m.–10 p.m. · Friday–Saturday 9 a.m.–midnight.