Bethlehem, PA (August 14, 2024) – The Lehigh Valley community knocked it out of the park for its iconic local hotel. Thanks to massive community support during contest voting, USA Today named Historic Hotel Bethlehem the Best Historic Hotel/Resort in America for the fourth consecutive year. No other hotel has earned the award four times, let alone four consecutive times. No other hotel or resort from Pennsylvania was nominated this year. “The bases were loaded with our three previous wins, and we just knew that our community would get up to bat and hit a homer for us to bring in the fourth victory,” said Hotel Managing Partner Bruce Haines. “This isn’t just about the hotel crossing that home plate for the fourth time. This award is for every guest we’ve ever had, our incredible hospitality team, and our entire Lehigh Valley community.”

Historic Hotel Bethlehem’s team thanks the Lehigh Valley IronPigs for partnering with the hotel on “Grand Slam” promotions, including a Grand Slam Menu collaboration, and encouraging fans to vote for the hotel on the stadium’s big board. The hotel kicked off this year’s campaign by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at Coca Cola Park. Iron Pigs Short Stop Scott Kingery also energized the crowd with a Grand Slam Home Run on that magical night. “This is a great example of how the Lehigh Valley Community works together to make great things happen and we are so thankful for the partnership,” said Haines.

Rounding the bases 

Historic Hotel Bethlehem hit the ball farther than other prestigious historic hotels like The Peabody in Memphis, The Grand Hotel Resort and Spa in Alabama, and The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa in California. Kelly Ronalds, the hotel’s Director of Room Sales and Guest Experience said, “This win is a true testament to our amazing community and the staff here at our beloved local landmark. They are committed to ensuring every guest has an excellent experience.” To celebrate the team and the community bringing home this victory, the hotel will be hosting a grand slam celebration in September. Details will be announced within a few weeks.

Award history

USA Today debuted its Best Historic Hotels contest in 2015. French Lick Resort in Indiana won that year. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside California (finished runner up this year) pushed its way to the top in 2016. In 2017, Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island, Michigan took the trophy. The Peabody held the crown from 2018-2020 while Historic Hotel Bethlehem rose through the ranks. In 2019, the beloved “Hotel B ” came in 3rd. The next year it jumped to 2nd, and in 2021 overtook The Peabody for the first time to reach the peak. Historic Hotel Bethlehem has held the crown ever since.

Hotel History

Historic Hotel Bethlehem opened in May of 1922 as a 200-room community hotel. Prior to Historic Hotel Bethlehem, multiple structures occupied the property. In 1741, Moravians constructed the “First House of Bethlehem” on the land. In 1823, the Moravians opened the Golden Eagle Hotel which remained until 1919. In its last days, The Golden Eagle Hotel served as a convalescent home for soldiers returning from World War I.

The Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce sold shares of the hotel to local residents for $50 per share. This was key in bringing the vision of Bethlehem Steel President Charles Schwab to light for a grand hotel on Main Street in Bethlehem. Since the roaring ‘20s, Historic Hotel Bethlehem has been a vital community hub. It has hosted presidents, celebrities and thousands of local weddings, anniversaries, proms, galas, and special events as the social center of Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley.

About Historic Hotel Bethlehem

Historic Hotel Bethlehem is located adjacent to and surrounded by the Moravian Church Settlements – Bethlehem, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2024. Guests enjoy the hotel’s original 1922 elegance in its 125 guest rooms along with the grandeur of the lobby, restaurants and multiple ballrooms. The hotel also offers an Executive Conference Center, Ladies Boutique Shoppe, Hotel B Ice Cream Parlor, nine extended stay suites and spa. The hotel is affiliated with Historic Hotels of America, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. USA Today named Historic Hotel Bethlehem the” #1 Best Historic Hotel in the Nation” in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. For more information visit hotelbethlehem.com.

 

Information and image provided to TVL by:
Historic Hotel Bethlehem