The Historic Bethlehem Hotel–dining room with a view
For a Christmas Eve post, here’s a look at where to stay in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the Christmas City. Back in 1937, thanks to a campaign by the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce, people from across the United States mailed Christmas cards to the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Post Office. The more than 185,000 cards and letters that flooded into town earned Bethlehem its Christmas City distinction.
The Governor Suite, Historic Hotel Bethlehem
Amid the 50 or more Christmas and New Year’s related things to do in Bethlehem this time of year, there are lodging options with a fitting name.
Historic Hotel Bethlehem, a member of Historic Hotels of America, was built in 1922 and has been restored to its original grandeur with a modern touch. The floor-to-ceiling palladium windows that offer views of Bethlehem’s shopping district, point to the hotel’s elegance while the seven murals painted in 1937 by George Gray, and displayed in The Mural Ballroom, point to Historic Hotel Bethlehem’s connection to area history.
One of the murals depicts when the early settlers gave Bethlehem its name on Christmas Eve in 1741. Along with the history and elegance found throughout the hotel, the 128 guest rooms and suites that feature traditional colonial décor in warm colors and polished wood offer comfort. The turn-down service adds a bit of pampering.
Many rooms have a view of Bethlehem’s historic downtown and the original Monrovian settlement. Some rooms have views of the town’s Bethlehem Star.
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The Historic Hotel Bethlehem also has a fitness center, a fine dining restaurant–1741 on the Terrace, and a more casual option–the Tap Room.
Historic Hotel Bethlehem; 437 Main Street; Bethlehem, PA 18018; Reservations: 800-607-BETH (2384) or go to Expedia to compare rates.
The Bethlehem Inn is one of Bethlehem’s most historic B&Bs. Originally built as a house in 1845, The Bethlehem Inn has three private, renovated rooms, each with a private bath. One of the rooms can be a suite of two rooms with a shared bath.
One room of the Bethlehem Inn suite
Located at the edge of Bethlehem’s historic Monrovian district, The Bethlehem Inn is a perfect location for exploring what the town has to offer. On weekends, The Bethlehem Inn offers a full breakfast. During weekdays, breakfast is continental. Both versions include homemade granola. The inn’s owners–Robert & Suzanne Virgilio, own the Granola Factory across the street from the inn.
The Bethlehem Inn; 476 North New Street; Bethlehem, PA 18018; (610) 867-4985. Go to Trip Advisor to compare rates and make your reservation as well.
Post courtesy of Jamie Rhein, member of Midwest Travel Writers Association. Photos courtesy of each establishment.
