Hotel Bethlehem - Bethlehem, Pennsylvania - historical accommodations in eastern Pennsylvania

Hotel Bethlehem has existed in some form since 1794. It was first called the Golden Eagle Hotel, and in its last days was used as a convalescence home from soldiers who were returning from World War I. Golden Eagle Hotel closed in 1919, and Hotel Bethlehem rose from the ashes in 1922. In its first years, this hotel catered mainly to the many clients of the Bethlehem Steel Company who would travel into the area and want somewhere to stay. Originally, the lower lobby had a barbershop, shoe shine area, coffee shop, and fitness center. At one point, it also had its own cigar shop.

Today, Hotel Bethlehem pays homage to the history of the hotel while still providing guests with upscale accommodations while traveling through the city. They cater to both business travelers and those staying at the hotel while on vacation. Some of the amenities provided include 24-hour room service, a shuttle to the Lehigh Valley Airport, free parking, free newspapers, a full-service business center, free wireless Internet in guest rooms as well at the lobby and restaurants, a full fitness center, nightly turndown service, safe deposit boxes, and express checkout.

Hotel Bethlehem has 128 guest room, which includes 24 suites. Guest rooms have king, queen, or double beds, and they're decorated with traditional colonial dycor. There are four different kinds of suites. The King Executive Suites are larger rooms with a bigger sitting area. One-Bedroom Suites have a separate sitting room, while Governor Suites have a larger living room that comes complete with a dining area. The most luxurious of the suites is the Presidential Suite. This suite has a large living room with dining area, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms.

One of the most interesting features of Hotel Bethlehem is its status as a haunted hotel. May Yohe, a Victorian actress and singer who died in 1938, is often seen in the third floor exercise room and in the lobby. Hotel employees have also reported seeing Francis "Daddy'' Thomas, a Bethlehem town guide who died in 1822, near the boiler room, as well as Mrs. Brong, one of the managers of the Golden Eagle Hotel in the early 1800s, near the kitchen. Guests who want an extra-scary stay should request room 932, where paranormal experts and visitors alike have recorded voices and seen floating orbs of light. Room 932 is call the "Room with a Boo,'' and is often book far in advance.

While at Hotel Bethlehem, guests can enjoy meals at 1741 on the Terrace, a fine dining restaurant that features an Ala Carte menu, as well as a three-course tasting dinner complete with wine that perfectly pairs with the food. They also have a number of events at 1741 on the Terrace annually, including a harvest festival, musical Sunday brunches during the holiday season, Thanksgiving dinner, Halloween-themed meals, a New Year's Eve party, and more. Hotel Bethlehem is located in downtown Bethlehem and guests can learn more about 1841 on the Terrace or the hotel by calling 800-607-BETH.