The Hotel Bethlehem has just become the first hotel to be named Best Historic Hotel/Resort in America by USA Today for the fourth year in a row.
Bruce Haines, the hotel’s managing partner, emphasized that no other hotel has managed to receive this award four times, let alone four times in a row.
He attributes the fact that voters were able to vote for the hotel to community support and partnerships with organizations like the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
“The bases were loaded after our three previous wins and we just knew our community would step up and hit a home run for us to get the fourth win,” Haines said. “It’s not just about the hotel crossing 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.”
The Historic Hotel Bethlehem team worked with IronPigs on “Grand Slam” promotions, including a collaboration on the Grand Slam menu and encouraging fans to vote for the hotel on the stadium’s large board.
The hotel launched this year’s campaign with the ceremonial first pitch at Coca Cola Park.
“This is a great example of the Lehigh Valley community working together to accomplish great things, and we are very grateful for the partnership,” Haines said.
The Hotel Bethlehem beat out other renowned historic hotels such as 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, thanked the community for its support.
“This win is a true testament to our great community and the staff here at our beloved landmark,” Ronalds said. “They are committed to ensuring every guest has an outstanding experience.”
USA Today held its first “Best Historic Hotels” competition in 2015. This year’s winner was the French Lick Resort in Indiana.
