Experience A Historic Destination
Immerse Yourself in Our History
Located on the site of the First House of Bethlehem in 1741, Historic Hotel Bethlehem continues the tradition of warm and gracious hospitality brought by the Moravian settlers over 280 years ago.Throughout the years, it’s been a place of respite and revelry for Colonial travelers, steel magnates, artists, international leaders, and everyday families that have made our hotel the iconic destination that stands today. Historic Hotel Bethlehem is adjacent to the newly-inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Site: Moravian Church Settlements - Bethlehem.
Hospitality in Early Bethlehem
The current Hotel Bethlehem site was the location of both the First House of Bethlehem in 1741 and the Golden Eagle Hotel, built by the Moravians and opened in 1823. The Moravians are a traditionally hospitable community and provided lodging for distinguished patriots and military leaders during the Revolutionary War.
Birth of a Community Hotel
Bethlehem Steel President Charles M. Schwab drove the decision to build a new 200-room hotel to replace the Eagle Hotel. The Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce wanted the hotel to be the center of social life for the community and sold shares to community members for $50/share.
Let the Good Times Roll
The end of Prohibition opened new opportunities to expand food and drink options in Bethlehem. George Gray, a Coast Guard veteran & military artist, was commissioned to paint 8 murals depicting the history of Bethlehem to adorn the walls of the Tap Room. These murals are now showcased in the Mural Ballroom and recognized as a Museum-Worthy Collection in USA Today in 2023.
Bethlehem Steel Takes Control
The 1950s and 60s brought new challenges for the hotel as motels emerged along nearby highways. As a result, Bethlehem Steel stepped in to purchase and upgrade the hotel. The hotel achieved 4 diamond status during this period with Bethlehem Steel’s “Hospitality Girls” adding to the guest experience.
Hard Times
As Bethlehem Steel endured difficult times from foreign imports, it began divesting its non-core assets and sold the hotel to a local investor. Due to the continued decline and final closure of the Steel Plant in 1996, the hotel was ultimately forced into bankruptcy and closed in January 1998. The hotel was purchased by a group of local and mostly Lehigh University graduates to preserve and restore the hotel to its original grandeur. The group's purchase rescued the hotel from becoming a senior apartment building and a women's dorm for Moravian University.
Revival
A significant renovation and restoration process occurred with the new ownership to reopen the hotel under a Radisson Hotel franchise arrangement. As the hotel recovered from its hard times, the ownership transferred its marketing affiliation from the Radisson to Historic Hotels of America. The hotel re-emerged to its original grandeur and roaring 1920s vibrancy, bringing world-class charm and international dignitaries back to Bethlehem once again.