A Century-Old Hotel That Once Housed WWI Soldiers Was Just Named the Best in America — And It’s Only 90 Minutes From NYC

On the same site where Moravian missionaries first settled Bethlehem in 1741 , a hotel has stood for centuries — welcoming travelers, presidents, and even soldiers returning from World War I. And now, that very property has just been named the Best Historic Hotel in America . Historic Hotel Bethlehem in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, just earned the No. 1 spot on USA Today’s 10 [Best list of historic hotels and resorts](https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-historic-hotel-resort/) , topping destinations across the country from Virginia to Washington. 280+ years of history, all under one roof ----------------------------------------- Few hotels in the U.S. can claim such a sweeping story. It all began in 1741 when Moravian missionaries built Bethlehem’s very first structure on this site — a humble log cabin that served as a gathering space for the new community. By 1794, the Golden Eagle Hotel rose here, becoming a popular stopover for stagecoach travelers and merchants along the busy Easton-to-Bethlehem rout e. For more than a century, it welcomed guests before being transformed into a convalescence home for World War I soldiers , who recovered within its walls after returning from Europe. In 1922, the present Hotel Bethlehem was constructed, ushering in a new Jazz Age era of glamour . Its guest books read like a who’s who of American history: * U.S. presidents Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Bill Clinton. * Celebrities like Henry Ford, Winston Churchill, the Dalai Lama, and even Amelia Earhart. * Hollywood icons including Shirley Temple, Bob Hope, and Marlon Brando. The hotel became Bethlehem’s crown jewel , a gathering place for steel executives, dignitaries, and artists — even cementing the city’s nickname as “Christmas City, USA” thanks to its Moravian roots and festive traditions. What it’s like to stay at Historic Hotel Bethlehem today -------------------------------------------------------- While history lingers in every corner of the Lower Lobby (where exhibits tell the story of the property’s past), staying at Hotel Bethlehem is anything but outdated . Guests today will find: * 125+ restored rooms and suites , equipped with fiber-optic Wi-Fi and Keurig coffee makers. * Two award-winning restaurants—1741 on the Terrace and the Tap Room— serving locally sourced dishes with sweeping views of Historic Main Street. * Panoramic vistas of Historic Main Street (ranked among the nation’s Top 10 Main Streets), Lehigh University, Moravian University, and the glowing Star of Bethlehem. * Elegant ballrooms and event spaces , making it a popular choice for weddings, galas, and conferences. The perfect NYC escape ---------------------- Best of all? You don’t have to fly across the country to experience it. Bethlehem, PA is only about 90 minutes from New York City by car , making Hotel Bethlehem an easy weekend escape. With cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture, and plenty of charm , it’s a destination that feels worlds away from Manhattan — without ever needing to board a plane. Source: https://secretnyc.co/best-historic-hotel-2025-historic-hotel-bethlehem-pa/