BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Historic Hotel Bethlehem is after another year of being America’s top historic hotel, and the community has a chance to help make it happen.
Winning Best Historic Hotel/Resort in America as part of USA Today newspaper's Readers’ Choice 10Best competition in 2025 would make for five years in a row for the staple stay on Main Street.
It’s where few — about 1% of contest winners, according to USA Today — have gone before: It would make seven consecutive years it’s been nominated.
For the next four weeks, votes may be cast once a day per device at VoteHotelB.com. Winners will be announced on Aug. 13.
“We’re shooting for the stars and community support will be our rocket fuel,” Historic Hotel Bethlehem Managing Partner Bruce Haines said.
For the next four weeks, votes can be cast once a day per device at VoteHotelB.com. Winners will be announced Aug. 13.
Hotel officials gathered Monday to announce the nomination.
Five years, five stars: How to take part
Officials are calling on the public to find five stars hidden by hotel staff in Historic Downtown Bethlehem.
Once found, or even to shout out “five-star” service at the hotel, you can post on social media using #FiveStarsForever, said Kelly Ronalds, director of room sales and guest experience with the hotel.
Guests checking in during the voting period will get a gold star to give to a hotel associate providing excellent service.
“We’re shooting for the stars and community support will be our rocket fuel."Historic Hotel Bethlehem Managing Partner Bruce Haines
“Our associates always love seeing five-star reviews online, but it will be even more special when they get to hear that great feedback face-to-face and have a tangible star as a memento,” Haines said.
“We anticipate some friendly rivalry among associates fighting for the bragging rights of earning the most stars."
There's even a restaurant treat tied to the promotion. If you get a sweet tooth during your stay, you can order the Five Star S’more at the hotel’s Tap Room and 1741 on the Terrace restaurant.
The treat is a frozen marshmallow cheesecake mousse with housemade graham cracker, fresh toasted marshmallows, warm milk chocolate ganache and edible gold.
The hotel also is partnering with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs for the second consecutive year to build hype around the occasion.
A hotel team member is set to throw out the first pitch at the game on July 20, and the voting link will be displayed on the big screen at upcoming home matchups.
Historic Hotel Bethlehem, built in 1922 and now featuring 125 rooms and nine extended-stay suites, is up against other top establishments of its kind, such as Hotel Meonteleone in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa out of Mobile, Alabama.
Some of its in-state and tri-state competition includes The Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Dauphin County; Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York; and Congress Hall in Cape May, New Jersey.
