Published October 25. 2022 05:17PM
by DANA GRUBB Special to the Bethlehem Press
For the second year in a row, the Historic Hotel Bethlehem topped the USA Today poll for Best Historic Hotel in its annual poll. On Sept. 18, the hotel celebrated by holding a free ice cream block party on Main Street, with hundreds in attendance. Live music provided by The Castaway Band brought many to their feet to dance. “We’re a community hotel and supported by our community,” said managing partner Bruce Haines as hotel staff served up free vanilla and chocolate ice cream to those who participated. A large selection of ice cream toppings was available. Director of room sales and guest experiences Kelly Ronalds gave tours of rooms and the mural ballroom; attendees could purchase the coffee table book about the hotel’s history at a 50 percent discount, and anyone who voted every single day received a free copy. As the #1 Historic Hotel in America for two years running, Haines and his staff, who served and mingled with everyone present, are setting their sights on a three-peat.
More photos on A2
The Historic Hotel Bethlehem has been voted #1 Best Historic Hotel for two years running in a USA Today poll.
Live music was provided by The Castaway Band.
Supporters of the Hotel Bethlehem line up to add toppings to their free ice cream.
Jo Ann Haines is sandwiched between two of the Hotel Bethlehem's ice cream cone mascots.
Sandy Angy dances to music by The Castaway Band. She said she used to work at the Hotel Bethlehem.
Karin Haney, Cabian Bortz and Justin Bortz were bicycling past the Hotel and decided to stop for ice cream. They live in Fountain Hill.
Bruce and Jo Ann Haines are all smiles in front of a banner proclaiming the Hotel Bethlehem's #1 ranking for the second year in a row.
Attendees hold up placards with the faces of famous people who stayed at the Hotel Bethlehem.
PRESS PHOTOS BY DANA GRUBB Hotel supporters who voted every day join Bruce and Jo Ann Haines for a group photo.
Ernie Stadler chats with Hotel Bethlehem managing partner Bruce Haines. Stadler said he and his wife Gwen voted every day.
