Pennsylvania’s story is written into the walls of its historic inns, where travelers have gathered and stayed for centuries. From elegant ballrooms that once hosted legendary galas to rustic lodges tucked into mountain landscapes, these storied stays reflect the state’s rich background and are the perfect escape for travelers drawn to the past.
Kane Manor Inn
Kane
Built in 1896 in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest, Kane Manor Inn was originally called "Anoatok", an Eskimo word meaning "wind loved spot”. Kane Manor Inn is a stunning Georgian Revival mansion commissioned by Dr. Elizabeth Dennistoun Wood Kane, one of the first women to attend the Medical College of Pennsylvania. Perched atop the Allegheny Plateau and surrounded by Pennsylvania's only national forest, the inn is just over a block from the Kane Rail Trail and offers access to countless hiking, biking, and snowmobiling trails. Recently named by Newsweek as one of the top bed and breakfasts in the country, it's a perfect blend of history, elegance, and outdoor adventure.
Historic Hotel Bethlehem
Bethlehem
Built in 1922, Historic Hotel Bethlehem has been welcoming guests with Moravian hospitality for over a century. Located in the heart of the Lehigh Valley, the hotel was originally funded by community members, including tycoons from Bethlehem Steel, who purchased shares to create a gathering place for their town. Today, the hotel sits along one of America’s most charming Main Streets, where guests can enjoy boutique shopping, stop in the country’s oldest bookstore, and soak in the history of the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Moravian Church Settlements. Guests can admire the stunning George Gray murals that have hung in the hotel since 1937, dine at the award-winning 1741 on the Terrace, and unwind at the Steel Magnolia Spa. With 125 beautifully appointed rooms and timeless charm, it's been named the #1 Best Historic Hotel in America by USA TODAY five years running.
The General Warren Inne
Malvern
Step into nearly 280 years of history at The General Warren Inne, a Chester County treasure that first opened its doors in 1745. Originally called the "Sign of Admiral Vernon," the inn was renamed in 1825 to the General Warren Tavern, honoring Dr. Joseph Warren, the first American general killed at Bunker Hill. At that time, the inn served as a popular stop along the Philadelphia and Lancaster Turnpike, which was America's first long paved toll road. Today, this beautifully restored country inn offers elegant overnight accommodations in historic suites tucked just a short drive away from the Brandywine Valley and Valley Forge National Park.
Morris House Hotel
Philadelphia
Built in 1787 just as Philadelphia was about to become the nation's first capital, the Morris House Hotel is a National Historic Landmark with colonial elegance. The Georgian-style mansion gets its name from the Morris family, who purchased the home and occupied it for more than 120 years. Located in the heart of Philadelphia's Historic District on South 8th Street, the boutique hotel is just steps from Washington Square Park, Independence Hall, and the Liberty Bell. With antique-filled rooms, beautifully restored interiors, and a charming courtyard garden, the Morris House offers an intimate bed-and-breakfast experience with top-tier service. It's a rare chance to sleep in a piece of American history while exploring the birthplace of the nation.
Ledges Hotel
Hawley
Perched above the rushing waters of Wallenpaupack Creek in the Pocono Mountains, Ledges Hotel was originally a glass factory built in 1890. During the country's "Brilliant Period" of glass cutting, this five-story structure made of Bluestone was one of the most important glassworks in America, powered by the creek that still cascades behind the property today. The factory was eventually repurposed into an eco-conscious, design-forward hotel, which has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2013. The property even features Glass - wine.bar.kitchen, a beautiful restaurant overlooking the Paupack High Falls waterfall.
Omni Bedford Springs Resort
Bedford
Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of south-central Pennsylvania, Omni Bedford Springs Resort is one of the country’s longest surviving historic resort hotels. The property has long been drawing visitors to its eight natural healing mineral springs since 1806. Omni Bedford Springs has hosted 11 U.S. presidents, including James Buchanan, who used it as his summer White House from 1857 to 1861. After closing in 1986, the resort underwent a restoration and reopened in 2007 with its original grandeur intact. Today, guests can soak in the Springs Eternal Spa, play one of America's top-rated public golf courses, and experience the timeless elegance that's made this resort a Pennsylvania treasure for over two centuries.
Eagles Mere Inn
Eagles Mere
Built in 1887, the Eagles Mere Inn is the only original hotel still standing in the mountain village of Eagles Mere. Set in the heart of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Endless Mountains, Eagles Mere is beloved for its quiet Victorian charm, pristine private lake, and access to picturesque boating and hiking trails. Famous for its lively summer lake traditions and its iconic winter tobogganing, the village offers year-round appeal. Beautifully renovated while preserving its historic character, each guest room is named after a notable place or moment in Eagles Mere’s history, and the walls are adorned with artifacts and photographs that share the story of this enchanting mountain retreat.
The Nittany Lion Inn
State College
The Nittany Lion Inn has been a beloved campus landmark since it opened in 1931. Built during the Great Depression, the Georgian colonial-style hotel was meant to provide first-class accommodations for university visitors. When it first opened, rooms cost just $3.50 a night. Over the decades, the inn has hosted distinguished guests including Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower, Lyndon B. Johnson, and George H.W. Bush, as well as Eleanor Roosevelt and poet Robert Frost. The inn recently underwent extensive renovations and reopened in September 2024 with refreshed guest rooms and updated meeting spaces that blend with nearly a century of Penn State tradition. It remains a cherished gathering spot for alumni, as well as an inviting space for visitors to enjoy the school’s pride and central PA’s beauty.
The Lodge at Glendorn
Bradford
Built in 1927 by oil baron Clayton Glenville Dorn, The Lodge at Glendorn is a secluded sanctuary rooted in nearly a century of tradition. Dorn purchased the land in the Allegheny National Forest to create a "family camp" where his children and grandchildren could escape to the wilderness. The estate remained a private family compound until 1995, when the Dorns opened it to the public. Today, guests can enjoy cooking classes, fly fishing, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and spa treatments while surrounded by original furnishings and artwork from the Dorn family era.
Omni William Penn Hotel
Pittsburgh
Since opening its doors in 1916, the Omni William Penn Hotel has been Pittsburgh's symbol of elegance and sophistication in the heart of downtown. The hotel debuted with a gala in the early 1900’s attended by Pittsburgh Mayor Joseph Armstrong. By 1929, it had become the largest hotel between Pittsburgh and Chicago with over 1,000 guestrooms. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, the hotel has hosted every U.S. president since Theodore Roosevelt. Today, the Omni William Penn features 597 beautifully appointed rooms and the historic Terrace Room restaurant with its stunning "Taking of Fort Pitt" mural. It remains a favorite of movie stars, politicians, and business leaders from around the world.
With many historic retreats to choose from, Pennsylvania makes the perfect destination for an escape through time. Looking for a different type of stay? Craft your own Pennsylvania getaway adventure by exploring other B&Bs, rustic lodges, and unique accommodations from around the state.