Pennsylvania resort offers historic charm and healing springs

Photo courtesy of Omni Bedford Springs Resort

Iconic inn revitalized

The Omni Bedford Springs Resort has come a long way since its humble 1804 opening as a 24-room inn for travelers drawn to the area’s healing spring water. The property enjoyed great success in the early 1900s, but struggled during the Great Depression and World War II.

A major flood resulted in its closure in 1986 and the hotel went into disrepair until a $120 million restoration renewed the grand resort to its original beauty. It reopened in 2007 and was purchased by Omni Hotels & Resorts in 2009.

Photo courtesy of Omni Bedford Springs Resort

Gorgeous indoor pool

As a place known for its water, the resort’s centerpiece is, fittingly, its stunning indoor pool. Built in 1905, the pool features spring water, original tiles and a "glacier effect" achieved by the water’s reflection between the blue ceiling and white bottom of the pool. In the summer months, guests also enjoy an outdoor pool.

Photo courtesy of Omni Bedford Springs Resort

Bedford Baths experience

The Springs Eternal Spa incorporates mineral water from the property into its offerings that include massages, facials, pedicures and more. Every spa treatment includes use of the "Bedford Baths" – a water ritual that includes hot and cool mineral water pools, an aromatic steam room and a deluge shower with a cucumber honeydew body scrub.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Maiellano

The Iron Spring

Eight mineral springs can be found on the resort’s property. Though a couple have been capped, several are accessible via hiking trails surrounding the resort.

The Iron Spring, pictured here, is a quick walk across a footbridge from the hotel’s front entrance. Its water was historically used to treat bone and blood disorders, such as anemia.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Maiellano

The Old Course

Built in 1895, the resort boasts one of the country’s first golf courses. Three legends in the golf course designing world – Spencer Oldham, A.W. Tillinghast, and Donald Ross – contributed to the completely restored Old Course which overlooks the Allegheny Mountains and Cumberland Valley.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Maiellano

Fire pit at Frontier Tavern

At the end of each night, guests gather around a large fire pit outside of Frontier Tavern (also a good place to grab a drink to sip fireside). The staff inside will provide blankets and s’mores equipment.

Photo courtesy of Omni Bedford Springs Resort

Inviting guest rooms

The resort’s 216 attractive guest rooms feature period decor, balconies, and modern amenities. A fascinating documentary running on a loop on each room’s television takes guests through the hotel’s history, including the closure and reopening.

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Photo courtesy of Sarah Maiellano

President James Buchanan's desk

Many U.S. presidents have visited the resort, including Dwight D. Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan. Right in the main lobby sits the Sheraton desk used frequently by President James Buchanan. Buchanan considered the hotel his "Summer White House" and spent 40 summers there.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Maiellano

Duchess Tea Experience

On Fridays and Saturdays, the resort’s Duchess Tea Experience features a traditional high tea in the pink-hued back room of the Crystal Room restaurant. The $35 afternoon activity includes a pot of flavored tea, scones, tea sandwiches, petit fours and a glass of Champagne.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Maiellano

Amazing dining options

The Omni Bedford Springs Resort’s main dining area is the Crystal Room. Upstairs, 1796 Room offers steaks and chops. Frontier Tavern offers casual lunches and dinners, along with a bar that stays open until 2 a.m. on weekends.

Overlooking the golf course, Tillie's at the Clubhouse serves breakfast (in golf season), lunch and dinner with local Pennsylvania brews and spirits at the bar.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Maiellano

Dutch lamb shank at the Crystal Room

Dinner at the Crystal Room features this Dutch lamb shank with braised raisin apple broccolini and buttermilk polenta. The elegant restaurant offers a buffet breakfast daily that features an omelet station, housemade breakfast sausage and plenty of fresh fruit.

An a la carte menu is available at dinner with classic dishes such as potato leek soup and coq au vin, alongside creative options like crab beignets and grilled vegetable carpaccio.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Maiellano

Library bar

In the evening, a small bar opens in the library. Many guests can enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine there or in the lobby. These areas of the hotel are outfitted with comfortable seating, fireplaces and entertainment (puzzles in the library and a piano in the lobby).

Photo courtesy of Sarah Maiellano

Historic hearth

When the original inn was completed, it contained a huge hearth which was used for cooking meals for the guests. It’s still there today and can be seen during one of the daily historic tours of the hotel.