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.
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.