Sayre Mansion Recognized as Historic Hotel

The Sayre Mansion, a 22-room hotel that overlooks the south side of the Hill-to-Hill Bridge, has been inducted into the Historic Hotels of America, an organization that promotes member resorts to those who prefer historic settings for their travel.

Built in 1858 by one of Bethlehem’s pioneering industrialists, the Sayre Mansion is now one of the 15 oldest establishments in the 240-member registry of the Historic Hotels of America.

The program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation recognizes hotels and resorts that preserve and maintain their historic integrity, architecture and ambiance. The Historic Hotel Bethlehem is also a member.

To be selected for membership in Historic Hotels of America, a hotel must be at least 50 years old, listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, or recognized locally as having historic significance.

"We're proud to be recognized as a member of Historic Hotels of America," Innkeeper Carrie Ohlandt said through a news release. "Sayre Mansion has been integral to the Bethlehem community for more than 150 years. It's our pleasure to offer gracious hospitality and distinctive lodging in such an historic setting."

Historic Hotels of America has its own Website, which it uses to promote members and sell reservations to guests.

The Gothic Revival-style mansion was built by Robert Heysham Sayre, a man who left a permanent stamp on the city.

He was vice president and chief engineer of the Lehigh Valley Railroad when he built the mansion in 1858. Sayre would soon become one of the founders of the Bethlehem Iron Company—a precursor to the Bethlehem Steel Corp.—ultimately becoming vice president of the Bethlehem Iron Works in 1891.

Sayre was also a charter trustee at Lehigh University.

The Sayre family lived in the mansion until Sayre died in 1907.

Now the Sayre Mansion offers all the amenities of a modern hotel in concert with its 19th Century elegance. It features 19 guest rooms inside the mansion and three carriage house suites.

Calling itself “Bethlehem’s urban haven,” the inn’s picturesque two acres are adorned with century-old trees. During spring, summer and fall the mansion hosts outdoor custom weddings and events on the tented flagstone patio adjacent to the mansion.