Omni Bedford Springs Resort

The Omni Bedford Springs Resort sits in rural Pennsylvania, outside a little town called Bedford. While the town is more or less unrecognizable, the property easily outshines many of the historic and luxury properties I’ve experienced elsewhere in the state, both in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

To bring you up to speed, this historic resort was built in the early 1800s and boasts many a famous guest, from Thomas Jefferson to George W. Bush (presidents have been pretty fond of the hotel over the decades). Additionally, it was the site of one of the country’s first golf courses and one of the first indoor pools. The first trans-Atlantic cable’s destination? The hotel lobby. During World War II, the property was a U.S. Navy training facility and then home to Japanese diplomats captured in Germany.

Most recently, Omni Hotels & Resorts bought the property, giving the hotel its new name, the Omni Bedford Springs Resort.

When I arrived at the property in late February, I handed over my car to the convenient valet service (appreciated both because the property is massive and self-parking would likely require a long walk and because the valet option is free, even though there’s literally nowhere else in the rural area to park). The check-in desk is somewhat hidden inside the expansive lobby, but the friendly staff pointed me in the right direction, where I swiftly checked in and received a map of the property (you will need the map, trust me).

The guestrooms are spread across several interconnecting buildings. My Premier Luxury Spa Room was reachable via a short walk through the rest of the lobby, past the hotel’s few retail and coffee shops, past that historic and beautiful indoor pool and near the spa.

These Premier Luxury Spa guestrooms feature a large foyer, complete with a floor-length mirror for last-minute checks and an umbrella stand filled with walking sticks. Further into the room, there’s a small desk and ample storage options, including extra space in the entertainment center. A king-sized bed takes up much of the room, but there’s still space for extra seating in one corner. Double doors lead out to a long shared porch with rocking chairs and views of the forested hillsides.

The real gem in these guestrooms, however, is the bathrooms. The oversized, marble bathrooms feature his-and-her sinks, a walk-in rain shower, a huge soaking tub and separate bathroom. All the necessary amenities you might need, from bath salts to cotton swabs, are provided, along with comfy robes and slippers.

While I could’ve easily spent my one-night stay just enjoying my guestroom, I ventured out to the spa, which is renowned and it’s easy to see why.

Booking a treatment automatically gives guests access to the well-known Bedford Bath ritual, which includes an aromatic steam, mineral deluge, whirlpool and cool plunge, all at your own pace, for an invigorating yet relaxing experience. I suggest arriving at least an hour early for the Bedford Bath ritual; I did so, but could have easily spent more time in the whirlpool and cool plunge bath. After drying off, guests take to the relaxation room, with its ample natural light, fireplaces and beverages, before being led away to their treatment. The 30,000-square-foot spa offers an extensive treatment menu, inspired by the natural mineral springs and incorporating a signature line of products.

Feeling refreshed and rejuvenated from my spa treatments, I relaxed a bit more before heading to the heated indoor pool. While I noticed it was a little busy with children and families during the day, I was only one of a few people there in the early evening. While I’m not normally a fan of indoor hotel pools, the beautiful historic surroundings and calm environment make this one a must-visit.

During my stay at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort I sampled two of the dining options. The Frontier Tavern is a casual-style lunch and dinner spot with local brews and a limited menu of salads, sandwiches, a few larger entrees and pastas. I enjoyed a huge salad and several delicious martinis and found the quality paired with the environment to be a great value. The next morning, I enjoyed breakfast in The Crystal Room, the property’s upscale main dining room that offers both á la carte breakfast and a breakfast buffet with an omelet station. My decadent French toast — featuring locally sourced ingredients — was top-notch and definitely recommended before your departure.

All in all, the Omni Bedford Springs Resort delivers elegant luxury and superb service in an unlikely setting in central Pennsylvania. For those traveling even within a few hours’ drive, it’s highly worth the trip. I know I’ll be making a return visit soon.

Omni Bedford Springs Resort

2138 Business 220
Bedford, PA 15522