Pennsylvania’s Wind Creek Bethlehem announced last week its $160 million expansion project is soon to be completed, set to add new features and amenities to the property. The plan doubles the number of hotel rooms; calls for meeting space, including a 23,000-square-foot ballroom; and adds a spa.
Stephanie Bryan, CEO of Alabama’s Poarch Band of Creek Indians, led a media tour on Thursday, expressing her satisfaction with the investment’s impact on the community. The expansion, which includes a new North Tower, increases the number of hotel rooms and offers an abundance of space for events, meetings, and conferences.
Stephanie Bryan, CEO of Alabama's Poarch Band of Creek Indians
The completion of the North Tower is expected to mark a milestone development for Wind Creek Bethlehem. With the number of hotel rooms almost doubled and meeting space quadrupled, the resort is now poised to accommodate larger corporate gatherings, association events, and even weddings.
The crown jewel of the expansion is a 10,000-square-foot spa on the tower’s top floor, boasting an array of treatment rooms, steam rooms, saunas, vitality pools, and a cold room. It is slated to open later this summer
Maureen Boyd, the hotel’s director of sales, told Lehigh Valley News: “I think the vision was to really bring something different to the Valley – something that was going to be unique and would be able to provide jobs.”
Boyd also emphasized the inclusive nature of the newly expanded facility, catering to both leisure and corporate guests, making it “a one-stop for everybody.” The expansion not only addresses the need for additional rooms and event spaces but is also expected to allow Wind Creek Bethlehem to compete with upcoming casinos in New York.
Jay Dorris, president and CEO of Wind Creek Hospitality, also highlighted the need to stay competitive in conversation with Lehigh Valley News: “We know that New York City is going to offer some casinos at some point. We know that there’s competition. So what can we do to be competitive?”
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and construction delays, Wind Creek Bethlehem remained steadfast in its commitment to the expansion project. Patrick Ryan, Assistant General Manager, highlighted the perseverance and collaboration among the team, architects, and construction crew.
With the expansion soon reaching the finish line, the newly constructed Foundry Ballroom, spanning 23,000 square feet and offering the flexibility to accommodate up to 2,000 guests, has become the largest meeting and convention space in the Lehigh Valley. Additional ballrooms and meeting spaces, including the Moravian and Monocacy rooms, provide further options for smaller events and ceremonies.
Wind Creek has also significantly expanded its room capacity, nearly doubling the number of available rooms to meet the growing demand, adding 276 to its old capacity of 282. With floor-to-ceiling windows, each room offers a view of Bethlehem and the surrounding Lehigh Valley.
The introduction of the Standard King and Executive King rooms, equipped with modern amenities and decor, further enhances the guest experience. Additionally, the Mixx at Wind Creek Bar and restaurant, located off the lobby, offers a dining experience for guests seeking a culinary escape.
Additionally, the new indoor pool area is now online with small waterfalls to keep the water flowing. And a 24-hour fitness center featuring equipment found in many gyms, such as treadmills, exercise bikes and free weights, has also been added to the property’s offerings.
Jay Dorris expressed his optimism for the future, remarking: “As a company, we’ve been very successful. We’ve been able to succeed with part of our mission, which is to create wealth for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.”
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2023/06/13/67495-pennsylvania-39s-wind-creek-bethlehem-nearing-completion-of-160-million-expansion
