Just loved this place! The inn is a handsomely restored, century-old mansion that's tastefully and comfortably decorated (not cluttered with dust-catcher knicknacks). This is a B&B for "grown-ups" with a wonderfully welcoming pair of owner/hosts, Virginia and Tim. Every single detail is well considered, and the breakfasts are as irresistable as they are abundant (and, wonder of wonders, there are always healthy choices on offer, as well as indulgent options--and, always, Virginia's remarkably seductive baked goods). The hosts are extremely helpful and affable, but without being intrusive or overbearing. This is one inn where you truly feel welcome. The location, too, is perfect for a visit to Bethlehem, just a few blocks from the fine old Moravian buildings at the heart of town, and an equal distance to the best in-town restaurants (some of which are surprisingly good). A longer walk, or a short drive, takes you to the SteelStacks cultural center and performance area, a wonderfully bold and brave community effort to turn the historic remains of the Bethlehem Steel plant into a 21st-century advantage for the city. The inn also sits at the heart of the mansion district, with quite a collection of architecture. Yet, for all these positive features, there's still something else, an X-factor that I think of as "likability," some magic that goes beyond a tally of pluses and minuses. And for sheer likability, this may be our favorite B&B--out of many fine establishments (some grander, none pleasanter). Tips: In cold weather, leave just a bit of time between the end of your daytime activities and your dinner reservations to sit by the fire with a book (or just sit), drink a glass of the complimentary evening wine (or a Yuengling beer), have a few of Virginia's afternoon snacks--and truly relax. Joggers' tip: For an intriguing five-mile loop, run down past the old cemetery a few blocks below the inn, cross the bridge over the Lehigh River, and trot east parallel to the old steel works--ghostly at dawn--then recross the river by the more-easterly bridge at the Sands casino (which, blessedly, is sequestered in a far corner of the steel yards, away from civilization), and hook back along the heights to the inn, adjusting your explorations for a run that can stretch from just over four miles, to a clean five, to as long as you want--a great, eccentric, memorable jogging route.

The Morningstar was a great place to spend our anniversary. Our only regret is that we only stayed one night. The Inn was huge, updated and beautiful. The innkeepers Virginia and Tim were very welcoming, extremely down to earth and excellent hosts. We stayed in the "GQ" room and we loved it. Roomy, comfy bed and super nice, very clean bathroom. The breakfast was delicious and the variety was more than we expected. The location was perfect too - nestled in a quaint neighborhood but just a few short blocks to the center of town. Walking to stores, bars, etc. was a breeze. We will definitely go back and highly recommend it to anyone looking to visit Bethlehem.

I can only echo what others have already said. Really nice inn - large house with a lot of common area space on the first floor to relax. Our room, Sleigh Ride, was nicely decorated and was comfortable. Big house but only a handful of guest rooms, so you aren't just an anonymous guest as some larger inns can feel.

Owners Virginia and Tim are very welcoming and friendly. We really did feel like guests in a friend's home...well, better than that, actually. Virginia cooks up great breakfasts, and the afternoon snacks and goodies were great, plus complimentary wine, beer, etc. was very nice.

So, beyond the great inn, Bethlehem and the area is a fun place to visit. This was our second trip to the area and first stay in Bethlehem. The loss of the very significant steel mill I am sure created challenges for Bethlehem, but it seems to be sort of reinventing itself. The downtown Bethlehem area (just a short walk from the Morningstar Inn, by the way) has some nice stores, including the legendary Moravian Book Store (a lot more than a bookstore!). Some good restaurants, plus a knitting store that my girlfriend loves).

In addition, there is a growing performing arts life in the area, with the annual Musikfest, the Zoellner Arts Center at Lehigh University, and the "SteelStacks" arts center on the grounds of the old Bethlehem Steel plant. Plus, if you have ANY interest in guitars, the C.F. Martin Guitar Company, maybe 20 minutes away in Nazareth, is a MUST stop. Great factory tour, great museum, store - by total luck I even met country music legend Vince Gill who was there that day to take the tour and visit the museum.

So there you have it: a very nice inn to stay at and a reborn steel town with lots of cultural stuff going on (forgot to mention the State Theatre in nearby Easton where we saw Vince Gill in concert that weekend).

Highly recommended for a great getaway.

I love the Morningstar! We've stayed there for four nights each of the past three years during MusikFest. The inn itself is beautiful and the location is perfect...walking distance to downtown and all the festival platzes (including the new Steel Stacks venue, if you're up for a bit of a longer walk. My fiance has bad knees, but it was still doable for him). Virginia and Tim are wonderful hosts--very friendly, available and warm without being at all obtrusive, and Virginia's breakfasts are out of this world delicious. Everything is homemade. Guests are offered a choice of fresh-squeezed juice to start, a passed basket or tray filled with fresh baked treats (you might find scones, strudel or muffins); followed by a fruit cup with whatever fruit is fresh and locally available; then there are three choices for the main course--a carb dish (e.g., chocolate french toast, blueberry pancakes), egg dish (such as an asiago souffle, apple cheddar omelet) with either homemade multigrain or sourdough toast, or you can opt for granola. The rooms are nicely decorated, the bed comfortable, the walk-in shower and Jacuzzi tub (in the Victoria room, which we had the first year and returned to each time since) are nice added features. Our room and the rest of the common areas of the inn have always been very clean and comfortable. I heartily recommend the Morningstar and hope to return again.