The Inn at Jim Thorpe

Discover the elegance of The Inn at Jim Thorpe

Nestled in the folds of several dramatic mountains, Jim Thorpe is one of the country's most scenic and historic towns.

Our historic hotel is one of our town's landmark treasures. Built in 1849 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Inn combines old world charm with modern conveniences.

Built in 1849 and situated in the heart of Jim Thorpe’s National Register Historic District, the Inn at Jim Thorpe combines old world charm with modern conveniences.

Stay in one of our comfortable guest rooms or elegant suites with a whirlpool and fireplace, get a soothing massage from our talented spa therapists, and enjoy a great meal at our new restaurant and pub. Step outside into one of America’s most historic and picturesque towns and take advantage of the superb outdoor recreation all around us.

Step into the Inn at Jim Thorpe. We’d love to have you stay with us! National Geographic Adventure Magazine just named Jim Thorpe one of America's Best Adventure Towns! (For the third year in a row.) The Inn was featured in the article, too!

The Inn’s 45 rooms feature a wide variety of amenities, including:

• Comfortable rooms and elegant suites with whirlpools and fireplaces
• Spa services
• Free Wi-Fi in all rooms
• Cozy pub and restaurant on the ground floor
• Exercise room, bike storage and game room with pool table
• Cable TV/HBO & phones w/voice mail
• Air-conditioning
• Elevator
• Adventure packages, spa getaways, romantic couples escapes, and show & stay packages
• Fully-equipped meeting rooms
• An ornate cast iron balcony overlooking Broadway, the perfect spot to read, enjoy a drink, or watch the world go by.
• Elevator
• Adventure packages, spa getaways, romantic couples escapes, and show & stay packages
• Fully-equipped meeting rooms
• An ornate cast iron balcony overlooking Broadway, the perfect spot to read, enjoy a drink, or watch the world go by.

1833 – In the Beginning
Cornelius Connor built the White Swan Hotel to accommodate the thousands of Mauch Chunk’s visitors to the town during its era as a booming coal transportation hub. The White Swan was one of several large, rambling, grand hotels in the town.
1849 – The Great Fire
Connor rebuilt the hotel after it burned to the ground during the great fire, which consumed many of the town’s buildings in 1849. The new structure was renamed the New American Hotel.

Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
The New American Hotel was the architectural gem and social center of the town during the 19th century and into the 20th century. Many dignitaries including General Ulysses S. Grant, President William H. Taft, Buffalo Bill, Thomas Edison and John D. Rockefeller chose to spend the night under its roof.

A Rollercoaster and Waterfall
Meanwhile, during the later half of the 19th-century, Mauch Chunk basked in its fame as a major tourist attraction, whose visitors descended upon the town for a ride on its famous Switchback Gravity Railroad or a visit to Glen Onoko Falls. At that time, more people visited Mauch Chunk than any other tourist attraction in America, except for Niagara Falls. New York City’s Penn Station even had a train platform dedicated to service to Mauch Chunk.

Hard Times
The Inn fell into disrepair during the Depression, as Mauch Chunk, along with many of the region’s coal towns, suffered from the economic downturn.
20th-Century Renaissance
The hotel’s owner, John Drury, whose past restoration projects include the Chestnut Hill Hotel near Philadelphia and Glenside’s Keswick Theater, bought the Inn in 1988 and restored it to its original splendor. His son David is the Inn’s General Manager and a partner in the company, which also includes his brother Dale.
The Inn’s restoration served as one of the major catalysts in Jim Thorpe’s exciting revitalization during the 1980’s, and stands proudly today as the landmark gem of Broadway.

Need to relax and unwind? The Inn’s spa services offer the perfect solution. Best of all, you never have to leave the hotel.

The Inn's spa is managed by Nancy Porambo of the Therapy Option.  She and her talented spa therapists can pamper and delight you with a a wide array of relaxing treatments, including traditional Swedish, Deep Muscle or Hot Stone Massages, a Chocolate, Lavender, or Peppermint Wrap, a Clay or Mint Algae Masque, a Hot Towel Face Massage, a foot massage and more. For a real treat, try a combination of several treatments, or choose one of our popular customized Spa Packages.

All of the Therapy Option’s spa therapists are certified, professional members of the AMTA, ABMP or the IMA.

Historic Charm, Hip Downtown Flair

We've got global cuisine at neighborhood prices.

The newly renovated Broadway Grille & Pub, located at 24 Broadway, at the historic Inn at Jim Thorpe, combines historic charm with a hip downtown ambience. Our diverse menu, also offers new twists on Americana cuisine, plus a few global influences thrown in for good measure.

Slip into one of our comfortable booths and enjoy a meal or drinks next to one of the cozy gas fireplaces while enjoying flame-grilled specialties — from burgers to seafood and steaks — on the new hickory wood grill. There's salads and pastas, sandwiches and snacks, and the best breakfast menu in town!

See www.BroadwayGrillePub.com for more details.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of the year, except Christmas Day. (Breakfast will be served on Xmas day to hotel guests only.)

Hours may vary during holidays, please call to confirm.

Weekly Features and Promos!

Live music every Thursday and Friday night!

Weddings

The charming, historic town of Jim Thorpe is the perfect place for your wedding. With so much to do in town or close by, your guests will enjoy spending the entire weekend in our picturesque town.

The Inn at Jim Thorpe partners with its neighbor up the street, the elegant Victorian Mauch Chunk Ballroom, to regularly host wedding parties, receptions and rehearsal dinners.  And, of course, depending on the time of year, special lodging packages are available at the Inn.

Group Meetings

The Inn at Jim Thorpe is the perfect spot to host your next corporate or group meeting.

Located in the heart of Jim Thorpe’s historic district, we’re just steps to dozens of shops, restaurants, galleries, entertainment, pubs and a huge array of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, rafting and kayaking — virtually eliminating the need for car transportation during the entire stay.

Customized, all-inclusive group packages are our specialty. We’ll be glad to organize group getaways and team building exercises with a wide variety of activities — from mountain biking and snowshoeing to whitewater rafting and paintball games.

Two of our smaller meeting rooms are located on the lower level of the Inn and are perfect for small groups. If more space is needed, we utilize the historic Mauch Chunk Ballroom, which is part of the Mauch Chunk Museum (just up the street), which can accommodate up to 160 guests.

We offer a variety of meeting spaces:

Switchback Room
Lower Level - 34' x 17'
Upper Level - 20' x 17'
$140 per day
Price Includes: Flip Charts, Overhead, TV/DVD, DSL high speed Internet access.

Wahnetah Room
12' x 27'
$75 per day.
Price Includes: Flip Charts, Overhead, TV/DVD, DSL high speed Internet access.

Equipment: VCR and DVD, television, overhead projector, three easels, eighteen ergonomic executive office chairs, sixty padded banquet style chairs, assorted tables.

Meeting room rates are discounted if guest rooms are rented.

Call Jennifer Lesher at  800.329.2599 x 160 for group meeting/corporate retreat  info and reservations, or email her.

The Inn at Jim Thorpe is situated in the heart of downtown Jim Thorpe, in the center of our town’s famous National Register historic district.

Within steps of the Inn’s front door, you’ll find a myriad of things to do.

Dozens of charming shops line Broadway and West Broadway, most of them housed in ornate 19th-century landmark buildings. Several exciting art galleries are sprinkled throughout town, creating a lively arts scene throughout the year.

Jim Thorpe is quickly becoming a dining destination, thanks to the recent addition of several new excellent restaurants. Our traditional pubs remain hubs for visitors and community alike, and recently have become smoke-free.

Live music lovers flock to our town regularly for performances nearby.

And, outdoor recreation remains an important part of life around town, with hundreds of miles of mountain biking, hiking and cross-country ski trails throughout our mountains and riverside; fun whitewater rafting and kayaking along the exciting Lehigh River and placid lake; miles of rolling hills and challenging terrain for road biking; and several downhill ski areas within a few minutes’ drive.

Please check schedules and opening hours of the merchants or the attractions, which may change seasonally.  See www.JimThorpe.org for a complete list of things to do.

Jim Thorpe is one of America’s most exciting adventure destinations. We’ve got something for everyone.

There are many reasons National Geographic Adventure Magazine voted Jim Thorpe as “One of the Best Places to Live and Play” this year. Come see why. And, don’t forget, we offer lots of exciting outdoor adventure packages year round!

Outdoor Adventure

Mountain Biking
Miles and miles of beginner, intermediate and expert trails along varied terrain have earned Jim Thorpe top rankings in mountain biking destinations over the past 20 years. The famous Switchback and Broad Mountain trails meander along babbling creeks, scenic ridgelines and picturesque vistas and overlooks.

Rail Trail Biking
Outside Magazine named the Lehigh Gorge Trail one of the 50 best rides in the country. It’s a mellow ride along banks of rhododendron and the tranquil Lehigh River. Check out this new video of the Lehigh Gorge Rail Trail!

Road Biking
Although best known for mountain and rail trail riding, the Jim Thorpe area is perfect for road rides through rolling farmland, quaint towns and challenging ascents.  

Blue Mountain Sports and Pocono Whitewater offer bike rentals and and shuttle rides.

Hiking
Our miles and miles of biking trails are home to walkers, hikers and joggers of all ages.

Rafting
Jim Thorpe is one of the country’s whitewater rafting capitals. With 3 rafting outfitters (Pocono Whitewater, JT River Adventures, Whitewater Rafting Adventures) within 10-minutes of the Inn, you can choose between challenging whitewater rafting or friendly family floats down the gorgeous Lehigh River. Scheduled dam releases ensure a fabulous time.

Paintball
America’s top spot for skirmish paintball is just minutes away from the hotel, with 700 acres of top-notch terrain and 50 paintball fields.

Downhill and Cross-Country Skiing
Three major downhill ski areas — Blue Mountain, Jack Frost and Big Boulder — are located just 20 minutes from Jim Thorpe. And, in winter, our miles of hiking and biking trails are wonderful destinations for cross-country skiing.

Ski rentals are available.

Glen Onoko Falls
Famous Glen Onoko Falls provides a spectacular backdrop for a day hike up its steep slope, past several cascading waterfalls. It’s a great spot for picnicking, wading, or a chilly dip in the cold river water.

Kayaking
Learn to kayak at one of the best kayaking schools in the country, or bring your own kayak and paddle down the Lehigh River, or on placid Mauch Chunk Lake.

Swimming, Boating and Fishing
Mauch Chunk Lake Park’s sandy beach is a relaxing way to spend a hot summer day. Kayak, canoe and fishing boats are available to rent, as well.

Horseback Riding
Take a family-friendly horseback ride through fields, farmland, woods and streams at one of our local stables.

Train Rides
If you’d rather see the beautiful Lehigh Gorge from the window of a historic steam train, then climb aboard!

Butterfly Sanctuary
Jim Thorpe’s got one of the region’s best butterfly sanctuaries. It’s educational and a whole lot of  fun for the entire family.

Please check schedules and opening hours of the attractions, which may change seasonally.  See www.JimThorpe.org for a complete list of things to do.

Dining & Nightlife

Jim Thorpe is the region’s destination for dining and weekend nightlife. Best of all, you can leave your car parked during your entire stay, as most pubs, restaurants and nightlife is just steps from our doorstep.

Our popular Broadway Grille & Pub is located on the ground floor of the Inn.  It's where our guests eat breakfast, but we're also open for lunch and dinner.

There are other restaurants, cafes and pubs (in alphabetical order) within walking distance:

Crave 66  66 Broadway
Restaurant, authentic English tea and absinthe house

Antonio's 43 Broadway
Pizza, calzones, pasta

Broadway Grille & Pub  located downstairs at the Inn.
Victorian charm with hip downtown ambience, global cuisine at neighborhood prices.  Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

China Garden 61 Broadway
Tasty Chinese fare. Eat in, or take out.

Flow 268 West Broadway
Farm-to-table restaurant with art gallery in an historic wire mill.

Wheel  107 Broadway
Eclectic, hearty food in a funky, artistic atmosphere

Molly Maguire's Steak and Ale House Hazard Square
Pub and restaurant with summer deck featuring sandwiches, pub food, entrees.

Please check schedules and opening hours of the restaurants, which may change seasonally.  See www.JimThorpe.org for contact info.

Moya 24 Race Street
Innovative, eclectic cuisine in a warm, relaxing atmosphere

Pepperjack’s 41 Broadway
Casual Tex-Mex

Strange Brew 79 Broadway
Coffee, cappuccino and lattes

Through the Looking Glass 111 Broadway
Homemade and healthy, BYOB

Restaurants, just a few minutes away:

Kelly’s Restaurant and Pub Route 209 /E. Patterson St. Lansford
Authentic Irish home cooking with innovative nightly specials

Macaluso’s Route 209 Nesquehoning
Innovative Italian cuisine

Roadies Maury Road
Penns Peak’s restaurant with a view

Trattoria 903   Route 903   Huge portions of excellent Italian, casual atmosphere.

Weekend Nightlife:

Mauch Chunk Opera House    14 West Broadway
An intimate, historic 350-seat theater in the heart of town that regularly hosts a wide range of shows year-round – from rock to folk, bluegrass to jazz, dance to opera, and swing to classical. Occasionally, packages available with Inn. Check opera house schedule for info. www.mauchchunkoperahouse.com

Penn’s Peak Maury Road
Large venue hosting national touring acts and luncheon shows. Located 10 miles from town.  www. pennspeak.com

Shops and Galleries

Dozens of charming shops and interesting art galleries line the quaint streets of Jim Thorpe.

There’s an old fashioned 5 & 10 that’s right across the street from a delightful candy store that still stocks candy cigarettes and clove gum. There are outfitters with the latest trends in biking and kayaking equipment, as well as an authentic bait and tackle shop. We have shops with souvenirs and tchotchkes for everyone, whether it’s a Mauch Chunk t-shirt, a jar of homemade pickles, a bottle of local wine, a custom-made dried flower arrangement, or a hand-carved mirror. There are jewelry stores galore, as well as shops that sell everything from organic clothing and colorful hula hoops to homemade quilts and first edition books.

Our art galleries are well known throughout the region. Talented local artists have called Jim Thorpe their home for decades and they continue to produce fine art in their home studios, many of which are open to the public. Where else can you buy an colorful abstract expressionist watercolor, a copper-engraved print and a large-format black and white photograph, all within a block of each other?

Please check schedules and opening hours of the merchants, which may change seasonally.  See www.JimThorpe.org for a complete list of things to do.  

Historic Sites

Tucked away and protected by the dramatic folds of several steep mountains, the town of Jim Thorpe sits quietly on the banks of the Lehigh River and looks much as it did 150 years ago, when carriages clattered down its streets, train cars chugged along its steel rails, and barges floated down its river. Coal was King back then, and it was one of most prosperous mining transportation towns in the country.

Originally named Mauch Chunk (an Indian name for ‘sleeping bear’), the town was the site of America’s 2nd railroad, the Switchback Gravity Railroad, which was built in 1827 to transport coal from the mines. Years later, the railroad drew thousands of tourists who loved riding the railcars up and down the area’s steep hills. In the 19th-century, Mauch Chunk was second only to Niagara Falls as a tourist destination.

The town’s fortunes dwindled with the advent of oil consumption and the Depression. Town leaders changed the name of the town to Jim Thorpe in 1954, in the hope of reviving the tourist trade, and interred the body of the Greatest Athlete in the World on the east side of town, where his mausoleum stands today.

Today the coal barons and miners are long gone, but Jim Thorpe’s charming Victorian architecture and its quaint streets remain, echoing the spirit of a town that was once, and still is, thriving and lively. Come explore.

Please check schedules and opening hours of the attractions, which may change seasonally.  See www.JimThorpe.org for a complete list of things to do.

Asa Packer Mansion
Asa Packer’s ornate 1861 Italianate mansion with original furnishings and décor, regular public tours.
asapackermansion.com

Mauch Chunk Museum
The town’s consummate collection of artifacts, photographs, models, and archives, housed in a 19th-century church.
mauchchunkmuseum.com

The Old Jail Museum
Historic stone 19th-century jail that was the site of 7 Molly Maguires hangings in the 1870s. Regular public tours.
theoldjailmuseum.com

St. Marks Church
Historic 19th-century English parish church on Race Street with Tiffany windows.
stmarkandjohn.org

Switchback Gravity Railroad Site
An 18-mile hiking and biking trail (former rail bed) between Jim Thorpe and Summit Hill with scenic vistas and interpretive signage along the way.
switchbackgravityrr.org

Old Mauch Chunk History Tours
Take a trip back in time, join the Old Mauch Chunk History Tour, and walk the Jim Thorpe Historic District. mauchchunkhistory.com

Town Tours ~ Sponsored by the Mauch Chunk Museum   Guided van tour of Jim Thorpe's many attractions and hidden treasures.       
mauchchunkmuseum.com/towntours