Quick FactsOverview
About Omni Bedford Springs Resort, Pennsylvania
Omni Bedford Springs Resort, Pennsylvania is a historic full-service mineral springs resort in the Allegheny Mountains of Bedford County, approximately two miles from the town of Bedford in south-central Pennsylvania. Built on land first developed as a springs resort in 1796, the property sits on 2,200 acres and is a National Historic Landmark built around eight natural mineral springs whose waters are used in the spa and indoor pool.
The mineral springs were known to Native Americans before European settlement and were brought to wider attention by Dr. John Anderson in the 1790s. By the mid-19th century Bedford Springs was among the most prestigious resort destinations in the United States, visited by 13 US presidents. President James Buchanan used it so regularly that it was known as the Summer White House. The resort was restored to full operation by Omni Hotels in the mid-2000s after a period of closure and is a member of Historic Hotels of America.
The Springs Eternal Spa covers 30,000 square feet and incorporates natural mineral water into its signature Bedford Baths treatment sequence. The resort also features an 18-hole championship golf course by Donald Ross, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, five restaurants, and 2,200 acres for hiking and recreation.
Location & Access
Getting to Omni Bedford Springs Resort
Omni Bedford Springs Resort is located at 2138 Business 220, Bedford, PA 15522, approximately two miles south of downtown Bedford on US Route 220 Business. The resort driveway is well marked from Route 220 and leads directly to the main lodge and valet parking area. Free self-parking and valet parking are both available on site.
From Pittsburgh, the drive is approximately 90 minutes east via Pennsylvania Turnpike I-76 east to Exit 146 at Bedford, then south on US 220. From Washington DC, the drive is approximately two hours northwest via I-270 north to I-68 west through Maryland, then US 220 north into Bedford. From Baltimore the distance is similar, and from Harrisburg the drive is approximately one hour 30 minutes west via the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The resort is accessible year-round, though the mountain location means winter driving can be affected by snow and ice and visitors should monitor conditions when traveling in the winter months.
The nearest commercial airport is Altoona-Blair County Airport, approximately 45 minutes north of the resort. Pittsburgh International Airport and Harrisburg International Airport are both within a two- to three-hour drive and offer more regular air service. For visitors seeking hot springs near Bedford PA, the Omni is the only major mineral springs destination in the region.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Omni Bedford Springs Suits
Omni Bedford Springs Resort suits couples, families, golfers, and spa travelers seeking a full-service historic resort experience with genuine mineral spring amenities, as the property combines extensive recreation, luxury accommodation, fine dining, and access to eight natural mineral springs through the spa and pool complex. The resort operates as a hotel, meaning access to the spa and mineral spring facilities is primarily for overnight guests, though spa treatments can be booked separately.
Families with children will find the outdoor seasonal pool, indoor pool, extensive hiking trails across 2,200 acres, UTV tours, carriage rides, and fly fishing to be a well-stocked program of activities. The resort has consistently been rated among the top golf resorts in Pennsylvania and the broader mid-Atlantic region, making it an appropriate destination for golfers seeking a historic course alongside lodging. The indoor pool, fed by the natural mineral springs, provides a distinctive warm-water soaking experience that sets the resort apart from standard hotel spa pools.
For those seeking hot springs in Pennsylvania with historical significance, Bedford Springs offers a depth of heritage that few mineral springs properties in the United States can match. The resort is pet-friendly and accepts dogs in certain room categories. Accommodation ranges from standard guest rooms to suites with private porches and mountain views, particularly appealing during fall foliage season.
Safety & Etiquette
Omni Bedford Springs Safety Tips
Omni Bedford Springs Resort is generally safe to visit and operates under full professional hotel and spa management, with trained staff across all facilities. The main considerations for guests relate to the mineral spring water itself, the mountain road conditions in winter, and the physical demands of the resort's outdoor activities.
The Bedford Baths treatment in the Springs Eternal Spa incorporates alternating hot and cold mineral water immersion, which places demands on the cardiovascular system. Guests with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular concerns should consult a physician before participating in the bath ritual or any thermal hydrotherapy treatment. Pregnant guests should also consult a physician before using the hot mineral pools or steam room. The spa staff are trained to advise guests on appropriate treatments given their health circumstances.
The resort grounds cover 2,200 acres with hiking trails, and some routes traverse uneven mountain terrain. Appropriate footwear is important for guests planning trail use. UTV tours and guided outdoor activities are led by resort staff, and participants should follow all briefing instructions. Fly fishing on the property's streams requires guests to observe safe wading practices and be aware of variable water levels after rainfall.
In winter, the access roads through the Allegheny Mountains to the resort can be affected by snow and ice. Guests arriving in winter should check road conditions and carry appropriate traction equipment or use all-wheel-drive vehicles. The resort operates year-round and all main facilities are fully heated and enclosed.
