Wind Creek Bethlehem unveiled its newly completed $160 million expansion for a group of community members eager to see the changes June 8. Gathering in the new Mixx bar, attendees heard directly from Wind Creek Hospitality and Poarch Band Creek Indian tribal executives.

The new Mixx bar and lounge is an extension of the totally redesigned lobby, which has high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling artwork. Strategically placed throughout the building are waterfalls and contained fire fixtures. The designers used modern steel and glass throughout the new areas, maintaining a crisp and clean look.

The hotel boasts 550 rooms, up from 282, and the new guest rooms are airy and have views of the SteelStacks campus whenever possible. A catwalk with an open view of the lobby connects the original tower with the new one.

Another addition is the 60,000 square feet of meeting space. Areas can be divided or increased in size by soundproof self-contained /movable walls. Discreet entrances and exits as well as an abundance of restrooms, make each meeting area independent from the others.

The crème de la crème is a completely new spa facility. This expansion devotes the entire 15th floor to all spa amenities. Continuing with the steel, glass, water and fire themes, the spa has a calming feel as soon as you exit the elevator and arrive on the 15th floor. Each service area of the spa is separated from other areas. Steam room Sauna and mud room are new to the facility. Waterfalls cascade into the vitality pools, and swings gently hang above the wading pools. A beautiful view of Steel -stacks can be seen from almost every angle. This spa is open to the public and anyone can make a reservation for services. There is also an indoor pool and an outdoor pool on the 15th floor.

Wind Creek Hospitality CEO Jay Dorris is proud that Wind Creek Bethlehem is part of the family of Wind Creek facilities. He thanked everyone who made this expansion happen and encourages you to experience it for yourself.

Wind Creek Bethlehem General Manager Kathy McCracken shared the trials and tribulations that went into making this expansion a reality. In 2019, Wind Creek Hospitality purchased the former Sands of Bethlehem. Five months later, COVID … Even when the facility itself was shut down, construction and planning for the expansion continued. Now in June 2023, Wind Creek has 60,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, 550 spacious guest rooms, a state-of-the-art lobby, indoor pool, outdoor pool, 10,000 square foot spa, 23,000 square foot ballroom, and a gym. Wind Creek has the largest meeting and convention space in the Lehigh Valley.

The owners, The Poarch Band of Creek Indians, are a federally recognized tribe of Native Americans located in Alabama. The Poarch Band has several casinos and racetracks, operating under Wind Creek Hospitality, a tribe-owned company. Current tribal chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Bryan told attendees, “Never put all your eggs in one basket; diversify; that’s why we purchased this Pennsylvania property – to diversify. And we are committed to the Bethlehem community.” That commitment was honored during the pandemic when every effort was made to keep Wind Creek employees working. Bryan expressed great pride in the commitment the Sovereign Nation of Poarch Band of Creek Indians has made in all the communities they serve.