Chamber of Commerce Breakfast in the Hotel's Presidential Ballroom March 4, 2009

Where to Go, What to Know

Travel writer Ben Chapman drove to Berks County, Pa., this month to pay his respects to John Updike, the recently deceased author who grew up around Reading. His reporter's notebook:

Read his story here:

"In Reading, Pa., Memories and Monuments of Updike"

By Ben Chapman

Special to The Washington Post 

Sunday, February 22, 2009; Page P06

GETTING THERE

Reading is about 150 miles northeast of the Beltway, following Interstate 295 north, then I-695 and I-83. Amtrak offers service from Washington to Lancaster, Pa., about 30 miles from Reading.

WHERE TO STAY

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, theAbraham Lincoln (100 N. Fifth St., 610-372-3700,http://www.hotelabrahamlincoln.com) is the grande dame of Reading hospitality; doubles from $98 a night. The Rieser Inn (411 Main St., Leesport, Pa., 610-926-2788, http://www.rieserinn.com) is a quiet, rural bed-and-breakfast about 20 minutes outside Reading; doubles from $95 a night.

WHERE TO EAT

Have breakfast with the ghost of Updike the copy boy at Marvel Ranch (359 Penn St., 610-373-7141), right up the street from the Reading Eagle. The author's favorite scrambled eggs, potatoes, toast and coffee are just $3.10. For Reading's favorite hot wings and beer, visit the old reporters' hangout Jimmie Kramer's Peanut Bar and Restaurant (322 Penn St., 800-515-8500, http://www.peanutbar.com). The Ugly Oyster Drafthaus (21 S. Fifth St., 610-373-6791, http://www.theuglyoyster.com) was built in Yorkshire, England, disassembled, then reassembled in downtown Reading. It features fried oyster sandwiches ($6.95).

WHAT TO DO

Attend "Remembering John Updike" on April 5 at the Reading Public Library (100 S. Fifth St., 610-655-6350, http://www.reading.lib.pa.us), a lecture by Updike scholar James Plath followed by a panel discussion; 2-4 p.m. Free, reservations required (call 610-655-6365). Visit the Reading Pagoda (98 Duryea Dr., 610-655-2584, http://www.readingpagoda.com), the city landmark atop Mount Penn, the "Mount Judge" to which Updike character Rabbit Angstrom ran after his daughter's funeral. The pagoda itself is closed for renovation until March, but the lookout is open. Visit the Reading Public Museum (500 Museum Rd., 610-371-5850, http://www.readingpublicmuseum.org), where young Updike learned about culture; admission ages 18-60 $8 through March 8, $7 thereafter; seniors and ages 4-17 $6, and $5 after March 8. "Born to Be Wild -- Adventures in the Art of Motorcycle Design" exhibition runs through March 8.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Greater Reading Convention and Visitors Bureau, 800-443-6610, http://www.readingberkspa.com.

The National Dog Show features the hotel!

John O'Hurley and UNO the dog amongst others stayed here at The Abraham Lincoln Hotel during the filming of The National Dog Show, the week before Thanksgiving 2008.

During his stay Mr. O'Hurley was filmed in a commercial for Petcentric.com right in one of our guest rooms!



To view the dog show in it's entirety goto hulu.com. Also visit nationaldogshow.com for more information about the show.

And just an FYI, our hotel's policy is normally to not allow pets, there is no charge for wireless internet, no room 316, and the mini bar is usually not stocked with dog treats. ;)

Announcing the arrival of our new Chef!

New Fact Sheets Issued Today

For Sales Information:

• Corportate Accounts: 610-372-7179 ext. 3018
• Catering Sales: 610-372-7179 ext. 3017
• Group Room Sales: 610-372-7179 ext. 3037
  

Employee Profile: Sian Elliott

The Abraham Lincoln - A Wyndham Historic Hotel would like to announce the arrival of Ms. Sian Elliott, the newest member of the property's Sales Team.

Born in South Wales, Ms. Elliott joins us following her graduation from Penn State University. Her previous Hotel Catering/Sales experience includes The Inn at Chester Springs, the Toftrees Resort in State College, and The Breakers Resort in Florida, where she assisted in planning and executing some truly extravagant events.

A huge fan of both Martha Stewart & Preston Bailey, she brings a fresh perspective and high energy level with her to this new position - that is manifested both in her attention to detail on Corporate event executions, as well as in her visions for one-of-a-kind ballroom set-ups that are only expensive-looking!

We are as excited to introduce her to everyone, as she is to begin working with you on your next amazingly successful event, right here at The Abraham Lincoln - A Wyndham Historic Hotel.

Contact her at 610-372-7179 x3017 or selliott@wyndham.com

Sian is available Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30am to 6:30pm, and by appointment.

Press Release: 4 Star Rating on Expedia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The Abraham Lincoln Wyndham Hotel earns Four Star Rating

Leading Travel Website Expedia upgrades hotel’s rating

Reading, Pennsylvania—The Abraham Lincoln—A Wyndham Historic Hotel announced today that leading travel website Expedia has upgraded the hotel’s rating to Four Stars after completing an extensive audit of all hotels in Reading, Pennsylvania. which is owned by Hotels.comExpedia will also raise The Abraham Lincoln rating on their website.

“We’re very proud to be recognized by this prestigious rating” remarked Dennis Spotts, General Manager of The Abraham Lincoln Hotel. “We’re continuing to make exciting improvements to the hotel and certainly appreciate the recognition of “The Abe” as the only Expedia Four Star hotel in Reading or Allentown and one of only a handful of Expedia Four Star hotels throughout Pennsylvania.”

The Abraham Lincoln Wyndham was recently recognized at the annual Wyndham Hotels conference in Puerto Rico as the highest-rated Wyndham Hotel in the world in 2006 for Guest Services.

Located in downtown Reading, Pennsylvania at the intersection of North 5^th Street and Washington Street, The Abraham Lincoln Wyndham offers 104 upscale guestrooms, refined fine dining in Restaurant L’Arte della Vita, intimate Melody’s Pub and over 10,000 square feet of elegant function space. The hotel is professionally managed by DePalma Hotel Corporation.

Contact: Robert Lepore, CHA

The Abraham Lincoln—A Wyndham Historic Hotel

DePalma Hotel Corporation

Phone: 267-688-5629

E-Mail: rlepore@depalmahotels.com

Channel 69 News covers the events of April 3

From the 5:30pm broadcast:



From the 10pm broadcast, featuring scenes from the Deff Leppard/REO Speedwagon/Stynx concert at the Sovereign Center Arena:

Press Release: 4 Star Travelocity Rating

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The Abraham Lincoln Wyndham Hotel earns additional Four Star Rating

Leading Travel Website Travelocity upgrades hotel’s rating

Reading, Pennsylvania—The Abraham Lincoln—A Wyndham Historic Hotel announced today that leading travel website Travelocity has upgraded the hotel’s rating to Four Stars after completing an extensive audit of all hotels in Reading, Pennsylvania. In November, 2007, the hotel was upgraded to a Four Star rating on leading travel websites Expedia and Hotels.com.

“We’re very proud to be recognized by this prestigious rating” remarked Dennis Spotts, General Manager of The Abraham Lincoln Hotel. “We’re continuing to make exciting improvements to the hotel and certainly appreciate the recognition of “The Abe” as the only Travelocity Four Star hotel in Reading or Allentown and one of only a handful of Travelocity Four Star hotels throughout Pennsylvania.”

The Abraham Lincoln Wyndham was recently recognized at the annual Wyndham Hotels conference in Puerto Rico as the highest-rated Wyndham Hotel in the world in 2007 for Guest Services.

Located in downtown Reading, Pennsylvania at the intersection of North 5^th Street and Washington Street, The Abraham Lincoln Wyndham offers 104 upscale guestrooms, refined fine dining in Restaurant L’Arte della Vita, intimate Melody’s Pub and over 10,000 square feet of elegant function space. The hotel is professionally managed by DePalma Hotel Corporation.

Contact: Robert Lepore, CHA

The Abraham Lincoln—A Wyndham Historic Hotel

DePalma Hotel Corporation

Phone: 267-688-5629

E-Mail: rlepore@depalmahotels.com

The Hotel featured in the Sunday newspaper

The Abraham Lincoln - A Wyndham Historic Hotel

• Address: Fifth and Washington Streets, Reading, Pa 19601
• 
  
• Phone Number: 610-372-3700
• 
  
• Web Address: www.wyndhamreadinghotel.com
• 
  
• Email: tcarabello@wyndham.com
• 
  
• Product Description: Small enough to always provide personalized attention and the only hotel in the Reading/Lancaster/Allentown area to receive the prestigious four-star rating from Expedia, the Abraham Lincoln - A Wyndham Historic Hotel offers 104 elegant guestrooms, including 32 suites - all with great skyline views - as well as 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting space for everything from corporate events to wedding receptions. Enjoy upscale dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in L'Arte della Vita, or lighter pub fare and cocktails in Melody's Tavern.
• History: Constructed on the site of the 111-year old Farmers Hotel during the city's early 20th century expansion and formally dedicated May 23, 1930, when a night's stay cost $2.50, the hotel had 300 rooms, a billiards room, three dining areas and an indoor miniature golf course. Anyone who was anyone stayed here, including poet Wallace Stevens, Eleanor Roosevelt, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Ozzie and Harriet Nelson. John Phillip Souza, the famous march king died here on March 6, 1932 following a rehearsal with the Ringgold Band. With the city's industrial decline in the 1990's, the hotel closed down. It was re-opened in 1998 and struggled through some more difficulty in the early part of the century, but, now is listed on the National Historic Registry, proudly serving Reading again.
• 2007 Summary: Following its affiliation with the prestigious Wyndham brand, and through successful management by DePalma Hotel Corp., much change in service standards, as well as interior refurbishing has taken place - all specifically focused on making the corporate traveler's stay as comfortable and convenient as possible. New pillow-top mattresses, luxurious Wyndham "Be-Well" bedding, Wolfgang Puck "To Go" Cup Coffee makers, cutting-edge Michael Graves guestroom accessories and Bath and Body Works bath amenities, in-room mini-fridge and microwaves- all support Wyndham's drive to ensure corporate traveler the most pleasant hotel stay possible and consistently earned her top-five service rankings in 2007.
• 2008 Expectations: Even more changes are coming: flat-screen LCD TVs in all our guestrooms, Starbucks coffee, new menus for the restaurant as well as the banquet/catering department. But, we really want you to come experience it for yourselves and look forward to sharing our success with you during your next corporate event, wedding/social function or overnight stay. So, come by and let us show you what all the talk is about!
  

Publicity: The Abraham Lincoln Hotel on the Food Network

If you were watching the Food Network's show "Unwrapped" tonight you might have glimpsed the hotel in a panoramic shot of 5th Street. The show, according to the network's web page, "uncovers behind-the-scenes details on classic American food, from peanut butter and chocolate syrup to French fries and bubblegum".
Tonight's episode featured the 5th avenue candy bar. The hotel, of course, is located at Fifth Street and Washington Street.

Wikipedia has this to say about the candy:

The 5th Avenue candy bar is a crunchy peanut butter bar coated with milk chocolate, and is made by Hershey's. It was introduced in 1936 by William H. Luden, founder of Luden's cough drops, and was named after 5th Avenue in Reading, PA. Luden's company changed hands a number of times and was most recently purchased by Hershey's Corporation in 1986.

It is very similar to a Butterfinger candy bar, which was created first. One difference between these two candy bars is that, until the Hershey takeover, 5th Avenue candy bars had three or four small almonds or almond pieces along the top center length of the bar, under the chocolate coating.

Personally, i can't stand the better known Butterfinger because of it's inferior taste and it's fake wax chocolate. Here is a head to head comparison.

One pet peeve of mine regards the name. The Abraham Lincoln Hotel as well as the former Luden's factory are/were located on 5th STREET. A point that has confused many of travelers to the Reading area is the fact that West Reading's roads are AVENUEs while the appellation of the roads in Reading proper (on the eastern shore of the Schuylkill River) is STREET. I suppose '5th Street' just wouldn't have sounded as nice of a name for a candy bar but as the above linked reviewer points out Butterfinger is a much better name even if the taste is inferior.