Addressing a shortage of hotel rooms in the vicinity of Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley International Airport (KABE), the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority (LNAA) has partnered with Marriott to break ground on the first hotel on airport property there. The Courtyard by Marriott is expected to open in 2027 and will feature 145 guest rooms, a bar/lounge, meeting space, fitness center, business center, onsite laundry facilities, and outdoor seating area.
Lack of available hotel capacity along the Airport Road corridor was revealed as part of an airport master plan study update. To help with funding for the project, the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. issued a series of tax-exempt bonds totaling $42 million, while the state added a $1 million grant from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.
“We’re focused on making KABE a travel hub that serves a significant role in economic development for the Lehigh Valley,” said LNAA executive director Thomas Stoudt. “Make no mistake, this hotel not only elevates the service to airport customers but expands lodging options for tourists.”
Over the past two years, LNAA—which also operates Lehigh Valley Aviation Services, the lone FBO at KABE—has invested more than $75 million in infrastructure development at the airfield.