The Gilded Cupid Bed and Breakfast, located in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, features three guest rooms available year-round. Each of the rooms has a private ensuite bathroom, as well as access to the common areas of the home, such as the porches. The decor style of the home tries to stay within a late 1800s theme, according to Sheila, one of the owners. She also notes that breakfast is served to patrons each morning, featuring items such as frittatas; vegetables; and fruit in a honey, ginger, and lemon sauce. Sheila cooks breakfast each morning while her husband, Bob, serves the meal and informs visitors of the history of the town.
Inside the Gilded Cupid Bed and Breakfast, there are three guest rooms, each with a private ensuite bathroom. Every room has a different theme, all fitting within the time period of the late 1800s, according to the owners. Anna's Room features a cream-colored bed with red accents and wallpaper. The room was named after a friend of Bob, one of the owners, who immigrated to the United States from Ukraine. Bev's Room is named after Sheila's—the other owner of the bed and breakfast—deceased sister. This accommodation is decorated in shades of light blue with floral patterned wallpaper. The last room, Phil's Room, was named for the designer who helped Sheila and Bob decorate the bed and breakfast according to the time period the home was built during, the late 1800s. Sheila reports that this room is "more masculine" due to its wood furniture and brown accents. Phil's Room additionally has a king bed, while the other two have queen beds. Each of the rooms has a seating area in the hopes of providing guests with a space to sit in their room without needing to sit on the bed.
Besides each individual room, there are multiple common areas throughout the interior and exterior of the home which patrons can utilize. There is a common area on the second floor of the home, which has sofas and chairs, where guests can sit to play one of several games that Sheila and Bob have available for their visitors or read a book. A porch extends off the second floor of the home where Sheila says that those staying at the property can sit in the evening to chat or enjoy a drink. As for the backyard, patrons are given access to a patio area where they can lounge in the evenings. Currently, a garden is under construction in the backyard. In the future, Sheila hopes that the garden will feature a variety of flowers and plants, such as holly bushes.
Another common area at the Gilded Cupid Bed and Breakfast is the dining room, where breakfast is served each morning at 9:00 a.m. Coffee, tea, and juice are available to drink with the morning meal, which consists of fruit, a baked good, and an entree. Sheila, who cooks breakfast each morning, says that the entree changes each day but they often serve items such as frittatas or vegetables. Additionally, she says that the fruit is typically served in a honey, ginger, and lemon sauce. For those with dietary restrictions, Sheila strives to make accommodations for any allergies or sensitivities.
The owners of Gilded Cupid Bed and Breakfast—Bob and Sheila—hope that guests can feel welcome during their stay. In an effort to provide this atmosphere, Sheila says that she strives to communicate with visitors before their arrival about the bed and breakfast and what they are looking for. When patrons arrive, Sheila says that she leaves "little treats" for them in their rooms. Bob is also relatively knowledgeable about the history of the area and can provide information about it to first-time visitors. As the property has been open since 2000, Sheila reports that many of the guests of the property have stayed previously and, when they arrive, "it is like a mini family reunion."
There are multiple policies that are implemented at the Gilded Cupid Bed and Breakfast, which intend to keep the house hospitable for guests of various backgrounds. Firstly, there is a designated smoking area on the lower porch outside, and guests are not allowed to smoke indoors. Also, Sheila says that the property is an "adult-only" location. With regard to pets, visitors must refrain from bringing any animals to stay with them at the property. Lastly, quiet time begins each night at 11:00 p.m. and lasts until 7:00 a.m. the following morning when an early coffee is served.
Those who have previously stayed at the establishment often comment on the hospitality of Bob and Sheila, as well as the quality of breakfast served and the decor of the home. One former patron said, "Bob and Sheila make you feel right at home every morning. They have a tray of fresh coffee at your door. Great place to stay for a romantic weekend away. It is also within walking distance of places to eat, shop, etc." Another visitor to the property said, "Very nice bed and breakfast with large rooms, friendly owners, and a great breakfast. They also tailor the breakfast around dietary requirements. They have a nice porch to enjoy coffee or a drink."
Sheila reports that a variety of attractions in the area are within walking distance of the bed and breakfast. Some local attractions include white water rafting, mountain biking, and visiting Lehigh Gorge State Park. There is also a train that visitors can ride at the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. Aside from these attractions, a few local eateries that Bob and Sheila recommend include Moya, Hofford Mill, Ouros, and Myst.
Bob and Sheila, the owners of Gilded Cupid Bed and Breakfast, originally purchased the building in 1995. At the time of the sale, the house was being used as individual apartments, and Sheila thought it would be suitable to operate as a bed and breakfast. Before they opened the business, there were multiple renovations that took place. Originally, Anna's Room did not have a private bathroom, however, they converted the original dressing room into a bathroom. Additionally, Bev's Room and the common area shared a bathroom, but the couple closed in the bathroom to be an ensuite for Bev's Room. When Bob and Sheila began to decorate the home, they had a designer help them pick out wallpaper and colors that could have been used during the 1800s. Throughout the renovation process, Sheila says they tried to "keep the historical integrity of the house," as it was originally built in the late 1800s.
When the home was first built, it was used as a private residence for a family. Through the years, the home was sold to multiple families, including the Pearsall family and the Eckert Family. At some point during the late 1900s, the home was converted into a multi-apartment style building. When Bob and Sheila purchased the land, it was still being used as an apartment building.
40 West Broadway
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania 18229
United States
Bed and Breakfast
Bob and Sheila
