Tucked away in the charming town of Milford, Pennsylvania, Hotel Fauchère offers a unique blend of historical allure and modern luxury. This boutique hotel, standing just a stone’s throw away from the scenic Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, promises a remarkable stay that goes beyond mere accommodation.
A Hotel Steeped in History
In the mid-1800s, Louis Fauchere, Master Chef at New York’s celebrated Delmonico’s Restaurant, opened Hotel Fauchere as a Pocono’s summer escape for city-weary folk.
Now open year-round, the Relais and Chateaux designated Hotel Fauchere is but one reason to skip over the New York border to this Pennsylvania resort town. (Other reasons can be found in THIS POST about Milford PA).
Moved to this location in 1880, Hotel Fauchere boasted the first electric sign in Pike County PA. But that was only the beginning. Since then, celebrities and others who seek out hip, luxurious, accommodations, and hushed, top-tier, VIP service have embraced this special place.
Four generations of Faucheres ran the hotel until 1976, until it transitioned through several owners, iterations, and, sadly, deterioration.
At that point, Richard Snyder and Sean Strub (founder of POZ Magazine and author of the powerful Body Count: A Memoir of Politics, Sex, AIDS an Survival) purchased the iconic lodging, bringing back its luster in early the 2000s.
After Snyder’s death in the early teens, Strub reinvigorated the Fauchere. He added an intimate conference center where CEOs and executives could meet in discreet and service-oriented surroundings.
Where Is Hotel Fauchere?
Hotel Fauchère is nestled in the charming town of Milford, Pennsylvania, near the Delaware Water Gap and the tri-state junction of Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. Located roughly 75 miles from New York City and about 125 miles from Philadelphia, it offers an accessible retreat from these bustling urban centers.
Housed in a historic 19th-century building, the hotel stands in the heart of Milford, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities. The nearby Pocono Mountains and Delaware River are also just a short drive away, making Hotel Fauchère an ideal base for nature enthusiasts and those looking to explore the region’s scenic offerings.
Hotel Fauchere joins our roster of 18 Top Romantic Getaways in Pennsylvania. Check the others out, and make a plan.
First Impressions of Hotel Fauchere
The 16-room Fauchere radiates cool from the moment you step onto the original black and white marble floor in the entry hall and reveals its charms slowly.
Both modern and Hudson River School art enliven common areas. And the back parlor is punched up with chartreuse and zebra-print chairs.
But you won’t find many nightlife-loving fancy-pants guests here. Casually-dressed patrons come to read books on the wraparound porch, stroll town streets, shop in galleries and boutiques, or just linger in graceful, bright rooms.
As is customary in a Relais and Chateaux establishment, the owners or manager will proudly tour you around: here, even to the stairwell where dozens of black and white headshots of celebrities, alive and dead, line the walls. Charlie Chaplin, Erol Flynn, Thomas Wolfe, Robert Frost, Rudy Valentino, Bill Clinton, and dozens more have bedded down here.
Guestrooms
Rooms here are simply elegant, in natural shades of browns and whites, floor-to-ceiling curtains covering large windows, and tan jute carpeting. It’s a restful sanctuary – with great amenities.
Furthermore, each room boasts a Nespresso machine with a selection of espresso pods. The beautiful grey-veined Carrera marble and Pennsylvania bluestone bathrooms feature unique polished nickel-footed clawfoot tubs and luxurious Molton Brown products.
I’ve stayed in some of the best hotels in the world therefore can say with certainty that the beds here are at the top of my list. Their downy, cloud-like duvets and soft sheets were tough to leave in the morning.
Dining
Continental Breakfast, which you won’t want to miss for the light, delicate, homemade yogurt and granola, crisp-soft muffins, grilled grapefruit, and more, is complimentary with your room.
The higher-end Delmonico Room upstairs is refined and perfect for a special occasion.
But it seems like Bar Louis situated downstairs, is where it’s happening most nights. The hep cats gather, deals are done, introductions are made – all within sight of Chris Makos’s large glossy photograph of Andy Warhol kissing John Lennon.
It’s a city-folk-visit-country crowd, dressed funky-smart as if going to an art opening.
Dishes tend to be innovative and mouthwatering. I’d return for the multi-textured-flavored signature Sushi Pizza and grilled Thai Ribs, alone. But everything is tasty and perfect for sharing.
Unique Hotel Fauchere Package
While Weekend and Romantic Packages are most popular year-round, Hotel Fauchere offers something very unique and specific to this area of Pennsylvania: Eagle Watching Excursions.
This region on the Upper Delaware River, with its pristine habitat and plenty of fish, is a magnet for those magnificent birds who appear in droves in the depths of winter.
Hence, at a time of year when non-ski resort towns see a decrease in visitors, Milford PA comes alive with serious (and not so serious) birdwatchers.
The Eagle-watching package includes a half-day eagle-watching tour with a knowledgeable guide. Available weekends from January through March. Package based on double occupancy, 2-night stay, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Includes
- Private 1/2 day eagle-watching experience with a knowledgeable guide.
- Two nights luxury accommodations.
- Deluxe Continental breakfast each morning.
- Turndown service each evening with chocolate chip cookies upon request.
- Departure gift.
No visit to Milford Pennsylvania is ever complete without a visit to the Beautiful Hotel Fauchere. Spring Summer and Fall dining on the front Porch gives you the feeling of a European city with visitors strolling about browsing in the various shoppes. The Food is delectable and service outstanding.. This Quaint Hotel is a gem rarely found in today’s busy world.. A place to relax and become reacquainted with peace and nature…
Hi Denise. I wholeheartedly agree! Thanks for reading and commenting. Malerie
HI Jane – I just edited to reflect this. A great place – the perfect “close” getaway.
Malerie
A fabulous place to visit…their restaurants are tough to match!
Just lovely all around and the town itself is worth the trip!