OVERVIEW of Hotel Fauchere
The hotel has a rich history and has entertained guests from Babe Ruth to Mae West to Robert Frost to three U.S. Presidents. Founded in 1852, by Delmonico’s master chef Louis Fauchère, the Hotel Fauchère was operated by the Fauchère family for 124 years, until closing in 1976. Current owners undertook a 5 year restoration project that transformed the hotel into an elegant country inn with two terrific restaurants. Just 70 miles from New York City and reachable by train, this is an ideal getaway to at least a few days of serenity and gastronomic exploration.
The Italianate style building has a wonderful wrap-around porch, set with rocking chairs and shaded by colorful red and white striped awnings. Inside, the elegantly furnished reception is to the right and Delmonico’s Restaurant to the left. Straight down the hallway is a tranquil Conservatory that opens onto a beautifully manicured lawn and gardens. The walls are hung with a wonderful collection of Hudson River School paintings. Downstairs in Bar Louis, the works of The Hilton Bros. are showcased, including a fantastic and huge Christopher Makos photograph of Andy Warhol and John Lennon.
THE ROOMS at Hotel Fauchere
The 16 guest rooms are elegant and luxurious. Our room #3 was decorated in a beige palette with original dark wide plank hardwood floors covered with a woven area rug. The windows had raw silk draperies and an antique desk and chair was nestled into the corner. The ample sized room was enhanced with a large outdoor deck that overlooked the gardens. Bathrooms of Carrerra marble and Pennsylvania blue stone have a shower of two rain forest heads and enough pressure to qualify for our “Hall of Fame” shower group. Floors have radiant heat and towel warmers to keep the towels toasty. Our queen bed was firm, draped in a two inch feather bed, Frette linens and covered with down comforters and pillows.
In-room amenities include flat screen TV with cable, telephone, iPod docking station, climate control and Kiehl’s bath amenities.
DINING at Hotel Fauchere
There are two restaurants in the Hotel and one off-site, The fine dining Delmonico Room, the more casual Bar Louis and the casual 403 Broad. Delmonico is only open on the weekends.
THE DEMONICO ROOM
The Delmonico Room is named after Louis Fauchère´s friends and former employer, the Delmonico brothers who owned Delmonico´s restaurant in New York, creators of hamburger as a sandwich, Lobster Newburg, Lobster Thermidor, potatoes au gratin, Eggs Benedict and, of course, the Delmonico cut of steak.
The wine list, available in both restaurants is wonderful. Not only does it offer lots of diverse selections, but it is very reasonably priced. Reason alone to come here.
BAR LOUIS
The sleek and stylish Bar Louis is where we enjoyed dinner during our stay. Brick pillars, modern furniture, and Hilton Bros. artwork create a casual, yet refined atmosphere. Enjoy a drink at the bar before dinner and try the Solstice Margarita, Jalapeño-Infused Platinum Tequila, Passion Fruit, Fresh Lime, Agave Nectar with salt rim. The menu is classic bistro fare with some delicious twists. Do not miss the Sushi Pizza, fresh Ahi Tuna, sushi rice tempura & Tobikko caviar. Bar Louis Burger was served with spicy fried onions with a choice of cheddar, gruyère, or blue cheese, on The Hotel’s own Patisserie Brioche Bun with French Fries. My Angus Steak Frites was a 10 oz. delight, perfectly cooked with Maitre’d Hotel butter and crisp pommes frites. On our Tuesday visit, the Gypsy Jazz Quartet was entertaining and may be the best jazz group I have ever heard.
403 BROAD
A bakery by morning, sandwich spot for lunch, and pasta shop by night. They grind their own coffee, smoke their own meats, throw their own pizzas, and make their own pasta.
THE SERVICE at Hotel Fauchere
The service is crisp, efficient and pleasant. Guests are escorted to their room for check-in and provided an informative overview of the hotel and local activities along the way. During your stay the staff is attentive, but unobtrusive.
THE RATES at Hotel Fauchere
From $300 Peak Season Weekend
WHAT OTHERS SAY About Hotel Fauchere
A Relais & Chateau property
“If you’re looking for a haute hideaway, program your GPS, drive straight into the über-romantic, 19th-century American landscape painting of the Delaware Water Gap — with its misty, tumbling cascades and craggy cliffs — and make a sharp right just after crossing the New Jersey state line into northeastern Pennsylvania. …. boldly set on one of Broad Street’s more picturesque corners (is) the three-story Italianate Hotel Fauchère, proud in pristine white with black shutters. …” LEXUS MAGAZINE