Hotel Fauchère- Milford, PA
Hotel Fauchère is one of those charming historic hotels that feels timeless. Wonderfully updated, with a fantastic onsite restaurant and cozy bar, it is the perfect anecdote to generic hotel chains. It is my firm belief that even if you are just passing through an area, it doesn’t mean you can’t stay in style. And that is exactly what you will do at the Fauchère.
The hotel here dates back to Louis Fauchère, a Swiss born chef who immigrated to the United States in 1851. Upon arrival, he was employed as a Master Chef at New York City’s renowned restaurant Delmonico’s, the Gilded Age’s most celebrated dining establishment, and originator of the eponymous cut of meat. During the summers, when the well heeled fled the city, he worked at several upstate resorts. In 1867, he opened his own hotel and restaurant in Milford.
Fauchère found his venture widely successful, and in 1880 he constructed a new three story Italianate to house his business. His restaurant and hotel became a popular escape from NYC, where Fauchère even hosted his previous employers, the Delmonico brothers. After his death in 1893, his descendants successfully ran the business for another 83 years, until changing times and the new interstate caused the hotel to close. In 1976, the Fauchère family sold the property, and the hotel was converted to offices, and even laboratory space.
In 2001, Milford residents and preservationists Richard Snyder and Sean Strub purchased the neglected property, saving it from demolition. After an extensive 4 year restoration, the hotel reopened in 2006, including, of course, restaurant space. Returned to its former glory, the hotel once again became an important part of the Milford community. With a dignified restaurant, named The Delmonico Room, a cozy basement bar, and 16 guest rooms, the property is popular with locals and visitors alike.
On my first visit, I was lucky enough to book Room 2, a beautiful suite with a glass enclosed sitting room. It was beautifully decorated, including a silver leaf niche that housed the Nespresso machine, and those adorable little espresso cups, along with miniature spoons. Complete with hardwood floors, and a marble bath, it was an all around stunning space. Next door, the restaurant served the best punch I have ever had. Indeed, I returned just months later for that drink alone.
On my subsequent stay, the suite was booked, so I found myself in one of their Deluxe Corner Rooms. Definitely book the suite if it is available. Although nice, there really is no comparison character wise. With its fabulous location in the middle of Milford, easy access to area attractions, and excellent on site dining options, this iteration should certainly enjoy the longevity of the original hotel.
