You’re driving up a winding, tree-lined road in South Sterling, Pennsylvania, and suddenly, there it is. A massive stone chateau that looks like it was plucked directly out of the French countryside and dropped onto a crest in the Poconos. This is The French Manor Inn and Spa Poconos. It isn't your typical cookie-cutter resort.
Honestly, the first thing you notice isn't the architecture, though the granite walls and slate roof are impressive. It’s the silence. At an elevation that clears the surrounding treeline, the air feels different here. Crisp. Serious.
Most people head to the Poconos for the big waterpark hotels or the massive casino resorts. Those have their place, sure. But if you’re looking for a spot where the service feels personal rather than processed, this manor is the outlier. It was built in the 1930s as a private estate for Joseph Hirshhorn—the same guy behind the Hirshhorn Museum in D.C.—and it still carries that "private wealth" energy. It’s intimate. It only has about 19 rooms and suites. That matters because you aren't fighting 500 other guests for a table at dinner or a spot in the pool.
The Architecture of The French Manor Inn and Spa Poconos
The main building is a masterpiece of Renaissance revival design. When Hirshhorn commissioned it, he didn't hold back. We’re talking about imported Spanish slate and cypress interior beams that were hand-carved.
You’ve got a few different choices for where to sleep. The Manor rooms are in the original building. These are for the purists. They have that old-world weight to them—heavy fabrics, antique-style furniture, and views that stretch across the Honesdale mountains. If you want something more modern, you go for the Spa Suites or the Carriage House. The Spa Suites are basically the "luxury apartment" version of a hotel room, featuring gas fireplaces and whirlpool tubs that are actually big enough to move around in.
One thing people get wrong about historic inns is thinking they’ll be drafty or outdated. Not here. They’ve managed to keep the 1930s soul while upgrading the HVAC and tech so you aren't suffering for the aesthetic.
Why the Food is Actually the Main Event
Let’s talk about the dining room. It’s called Le Joli Brasserie now, but the vibe is still very much "elevated French-Swiss."
✨ Don't miss: What Time in South Korea: Why the Peninsula Stays Nine Hours Ahead
The ceiling in the main dining room is 40 feet high. It’s massive. There are two huge fireplaces that look like they could roast a whole ox, though thankfully they just provide a cozy glow. The dinner menu usually leans heavily into classical techniques. Think duck confit, escargot, and rack of lamb.
The French Manor Inn and Spa Poconos has earned the AAA Four Diamond award for years, and you can see why when the plates hit the table. The sauces are rich. The wine list is deep. It’s the kind of place where you actually want to dress up, not because there's a strict, stuffy dress code, but because the room demands it.
Lunch is a bit more casual. You can sit on the terrace during the warmer months. Looking out over the mountains with a glass of chilled white wine and a salad is, quite frankly, the peak Poconos experience. It’s one of those rare moments where the "vibe" isn't just marketing fluff; it’s tangible.
Le Spa Forêt and the Wellness Pivot
A few years back, they added the "Spa" part of the name in a big way. Le Spa Forêt is an eco-friendly facility that doesn't feel like a sterile hospital wing.
They use a lot of organic products. Eminence Organics is a staple there. They offer the standard stuff—massages, facials, wraps—but it’s the relaxation lounge and the indoor saltwater pool that steal the show. The pool area has these huge windows that bring the forest inside. Even if you aren't a "spa person," sitting by that pool when there’s snow on the ground outside is a top-tier move for your mental health.
The spa is also one of the reasons the inn stays busy mid-week. It’s become a destination for people escaping Philly or NYC who just need to turn their phones off for 48 hours.
🔗 Read more: Where to Stay in Seoul: What Most People Get Wrong
What Most People Miss About the Location
The French Manor Inn and Spa Poconos sits on Huckleberry Mountain. This gives it a 360-degree vantage point that most valley hotels simply can’t match.
While the inn itself is secluded, you’re close to Promised Land State Park. If you get restless, you can be at the lake in 15 minutes. There’s hiking, fishing, and in the winter, snowshoeing. But honestly? Most guests never leave the property.
There’s a specific kind of "resort gravity" here. Once you settle into a chair on the lawn or find a nook in the library, the urge to go "do things" usually evaporates. It’s a place for reading books, not scrolling TikTok.
Navigating the Costs and Expectations
It isn't cheap. Let’s be real.
You are paying for the exclusivity and the maintenance of a historic stone manor. Prices fluctuate wildly based on the season. Autumn is the busiest time because of the foliage, and you’ll pay a premium for those red and orange views.
Some guests find the "historic" nature of the rooms a bit small compared to modern Marriott suites. That’s the trade-off. You get character and hand-carved beams, but you might not get a 75-inch TV. Most people are okay with that. If you need a mega-resort with a casino floor and a nightclub, you’ll be disappointed. This is for the couple celebrating an anniversary or the professional who is dangerously close to burnout.
💡 You might also like: Red Bank Battlefield Park: Why This Small Jersey Bluff Actually Changed the Revolution
Real Insights for Your Visit
If you're planning a trip, here are some things to actually keep in mind.
First, book the "Manor" rooms if you want the history, but book the "La Maisonneuve" suites if you want the best views and more privacy. The suites are nestled on the hillside and have private balconies. Waking up there during a misty morning is pretty surreal.
Second, check the calendar for their murder mystery weekends or wine tasting events. They do these periodically, and they tend to fill up fast because the setting is so perfect for it.
Third, don't skip breakfast. It’s usually included and it’s a full sit-down affair, not a sad buffet with lukewarm eggs. We're talking huckleberry pancakes and fresh pastries.
Practical Next Steps for Planning
- Check Availability Early: Because there are only 19 rooms, weekends can sell out months in advance, especially in October.
- Pack for the Elevation: It’s often 5 to 10 degrees cooler at the manor than it is in the surrounding towns. Bring a layer even in the summer.
- Dietary Requests: If you’re vegan or have specific allergies, call the kitchen ahead of time. While the chefs are talented, the menu is rooted in traditional French/Swiss styles which can be heavy on butter and cream. They are great at accommodating, but a heads-up is always appreciated in a boutique setting.
- Explore the Grounds: Take the short hike up the "Mountain View" trail on the property. It’s a low-effort walk with a high-reward vista that many guests skip because they stay tucked away in the spa.
The French Manor Inn and Spa Poconos is a relic in the best possible way. It reminds you that luxury used to be about stonework and silence, not just high-speed Wi-Fi and marble lobbies. If you need to disappear for a few days into a setting that feels like a 1930s film set, this is where you go.