Book Lovers, Unite. Charming New Hotel is Set to Draw Bibliophiles Far and Wide

*The Dreamer’s Quarters at the newly opened Bookhouse Hotel at Faunbrook*

Despite being a fan of the town for living, which I clearly am, I was never convinced of its appeal as a destination. Sure, if you’re in town visiting family or hitting up a graduation, there is plenty to entertain you. But, come with no prior obligation? Of that I wasn’t so sure. Now, I think maybe you can make the case.

I am coming to this conclusion after visiting two very pretty new area lodging additions. Hotel Indigo opened early this year with 108 well-appointed rooms, a fun new restaurant, and a basement speakeasy. Then last weekend, I had the pleasure of touring the charming new Bookhouse Hotel at Faunbrook at 699 W. Rosedale Ave.

A Look Inside at the New Bookhouse Hotel at Faunbrook

*One of the original West Chester Darlington’s will be returning later this year to celebrate her 80th birthday. She has booked her former bedroom, now known as “Rose’s Room.”*

*Fun rabbit details from “Alice’s Room.” There’s also a melting clock in the secret reading nook.*

Once the home of West Chester notable Smedley Darlington, the 1860 Federal Italianate-Style Mansion is now owned by Stephanie and Matt Olenik, who also own the Bookhouse Hotel, a 4-room boutique hotel in Kennett Square. Since they purchased the home last year, they have been working to get the property back into good working order, dealing with issues like roofing and heating, and replacing the back patio. They have also added a fresh coat of paint and their signature bookhouse style to each of the 10 rooms and accompanying 10 baths.

“It’s been so fun,” Stephanie told me as we toured the estate. I don’t know if that is the honest answer or the PR one but the result either way is gorgeous and when she tells me people in the area have been “super supportive,” I believe her.

The exerior patio has been restored and is ready to welcome spring wedding guests.

Rooms like “Alice”, “Daisy” and “Jane” are now available to rent (some as early as this weekend, if you are looking for a last-minute Valentine’s Day surprise.) There is no elaborate breakfast but there is coffee and pastries daily from a rotation of West Chester bakeries. Plus, there are slippers in your room, a hidden photo booth, and 100 other interesting details.

Restaurant Week Returns to West Chester

Speaking of visiting, West Chester Restaurant Week is Feb. 23 to Mar. 2 this year. There are currently 25 restaurants participating including newcomers 9 Prime and Bierhaul Townhouse. Each restaurant designs a multi-course meal for either $40 or $60.

Curious how it will work? Taco Mar, for example, is offering a $40 special for two. This includes chips and dip, your choice of tacos, enchiladas, or fajitas, and churros for dessert. Mae’s has a $60 option with an appetizer first course, think, fried arancini with marinara and fermented garlic honey (plus three other choices), a main, like baked salmon with crispy potato pave, braised purple cabbage, and a dessert, I’m going coffee budino with chocolate crunch (but you can go also creme brulee or pear tart.)

Menus are slowly making their way to the Downtown West Chester website, but Executive Director John O’Brien advises not to wait until they are final.

“Get your reservations as soon as you can,” he said.

Originally published on Feb. 14, 2025

This story was part of a longer West Chester newsletter featuring all the news and events of the week. Curious what else is going on? Subscribe now to get the full story. New issues come out on Fridays!