I cannot even put into words how special our stay here was at the Dolon house, but I'm sure going to try. I made a reservation pretty last minute for a summer Jim Thorpe trip. I found our room on a hope and a prayer not really sure what to expect. I called a couple days before we left to inquire on a fridge in our room. The owner Michael called me the same day and was so professional and warm on the phone. He answered all of my questions and I felt relieved that maybe I did find us a good place.
Arriving was a dream. The house is huge, historic, and we had great parking. I took the advise on their website that a little convertible is preferred as parking is limited. I took my Miata and had no problem unpacking our bags. The owner greeted us right away while he was watering plants in his garden. We were blown away by the classic cars in the garage and the huge porch, warmly decorated and so welcoming.
The interior of the house is stunning. The owners are antique collectors and every part of the house is well appointed with beautiful furniture, art, chandeliers, and curiosities. No detail is left spared. Even the blinds were beautiful. It's like a cozy museum.
Our room was on the top floor. It's the Garrett room, the only one available when I reserved. Our bed frame was original to the house. Michael loved talking to us, he takes pride in the history of the mansion and of the town. He's happy to share stories, very fascinating, animated, and friendly. Every little detail was thought of in our room. We walked into wine and a box of chocolates from the local chocolatier. Our fridge was well stocked with ice, cream for coffee, ice tongs, glass bottled water. We had a Keurig, nice mugs and water glasses arranged on a tray. A nice postcard signed by the owners with a picture of the house was tucked into our wine set. He made sure we had everything and explained our stay experience. We truly felt comfortable. Best part? No TV. No noise. It was so quiet at night and in the morning. Well rested.
Side note, even the toilet paper in our bathroom was neatly folded and stamped. Everything was clean and although heavily decorated was carefully placed, like unfolding a story if you look long enough. Robes were neatly placed over our bathroom door.
Breakfast in this house is its own institution and you must go. It's the best breakfast I've ever had at any hotel I've ever stayed at and it's included in your experience. Jeoffri is the boss of their gorgeous kitchen (I peeked) and Michael runs the dining room in the morning. It's not breakfast; it's a full-on experience. Michael is very attentive, fast, loves to explain the food, parts of the house, his antiques collection, local lore. He's passionate about food. He knew I loved espresso and has a very high-end coffee machine, explaining that his espresso comes from a local woman. Organic to boot. Served in a dainty cup.
Breakfast was three to four courses with an amuse bouche to start. The first day was a tomato raclette, the second a lovely strawberry galete with artisanal cheddar. Both days featured a yogurt and fruit dish, but both were very different and enjoyable. Both my party and Michael are from the west coast, and he was excited to tell me the rhubarb in my yogurt came from back home, now growing in his garden. Mains on the first day was a frittata, ham. Second was a potato stuffed frittata with a lovely guacamole and garden salsa.
Don't ask for recipes. They are intuitive chefs, seasonal. They make what is best for the season, with highlights to their garden or locals. It really is magic and I'm already planning another trip for my birthday. My husband is a chef and loved talking to Michael about food. Jeoffri is the more quiet of the two, the wizard at Oz running the show with the food behind the heavy door to the kitchen.
I slept so peacefully, awoke so excited for breakfast, and left bittersweet to say goodbye to the owners. Both the home and these two are treasures. Please visit this incredible place. My fondest memory...
Read moreFrom the moment I pulled into the one of the provided parking spaces, I was pretty confident that it was going to be a relaxing stay! It started with eyeing the selection of cushioned rocking chairs on the huge front porch that spanned the width of the home and was confirmed by the cordial greeting from Michael, one of the two owners, as I approached the front door. He offered to help with my bags and escorted me to my room while inquiring about my trip and pointing out the well thought out amenities of the home and my spacious room and private bath. Everything was top quality! The mattress, the bed linens, the lounging robe, the oversized bathroom terry, the luxury soaps, shampoo, conditioner, etc.. The coffee maker, bottled water, mini-fridge, the sweets and individually controlled heat/AC were an added plus. The cleanliness and the condition of my room, and the entire home, could not have been better. I did spend many hours relaxing in those rocking chairs. Both Michael and Jeffri checked on me and the other guest several times during my stay, ensuring our stay was pleasant, offer assistance, local information and recommended dining that was available close by. After a visit with Pearl each morning, the three-course breakfast offering was most unexpected and so substantial that I skipped lunch each day. Jeffri’s daily creations were locally sourced/farmed, freshly prepared items including tomatoes and herbs from their garden. Each dish was extremely tasty, hot and presented with care. (see photos). Michael explained each course and where it was sourced while I and the other guests were busy enjoying the tasty blends. After my first day, I hurried down the following morning in anticipation of what tasty delights might be waiting. After each breakfast Michael went to every table and asked if anyone needed help with their plans for the day and then assisted them to the fullest. The B&B was sold out the two nights that I stayed. I spoke with two couples who had told me it was not their first time at the Dolan House, nor will it be their last. I could fully understand and appreciated why they kept returning, as I intend to...
Read moreFIRST RATE. Michael and Jeffri have created something special here. My wife and I booked on a whim (less than a week out), for our anniversary, having never been that portion of the state, or to a B&B before.
We were greeted with a brief history of the town, and the house itself and were escorted to our rooms by Michael who assisted with our luggage. He provided a map of the town and outlined brief highlights and provided hours and restrictions (due to COVID). He even booked us a reservation for dinner on short notice.
It is located in the most central portion of town, making it perfect for exploration of all the boutiques, restaurants, train rides, bike trails, and other attractions. The outlying area is filled with other attractions like hiking, white water rafting, and state parks within a short driving distance. Your hosts are more than willing to provide you with detailed recommendations based on exactly what you are looking for.
The house itself is an architectural masterpiece, filled with eclectic art, antiques, and various collections each carrying a story if you're willing to indulge yourself, as they are part of their personal collection, reflecting their taste and experiences. Each of the guestrooms has a bit of a theme but is cohesive with the rest of the house. No hokey clutter here. Everything is very clean, and the attention to detail in every category is what makes this place shine.
Breakfast is equally as exquisite. A multi-course experience that is unique each day, prepared by Jeffri. Everything is locally sourced, with some items coming from the gardens of the property. They are accommodating to dietary restrictions, which did not apply to us, but I am sure are equally as creative and impressive.
The Dolon House is not just accommodation, it is an experience that highlights Michael and Jeffri's experience and successes in the hospitality industry. They deserve every kind word spoken around town, and every accolade they...
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