Ledges Hotel

Perched over the Wallenpaupack Creek, in a secluded pocket behind the historic Hawley Silk Mill, this former 1890s glass factory turned boutique hotel was masterfully built into the natural stone ledges of the river gorge falls surrounding it. The hotel’s exterior resembles an old stone castle with its hand-cut bluestone facade, which is a near camouflage match for the gorge’s natural sandstone. Cascading waterfalls are the star of the show, and the hotel feels like a seamless extension of the gorge itself.

Surrounding nature is showcased from every room through huge Georgian sash windows that give interiors a bright and airy feel -- a great fit for the fresh, contemporary decor that plays out inside. Original local art adorns hotel walls that double as a gallery -- most of the paintings, photographs, and sculptures are for sale.

The Great Room is a cozy spot to relax and mingle, with comfy lounges, a stone fireplace, and free tea, coffee, and delicious cookies. Outside, multi-tier decks stagger the gorge, overlooking the falls with sitting areas and front-row nature views which light up beautifully at night. Glass Wine Bar & Bistro takes ambience in a moodier direction with exposed beams, bare brick walls, and wood with metal finishes. Outside, guests are known to stream in when the doors open, so it can pay to claim a prime viewing spot early.

The Ledges Hotel is located on the outskirts of Hawley, a popular Pocono Mountain Region destination in Pennsylvania. The hotel sits right behind the Hawley Silk Mill, which is a five-minute walk up the hill. A four-minute drive (or 20-minute walk) away, Hawley’s quaint town center offers a cluster of antique stores, galleries, cafes, and the popular Settlers Inn restaurant, which features jazz afternoons on its deck. The Ledges is a seven-minute drive from Lake Wallenpaupack for boat rides and seasonal water sports, plus a number of hiking trails can be accessed within a five-minute drive, including the Bingham Park River Walk, Wallenpaupack Visitors Center and Hiking Trail, and Shuman Point Natural Hiking Trail. The closest major airport is Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport -- about 50 minutes away.

A choice of guest rooms, and one- or two-bedroom suites are on offer at Ledges, and they’re all a fresh, contemporary contrast to the historic surrounds. Contemporary Hotel Rooms come in three sizes (all with queen beds), though entry-level units can be on the small side. Clean-lined furniture is modern and minimalist, yet local artisan and historic touches shine through. Platform beds and matching tables, for instance, are handcrafted from original Bellemonte Silk Mill trusses, while paintings and photographs from local artists decorate the walls.

Suites are open-plan and house-like, with lofty 12-foot ceilings and huge bi-level layouts. Lower floors contain expansive whole-floor living areas with kitchenettes in One Bedrooms, and full kitchens in Two Bedroom and Deluxe categories. While they’re not for everyone, spiral staircases lead upstairs to open-plan bedrooms with sleek modern bathrooms. Kitchenettes feature microwaves and mini-fridges, while kitchens add dishwashers, stoves, and large refrigerators.

All rooms feature huge deep-set Georgian sash windows that showcase the surrounding nature and let in loads of light. Platform beds are dressed in Comphy brand sheets in neutral tones. Thoughtful touches include plush robes, along with eco-friendly items such as bamboo towels and organic toiletries -- but standard rooms lack mini-fridges and coffeemakers.

Bathrooms vary, but they’re all stylish and modern. Those in Contemporary Hotel Rooms are dressed in subway tiles with big, walk-in rain showers and glass bowl basins, while suite bathrooms are larger, sleeker, and open-plan -- also fitted with walk-in showers. Deluxe units add jetted tubs.

Open for bar and dinner service (most nights), Glass Wine Bar & Bistro is a local icon for its spectacular setting next to the gorge. Gourmet sharable plates are the main theme, alongside an all-American wine and beer menu, plus top-notch handcrafted cocktails and live music on weekends. Room service is also available during restaurant hours.

The lobby, or Great Room, is a grand living-room-style space with a cozy fireplace, comfy lounges, board games, self-serve tea and coffee, and a regular supply of cookies. A free continental breakfast of artisan breads and pastries is offered here each morning.

Multi-tiered deck platforms with seating make it easy for guests to spread out and admire the view from different vantage points surrounding the hotel. Guests receive free access to the Lake Region Fitness Center, located in the Silk Mill. Ledges caters to weddings and events with a couple of meeting spaces and private dining areas at Glass. There is free on-site parking -- which also features a Tesla charging station – as well as free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.