The French Manor Inn and Spa

The French Manor Inn and Spa
Main Castle Building

Saturday, May 2, 2009

FRENCH MANOR INN AND SPA IS COMMITTED TO HELP PROTECT THE POCONO MOUNTAINS

SOUTH STERLING, PA, APRIL 30, 2009 – The French Manor Inn and Spa announces its Partner Membership with “Green” Hotels Association.

This membership signifies that The French Manor Inn and Spa’s management has committed the property to employ practices which “help protect the beautiful destination of the Pocono Mountains” through water and energy-saving practices and waste-reducing measures. The “Green Hotel” flag on the French Manor’s front desk notifies guests of the management’s commitment.

Recycling cardboard, aluminum and glass have been everyday practices at the French Manor since the 1990’s. Now they have incorporated other recycling programs including single-stream recycling with Waste Management, use of only 100% recycled paper for letterheads, and use of all-natural and organic spa products in Le Spa Forêt – the new spa facility at the French Manor opening at the end of May 2009. “We use sustainable linens, have incorporated a towel-recycling program, and have moved all of our exteriors, common rooms and storage areas to high efficiency lighting,” says Genevieve Logan Reese, General Manager. “We have also implemented a web-based property management system that allows us to store guest information efficiently and securely online while using less paper products”.

The Logan’s feel that part of being Green is to encourage guests to utilize local commerce. They continue to package with local businesses such as Buck Hill Golf Course, Mountain Creek Riding Stables, Camelback Ski Area, and more. They also hand out to guests a map they have created in-house to pinpoint local attractions such as local antique stores, local State Parks such as Promised Land, Tobyhanna and Gouldsboro, Lacawac Sanctuary and many more. Over the past couple of years, their “Nature Lovers” package has become very popular and includes a packed lunch for two and a one hour horseback ride at Mountain Creek Riding Stables. This package, among others offered at the French Manor, allows guests to get out end enjoy the beautiful Pocono Mountains and the great outdoors.

The French Manor plans on opening Le Spa Forêt this spring (Grand Opening planned for end of May 2009) after 2 years or research and development of this exciting Green project. The Logan family, owners, developed the idea of the new spa and suites to enhance the guest experience by meeting the demand for more luxury suites, each boasting a fabulous view from Huckleberry Mountain from their private balcony, as well as being equipped with amenities such as air jetted tubs for two, fireplaces, wireless internet, flat panel TV’s; and then adding a facility downstairs to create a mini luxury spa featuring a salt water pool and Jacuzzi, health/fitness equipment, conference area, and of course spa treatment rooms, including a couples suite with fireplace.
The project morphed as the Logan’s wove their way through permits, DEP, the Historical Society, and planning sessions. Our goal was to provide a quality project without disturbing the historical integrity of the original French Chateau. Although the Logan’s have always been concerned about the Green factor in our business, it seemed not only a good idea, but almost necessary to consider the Green issues concerned with a new addition to the property. The more the Logan’s researched, the easier it seemed to incorporate green practices and materials to the project.

Outlook Construction, with the expert guidance of owner Chuck Skowronski, was also excited to help. They are a Green Certified builder (known for the PAGreen Home) and helped us explore ways to “green” the project. The materials, pool, sprinkler system and spa products all contribute to our Green efforts (please see Le Spa Forêt Green Features attached).
After greening the building, the Logan’s wanted to do more. They changed their line of amenities and soaps in the guest rooms and suites to a “Forest Essential” line, which was conceived to be sensitive to the Earth’s precious resources and delicate natural balance; Forest Essentials is among the most environmentally friendly amenities collections available today.

Results of the French Manor’s Green Program – Le Spa Forêt

“As we plan the grand opening of Le Spa Forêt, we as owners are inspired to be more Green,” says Bridget Logan Weber, Director of Sales and Marketing. “Le Spa Forêt has generated an excitement and awareness in us that trickles down through our staff and to our customers as well. If we can set an example in the community, we hope that others will feel the same and help to conserve our best characteristic – our own backyard.”

With the opening of Le Spa Forêt, the Logan’s plan on continuing their elegant retreat philosophy while taking it that one step further into nature. Guests will feel a sense of peace and contentment while enjoying all the added amenities the spa will offer. Building this spa is the natural progression towards a healthy growth for the French Manor.

More information about the Spa is available at http://www.thefrenchmanor.com/spa/. Visit www.thefrenchmanor.com to view a comprehensive overview of the French Manor, or call 1-877-720-6090. The French Manor has been a proud recipient of AAA’s four-diamond award for both the restaurant and accommodations for the past 6 consecutive years.

Written by Bridget Logan Weber, Director of Sales and Marketing
The French Manor
bridget@thefrenchmanor.com
570-676-3244

FRENCH MANOR EARNS 2009 AAA FOUR DIAMOND AWARD FOR PROPERTY & RESTAURANT

Maintaining Six Consecutive Years of Superior Service and Luxury Surroundings

SOUTH STERLING, PA, APRIL 24, 2009 – The French Manor Inn and Restaurant has been awarded the prestigious AAA four Diamond rating for the year 2009, Craig Smith, Director of PR and editor of the AAA North Penn News, announced today. This is the sixth consecutive year that the French Manor has been awarded two 4 diamond awards!

“AAA Four Diamond Award winners such as The French Manor know the language of customer satisfaction as they consistently deliver premier experiences, complete with superior personal service, first-class amenities, and impressive surroundings,” said Craig Smith. “Only establishments that meet the extensive quality criteria required to become AAA Approved receive a AAA Diamond rating. The two components work in sync – AAA Approved offers the stamp of quality and AAA Diamond ratings show where establishments fit in the spectrum from basic to luxury.”

The French Manor joins a select group of AAA Four Diamond Award winners. Just 3.9 percent of the more than 31,000 AAA Rated® lodgings and 2.8 percent of the nearly 27,000 AAA Rated® restaurants were awarded the prestigious AAA Four Diamond designations for 2009. The assignment of a AAA rating of One to Five Diamonds marks the completion of a successful annual evaluation. All properties must first meet AAA’s rigorous requirements to become AAA Approved establishments.

“AAA four Diamond Award winners represent an important tier of the hospitality industry, offering guests superior experiences with a high level of hospitality in luxurious surroundings, “ said Michael Petrone, AAA Director of Tourism Information Development. To achieve and maintain this level of service is an amazing accomplishment, and AAA is pleased to honor the French Manor Inn and Restaurant.

AAA’s Diamond Rating System is the only ratings system that covers all of North America and one of only two that conducts physical, on-site evaluations. It is the only system that uses full-time, professionally trained evaluators to inspect each property on an annual basis using a set of guidelines that are made available to all establishments. AAA evaluates more properties than any other rating entity. Additionally, AAA provides travelers the opportunity to post comments on AAA.com about their experiences at AAA Approved and Diamond Rated establishments. Information about AAA Diamond Ratings and the complete 2009 Four Diamond Award winners list are accessible at AAA.com/Diamonds.

The French Manor is an enchanting storybook stone chateau atop Huckleberry Mountains in South Sterling, PA overlooking the beautiful Pocono Mountains. A fine French Restaurant, the French Manor Restaurant serves a celebrated and authentic French cuisine in a “Great Hall” where a 40-foot vaulted ceiling and twin fireplaces provide a romantic setting. Guests can also enjoy casual dining in both Hanna’s Café or the Stone Veranda overlooking a 20 mile view of the mountains and valleys of the Northern Pocono Mountains.


In the French Manor rooms and suites, old world charm and luxurious furnishings are seamlessly joined with all the modern conveniences. Guests enjoy triple sheeting, complimentary Sherry & Cheese and Fruit plate upon arrival, and an evening turn-down service with Godiva chocolates. To add to the romance, guests can indulge in Massage Therapy in the privacy of their own room or suite. Miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also available.

The French Manor plans on opening Le Spa Forêt this spring (Grand Opening planned for end of May 2009) after 2 years or research and development of this exciting Green project. The Logan family developed the idea of the new spa and suites to enhance the guest experience by meeting the demand for more luxury suites, each boasting a fabulous view from Huckleberry Mountain from their private balcony, as well as being equipped with amenities such as air jetted tubs for two, fireplaces, wireless internet, flat panel TV’s; and then adding a facility downstairs to create a mini luxury spa featuring a salt water pool and Jacuzzi, health/fitness equipment, conference area, and of course spa treatment rooms, including a couples massage suite with fireplace.

The Spa project morphed as the Logan’s wove their way through permits, DEP, the Historical Society, and planning sessions. Our goal was to provide a quality project without disturbing the historical integrity of the original French Chateau. Although the Logan’s have always been concerned about the Green factor in their business, it seemed not only a good idea, but almost necessary to consider the Green issues concerned with a new addition to their property. “The more we researched, the easier it seemed to incorporate green practices and materials into the project,” says the Logan’s.

“As we plan the grand opening of Le Spa Forêt, we as owners are inspired to be more “Green”. Le Spa Forêt has generated an excitement and awareness in us that trickles down through our staff and to our customers as well. If we can set an example in the community, we hope that others will feel the same and help to conserve our best characteristic – our own backyard,” says Bridget Logan Weber, Director of Sales and Marketing. With the opening of Le Spa Forêt, the Logan’s plan on continuing their elegant retreat philosophy while taking it that one step further into nature. Guests will feel a sense of peace and contentment while enjoying all the added amenities the spa will offer. Building this spa is the natural progression towards a healthy growth for the French Manor.

More information about The French Manor Inn and Spa is available at http://www.thefrenchmanor.com/ or call 1-877-720-6090.

Written by Bridget Logan Weber, Director of Sales and Marketing
The French Manor
bridget@thefrenchmanor.com
570-676-3244