The Hotel Belvidere and Fine Dining

Yet another rude, loud and aggressive individual in the restaurant/​service industry. Went there for dinner and live music, sounds great right? Not so much. We were seated in the large rear room, just outside of the bar area. The band was setup just inside the bar area about 15′ from our table. Music was not loud, just about right, could be heard from bar area and also the room we were in, very pleasant. The problem was they had a CD playing elevator music in the rear room where we were and it was loud and competing. We asked if the CD could be turned off or at least turned down. I guess we ruffled a few feathers because the CD music got louder. It no longer was music, but noise. My wife went to speak to the manager or owner, not sure who he was, and was told to move our table, he was not going to turn off the CD or lower it. She asked why he would have live music and keep a competing music source on while the band was playing he stated, some people like it. Well we just gave up and tried to enjoy our dinner and conversation with our friends, not an easy task with all the noise. About half way through our meal he, the manager or owner came by and asked «how is everything» and I replied «all is great except for the competing music» at which time he stormed away slammed the sliding pocket doors closed and knocked over a table and chair. Nice touch on his part, he acted like a 6 year old not getting his way. You need to control yourself. You are not putting your best foot forward. If you don’t like dealing with people, don’t work in the service industry, be a north woods trapper. Will not be returning any time soon!!!

As an out-​of-​towner, I was pleasantly surprised by this great find of a hotel and restaurant. The food is fresh, ecclectic, and just simply good. Besides the great food (the lamb is a must), the service is also superb. I suggest everyone ask for Jess to be their server as she was great, always checking in with us, and staying on top of everything. If you happen to be in Hawley, you owe it to yourself to give this restaurant a try, and if you are so inclined, knock back a few drinks and spend the night — you won’t regret it!

Barkeep super. GREAT SERVICE. staff. Great service. Oh yeah. Food is spectacular. I eat in city 1 to 2 times a week and this is friendlier, better and creates an AH HA FOOD MOMMENT. His fish brought in from Boston. Sushi. Everything else HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

I’m a little flummoxed by the near perfect reviews here.
Our dinner was pretty unexceptional
The seafood Mac and cheese was overcooked, overly sauced and under breaded, the seafood element was minimal with very small pieces
I ordered the seafood pasta main as well The pasta was much firmer. The seafood in it was better represented but there was an unsettling and prominent metallic taste to one part of it, i assume it was from a can? The scallops and shrimp were very small. It was topped with cut carrots and whole string beans. I wasn’t impressed with this and wouldn’t order it again.
We also ordered the Filet Mignon, which we found to be tough (despite it being ordered medium rare). The potato side was fine but the mushrooms were soggy and the other vegetables were salty.
I know this is a small detail, but the butter and dressing were served in plastic tubs, which i thought was unappealing, especially since they served another condiment in a more attractive metal container.
The food was pretty unremarkable and hardly what i would categorize as a fine dining experience, worthy of a $ 70 bill (no alcohol)
Our waitress was very friendly and accommodating. The host/​bartender greeted us when we came in and then sat with another table until we left.

Delicious food, fabulous martinis and the best in service are what you will experience when dining at The Hotel Belvidere. After at least five of the last Thursday nights here, I have to say that each visit has been not only consistent but a pleasure as an experience. If you visit Belvidere, be sure to have one of Ricky’s signature martinis. Although everything is delicious, I would recommend trying the Delmonico. I had it this evening and it was exceptional. If you leave room for dessert, be sure to include a tiramisu martini if you imbibe. Truly one of the top dining spots in Hawley, I would encourage you to include a stop at the Belvidere! I hope you have Evan for your server… you will be well taken care of for sure!

Of course, the storied history of the Hotel Belvidere adds to the charm and ambience. I will not repeat all of the interesting facts posted by Michael from LA. You can read his review for the history. As previously stated, Hawley is a charming town, in the Poconos, stereotypical of a Norman Rockwell small town image. My husband and I had just driven in from NY, on a Wednesday evening, and we were hungry. Thankfully, the Hotel Belvidere restaurant was open for business. We met the Executive Chef, Ricky, who was a pleasure to chat with. Our meal began with a Tuscan onion soup. The soup had a cream base and was topped with small fried shavings of Parmesan cheese. It was seasoned to perfection and I only wish I had ordered a bowl in lieu of a cup. Belvidere Chicken was my main course choice. Once again, Perfection! Two baked chicken breasts topped with– Spinach, Prosciutto and Provolone atop a bed of julienne carrots and zucchini. The dish was presented with a beautiful border of basil pesto. The flavors came together to create a sumptuous dish. However, it was so aesthetically pleasing, I almost didn’t want to cut into it. I was not disappointed!!! Regretfully, we did not have room for dessert even though the offerings sounded delicious. Our server, Lauren, should not go unmentioned as she was courteous, professional and attentive. Kudos to Ricky and all affiliated with the Hotel Belvidere. I will close with one comment — do not leave without trying a Lemon Drop Martini! Words escape me (believe it or not.)

We had reservations for a party of 6 on Valentine’s Day. We arrived 10 minutes early only to sit and wait 20 minutes. We decided to have an 830 to avoid that 20 minutes wait. Guess we struck out. Once we were sat the service was timely. The oysters Rockerfeller were scrumptious. Perfectly cooked and served with spinach and lemon wedges. My wife had the stuffed lobster tail. The crab stuffing had too much breading and the lobster was over cooked. My filet was perfectly cooked to temperature. My friend ordered the veal scallopini. It was cold and dry. He actually had to ask for additional sauce,. Just to be able to eat his dinner. To sum up our experience, some foods are perfectly cook, while other dinner plates left a lot to be desired. It’s a crap shot…50/50.

I loved staying in this cool historic Hotel with my fiancé Bryn, my brother and his wife, and my sister. It is located right on Main Street within walking distance of my Grandmother.
Kevin, who manages everything there, treated us well and made our visit perfect. We got in very late, but he was there to check us in. He helped take the bags up to the room and asked if we needed anything.
The next morning he greeted us downstairs and there was a Keurig coffee maker and Danish ready for a morning pick me up. I walked around and looked at the old photos placed on the walls. Many of them were found as the new owner renovated the hotel.
Kevin even manages the attached restaurant. He took our order and served delicious food (I recommend the Fish and Chips). They mostly serve dinner, but on Saturdays, they are open for lunch.
The restaurant is also connected to a fully stacked Tap Room. Bars usually close early in small towns (compared to the big cities) but Kevin was willing to keep it open a little longer for our libational needs.
I love this hotel!
Originally built around 1866, the original wooden structure burned to the ground. A few years later in 1902, the current brick structure (which still stands) was erected. Over the years, it has had 17 owners and different names, but the current owner has decided to return the hotel name to the original Hotel Belvidere.
During the prohibition days, the hotel had a speakeasy in the basement. In fact, recent owners discovered a hidden storage room (who knows, perhaps other devious deeds took place there). They also had an old school bowling alley downstairs with manual pin setup. How cool is that!
Some of the rooms are still being renovated. Apparently the previous owner concentrated mainly on the Restaurant (at that point named Falls Port Inn & Steakhouse). Many of the old rooms served as storage space, but now all that is changing.
Several rooms have been completely renovated. Room sizes run from small rooms with full size beds to an entire suite on the top floor.
I definitely recommend a stay at Hotel Belvidere on your next visit to the Poconos.

I love this place. It has old character with a touch of class. My fiancé and I and his family stayed here for several days and could not have been more pleased. Kevin, the GM, and his staff were all so gracious and accommodating. They are in the midst of remodeling the interior with approximately 10 rooms finished. I can’t wait to see how the rest of the rooms turn out! Depending on the type of room you choose you could spend some quality time in a cozy queen sized bed room to a spacious suite.
The restaurant and bar were amazing. The food was delicious and the drinks… well we kept coming back for more. In fact you could often find us coming in for a night cap right before the bar closed.
We definitely will be back…

Second time we’ve eaten here since they opened. The waitress was great there were 8 in our party plus four other tables and she didn’t miss anything. Having the calm appetizer for the second time was wonderful. The lamb dish was to die for. All 8 of us were more than satisfied with the meals. We’re so happy new owners took over.
Doug

New owners!!! Great food! Beautiful atmosphere! It’s a much needed change for Hawley!