Kirsten Harlow Foster

Of Hotel Darby

Kirsten Harlow Foster of Hotel Darby

Hotel Darby is centrally located near beautiful hiking trails near New York and Pennsylvania, what are a few of your other favorite activities for people to enjoy?

Hotel Darby marks a significant moment for our team and Foster Supply. As our first hotel in Pennsylvania, we have the opportunity to deliver our signature experience and continue to work with our friends and neighbors in the Narrowsburg and Callicoon areas, but now we have expanded the experience to include even more great local restaurants, shopping and activities in Pennsylvania towns like Hawley and Honesdale. We always aim to showcase a new aspect of the region with each of our hotels, and Hotel Darby will do just that.

Steps from the Delaware River, Hotel Darby guests can take a leisurely float, rent a kayak or a canoe and simply explore! A 3 minute walk from the hotel, and just across the bridge, Narrowsburg, NY is the closest town center. Once a thriving logging community, Narrowsburg now acts as a playground to outdoor enthusiasts: Kayakers, Anglers, Hikers, and Birdwatchers, as well as a haven for patrons of the arts. A bustling Main St. is home to many shops and restaurants. Further North along the Delaware River, guests can explore Cochecton and Callicoon in New York and Milanville in Pennsylvania. Head West and take a ride to nearby Honesdale and Hawley, PA. Our team will equip guests with day trip itineraries with activities throughout the area.

On property, guests can spend the afternoon (or early AM) bird-watching in the back meadows; shoot pool in our Billiard Room with a few friends while sipping on local brews or strike up some friendly competition with a round of whiffle ball or corn hole outdoors; enjoy a cocktail & light snacks at the bar or take it to-go and have a picnic on the grounds. And of course, it wouldn't be a Foster Supply property without an indoor wood stove & outdoor bonfire :)

Where did you draw inspiration from for this Hotel design?

As with all Foster Supply hotels, Hotel Darby’s design was led in-house by the group’s co-owner, Kirsten Harlow Foster, and embraces its building’s history. Its design and purpose have been carefully composed to bring the building’s origins into its next chapter. A nod to the building's 1960s roots, the hotel features a playful mid-century modern design with bold pops of oranges and blues against cane woven textures. The bar and common spaces feature custom pieces designed and built on property. The hotel’s 27 rooms range from a mix of King and Queens, as well as suites with connecting bunk rooms - all featuring Bellino Fine Luxury Bed & Bath Linens! All are outfitted with en-suite bathrooms, and most have well-appointed workspaces.

What can guests expect from their stay?

Anchored to 17 acres of land, we encourage guests to explore the local surroundings which includes a private walking trail system for, a large barn outfitted with gear and outdoor games for guests to grab and enjoy at their leisure, and various outdoor gathering spaces including fire pits, gardens and a hammock grove.

Hotel Darby also features a grab & go style dining experience alongside bottled and canned cocktails - perfect for grabbing ahead of a day trip to a nearby town, a hike on the grounds, or lounging in the hammock grove. The menu will focus on Tinned Fish such as Yellowfin Ventresca, Sardinillas, and Boquerones.

Hotel Darby is surrounded by small, local businesses, what are a few of your favorites?

We truly love them all! Like all Foster Supply hotels, the Hotel Darby team offers guests with day trip itineraries detailing activities throughout the area including brewery tours, antique shopping trails and hiking excursions. We're constantly updating them with the latest openings & hidden gems!

What sets Hotel Darby apart from other hotels?

We want our guests to fall in love with this area that we all call home. With Hotel Darby, we hope to offer a place that encourages curiosity, exploration and adventure. It's a place to drop your bags, rest & recharge, and hit the country roads (and rivers).

How do you create a unique and memorable experience for your guests?

Our guest wants to get back to basics. They want simplicity, some space to breathe and a moment or two of slowing down. They also want to be treated like family. Our teams work very hard at making sure we deliver that experience and take care of each and every person that walks through our doors - however long or short their time spent on our properties may be.

What is your favorite Bellino product and how does it add to the guest's experience?

We love the bed linens, and we receive consistent feedback from our guests about how comfy the beds are!

Hotel Darby is the latest addition of your company Foster Supply: can you describe its philosophy in 3 sentences?

Hotel Darby offers a comfortable home base for guests to explore the area and nearby towns throughout Pennsylvania and the Western Catskills in New York State. A place to rest your head after a day's excursions (and we made sure it's extra comfy & cozy so you can recharge for the next day's adventures!).

Your portfolio is rapidly growing, where do you see your company 10 years from now?

Sullivan County is home to us, and we've worked alongside other local businesses in the area to help to drive economic growth over the years. We hope to continue to contribute the same commitment to each new area we become a part of. We have some exciting projects in the pipeline over the next few years including an 80-room hotel featuring a restaurant, bar, spa, and multiple event spaces in the heart of the city of Newburgh, NY. We've also seen growth & tremendous opportunity in the wellness space, and are developing a spa resort in Neversink, NY in the former New Age Health Spa.