The Manayunk Chambers Guest House is open year-round to visitors in the Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania area. There are currently four guestrooms available for reservation, with other spaces of the house being common areas for visitors, such as the main parlor. Features of the property include complimentary drinks and an “upgraded continental style breakfast,” according to Mark, one of the owners. Breakfast is served every day from 7:00 to 9:00 AM. Every year at the property, the owners host an LGBTQ event on the first weekend in October. The area is also known for various festivals and activities that visitors can participate in. Nearby attractions include Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the first American Flag, Edgar Allen Poe’s house, Philadelphia’s zoo, wedding venues, and various art and culture museums.
The Manayunk Chambers Guest House is located in the town of Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. At the property, there are four rooms available for guest reservation. The units have standard amenities such as hair dryers, shampoos, ceiling fans, air conditioning, and gas fireplaces. According to Mark Jerde, one of the owners, all of the accommodations include private bathrooms with updated linens. Two of the rooms include queen-sized beds, while the other two feature king-sized beds. One of the king units is able to accommodate an additional day bed for an added fee. However, the rooms are intended for a max of two patrons at a time, with the exception of the day bed.
Manayunk Chambers Guest House is designed in a Victorian style that Mark describes as “old-world.” The inn provides multiple common areas, such as the main parlor where a baby grand-player piano is located. This room is where refreshments are provided and where the owner mentions that visitors often congregate. Other features include a coffee machine, expressos, and other various drinks that are available in the morning. A gas fireplace is another feature of the room that patrons are able to utilize. Overall, the parlor is able to accommodate up to nine people. Right off of the parlor, there is a furnished outdoor deck also available to guests.
Upon arrival at the property, the establishment is known to provide adult beverages to patrons. Breakfast is also complimentary with one’s stay at the Manayunk Chambers Guest House. Mark has been in the baking business for the past 25 years and now acts as the chef in addition to the owner of the business. Breakfast is made from scratch every day by Mark, such as baked scones, pastries, and bread. Other items that are often served include stuffed crepes, greek yogurt with honey and granola, banana cake, and grilled peaches. Items served each day are often inspired by what’s in season and the chef’s choice. For an additional fee, guests are able to upgrade to a hot breakfast to receive items like frittatas. Overall, Mark describes the morning meal as an “upgraded continental style breakfast.” Breakfast can be served anytime between 7:00 to 9:00 AM, with the exact time being left up to the patron. Accommodations for those with food sensitivities or allergies, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegans, to name a few, can often be made if the establishment is notified ahead of time.
Parking on the street is free; the property also has a driveway that visitors can utilize to check in. If guests struggle with parking, Mark says that the establishment provides complimentary parking passes to local lots. The Manayunk Chambers Guest House is in a generally more urban area and is located on less than a quarter-acre of land. Activities that visitors can participate in without leaving the property include parlor and board games.
Manayunk Chambers Guest House is involved in the “business community” in the area, says Mark, one of the owners. Mark and his husband, Neal, are also founders of the first LGBTQ group to host an annual event every year, according to Mark. One such event held at the bed and breakfast includes hosting drag-queen entertainers for their patrons. This event is held on the first weekend in October. Mark says that future events that they are looking to start at the inn include cooking classes and murder mysteries.
When visitors stay at the guesthouse, they are expected to abide by certain policies established by the owners. Such policies include that patrons must be 12 years of age and older to stay at the property. There is no need for a quiet time on the property, according to the owner; he also remarks that, so far, everyone “has been very respectful of other guests.” Indoor smoking and pets are not permitted at the bed and breakfast.
The owners of the Manayunk Chambers Guest House say that they want all visitors who come to stay at their property to feel “satisfied,” meaning they provide what they deem as a comfortable surrounding with “an elegant flavor of classic art and music” to aid in helping them feel satisfied throughout their stay there. Other things that the staff and owners do to create this atmosphere is by trying to give a “warm welcome” when they first arrive, and providing “fine food.” One previous visitor to the property left a review saying, “We loved our stay here. Mark was so hospitable and attentive and was in great communication with us before and during our time there. The breakfast he made us was phenomenal too. The house and room are beautiful, and it’s situated right in the midst of a fun neighborhood with plenty to do.” According to Mark, interactions between he and his patrons happen “all the time” since he is the one to greet them when they first arrive. He cooks for them during their stay and is at the door when they check out. Mark says that the success of his business has come from “creating a place where I would want to stay myself.”
Patterns in reviews that guests leave often refer to the hospitality received when staying at the Manayunk Chambers Guest House, as well as the breakfast and the convenient location to restaurants and stores, says Mark. The property is located relatively close to the local train station, which is just at the bottom of the hill from the house. Additionally, the guesthouse is situated about 20 minutes from historic Philadelphia, and 20 minutes from what is said to be the largest shopping mall on the east coast.
Generally, Mark reports that the typical demographic includes patrons from the age of 45 to 65. However, he says that those who stay at the guest house generally fall into a wide ranged demographic. The establishment has seen patrons who are young people who live in the area and out-of-country visitors, such as people from the UK, New Zealand, and Germany. The bed and breakfast has also seen a relatively good amount of repeat guests, says the owner. Mark has found that the spring and fall season is the busiest time for the guest house, with it being in operation year-round. This is attributed by the owner to the desire of people wanting to get out after winter in spring and the fall being busy due to the local colleges. Other draws to the area include the local attractions, including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the first American Flag, Edgar Allen Poe’s house, Philadelphia’s zoo, wedding venues, and various art and culture museums. Mark says that Philadelphia was the first World Heritage City of the United States. Visitors are also able to participate in various activities such as hiking and kayaking. “There’s a lot to offer, like fine restaurants,” says Mark. Restaurants in the area that the owner recommends to his guests include Jake’s & Cooper’s Wine Bar, The Volstead by Unity, and The Fat Lady Brewing Company.
The Manayunk Chambers Guest House has been in business since 2015 and is operated in a 150-year-old home. Mark and Neal Jerde are the current owners of the bed and breakfast and are also the ones to have established the business. Manayunk Chambers Guest House was originally built in 1877 as a parsonage for the United Methodist Church. Over the years, the building has served multiple purposes, such as a private residence. The building has been in Neal’s family since the early 1900s.
Mark says that he was "born to be in" the lodging industry, especially since most of his schooling centered around this industry and the culinary arts. “I received the training throughout my life, and it led me right here,” says Mark. The Manayunk Chambers Guest House is the first bed and breakfast that Mark has ever owned, and he explains that he has enjoyed his time there. The owner’s favorite part of the job is being able to "meet people from all over" and getting to know them. Overall, any changes they have made so far have been to try and provide a more comfortable space for their guests. Future plans for the property include adding a bridal suite and opening up a second property in Neal’s childhood home.
168 Gay St
Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania
United States
Bed and Breakfast
Mark & Neal Jerde
