Chamounix Mansion
| Chamounix Mansion | |
|---|---|
| Type | Historic house / Youth hostel |
| Location | Fairmount Park (West) |
| Coordinates | 39.9890,-75.2120 |
| Area | Part of West Fairmount Park |
| Established | c. 1802; hostel since 1964 |
| Operated by | Hostelling International USA |
| Features | Federal mansion, youth hostel, budget accommodation |
| Hours | Hostel reception hours; check website |
| Transit | SEPTA bus; drive recommended |
| Website | Official Site |
Chamounix Mansion is a Federal-era mansion in West Fairmount Park that has served as a youth hostel since 1964—one of the most unusual adaptive reuses of any Fairmount Park house. The mansion offers budget accommodation in a historic setting, allowing travelers to stay overnight in a 19th-century country estate.[1]
Chamounix provides affordable lodging while preserving a piece of Philadelphia's architectural heritage.
History
[edit | edit source]Construction
[edit | edit source]Built around 1802:
- Federal architectural style
- Country estate outside the city
- Named for Chamonix, France
- Various private owners
George Plumstead
[edit | edit source]George Plumstead, an early owner:
- Developed the estate
- Named it after the French Alpine town
- Country retreat tradition
Park Acquisition
[edit | edit source]- Acquired for Fairmount Park
- Various uses over years
- Periods of vacancy
Youth Hostel Conversion
[edit | edit source]1964: Converted to youth hostel:
- American Youth Hostels (now HI USA)
- Preserved the building through active use
- Affordable accommodation
- Continues today
Features
[edit | edit source]Architecture
[edit | edit source]Federal mansion:
- Early 19th-century construction
- Stone construction
- Historic character maintained
- Period details preserved
Hostel Facilities
[edit | edit source]Budget accommodation:
- Dormitory-style rooms
- Private rooms available
- Shared bathrooms
- Common areas
- Kitchen access
Setting
[edit | edit source]Fairmount Park location:
- Wooded West Fairmount Park
- Near Wissahickon entrance
- Quiet, natural setting
- Trail access
Unique Experience
[edit | edit source]Staying at Chamounix offers:
- Historic mansion lodging
- Budget-friendly rates
- Nature immersion
- Fairmount Park access
Visiting and Staying
[edit | edit source]Accommodation
[edit | edit source]- Hostel open to all ages
- HI membership discounts
- Advance booking recommended
- Check website for rates and availability
Amenities
[edit | edit source]- Beds and linens
- Shared kitchen
- Common room
- Lockers
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
Getting There
[edit | edit source]Location: Chamounix Drive, West Fairmount Park
By Public Transit:
- SEPTA Bus 38
- Long walk from any rail station
- Driving or rideshare recommended
By Car:
- Enter park from Belmont Avenue
- Follow signs to Chamounix
Tips
[edit | edit source]- Book ahead—popular with international travelers
- Bring sleeping bag liner (or rent)
- Car helpful but not essential
- Great base for exploring Fairmount Park and Wissahickon
- Kitchen saves money on meals
For Travelers
[edit | edit source]Chamounix is ideal for:
- Budget travelers
- International visitors
- Hikers and cyclists
- Solo travelers
- Anyone seeking unique accommodation
Nearby
[edit | edit source]- Fairmount Park — Surrounding park
- Wissahickon Valley Park — Nearby access
- Belmont Plateau — Overlook nearby
- Cedar Grove — Nearby mansion
- Sweetbriar Mansion — Nearby
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Chamounix Mansion". Hostelling International Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025