Historic Publick House Reopens Renovated Hotel Rooms In Chester

CHESTER, NJ — The building that now houses PH Steakhouse in Chester has a long history dating back over two centuries within the community.

The historic Federal-style building was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and reopened last fall under new ownership. In its lengthy history, the location has housed a variety of businesses and has been considered one of Morris County's most noticeable historic properties.

More than 200 years later, the preserved 18,400 square-foot building re-opened again under the ownership of Restaurant Village Hospitality Group, which consists of five independent restaurants including Long Valley’s OMG Burger and White Birch Restaurant.

The Restaurant Village Hospitality Group has transformed the area into a chic steakhouse and has recently reopened the hotel suites on the upper level of the building.

The hotel has nine newly renovated suites, eight one-bedroom suites that can accommodate up to four guests and one two-bedroom suite that can accommodate up to six guests.

Each suite boasts a large furnished living room area with a pull-out sofa and a nicely furnished bedroom featuring a queen bed. Each suite is also equipped with a large-screen TV, small refrigerator, coffee maker and telephone.

• One-Bedroom Suite: $175 per night
• Two-Bedroom Suite: $225 per night

The Publick House was previously used as a preparatory school under the ownership of educator William Rankin, who took over in 1854. Daniel Budd, the proprietor, reopened it as a hotel and tavern nearly ten years later.

In the 1900s, the property was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Recently, the building has become a popular spot for drinks, live entertainment, family dinners, small parties and corporate events.

The Publick House is located at 111 Main Street in Chester. To view the full PH Steakhouse menu, click here.