Since 1928, Skytop Lodge has been providing unforgettable experiences and top tier customer service for anyone in search of a one-of-a-kind Pocono adventure. Construction on the resort and championship level golf course began in 1925. The main lodge was designed to be part of the natural surroundings and modeled after a Dutch Colonial Cottage. They used local stone, wood and building materials to highlight the natural beauty of the area. The golf course was designed to accent the scenic wilderness, while providing a top tier golf experience. After a local dam was built in 1930, the resort expanded their footprint to include nearby Goose Pond and they built cottages right on the waterfront. Since then Skytop has strived to create one of the best experiences in the Poconos. Generations of families and people from all over the world make their way here for the ultimate in luxury Pocono getaways.
Skytop Lodge can be found on a sprawling 5,500-acre mountaintop estate in the heart of the Pocono Mountains. Regardless of where you look, you’re treated to panoramic vistas of the dynamic natural surroundings. As you explore the vast estate, you’ll be overcome with a feeling of serenity as you encounter the waterfalls, wooded ridges, lush valleys, sheer cliffs, swamps and streams that claim the area as their own. In addition, you'll find a wide variety of wildlife, making this the perfect setting for photography or just sitting back and observing animals in their natural habitat. You don't need to be a avid outdoorsmen to appreciate the natural setting that Skytop has to offer.
Recently, Skytop Lodge decided to take their accommodations and facilities to a new level of luxury with a full renovation. They spared no expense in the renovation, investing over $3.7 million back into the resort. The upgrades targeted guest rooms and public areas, taking already luxurious and beautiful accommodations to an entirely new level. The room upgrades were designed to highlight the rich history of the resort and the natural features you’ll find on the estate. From hand picked fine art on the walls to the intricate carpentry on display, everything at Skytop is designed to give you the best luxury getaway possible. The public areas were refreshed and they even added a beautiful lounge in the library area that has unique decor, a hand made oak bar, fireplace and plenty of room to socialize and have a great time. ResortsandLodes.com got the opportunity to interview Chelsea Rabelo-Santamaria, the Sales and Marketing Cooridnator for Skytop Lodge, to talk about the resort and all their great new renovations.
RAL: Give an overview of the resort.
CRS: Since opening its doors in 1928, the iconic Skytop Lodge has become the ultimate destination for time-honored traditions and memory-making excursions. The 5,500-acre playground, nestled in the Pocono Mountains, provides amazing amenities for guests of all ages. With 192 guest rooms, suites and cottages, accommodations are comfortable yet refined. You’ll find a variety of dining options sure to please any palate. Guests can unwind in the resort’s spa or play a round on the 18-hole championship golf course designed to challenge both the experienced and novice golfer.
The lodge boasts both an indoor and outdoor pool, as well as a beach with a swimming lake for guests to enjoy. Adventurers can rediscover nature along numerous nearby hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, pristine lakes, mountain vistas and clear streams. Skytop is also just a short drive away from New York City, Philadelphia and other parts of New England. Nearby airports include Avoca and Lehigh Valley.
RAL: What makes Skytop a unique lodging destination?
CRS: Because of our unique location and vast surroundings, Skytop Lodge is an ideal location for an abundance of adventurous pursuits. It’s easy to feel a oneness with nature that cannot be found anywhere else and we have more unique and traditional outdoor activities than any property around. The lodge also exudes a timeless grace and loyal devotion to traditions of a more refined, yet simpler time. From tea time at 4:00 pm to the no phones in the dining room rule, everyone reconnects and learns the value of a simplicity while having more fun than they ever imagined.
RAL: What will people find for local activities?
CRS: We have a 5,500-acre playground! From fly fishing to 33 miles of rewarding hiking trails, we have something to do for every age, season and skill. There is something for everyone and an opportunity to come together as a family, couple or team.
Here is a full list of the activities people will find here:
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archery
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archery tag
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beach
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biking
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boating
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camp in the clouds
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fishing/ fly fishing
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fitness center
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geocaching
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golf hiking
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indoor pool
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laser tag
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lawn bowling
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lawn games
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outdoor pool
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paddle boarding
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paddle tennis
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paintball
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rock climbing
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shooting
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tennis
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treetop adventure course
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cross-country skiing
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dog sledding
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geocaching
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ice fishing
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skiing
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snowshoeing
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tobogganing
RAL: Tell me about the new renovations.
CRS: Skytop Lodge has recently made significant investments in upgrades to its guest rooms and main public areas. A $3.7 million makeover of all 192 guest rooms included enhancements to the design aesthetics, utilizing the history of the hotel and the flavor of the early 1930’s era. Guest amenities and in-room technology were also upgraded. The Pine Room lobby has been refreshed to accentuate the original woodwork and the former library space has been turned into the Skytop "Library Lounge.”
The Library Lounge can accommodate up to 15 people and features a true oak bar with a fireplace, walls lined with historical photos of the property, and pictures of previous guests along with photographs by local photographers.
Pulling from local history and tradition, each newly remodeled guest room has been designed to tell the Skytop Lodge story. With three room designs (water, garden and mountain), the color palette and design elements of each room reflect the natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains. Each guest room includes a hand-painted wall covering signed by the artist, Ann McGuire.
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Water: Inspired by the Indian Ladder Falls, these rooms incorporate blue and gray hues as well as original paintings by Ann McGuire.
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Garden: Inspired by the original 1927 landscape design of the Olmsted brothers who designed Skytop Lodge’s gardens, these rooms are bathed in muted tones with a nod to the local topography.
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Mountain: Using the deep red hue of the beloved West Mountain as inspiration, these rooms look out on expansive mountain views and incorporate rugged lines and hand-painted wall art.
Each newly refurbished guest room features classic furniture inspired by the 1930’s era as well as updates to the bathrooms, with more shelving, countertop space and brighter lighting. In-room safes were added to each guest room, as were new “smart” TVs, bedside lamps and additional USB/outlet chargers.
Suites are designed after iconic, historical figures who were instrumental in Skytop’s famed history, such as Samuel Packer, the resort’s first general manager; Harold “Mini” Callaway, the property’s original golf pro; and celebrated American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, best known for designing Central Park and whose sons later created Skytop Lodge’s landscape design. It was important that we stayed true to our rich history when we began this project. We didn’t want to look like we updated the rooms for the sake of updating them. Our decisions and choices were very thoughtful and true to our history, because it is important that we deliver the authentic Skytop experience every step of the way.
RAL: Why should people come and stay at Skytop Lodge?
CRS: From the moment a guest enters, they are greeted warmly and made to feel at home. It is important to us that they feel special. We want them to become a part of our shared history. We are an old world retreat, where time seems to stand still and travelers have a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is truly an escape from the real world.
For more information about Skytop Lodge, please visit their website.
