Top Poconos Vacation Getaways

Maybe what we’ve heard the most about the Poconos is how romantic it is. This is due, in part, to the fact that the famous champagne glass hot tub was invented here at Cove Pocono Resorts. That was in the 1950s, but today Cove Haven is still leading the way with a very modern take on romance.

In fact, Cove Pocono Resorts might be the last, and the best, of the original Poconos resorts that paved the way for a generation (at least!) of romantic getaways. The champagne glass and heart-shaped hot tubs are still here among its tremendously varied themed suites. But nowadays, you’ll notice something a little different and new and X-citing here. The X is on purpose. The new entertainment concepts with names like Xcitement, Heat and Blush incorporate a multitude of new restaurants, products and activities. Xcitement, for example, includes adventure packages for snow tubing, whitewater rafting, auto racing at Pocono Speedway and more, all with the help of your CXO - that would be Chief Xcitement Officer, which anywhere else would be reduced to a simple tour leader. This is modern romance you’ve got to try!

Highlights

Cove Pocono Resorts’ entertainment venues regularly host big-name acts such as Wildfire Band and comedian Rich Ramirez.

Getting there

Cove Pocono Resorts consists of three separate resorts in three separate locations. Cove Haven is in Lakeville, PA; Paradise Stream is in Mount Pocono, PA and Pocono Palace is in East Stroudsburg, PA.

Related Onsite Offerings

Every room is romantic at Cove Pocono's three separate resorts, but you can choose a themed suite to match your mood - Romans, Egyptians, Greek gods and goddesses and even the Garden of Eden are right here!

They say it’s “like a cruise on land.” Since we’ve been on several cruises, we know what that means, and you’ll find it here at Woodloch Pines - when you’re not outside enjoying the beautiful Lake Teedyuskung and more than 1,000 acres in the Poconos, you’re inside watching a Broadway-style show.

Or else you’re golfing on the 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course, competing in the regularly-held Family Olympics, water skiing, bumper boating, flying down the Mountain Slide, relaxing on the beach, playing paintball…we could go on and on. And so can you at Woodloch Pines, which is the idea. It’s a family retreat in any season, complete with a range of accommodations to go along with all the Pocono Mountains activities. Which isn’t to say it’s not good for meetings, too. All of these activities apply equally well for corporate teambuilding, with a variety of meeting rooms and venues to make it complete. But it’s really something intangible, something they call “the magic” of Woodloch, that makes it special. Perhaps it has something to do with the idea of 50 years (51, actually, as of 2009) of family-owned resort development.

Highlights

Family-style meal service is provided at a variety of Woodloch dining venues including the Inn and the Main Dining Room. Traditional and non-traditional American Plans are provided.

Related activities

Woodloch Pines is near five well-known ski areas including Camelback and Big Bear, as well as several horseback riding operations such as Rainbow Farm and Triple W.

Getting there

Woodloch Pines is just a two- to three-hour drive from New York City. Take 95N to Exit 21. Follow Rt. 287 to Tappan Zee Bridge. Get on Rt. 87N (NYS Thruway). Follow 87N to Exit 16 at Harriman to Rt. 17W (I-86W) to Exit 121W to Rt. 84W toward Port Jervis. Remain on Rt. 84W to PA Exit 46 (formerly #10). Continue approximately 13 miles. Turn right at the Exxon Station onto Rt. 434N to Rt. 590W. Follow it 3.6 miles to intersection. Continue straight approximately 1.4 miles to the main entrance.

The Poconos offer some of the most breathtaking views you can imagine and Stroudsmoor Country Inn presents a destination unlike any other. Resting atop its own 300 acre mountain, this charming Pennsylvania getaway features a refined Poconos elegance that's perfect for intimate vacations, weddings, and much more.

From the moment you set foot at this Poconos destination, you’ll surely be enchanted by the old world charm and friendly atmosphere that welcomes you to your unforgettable stay. Choose from a variety of cozy accommodations ranging from standard rooms and suites at the Inn to intimate cabins and cottages with fabulous mountain views. Stroudsmoor’s convenient Poconos location puts you minutes away from all the best activities and entertainment. From antiquing and shopping to hiking on the Appalachian Trail to golfing at the nearby Glen Brook Course, there’s something here for everyone! Stoudsmoor Country Inn is renowned for their magical Poconos weddings. Here, you can exchange your vows at the mountain’s breathtaking peak, and experience a magnificent start to your new life together. Their exceptional staff will assist in all the details from catering to decoration to accommodations. Brides will love the range of rejuvenating treatments at the Spa & Bridal Studio. Indulge in a massage or facial before your big day!

Address

257 Stroudsmoor Road Stroudsburg, PA 18360

Highlights

Whether you're here for an engagement, reception, or birthday celebration, the Stroudsmoor Photography Studio will be there to capture every happy moment.

Combine incredible accommodations, amenities, and hospitality with a stupendous golf course and you have Water Gap Country Club Resort!

Whatever your reason for visiting, the Water Gap will sweep you away into Delaware nirvana! With 24 luxury hotel rooms overlooking the beautiful grounds, five quality dining areas, an outdoor swimming pool, and an 18-hole championship golf course, driving range and golf simulator, there's seemingly no end to the amenities and activities you can participate in and experience. And just when you think you've seen all of the Water Gap's wonders, you step out the front door and realize the surrounding area is just as spectacular! The lodge is located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and has easy access to Appalachian trail hiking, biking, canoeing, rafting, fishing, hunting and much more!

Address

288 Mountain Rd, Delaware Water Gap, PA 18327

Related activities

The resort is a 14-minute drive from Worthington State Forest.

Related Onsite Offerings

There are multiple on-site dining areas, including an outdoor tiki bar!

Stay at one of the finest bed and breakfasts in the Poconos at The French Manor Inn and Spa. Sitting atop Huckleberry Mountain in Newfoundland, Pennsylvania, The French Manor Inn and Spa provides a very different experience than other Poconos hotels. Secluded and separate from the populace, you’ll discover the privacy and peace you’ve been looking for. Choose between 19 premium rooms complete with amenities such as fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, private balconies, and more. Dining options are just stepping away with both casual dining and elegant dinners being offered. So whether you want to take advantage of the various Poconos experiences like gambling, shopping, and exploration, make The French Manor Inn and Spa your home base.

Address

50 Huntingdon Drive South Sterling, PA 18445

Extra Stops

Explore the Poconos area in whatever way you see fit! Notable nearby attractions include Big Pocono State Park, Bushkill Falls, and the classic entertainment venue Shawnee Playhouse.

Related Onsite Offerings

Onsite you’ll be able to indulge your mind and body at Le Spa Forêt. Their various services give you the chance to utilize their saltwater pool and dry sauna among other things.

You can tell it from the name: The Woodlands Inn is, well, in the Pennsylvania woodlands. Manicured grounds and a trickling stream give it a calming ambience. But there are plenty of secret perks to staying here, which is why it gets our #7 pick. So what are these secrets?

Many resorts have Jacuzzis, but not like this one: The Woodlands Jacuzzi holds 17,000 gallons of water! You won’t awkwardly brush legs with strangers in that. With wood paneling and potted trees, the Jacuzzi room has a truly organic atmosphere. For dinner, watch Japanese chefs cook tableside at the hibachi-style steakhouse. Or try one of Crescenzo’s gourmet pizzas, baked in a wood-fired brick oven. And for nightlife – three after-dinner venues. Choose from the intimate Executive Lounge with live music, the outside Club Havana, or the Evolution dance club. Each room at the Woodlands has a unique, breathtaking view of the Poconos plus beds with French duvet comforters. Relax at the Woodlands’ spa. Let the concierge schedule a tee time at the nearby Jack Frost National Golf Club, voted in the top 20 new golf courses by Golfweek. The Woodlands Inn is a quiet resort with some pretty exciting secrets.

Related activities

Located between Wilkes-Barre and Scranton, Woodlands Inn gives you the chance to catch a Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees baseball game or take a tour at the Lackawanna Coal Mine. Try your luck at the Mohegan Sun casino. Explore downtown Scranton and then come back to the serene haven of Woodlands Inn.

Getting there

From New York City, take I-80 West to Exit 284 (Blakeslee). Turn right onto Route 115 North, and travel 20 miles to Exit 1. Turn left at the light on Route 315 North, The Woodlands is 1/4 mile on the right.

Related Onsite Offerings

At the Woodlands Inn, large groups are welcome. Have the Woodlands staff help you plan and organize your wedding. For business meetings, there are 12,000 square feet of conference space and a variety of conference services, including equipment rental. Catering is available.

It’s tough to budget for the stuff you actually want to do these days - like go on a Poconos vacation, for example. But that’s where Fernwood Hotel and Resort can help you. It’s got a diverse selection of accommodations and things to do, you can’t help but find the getaway that’s right for you.

There are about 900 rooms here, for one thing, and we think nearly as many activities. The Fernwood Golf Course offers 18 holes and up to 6,174 yards of par 71 golf, and the 10,000-square-foot Game Zone Arcade is great for the kids (or, ahem, adults who love arcade games). There are eight pools here - yes, eight - plus the Camelbeach Waterpark is right nearby. Or, jump into a bumper boat in the small lake right in front of the hotel. The onsite Event Center hosts live entertainment for a large range of audiences. Three themed restaurants provide a similar range of dining, from fine to casual; there’s also the Fernwood Food Court for quick snacks any time of day. And for your lodging, you can choose a traditional hotel room, a suite or a spacious villa from studio to two-bedroom.

Related activities

For the gambler, Mt. Airy and the renowned Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs Casinos are nearby.

Getting there

From New York City, take I-80 West to PA Exit 309 to Route 209 North and follow Route 209 North for eight miles. Fernwood Hotel and Resort is on the left.

Related Onsite Offerings

Along with a total of 60,000 square feet of meeting and event space, Fernwood takes full advantage of its diverse activities with customized teambuilding events, orienteering, paintball and much more.

Split Rock Resort is a playground. It doesn’t matter how old you are, who you bring or what you most like to do on a Pocono Mountains vacation; if you like to play instead of work once in a while, Split Rock is the place for you.

There are more features, amenities and activities here than perhaps anywhere else in the Northeast. The fun starts at H2ooohh!, the onsite, indoor waterpark, where you’ll find all kinds of scarily-named slides like Viper, Pirahna and Amazon Blast. There’s also the Komodo Dragon, one of the only reptiles that will eat you for lunch - no, actually, in this case it’s Pennsylvania’s first indoor FlowRider surf simulator. Golf, anyone? The Split Rock Golf Course offers 27 holes of world-class golf, complete with GPS-equipped carts. We haven’t even gotten to the bowling alley or the first-run movie theater, or the vast array of indoor and outdoor sports. Suffice it to say that, even when the economy is tough, things are still easy at Split Rock Resort.

Highlights

Did we mention the beach? It’s a wonderful family-oriented stretch of sand on the peaceful Lake Harmony. With a 100-slip marina, of course.

Getting there

It’s a two-hour drive from New York City to Split Rock Resort. Take George Washington Bridge to Interstate 80 West to Pennsylvania Exit 284. Make a right onto Rt. 115 and then a left onto Rt. 940 West. Follow signs to Split Rock Resort. At the next traffic light, turn left on to Moseywood Road, you will see two large stone pillars at the entrance to Split Rock Resort.

Related Onsite Offerings

Split Rock Resort offers 60,000 total square feet of meeting and exhibit space, the largest in the Poconos. The Conference Department will help you with every detail of your group getaway, which can employ any of 23 meeting rooms and two ballrooms.

It’s known as the “Grand Lady of the Poconos,” and if that conjures up images of royalty, history and rare period furnishings from the early 1900s - well, you’d be right. And you’d also be right if you decided that the Inn at Pocono Manor was a terrific place for a fun-filled Poconos family vacation.

That’s because the inn, which opened in 1902, has just about every activity that’s been invented since then. Here, you don’t just go golfing; you golf on either of two 18-hole championship courses that have hosted the likes of Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer and lots of other legends much older than we are. If you want to go horseback riding, you do it courtesy of the Pocono Clydesdales of Pocono Manor Stables. Naturally, there’s a spa - the Laurel Spa, with 20 treatment rooms and amazing décor. That’s in addition to a long, long list of sports, guided tours involving ATVs, sleighs, bocce balls and much more. For lodging, choose from elegant, historic rooms in the original inn, lodge rooms at the Spruce/Laurel Lodge or rooms in the eight-story tower - the tower!! - at the Inn at Pocono Manor.

Getting there

From New York City, take I-80 West from the George Washington Bridge to I-380 North. At the first exit (Pocono Exit 3), turn right and follow the signs to the Manor.

Fun facts

The first nine-hole golf course opened at the Inn at Pocono Manor in 1911, and the famous Donald Ross-designed East Course was completed in 1927.

Related Onsite Offerings

Accompanying the 36 holes of championship golf are a driving range, two practice putting greens, a restaurant and the Greg Wall Golf School.