Contents
- 1. The Lodge at Woodloch, Hawley
- 2. Hotel Fauchere, Milford
- 3. Woodloch Resort, Hawley
- 4. Silver Birches Resort, Hawley
- 5. The Woodlands Inn, An Ascend Collection Hotel, Wilkes-Barre
- 6. Skytop Lodge, Skytop
- 7. The French Manor Inn & Spa, Newfoundland
- 8. Stroudsmoor Country Inn, Stroudsburg
- 9. Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains, Scotrun
- 10. The Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, Shawnee on Delaware
- 11. Kalahari Resorts & Conventions – Poconos
- Map of Resorts in the Poconos, PA
- Best Time to Visit Resorts in the Poconos, PA
The Pocono Mountains, most often referred to simply as “the Poconos,” is one of the most visited vacation areas in Pennsylvania. Consisting of beautiful valleys and rolling countryside, rugged mountain scenery and thick forests, rambling rivers, and numerous pretty waterfalls, it’s the perfect setting for those seeking fun things to do in the great outdoors. It’s also where you’ll find some of the state’s best resorts and hotels, too.
Leading the field are rustic wilderness-style properties such as The Lodge at Woodloch and Woodloch Resort, both popular choices for families, as well as for groups and meetings. Classy boutique-style resorts, such as The Woodlands Resort, An Ascend Collection Hotel, are also popular, especially with couples seeking a relaxing, romantic getaway.
Do you appreciate elegant rooms and fine dining? The French Manor Inn & Spa in Newfoundland is a classy option that’s also well worth considering, too.
Whether you’re looking for a quaint family-run rustic lodge offering authentic American-style vacations or a luxury property full of pampering, you’ll find the best place to stay with our list of the top resorts in the Poconos.
1. The Lodge at Woodloch, Hawley
Accommodation: The Lodge at Woodloch
Highlights: Adults-only luxury rooms and suites, on-site spa, 150-acre property
Ranked as the top resort in the Poconos, and one of the best 4-star resorts in Pennsylvania, the adults-only Lodge at Woodloch in Hawley is a popular luxury retreat for couples and groups of friends. Set on some 150-plus acres of unspoiled natural beauty, this all-inclusive resort even boasts its own large private lake.
Amenities include a world-class spa, fine and casual dining, as well as swimming pools and lounge areas. The focus isn’t just on indulgence, though. A big draw are the wellness and other programs the resort hosts, including personal improvement workshops, cooking classes and demonstrations, guest speakers, and adventure programs.
It’s also the perfect size in terms of guest population. With just 58 luxuriously appointed rooms and suites, there’s plenty of room to spread out, including in your unit.
Features of these spacious accommodations include furnished private verandas with either lake or garden views, upgraded beds and linens, mini-fridges, and large marble bathrooms with separate rain showers. The rooms are all tastefully decorated, too, and very bright thanks to the large floor-to-ceiling windows. The larger suites are worth considering and offer additional living space.
Address: 109 River Birch Lane, Hawley, PA
2. Hotel Fauchere, Milford
Accommodation: Hotel Fauchere
Highlights: Boutique-style units, luxurious marble bathrooms, two on-site restaurants
In Milford, only a 1.5-hour drive from New York City, the Hotel Fauchere is one of the few 4-star hotels in the Poconos. The historic boutique hotel with resort amenities has been authentically resorted and features contemporary meets yesteryear decor inside.
There are just 16 rooms and suites that are stylishly decorated and quite comfortable, with beds that are draped in Frette linens. The marble bathrooms have radiant floor heat, Molten Brown toiletries, and more Frette linens in the form of towels and robes.
Away from the rooms, you’ll find two restaurants. The Delmonico Room is known for its traditional fine dining experience, while the lounge features a more laid-back menu. Breakfast is included.
Guests have access to concierge services and everything from golf to horseback riding and fishing to archery can be arranged. If you need to loosen tight muscles, massage services can also be booked. Finally, the hotel is pet friendly.
Address: 401 Broad St, Milford, PA
3. Woodloch Resort, Hawley
Accommodation: Woodloch Resort
Highlights: All-inclusive family-friendly resort, go-karts and bumper boats, 18-hole golf course
Rated one of the top family resorts in the USA, Woodloch Pines Resort is a popular year-round destination. Part of the attraction of this family-owned all-inclusive resort is the setting, which is full of trees and overlooks an unspoiled lake.
As you’d expect, there are plenty of fun things to do on-site. Outdoor activities include playing golf on the championship 18-hole course, rock climbing, as well as plenty of hiking, biking, and kayaking to enjoy. There’s also a heated outdoor swimming pool, along with an indoor pool.
Kids of all ages will enjoy the on-site go-kart track and bumper cars, along with the equally fun bumper boats. Winter activities include snow tubing, snowshoeing, and ice skating. Another big draw is the family-friendly nightly entertainment, which covers everything from Broadway shows to live music and comedy.
The accommodations are highly-rated, too. A great option for smaller family groups are the deluxe lake-view hotel units, which come with two queen beds, as well as a pullout sofa bed and a patio or balcony.
Those wanting additional space to spread out in should opt for one of the two-bedroom suites. Capable of handling up to 12 guests thanks to having two pullout couches, these spacious units boast a second private balcony or patio and three HDTVs.
Address: 731 Welcome Lake Rd, Hawley, PA
4. Silver Birches Resort, Hawley
Accommodation: Silver Birches Resort
Highlights: Pretty lakeside setting with kids activities, water sports and fishing available
The recently renovated Silver Birches Resort in Hawley is a great choice for a getaway destination in the Poconos. Perched overlooking Lake Wallenpaupack, one of the best lakes in Pennsylvania, this family-friendly 3-star property offers the kind of authentic lakeside vacation we all remember as kids: plenty of time outdoors swimming and exploring, quality family time, and great food and relaxation.
Outdoor fun includes fishing, canoeing, and kayaking, with most equipment provided. There are also frequent campfire sing-alongs, as well as plenty of hiking and biking opportunities. Breakfast is included in your stay, along with a fun weekly seasonal “cookout.”
The accommodations are equally authentic. A popular choice are the lovely stand-alone bunkhouse cottages. These quaint units come complete with old-fashioned verandahs with classic Adirondack chairs and superb water views.
Consisting of a master bedroom with a queen bed and a second bedroom with bunkbeds (the lower bunk being queen), these spacious accommodations also come with large bathrooms, HDTVs, and coffee makers. Single-room units with king beds are also available and are popular with couples looking for quality time together.
Address: 205 PA-507, Hawley, PA
5. The Woodlands Inn, An Ascend Collection Hotel, Wilkes-Barre
Accommodation: The Woodlands Inn, An Ascend Collection Hotel
Highlights: Airport shuttle and breakfast included, on-site dining, pet-friendly
Part of the Ascend Hotel Collection, The Woodlands Inn in Wilkes-Barre is a delightful 3-star boutique-style property that’s popular with couples and families alike. In addition to offering guests use of its well-equipped fitness center, there are also two swimming pools to choose from (one indoor, one outdoor), along with a hot tub.
A nice perk is the inclusion of a buffet-style breakfast, along with a complimentary airport shuttle. Other useful amenities and services include a choice of two restaurants and a café, a beauty shop, basketball hoops, and babysitting. The quaint garden cabanas are worth checking out, too.
The resort’s rooms are well-appointed and come with a choice of a king bed or two double beds. Desks, HDTVs, and coffee makers are standard features in all rooms. The king rooms are a good choice for those with kids, as they include a pullout couch in the living area, along with a handy kitchenette with a fridge, microwave, and dishwasher.
A number of mobility-accessible rooms are available, as well as some pet-friendly units: be sure to place a request when booking.
Address: 1073 PA-315, Wilkes-Barre, PA
6. Skytop Lodge, Skytop
Accommodation: Skytop Lodge
Highlights: 5,500 acres with hiking and biking trails; golf, tennis, and a spa; cottages available
The perfect spot for those seeking a luxury getaway or extended break in the Poconos, Skytop Lodge offers plenty of good reasons to book a stay. Built in 1928, this attractive 3-star resort is set amid a beautiful backdrop of 5,500 acres of unspoiled natural beauty and beautifully manicured lawns and fairways.
The golf course itself is a huge draw and boasts a magnificent clubhouse with a large stone fireplace, along with a pro shop and restaurant. Other amenities to enjoy include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis, restaurants, a spa, and plenty of hiking trails. There’s even an on-site shooting range.
Skytop Lodge’s accommodation choices consist of the elegant inn with its 19 spacious guest rooms, each with its own fridge, fireplace, and furnished balcony. If available, check into one of the two executive suites; these spacious units are popular for their large built-in whirlpool tubs. Another great option are the cottages, each consisting of four separate guest rooms with their own porches.
Address: 1 Skytop Dr, Skytop, PA
7. The French Manor Inn & Spa, Newfoundland
Accommodation: The French Manor Inn & Spa
Highlights: Romantic setting and rooms, fine-dining restaurant and cafe, luxe spa
The French Manor Inn & Spa in Newfoundland is the perfect solution for those seeking a quieter, romantic Poconos getaway. Offering bed-and-breakfast-style accommodations in a magnificent building reminiscent of a classic French chateau, the exquisite rooms in this classy 3-star resort are each uniquely decorated and furnished and include air-conditioning and HDTVs.
A number of larger suites are available, which come with gas fireplaces, mini-fridges, coffee makers, private balconies, and Jacuzzi tubs. The chocolates delivered with the nightly turndown service are also a nice treat.
Given the inn’s size, the amenities are impressive. A highlight is the fine-dining restaurant, which focuses on world-class French cuisine. And if a quick or casual bite is needed, an on-site café serves up a variety of tasty options.
Other features of note include a full-service spa offering massages and beauty treatments; a heated, indoor saltwater swimming pool; plus a hot tub. There’s also a steam sauna for guests’ use, and the fitness center features regular yoga classes.
Interested in art? Check out the impressive collection of photography and artwork to enjoy, along with the small library. The inn also offers direct access to some of the area’s best hiking and snowshoeing trails.
Address: 50 Huntingdon Dr, Newfoundland, PA
8. Stroudsmoor Country Inn, Stroudsburg
Accommodation: Stroudsmoor Country Inn
Highlights: Historic boutique hotel with multi-room units and on-site dining
The Stroudsmoor Country Inn is another 3-star boutique hotel in the heart of the Poconos that’s well worth a stay. Located in the community of Stroudsburg, the building is more than 100 years old and is the perfect backdrop, as is the wonderful scenery, to an authentic Poconos vacation.
Highlights of a stay consist of the exquisite antique furnishings, many of which can be enjoyed in the public areas, including in the lobby and fine-dining restaurant. Other notable amenities include a full-service spa with couples’ treatment rooms, hot tubs, an indoor swimming pool, and a fitness center.
Located in the main inn, the elegant Ledgemere Suites are a great accommodation option. Ranging in size from 750 to 1,000 square feet, the spacious units comprise king beds, elegant marble bathrooms with jet tubs, separate living areas with fireplaces, balconies, lofts, and wet bars.
Also available are the even larger two- and three-bedroom suites, as well as a number of stand-alone cabins featuring large living rooms. They also boast attractive fireplaces and furnished porches.
Address: 257 Stroudsmoor Rd, Stroudsburg, PA
9. Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains, Scotrun
Accommodation: Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains
Highlights: Indoor water park, family dining, ice cream parlor, full-service spa
It should come as no surprise that one of the leading brands in family vacations has a presence in one of the most popular family vacation destinations in Pennsylvania. Great Wolf Lodge in the Pocono Mountains offers everything you’d expect from a theme-park-cum-hotel along with stunning scenery to go with it.
The big draw for kids is the indoor water park, with its superlative collection of thrilling slides sure to please kids of all ages. Other amenities include a large fitness center, a full-service spa, plus great family-friendly dining, including an ice cream shop.
The accommodations are also a draw. A popular choice for kids and adults alike are the spacious family suites. These large accommodations consist of a bedroom with two queen beds, a living area with a pullout sofa bed, HDTVs, plus furnished decks or patios.
Address: 1 Great Wolf Dr, Scotrun, PA
10. The Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, Shawnee on Delaware
Accommodation: The Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort
Highlights: Historic lakeside inn with private beach, stand-alone cottages, luxurious yurts
The historic Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort is a great choice for families and couples looking for a peaceful lakeside setting in the Poconos. Opened in 1911, this 3-star inn offers 80 attractive rooms and suites.
Popular choices include the luxurious king Jacuzzi suites, which come with authentic hardwood flooring, as well as classy décor and furnishings. A great choice for those traveling in larger groups are the stand-alone cottages, some of which can handle groups of up to 24 guests and overlook the Delaware River. A number of fun “yurt-style” accommodations are also available.
The amenities are also worth mentioning and include such services as valet parking, concierge, and free daily newspapers. In addition to having an indoor swimming pool and hot tub, guests can enjoy a large sundeck, or sunbathe on the resort’s own private beach.
Other amenities include a fitness center, as well as plenty of sports activities like volleyball, tennis courts, bocce ball, and archery, as well as a putting green and driving range. For the kids, there’s a games room and arcade, as well as a playground.
Address: 100 Shawnee Inn Dr, Shawnee on Delaware, PA
11. Kalahari Resorts & Conventions – Poconos
Accommodation: Kalahari Resorts & Conventions – Poconos
Highlights: Two water parks, themed family accommodations, mini golf, and bowling
Part of one of the largest family resort groups in the USA, the 3-star Kalahari Resorts & Conventions – Poconos offers plenty of fun and games for adults and kids alike. Perfect for a fun-filled family weekend getaway in Pennsylvania, you’ll find much of the fun, of course, takes place around the resort’s water park, which is itself something of an area attraction.
The rooms are no less important a part of the stay here. A great option if your budget allows are the large family suites, which come with a king and two queen beds, as well as a pullout queen sofa bed. Other notable features are the inclusion of two jet tubs, a separate living room plus fireplace, and a wet bar with a microwave and mini-fridge.
When not enjoying your spacious room, you’ll be having far too much fun in the resort’s two water parks, one indoors and one outdoors (admission is included with your stay). In addition to the water parks’ many rides and slides, there’s also a great treetop adventure area with zip lines, too.
Other amenities include a variety of restaurants, mini-golf, and mini-bowling. The resort also has a full-service spa for mom and dad to enjoy.
Address: 250 Kalahari Blvd. Pocono Manor, PA
Map of Resorts in the Poconos, PA
Best Time to Visit Resorts in the Poconos, PA
The best time to visit the top resorts in the Poconos Mountains is summer. The weather in the Poconos is at its best during the months of June, July, and August, which are optimal times to travel to enjoy the area’s stunning scenery along with its many fun things to do outdoors. Summer days are long with warm temperatures, and only the occasional rainy day is likely to keep you indoors.
While temperatures in the fall season will be cooler, it can still be good enough to enable you to enjoy outdoor activities at some of the best Poconos resorts and hotels. Rainy weather in September, October, and November are minimal, meaning you’ll have plenty of sunshine to enjoy. While evenings will be cooler, they’re still comfortable enough with a sweater or light jacket for you to enjoy stargazing or a fun bonfire.
While spring in the Poconos officially starts around mid-March, April can still see freezing temperatures. Even if the general temperature trend is upwards, March and April are the least popular times to visit, with April also being one of the rainiest months. It’s generally not until early May that you’ll begin to see spring blooms and the arrival of that lovely green tree canopy.
As for winter, December and January are the coldest months, and unless you’re into snow sports, it may not be the best time for you to visit. January temperatures dip to as low as 18° Fahrenheit, and this month also tends to be one of the cloudiest, with less than a 50 percent chance of getting some sunshine.