The Pocono Mountains, frequently referred to as the Poconos, are one of Pennsylvania’s most visited areas. Stunning valleys, dense forests, rugged mountain scenery, and rolling countryside make the Poconos an ideal setting for some of the best resorts, inns, and hotels in the Keystone state.
If you’re looking for a rustic lodge or a luxurious property, you will find the best place to stay with our list of favorite resorts for the 50+ traveler in the Poconos. When selecting these properties, we looked at facilities, amenities, on-site activities, and location.
1. The Lodge At Woodloch Resort, Hawley
An escape to The Lodge at Woodloch will encourage you to rediscover your passions, explore new hobbies, and leave the 50+ traveler feeling re-energized.
This resort, a tranquil forest retreat only 95 miles from New York City, includes a world-class spa, fine and casual dining, as well as swimming pools, and lounge areas. The emphasis is not just on indulgence, though. Health and wellness activities hosted by the resort, including personal development seminars, culinary classes, guest speakers, and adventure programs, are available.
Set on a pristine lake, this private, adult-only resort features 58 luxuriously furnished rooms and suites. The rooms are all tastefully furnished and very bright due to the large floor-to-ceiling windows. They have furnished, private verandas with lake or garden views, mini-fridges, and spacious marble bathrooms with separate rain showers.
The spa offers entirely personalized treatments for individuals and couples. For relaxing before or after appointments, enjoy the outdoor terraces and indoor fireplaces, plus steam rooms, saunas, and whirlpools. This lodge is truly a delight for the mature traveler wanting to relax and rejuvenate.
2. Skytop Lodge, Skytop
Skytop Lodge is a top luxury resort in the Pocono Mountains. The ideal spot for those looking for a luxurious getaway or extended break. Established in 1928, the resort is set in a stunning 5,500 acres of unspoiled natural beauty and meticulously manicured lawns and fairways. The golf course itself is a big attraction and boasts a beautiful clubhouse with a massive stone fireplace, a pro shop, and a restaurant.
Skytop’s lodging options include the lodge, an inn, and cottages. My favorite is the elegant inn with 19 spacious guest rooms, each with its own refrigerator, fireplace, and a furnished balcony. They have two executive suites, famous for their wide built-in whirlpool tubs. If a multigenerational trip is what you had in mind, check out their cottages, which boast four separate guest rooms with their own porch.
There is much to see and do for the active 50+ traveler. Hike their winding trails, walk to waterfalls, go horseback riding, golfing, kayaking, tennis, swimming, or fishing. In winter, they even have ice skating.
3. Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mt. Pocono
If you’re into nightlife and gambling, the Mount Airy Casino Resort is the spot for you. There’s a golf course and a spa for when you take a break from winning all that cash. They often have big name entertainment playing at the resort. They host concerts, adult pool parties, and stand-up comedians. The casino, with blackjack, slots, and poker tournaments, is the big draw here.
Nine restaurants provide plenty of dining options. They also have a beautiful 51,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor pool space. There is a poolside bar and fluffy daybeds to enjoy some quiet relaxation. A full-service spa and a fitness center make your stay complete.
Each room has a pillow-top bed, free high-speed Internet, luxury seating, a Keurig, and a mini-bar.
4. Pocono Mountain Villas By Exploria Resorts, East Stroudsburg
Pocono Mountain Villas is located next to the Delaware River in the Pocono Mountains, offers plenty of things to do all year round. They have a golf course, hiking, horseback riding, mini-golf, and tubing.
Accommodations include studio options or villas with one or two bedrooms. All have free Wi-Fi, fireplaces, and kitchens.
5. Woodlands Inn, Wilkes-Barre
In Wilkes-Barre, Woodlands Inn, an Ascend Collection Hotel, is a lovely boutique-style property popular with couples with 150 rooms and suites. Guests enjoy the use of two swimming pools (one indoor, one outdoor), a hot tub, and a well-equipped fitness center. Your stay includes a buffet breakfast, along with a complimentary airport shuttle service.
The resort’s rooms have a king-size bed or two double beds. Standard features in all rooms include luxurious linens, chairs, HDTVs, and coffee makers. King rooms have a convenient kitchenette with a fridge and a microwave. Some units are wheelchair accessible, and some rooms are pet-friendly.
6. The French Manor Inn And Spa, Newfoundland
An ideal option for those looking for a peaceful, romantic getaway to Poconos, The French Manor Inn and Spa in Newfoundland offers bed and breakfast-style accommodation in a majestic building reminiscent of the traditional French Chateau. The exquisite rooms are each decorated and furnished differently. A variety of larger suites are available, some include whirlpool tubs for two. All rooms have gas fireplaces, mini-fridges, coffee makers, private balconies, and jacuzzi baths.
Given the size of the inn, the services are impressive. A highlight is the fine dining restaurant, which focuses on world-class French cuisine, and if a fast or casual bite is required, the on-site cafe offers a range of tasty choices. Other features of note include a spa, indoor heated saltwater swimming pool, hot tub, steam sauna, fitness center, and yoga classes. There’s also an impressive array of photos and artwork to enjoy, along with a small library. The Inn also provides direct access to some of the best hiking and snowshoeing trails in the region.
7. Stroudsmoor Country Inn, Stroudsburg
The Stroudsmoor Country Inn is another boutique hotel in the heart of the Poconos worth a stay. Located in the city of Stroudsburg, the building is more than 100 years old. Highlights include beautiful antique furnishings, many of which can be enjoyed in public places, including the lobby and a fine dining restaurant. Amenities include a full-service spa with several treatment rooms, hot tubs, an indoor swimming pool, and a fitness center.
Located in the main inn, the luxurious Ledgemere Suites are a perfect place for the 50+ traveler to stay. Spacious units, varying in size from 750 to 1,000 square feet, feature king-size beds, luxurious marble baths with jet tubs, separate living areas with fireplaces, balconies, lofts, and wet bars. There are also large two- and three-bedroom suites available and various stand-alone cabins with large living rooms, fireplaces, and furnished porches.
8. The Shawnee Inn And Golf Resort, Shawnee
The historic Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort is a perfect choice for couples searching for a quiet lakeside location in Poconos. Opened in 1911, the inn has 80 attractive rooms and suites. Popular options include luxury King Jacuzzi suites with real hardwood flooring as well as classy decor and furnishings. They have self-catering cottages, some of which can host groups of up to 24 guests and overlook the Delaware River.
In addition to an indoor swimming pool and hot tub, visitors can enjoy a large sundeck or sunbathe on the resort’s private beach. Other facilities include a wellness center, basketball and tennis courts, golf, archery, putting green, and driving range.
9. Kalahari Resort Pocono Mountains, Pocono Manor
Located in the middle of the Poconos, the Kalahari Resort in the Poconos is ideal for the whole family. If you’re bringing the grandkids along, they will love this resort. Guests enjoy the largest indoor water park in America, which spans 220,000 square feet, with a retractable roof, a lazy river (my favorite), water slides, a family hot tub, and a wave pool. They even have an adults-only swim-up bar.
They have about 1,000 rooms for visitors, with suites of up to five bedrooms. Suites have balconies, bunk beds, fireplaces, and even a pool table.
There are 11 options for mealtimes! From Italian and steakhouse restaurants to a more casual pizza spot and buffet options. They also have a tavern and bar as a sanctuary for adults. Visit the Kalahari Spa for treatments using organic ingredients and a little lounge in their Relaxation Sanctuary for those looking for a little quiet.
While a family resort and very busy and noisy around the waterpark area on weekends and in the summer or holidays, it is a lot of fun for the active mature traveler… Weekdays in the offseason are much less crowded and quieter.
Whichever lodging accommodation you choose, you are sure to enjoy your time in the serene and scenic four-county Pocono Mountain region.
Enjoy three of our other PA-specific recommendations below!