MileHacker Logo
Accommodation Guide Finding Your Perfect Stay

Accommodation Guide Finding Your Perfect Stay

Pennsylvania, USA

Accommodation Types: A Diverse Selection

Resorts

  • Family-Friendly Resorts:

    Properties like Great Wolf Lodge and Kalahari Resorts feature large indoor waterparks and extensive on-site activities for families.

  • Romantic Couples-Only Resorts:

    Famous for intimate experiences, these properties (e.g., Cove Haven) include unique suites with heart-shaped tubs.

  • Upscale Full-Service Resorts:

    Skytop Lodge and Camelback Resort present a traditional resort experience with golf courses, spas, and diverse activities.

  • Why Choose:

    Resorts suit those wanting a self-contained vacation with many amenities, ideal for families or specific romantic ambiances.

Hotels/Motels

  • Chain Hotels:

    Standard chain hotels are along major routes and in larger towns, offering consistent quality and amenities.

  • Budget Motels:

    Economical motels present basic, clean accommodations for travelers on a tighter budget.

  • Why Choose:

    These are good for convenience, affordability, or a reliable base for daily exploration across the region.

  • Vacation Rentals/Cabins:

    A popular choice, from rustic cabins to modern lakefront homes, via platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.

Neighborhood Guide: Where to Base Your Stay

The vastness of the Pocono Mountains means your accommodation location shapes your travel experience. Each area delivers a distinct ambiance and access to specific attractions.

Stroudsburg/East Stroudsburg

Pros
  • Central location for eastern Poconos
  • Good dining scene
  • General accessibility to major roads
  • Most amenities available
Cons
  • More urban atmosphere
  • Can be busy on weekends
  • Less "mountain retreat" vibe

Lake Wallenpaupack Area

Pros
  • Highly scenic and tranquil
  • Ideal for water sports
  • Numerous lakefront vacation rentals
  • Charming towns nearby
Cons
  • Can be pricier for lakefront
  • Some rural areas with fewer amenities

Jim Thorpe

Pros
  • Unique Victorian charm and history
  • Walkable downtown with shops
  • Direct access to whitewater rafting
  • Biking on Lehigh Gorge Trail
Cons
  • Very crowded on fall weekends
  • Parking challenging during festivals
  • Fewer large-scale resorts

Location Tip

Consider your activities:

If you plan to ski, a stay near a ski resort is practical. For hiking in the Delaware Water Gap, eastern Poconos lodging is wise.

Transportation:

A car is almost always a necessity for movement between these areas.

Booking Strategies: Securing Your Ideal Stay

Strategic booking supports securing the best rates and availability, especially in a destination as popular as the Poconos.

Advance Booking Recommendations by Season

  • Peak Season (Summer, Winter Holidays, Fall Foliage Weekends): Booking 3-6 months in advance is highly recommended for popular resorts, rentals, or B&Bs. Top options sell out quickly.
  • Shoulder Season (Spring, non-foliage Fall): 1-2 months in advance is generally ample. You may discover better deals and more availability.
  • Low Season (Late Fall, Early Spring): Booking closer to travel dates (a few weeks out) is common, and last-minute deals can appear.
  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Prices are higher during peak seasons, holidays, and popular event weekends. Mid-week stays are almost always more economical.

Trusted Booking Platforms and Local Resources

  • General Platforms: Booking.com and Agoda feature hotels, resorts, and B&Bs. Vrbo.com and Airbnb.com are useful for vacation rentals.
  • Direct Booking: Booking via a resort or hotel's official website often presents better rates, exclusive packages, or perks (e.g., free breakfast).
  • Local Resources: The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau Website serves as a resource for local listings, special offers, and trusted operators.
  • Negotiation Customs: Negotiating walk-in rates is not customary in the U.S. hospitality industry. Booking in advance is recommended.

Deposit and Cancellation Policies

Policy Variation:
  • Policies differ considerably by property type and booking platform.
  • Resorts and vacation rentals frequently feature stricter policies, requiring cancellations 30-60 days in advance to avoid penalties.
  • Deposits (sometimes 50% or more) are common for these properties.
Chain Hotels & Checking Terms:
  • Chain hotels often exhibit more flexible policies, allowing free cancellation up to 24-48 hours prior to check-in.
  • Always review the specific terms and conditions closely before confirming your reservation.
  • Consider travel insurance that covers trip cancellation for added flexibility.

Important Note

Flexibility:

If your travel dates permit, consider a mid-week or shoulder-season visit to discover potential savings.

Availability:

Popular options, especially during peak times, fill rapidly.

Preparation:

Early planning supports a wider selection of lodging choices.

Accommodation Recommendations: Top Picks by Style

Examples of properties catering to different budgets and styles follow, presenting a glimpse into the diverse options available.

Luxury & Family

Skytop Lodge

A historic, elegant resort with extensive activities like golf, hiking, and dining. Packages can be all-inclusive. Known for its grand building.

  • Location: Skytop
  • Price Range: $300 - $600+
  • Type: Historic Full-Service Resort
  • Visit Website
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions

One of the largest indoor waterparks in the U.S., with an African theme. Features dining, an arcade, and convention facilities. Ideal for high-energy family fun.

  • Location: Pocono Manor
  • Price Range: $250 - $500+
  • Type: Resort with Indoor Waterpark
  • Visit Website

Mid-Range & Budget

Stroudsburg Holiday Inn Express

A reliable chain hotel offering comfortable rooms, complimentary breakfast, and a convenient location for eastern Poconos exploration. Consistent quality.

Value Inn Charles Motor Lodge

Offers basic, clean, and comfortable accommodations for budget travelers. Presents convenient access to I-80 and nearby attractions. A practical choice.

  • Location: East Stroudsburg
  • Price Range: $60 - $120
  • Type: Motel
  • Visit Website

B&B & Camping

  • The Dolon House:

    A charming, historic B&B near Jim Thorpe's attractions. Features personalized service, unique rooms, and homemade breakfast. Suited for a romantic or quiet historic getaway.

  • Promised Land State Park:

    Offers tent and RV sites, plus rustic cabins. Immersion in nature with access to lakes, hiking, and fishing. Advance booking is wise for summer weekends.

  • Camping Price:

    $20 - $40 per site.

  • Location:

    Greentown (for Promised Land State Park).

Vacation Rentals

  • Various Cabins/Homes via Vrbo:

    Discover diverse options from cozy cabins to spacious lakefront homes. Ideal for groups, families, or longer stays, with kitchens and privacy.

  • Locations:

    Lake Wallenpaupack, Blakeslee, Tobyhanna, Lake Harmony.

  • Price Range:

    $150 - $500+ (prices fluctuate greatly by size, location, amenities).

  • Visit Platform:

    Vrbo Listings

Accommodation Considerations

Family-Friendly Options

Seek resorts with indoor waterparks; they offer year-round entertainment. Many vacation rentals also come with amenities like game rooms or community pool access.

  • Indoor waterparks
  • Game rooms
  • Community pools
Solo and Long Stays

B&Bs present more social interaction for solo travelers. Vacation rentals often emerge as the most cost-effective and comfortable choice for extended stays, providing kitchen facilities and living space.

  • B&Bs for social interaction
  • Vacation rentals for cost-effectiveness
  • Kitchen facilities for long stays

Final Thought on Accommodation

Setting the Tone

Choosing your accommodation thoughtfully contributes significantly to your entire Pocono Mountains trip.

Consider Your Priorities

Weigh budget, convenience, luxury, or a specific type of experience.

Book Accordingly

Make your reservation with your preferences in mind for a satisfying visit.