Review of Mount Airy Resort, Poconos

When most people think of The Poconos they think of the Great Outdoors— beautiful landscapes of forested mountains, tumbling waterfalls, and crystal lakes.  Therefore, the perfect place for hiking, fishing and boating, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and more.  When it comes to accommodations in the region, what automatically comes to mind are the many historic inns in the region, as well as camping, glamping, cottages, and lodges. So, it might surprise you to know that a truly upscale experience can be had if you look in the direction of Mount Pocono.  Read on for our review of Mount Airy Casino Resort.

Valet and bellboy services greet guests at their vehicles, allowing for fast and convenient check-in.  Upon entering the spacious lobby, visitors can easily see how designers have meshed this affluent hotel with everything the Poconos are known for—the color scheme echoes the color palette of the mountainous terrain, the cozy seating areas replicate an inn or cottage-like setting, and a sizeable fountain flanked with rock and trees depicts the many waterfalls found in the region.  It’s like the outdoors has been moved indoors and then polished for a high-end experience.

The fountain also features a staircase and escalator on either side that leads to the second-floor casino, plus a small gift shop, and a handful of restaurants.  These include Guy Fieri’s Mount Pocono Kitchen for roadhouse-style American cuisine, the upscale Bistecca by Il Mulino for steak and seafood, Lucky 8 Noodle & Sushi Bar for Pan-Asian cuisine, and Pizzeria Montagna, which is self-explanatory.  There’s also the Mount Airy Buffet, which is perfect for lunch or dinner, or for Sunday brunch.  A Starbucks is located downstairs.

All main dining facilities are located on the far side of the second level, opposite the gaming floor.  For families with children under the legal gambling age of 21, accessing the restaurants requires a mandatory stop at the security podium so identifying wristbands can be issued.  Additionally, an escort will be called to walk the underage guest directly to and from the restaurant of choice, even if accompanied by the parents.

Back in the lobby, just beyond the check-in desk, guests will find the fitness center, spa and salon, and an exclusive indoor pool that boasts a media wall upon entry.  The highly Instagrammable Get WET Ultra Pool features a restaurant and bar, several special couch areas devoted to reserved seating, and a handy underwater passageway that links to the outdoor pool and its respective seating area. Non-hotel guests can pay a cover fee for pool access based on availability.

As for nightlife, the hotel houses cocktail lounges, one of which is located in the midst of the casino so guests can simultaneously play the slots or meet up with friends. And there is considerable concert space where headlining acts perform.  An entire wing is dedicated to superior event space for hosting meetings, conferences, and weddings.

Directly across the roadway, the Mount Airy Golf Club features premium golf set against a backdrop of rolling hills, lakes, and streams.  Each of the 18 holes is a replication of a well-known hole found at various American courses, such as Augusta National, Oakland Hills, and Pebble Beach.  The course is truly beautiful and the staff is extremely friendly and helpful. Convenient shuttle service to and from the club is provided by the hotel.

The hotel is a self-contained property with several options for food and beverage as well as entertainment and personal care.  There is even a business center should you require a computer or printer.

As for accommodations, there are 3 room options – a King Room, a double Queen, and a King Suite.  The king and double queen rooms are essentially the same, with the exception of bed size – a king or 2 queens. Both contain modern decor, pillow-top mattresses, a Keurig, a 50″ flat-screen TV, a spacious bathroom with a separate toilet area, Gilchrist & Soames^® toiletry products, and in-room high-speed internet access.  The King Suite expands on this with a separate living area, an extra TV, and a wet bar.  Room rates fluctuate with the day and season, and with regional special events, but remain competitively priced and on par with chain hotels.

Note: “complimentary” wi-fi and valet service, are actually covered by a mandatory but reasonable resort fee per room per night.  The fee also provides pool and fitness center access, in-room coffee, a daily local newspaper, and toll-free calling.

Room service might look pricey but portion sizes are extra large and shareable, and the food is very good.  We highly recommend chicken fingers and waffle fries. Additionally, fully stocked mini-fridges provide access to in-room drinks and treats.  The fridge contains weight sensors so that any item removed from its designated shelf (even just for viewing purposes) is automatically added to the room’s tab.  As a result, guests are warned upon check-in.  And, because of the weight sensitivity, it is not recommended that guests use the fridge for any personal items. Ice buckets are provided should you need to keep something cold.

Front-facing rooms have a view of the lake and golf club across the roadway, and rear-facing rooms overlook the outdoor pool and mountain ridges in the distance.  However, before you can get to the rooms, smart elevators provide protection for guests by requiring room key identification before a floor can be selected.  This helps to prevent non-guests from accessing room floors.

PROS:

• modern, high-end, very clean, and unique for the Poconos
• the surrounding area is beautiful
• many on-site facilities for food & beverage, personal care, and entertainment
• rooms are competitively priced with rates somewhat similar to chain hotels
• location is relatively close to many Pocono attractions, dining, and shopping
• rooms are clean and well maintained
• valet service is fast and convenient
• hotel staff is friendly, responsive to problems, and eager to make your stay the best it can be
• in-room wi-fi is a bonus
• good security features
• the daily resort fee is reasonable compared to similar resorts

CONS: 

• guest rooms have minimal storage space, ie: no drawers or sufficient closet space for unpacking or suitcase storage
• inability to use the in-room mini-fridge is disappointing
• families with underage children might find security procedures inconvenient when trying to access or exit restaurants
• WET Ultra Pool enclosure is hot and humid

Photos belong to Go GlobeHopper.
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