Pocono Palace activities and review?

pennylg

We're going to go to the Poconos for our honeymoon and would love to hear ideas on activities to do in the area while we're there (October 2012). Also, if anyone stayed at the Pocono Palace Resort, how were the accommodations and food?

TheDoctor10

I'm afraid I don't have much in the way of good things to say about the Poconos...I lived there for a time.

The area was big in the 70s-80s as a honeymoon destination. It still is...but with all the same decor. Alas, it's the honeymoon destination that time forgot. I'll warn you: the Cove Haven family of resorts up there are t-a-c-k-y. 

The area is mostly depressed, relying heavily on tourism relying heavily on an outlet mall. The thing is...there really isn't much to do in the Poconos. I suppose you can go to the outlets (PA is tax free on clothing), ski (in the winter), go hiking (if you're outdoors-y). Truth be told, there isn't much else, aside from some very old and tired "attractions."

There's a good reason the Cove Haven website lists only 3 off-property "things to do" ... and one of them is take a trip to NYC.

I realize I'm probably raining on your parade, and I'm sorry for that. But, on the upside, you'll have a very relaxing time.

vgyurko

I'm born and raised in the Poconos... If you're outdoorsy then its great... they've got a lot of state parks (Boulder Field at HIckory Run State Park, Ricketts Glenn - Niagara of PA) are both great parks.. There is a lot of historical type buildings too.  If you are looking for a honeymoon wiht a lot of outdoorsy type things then its great... It's definitely not the place for 'bar hopping' and the city scene...

Split Rock Resort in Lake Harmony is actually pretty decent and nice... They have a lot of fesitvals going on throughout the year... as well as Big Boulder too

RamonaFlowers

DH and I occassionally do "weekend getaways" to the Poconos and the Shawnee/Delaware Water Gap area (We live at the Jersey Shore year round, so it's only like 2 hours away from us). It's really nice for outdoorsy stuff and getting disconnected from the real world, while still being budget friendly. I'm not even sure why the PP mentioned crap like outlet shopping and going to NYC-that's not the kind of stuff you do when you go on a vacation like that!

Hiking, kayaking, horseback riding are available pretty much everywhere during the warm weather (All very fun, and relaxing), and in the winter there's all of the cold weather sports (Not a fan, personally, but I like hanging out in the lodge drinking cocoa, lol).

I don't know anything about the actual resorts, we usually stay with friends or family when we go. I've heard lots of nice things about the B&Bs in the area, though!

sunnirain

Pocono Palace actually has good food,

We won a mini-moon, so it was free... It rained the whole weekend and I think we overpaid! There was absolutely nothing to do.

mrsfriddle

I went to the Poconos for my first marriage honeymoon.  We stayed at the Cove Haven ceasar resort. It was very 70' early 80's and kinda cheesy.  That was back in 1998 so they could have done an upgrade by now, but I was not real impressed. Food was good though.  Don't waste your time, whenI look back at it I felt like I was trapped in an 80's X-rated movie. LOL Round bed with cheesy mirrors for walls. Go someplace else.

pennylg

Well, thanks for all the comments, we're still going to go there. Luckily we're outdoorsy people and the fall is a great time to explore that area. I can live with it being on the tacky side as long as it's clean and the food is good.

Iyawoben

Not sure if you're still around, but how was your experience? The Poconos might be the only affordable thing for our Nov 2013 mini moon.

pennylg said:

Well, thanks for all the comments, we're still going to go there. Luckily we're outdoorsy people and the fall is a great time to explore that area. I can live with it being on the tacky side as long as it's clean and the food is good.

schellzinator

@pennylg - I'm going against the grain here. FI and I did a long weekend up at Pocono Palace and stayed in one of the Champagne Tower Suites (that had our own HEART SHAPED POOL and a Champagne Tower Hot Tub).  We had an absolutely FANTASTIC time! It is stuck in the 70s/80s - but in all honesty - it was a nice change of pace for us. The food was very tasty! They had games and activities at night and throughout the day.  We went in January and there was snow on the ground - so we were able to do a little bit of snowmobiling (probably my least favorite activity since it was just around a circle).  BUT we also did archery and that was a ton of fun. Sure - its not a five star resort - but if you go in with the expectation to have a good time - which I'm sure you will since it is your honeymoon - you will have a blast!!!!  

schellzinator

@pennylg - I'm going against the grain here. FI and I did a long weekend up at Pocono Palace and stayed in one of the Champagne Tower Suites (that had our own HEART SHAPED POOL and a Champagne Tower Hot Tub).  We had an absolutely FANTASTIC time! It is stuck in the 70s/80s - but in all honesty - it was a nice change of pace for us. The food was very tasty! They had games and activities at night and throughout the day.  We went in January and there was snow on the ground - so we were able to do a little bit of snowmobiling (probably my least favorite activity since it was just around a circle).  BUT we also did archery and that was a ton of fun. Sure - its not a five star resort - but if you go in with the expectation to have a good time - which I'm sure you will since it is your honeymoon - you will have a blast!!!!  

schellzinator

My apologies - this is a REALLY OLD POST - but I don't want to DD