A massive new pool at Mt. Airy Casino Resort
Only two hours west of Manhattan and approximately an hour-and-a-half north of Philadelphia, in the midst of the 2,400 square gorgeous miles of the Pocono Mountains, lies the Mt. Airy Casino Resort, formerly known as the Mt. Airy Lodge. Almost a decade ago, this adult resort underwent a major renovation, and is definitely not the lodge your parents knew. Wine-glass-shaped bathtubs suspended in the air no more.
The resort is now home to over 1,700 slot machines, modern suites, an incredible spa, gym, a shimmering new pool, and the only 18-hole casino golf course in the state (each hole was modeled after a different famous course in the country). In short, this is an exciting destination for the weekend getaway for those who don’t want the Jersey in Atlantic City, and don’t want the red-eye in Vegas.
Once you’ve dropped your keys with the valet, downloaded the hotel app (yes, this resort even has its own mobile app), and enter the front doors, you instantly forget the wilderness from where you just arrived and enter the lobby, in which fountains and contemporary, zen furnishings abound.
The “Get Wet” Pool
The resort recently introduced a colossal "Get Wet" pool complex. Measuring at 51,000 square feet, the indoor/outdoor pool brings a bit of the Vegas-style sceneto the Poconos with a "Get Wet Sundays" day party and the occasional swimsuit competition from the International Bikini Team (be sure to check the hotel’s app or on their webpage for details).
Guests can enjoy the pool at no charge, but day passes may be purchased for weekday access for $10 and weekend access for $15.
Refreshments include berry-lemonade infused with fresh fruit, gourmet, multi-layer nachos and 100% authentic Cool Haus ice cream sandwiches. Yes, they were “brought in.”
By night, the pool transforms into a dimly-lit nightclub that just happens to be decorated with magnificent gallons of hue-changing water. Fire-pit tables on the outdoor deck are a nice spot for post-dinner cocktails.
The Casino, Spa & Entertainment at Mt. Airy
The Casino
The 65,000 square foot casino is state-of-the art. You name it, the resort has got it, including: penny slots, manual and digital; blackjack and poker tables; roulette; and craps. And if you’re concerned that second-hand smoke blown in your face is at fault for drawing a bad hand, the main casino floor offers a no-smoking area. High rollers looking for a quiet place to relax in between games can sneak off to the ultra-exclusive VIP room to feast on a steady flow of satiable appetizers and delicious libations at the well-appointed bar, warm and inviting lounge or sundecks overlooking the resort’s golf course and rolling hills.
High rollers may not want to cocoon themselves in that comfort for too long, however, as the casino offers exciting promotions for all guests, including, for example, the “24 Cars In 24 Hours” giveaway where Smart cars are raffled off every hour.
The Entertainment
If you need a break from the slots, the hotel offers a multitude of top entertainment choices: a summer concert series (whose previous acts have included Trace Adkins, Joan Rivers and Tracy Morgan); and Gypsies—the swanky resident club—provides that “peek” to Thunder Down Under (modern-day Chip n’Dales plus Australian accents) and even a visit from the Playboy Bunnies (no explanation necessary). But be prepared to dance, as the casino enlists the best local and national DJs to get the dance floor hopping.
Workout or Relax, Pamper and Glam
If all this sounds a little too exciting, a very short walk to the spa will enable you to unwind with a muscle-melting massage, and ladies, if you wish, glam it up at the nail salon with a mani pedi before you hit the clubs and restaurants.
The Fitness Center provides guests with 24-hour access to an expansive array of well-maintained cardio and strength-training equipment.
Mt. Airy offers seven dining options, including the pool bar, a 24-hour diner, a food truck and even a Starbucks for coffee lovers. We were impressed with the steaks and dishes at Red Steakhouse, especially the toasted bread, perfectly-cooked Rib Eye and jumbo shrimp appetizer. The dressing on the Caesar salad alone could warrant repeat visits.
Some Fresh Air
If you do somehow remember you are in the middle of the Poconos, there are, of course, an abundance of outdoor activities. The resort is in close proximity to Camelback Mountain (for some of the best skiing and snow tubing in the region), biking and walking trails (all of which will be discounted if reservations are made through the resort).
And just in case all this sounds like fantasy land in the middle of the mountains, to confirm, ask the hotel during wintertime to arrange for one of the regularly-offered strolls around the property on a horse-drawn carriage.