Pocono Manor Resort & Spa – Joan Mead-Matsui

Grace and Splendor Ravaged by Fire

On Nov. 1, 2019, Pocono Manor Resort & Spa was the scene of a fire that reduced the 117-year-old inn to rubble. The owners plan to rebuild the resort but so much was lost.  

Please take a moment to honor the owners, past and current, who worked diligently to create and preserve the “The Grand Lady of the Mountains.” The manor was one of my travel writing assignments and as I wrote in my email to management, I was immediately smitten with the property and staff. 

Allow your mind to wander back to the early 1900s to the days of horse and buggy and the first automobiles that arrived at the front door of The Inn at Pocono Manor. More than a century later, The Inn at Pocono Manor is a picture-perfect example of grace and splendor and a hub for guests to unwind, play a round of golf and take in the spectacular scenery.

Location, location, location…

Prominently situated on 3,000 lush acres in the ever popular Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, The Inn at Pocono Manor is known to local residents as “The Grand Lady of the Mountains” and not surprisingly, designated on the National Registry of Historic Places. The inn’s founders, a group of friends from Philadelphia, selected and developed the tract of land as a refuge from their busy city lives.

The Inn at Pocono Manor is located on Route 314, One Manor Drive, Pocono Manor, PA.

manorThe clock tower perched high above the stately Inn at Pocono Manor, Pocono Manor, PA. Photos by Joan Mead-Matsui, travel writer and photographer.


Why is The Inn at Pocono Manor such a jewel?

The vintage feel extends well beyond the unique architectural style. This mountain retreat offers many opportunities for guests to relax and appreciate the country life its founders imagined. One guest, shown below, found his repose under an umbrella at midday.

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During the summer, flower boxes and beautifully-manicured beds brimming with annuals and perennials border the driveway leading to the main entrance. You will be enticed to grab a seat under one of the umbrellas as you cool off with a beverage of your choice.

Lodging

Choose from one of 240 air-conditioned guestrooms and suites that are decorated in keeping with the century-old period style of the manor. Take note of the open, airy feeling and the contrast of lightly-colored walls and linens against the dark wood furnishings in each of the accommodations shown below.

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Wainscoting is another element that’s in keeping with the overall antiquity.


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Rich furnishings reflect the history of the inn.

Dining

The grand ballroom can comfortably accommodate a large crowd. You’ll be in awe of the breakfast buffet that awaits you each morning during your stay. Guaranteed, you’ll find all of your family’s favorites breakfast foods among the assortment of cereal, pastries and fresh seasonal fruit. If a breakfast feast is more to your liking, you’ll find stainless steel servers containing fluffy scrambled eggs, turkey and pork sausage patties, home fried potatoes, pancakes, fruit toppings, and smoked bacon. The list goes on…

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The Mountain View Dining Room awaits you in the morning. The buffet is served from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. weekdays and weekends. An omelet station is an added feature on the weekends. Ask for a seat along the windows so you can gaze out onto the property.


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Family and Pet-Friendly Lodging

Say hello to Max, our family’s eager-to-travel 11-year-old German Shepherd, who stayed with us at the inn. He had his chance to relax in one of the pet-friendly rooms available for families on-the-go. The Inn at Pocono Manor offers a family and pet-friendly environment.

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Max takes a much-needed break after a walk. The pet policy is a definite advantage for traveling families who don’t want to leave their furry friends at home.


Activities

The Inn at Pocono Manor is particularly well-suited for guests who are partial to the outdoors and intent on creating a vacation that combines nature with down-to-earth fun.

Cool off at the pool

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Begin your day at the pool and then explore the property on foot. Refer to the property map available at the registration desk when you’re ready to venture out on a hike on two 1.5 miles trails that are suitable for the entire family. Trail difficulty ranges from easy to moderate. Definitely do not leave the property without visiting the waterfalls.

Click here to view lodging options, rates, events and amenities.


Manor Sports

If one of your challenges is limiting your child’s time spent playing with electronics, Manor Sports (hunting and sports club) provides a variety of organized outdoor activities at an additional cost that will keep kids of all ages engaged throughout your stay.

Bike rentals, fly fishing instruction, golf cart tours driven by a guide and archery are among the activities available through Manor Sports, weather permitting. Along with the change of seasons comes endless opportunities for exploration on foot or with your choice of winter recreational equipment.

I recommend hiking shoes or other appropriate footwear so you can comfortably experience the plethora of activities at The Inn at Pocono Manor.

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Manor Sports is located just down the road from the main building. Inquire about a guided golf cart tours upon check-in.


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Allow Mike Possinger, Manor Sports activities guide, to help you to discover your new favorite activity. Perhaps you’d like to learn fly fishing or archery. If you’ve never cast a fly rod now is the perfect time to take your first lesson and try your hand at catching one of the prized native trout in the on-site stream. Rods and reels are available at the sports office in case you don’t have your own equipment. A valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. You purchase a license through Manor Sports or online on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat commission website.


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It’s not the size of the fish you catch that’s as important as the time you spend exploring new opportunities together.

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Learn the fundamentals of fly fishing with Mike Possinger of Manor Sports. Remember, a valid Pennsylvania Fishing license is required.


Saddle up at The Ranch at Pocono Manor

Down the road from the manor is the Ranch at Pocono Manor, a riding stable, where you’ll discover your love for horses. Beginners should know the friendly staff will tailor your ride to meet your needs. Whether you’re a novice or advanced rider, a trail ride through the wooded areas might just what you need.

Each of the horses has its own unique personality and you’ll be paired with one that’s responsive and trail-friendly. More experienced riders have the option to take an extended ride along the scenic trail that leads to the waterfalls.

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The Ranch at Pocono Manor

Reservations are required and you can reserve your time by calling 570-839-6237 or visit theranchatpoconomanor.com. The ranch is open year round, weather permitting. Reach out to Felicia Farro, a certified instructor, and her staff at the stables if you have any questions or concerns.

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From left to right are ranch staff, Michelle Given, Felicia Farro and Sara Newman.

Amid fabulous scenery, you will find the Inn at Pocono Manor will provide you and your family with many opportunities to disconnect from the hectic schedules we keep year round. Bring your camera and together, find your adventure.

Special Packages: 

For more information regarding year-round and seasonal packages, click here.

Historical facts you should know:

Courtesy of The Inn at Pocono Manor

  • The beginning of today’s 18-hole East Course dates back to 1911 when it was recorded that “the new golf course has been laid out and work on clearing of the same is well under way.”
  • In 1927, the present 18-hole East Course was completed. Designed by Donald Ross to keep uphill climbing to a minimum, the 6,350-yard course had a Par of 73. Also in 1927, the golf headquarters was established at the present Golf Building. Since opening, the East Course has been host to many of the golf legends; Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Tommy Bolt, Gene Littler, Doug Ford, Jackie Burke and Jerry Barber are just some of the famous players who have tested their skills here at The Manor. In 1959, Art Wall Jr., Pocono Manor’s touring professional, won The Masters and was named PGA Player of the Year. Greg Wall (Art Wall’s son) is on staff at The Manor as our PGA Golf Professional. Pocono Manor has also hosted players from the Senior Tour, the LPGA, and was one of the featured homes of television’s “All Star Golf ” with Jimmy Demaret in the 1960’s.
  • In 1912, the first 9-hole course at the Pocono Manor opened.
  • In 1925, the Inn had its greatest addition with the completion of the “Brick Tower Wing.”
  • This 8-story building contained 106 rooms and was the most impressive structure in the entire region, commanding a view of over 50 miles under favorable conditions. 
  • On September 22, 1966, in the place of the founding, the Meeting House of the Society of Friends in Philadelphia, the Association sold the Inn. Mr. Samuel Ireland, founder, and owner of Ireland Coffee & Tea purchased the Inn, taking over the operation in January of the following year. Mr. Ireland immediately began a renovation and redecorating program which the Ireland Family continued over the next 38 years.
  • In December of 2005, the Inn was purchased by a partnership, led by a real estate development company based in New York City.

To learn more about “Cast & Blast,” one of the many “Stay & Play” packages available at Pocono Manor Resort & Spa, read my companion story at joanmatsuitravelwriter.com/cast-blast-at-pocono-manor/


Readers, please note:

My stay at The Inn at Pocono Manor was sponsored but rest assured the opinions you’ll find here on joanmatsuitravelwriter.com are my own. 

Travel Journalists Bistro is a learning and support group that teaches travel writers the skills they need to become successful travel journalists

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