Mount Airy Casino Resort

Beyond Mount Airy’s majestic lodge-style facade -- a perfect aesthetic fit for the Poconos Mountains region -- interiors have a distinctly modern flavor, but the history of this place actually dates way back. The original lodge was built in the late 1800s as an eight-room inn. In the 1950s, the inn was transformed into Mount Airy Lodge -- the Poconos’ largest resort which catered largely to honeymooners and was known for its heart-shaped whirlpool. The lodge closed its doors in 2001 and Mount Airy Casino Resort subsequently opened in 2007. Set on just over 1,000 acres, the hotel overlooks a large artificial lake, the 18-hole golf course, and a woodsy landscape synonymous with the Poconos region. 

The generous pool is an impressive Vegas-esque sight. It features built-in spas and waterfalls -- partially set within a warehouse-sized atrium, surrounded by day lounges and sunbeds, with a DJ stage up the front. Come weekends, the place evolves into a pumping nightclub complete with poolside cabanas and fire pits on the terrace surrounding the outdoor pool area. Guests can swim between the two pool zones through a little passageway at the atrium edge. Restaurants, all smartly dressed in sleek urban decor, surround the casino on the second floor. Between the casino, the golf club, and the nightclub, Mount Airy attracts a mixed crowd. Kids are rare sight given the grown up nature of what’s on offer here, and the fact that anyone under the age of 21 has to be escorted by security. 

Unless travelers are planning to remain on-site, a car is really required to get anywhere. Situated in Pennsylvania’s Poconos region, the Mount Airy Casino Resort is a 10-minute drive from Pocono Mountains Municipal Airport and roughly a two-hour drive from New York City, Philadelphia, and northern New York City. And while there’s not much in the immediate vicinity of the hotel, it is handy to a number of local sights which all require a drive. Places of interest in the area include Pocono Gardens (four minutes), Mountain Creek Riding Stables (four minutes), Pocono Brewing Company (five minutes), Callie’s Pretzel Factory (six minutes), and Red Rock Bike Trail (six minutes). Other nearby highlights include Crossings Premium Outlets (10 minutes), Aquatopia (15 minutes), and Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark (17 minutes), and the Camelback Ski Area (20 to 25 minutes). 

Rooms are a refreshingly stylish departure from often gaudy casino decor. Available in Deluxe King, Deluxe Queen, and Suite categories, interiors are exceptionally clean and well presented with a handsome modern aesthetic that combines soft neutrals like driftwood, gray, dust pink, and beige. Dark wood contrasts and rich textural elements in geometric bedheads and curtains. Extra comfortable pillow-top beds are dressed in white with silver-gray bed runners. Rooms also contain spacious work desks, comfy armchairs, minibars, and Keurig coffeemakers. Closets are stocked with blankets, irons, ironing boards, and safes. Free in-room Wi-Fi is provided. Bathrooms are stylishly appointed with granite vanities and circular basins, frameless glass showers, a selection of Gilchrist & Soames toiletries, and hairdryers. Suites add big open plan living areas, wet bars, and huge twin vanity bathrooms with soaking tubs and separate water closets. Most rooms tend to overlook the grounds. 

There’s a lot on offer at Mount Airy. Features are largely adult centric and don’t cater to kids. The 18-hole golf course features a clubhouse with a full service bar and restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. A free shuttle is available to transport guests to and from the golf course. The fitness center is modern with an exceptional array of Lifefitness cardio- and weight-training equipment. The stunning indoor/outdoor pool is a major highlight. It's surrounded by deck chairs and reservable lounge seating. There’s an underwater passageway that enables guests to freely swim between the indoor and outdoor sections of the pool, which also features several heated whirlpool spas. Wet Bar serves poolside cocktails and snacks. On weekends, the entire pool area becomes Wet Nightclub, complete with poolside cabanas, live DJs, and bottle service.

Four quality restaurants on offer include Guy Fieri’s Mt Pocono Kitchen (open 24 hours), Bistecca by Il Mulino (Italian), Lucky 8 Noodle + Sushi Bar, and The Buffet. Room service is available 24 hours. There’s also a Red Mango Yogurt Cafe and the Nostalgia Candy Store which sells all sorts of sweets and chocolate. However, each of these food establishments is located on the casino floor which can make it tough for under 21s to get fed at Mount Airy. Escorts are required for anyone under the age of 21.

Star Bar resides inside the casino, where slots and table games are on offer. On Friday nights, Gypsies Lounge & Nightclub offers live musical entertainment. The outdoor concert pavilion hosts bigger name live musical acts in summer. There’s also a 24-hour business center and Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel. Self-parking and valet parking are also available. A versatile meetings and events space caters to all manner of functions, including weddings. The hotel can also assist with transportation to and from the hotel via bus, limo, helicopter, or private plane. Note that a mandatory resort fee covers Wi-Fi, parking, shuttles, and fitness center access.