Pocono Resort & Conference Center - POCONO MOUNTAINS — Hotel in Kidder Township

WOULD CERTAINLY STAY THERE AGAIN. We read the awful reviews before booking, but this was the least expensive option around for our party of 6. Yes, the hotel is slightly older, but contrary to the other reviews, it wasn't as horrible as others have said--maybe it was because we had lowered expectations going in, but in fact we were pleasantly surprised. THIS IS NOT A 5-STAR HOTEL PEOPLE, SO GET OVER IT. It is a decent hotel, one of the least expensive in town, and definitely worth what we paid.

PROS: The breakfast: more than just "grab and go." It was scrambled eggs, sausage, cereal/milk, bagels, toast, yogurt, juices, tea, coffee and more. It was buffet style and the staff were on top of refilling food and cleaning tables promptly.

The pool: clean, clear, WARM! Very chlorinated-expect red eyes.

The rooms: clean, comfortable, pretty much like any other middle of the road hotel.

The staff: awesome. The price: terrific.

THE CONS: It was a little nerve wracking going up and down the hill to the hotel in the snow (December). They plow, but I'm not sure they salted the road, it seemed icy. We made it fine even though we were in a Ford Fusion and a small light Honda Fit.

Yes, the key cards reset and locked us out even though we were booked for 2 days. Guy behind us in line in the lobby was having the same problem. I would suggest to the management, that since they clearly know this is a problem, just tell people when they check in that they could have a problem with this and apologize ahead of time and say that you are working in the problem.

The rooms: as stated, clean, but a weird white grainy powder on the top of the bedspread. It was sort of like when you use too much powdered laundry soap and it doesn't rinse out all the way--or maybe the maids sprinkled carpet powder before they left and it overshot onto the bed--I have no idea. It was not IN the bed sheets, so we just shook it off the top and got over it.

Then when we unfolded the sofa bed and just re-folded it back up, we noticed that a french fry fell out and there were also a few crumbs on top of the outer blanket in the sofa bed. Again, inside the sheets were clean. Minor, but annoying.

Plumbing: toilets were a little slow. One shower (we had adjoining rooms) would not shut off completely and ran a medium stream all night. We felt horrible about all the wasted water, but it was really late and kids were asleep, so we didn't call the desk. :(

Structure: I would suspect they have been trying to update and remodel. Room seemed newly painted, but certainly not a perfect paint job (paint on lamps, blotches here and there of dark paint we at first thought was blood, an unpainted water spot above the shower, etc). One old tiny elevator working (and one broken)-- IT REALLY WAS NOT A BIG ISSUE OR PROBLEM. Room heaters were a bit inefficient and inconsistent, but not terrible. Some of the the double-pane windows have become unsealed, so foggy and difficult to see outside.

OVERALL: pretty decent for the low cost. No, it is maybe not like a sandals resort, but come on people, look at the room price. Never once saw a bug. Staff was great and extremely accommodating. They seem to be really trying to get the place looking better. It wasn't the Ritz, but it wasn't a roach motel either. WOULD DEFINITELY STAY...

What a mess!!! Maybe I can write a book telling my story in this hotel. They messaged me 4 days before the arrival date to inform that all the elevators were down (4 days). They said that, if I want, I can cancel and receive a full refund (Since they told me in advance, I didn't cancel it. I know things happens) I messaged back asking for a room in the 1st or 2nd floor. When we arrived, I found it very confusing. I asked about the bar and restaurant, the receptionist said that only open after 7 pm (in a resort). They gave me the apartment 310 (in the 3rd floor (it's okay, we are a 50 yo young people). When we opened the room door, someone was already installed in the 310 (omg!!! It's okay, I understand that, when is busy, things happen). So, I went back to the reception (far, far way). They gave me the room 334. Very smelly room, with no refrigerator (I asked for a refrigerator when I reserved the room). After I complain, they brought me one. We decided to go to swimming pool to spend some time (nice swimming pool by the way but, really dirt). I saw that the towels place was empty. I asked a girl for a towel and she told me to find someone that works on that floor to give me that. At this time, I started to become upset. I went to the front desk to show my frustration about everything that happened. After I explain my self, the manage (I assume) was rude to tell me that "the hotel doesn't provide pool towels anymore". I asked him "how is that? I told him that there's a few signs saying that "the pool towels should remain in the swimming pool area". A lady, that works in the front desk (unfortunately I didn't get her name), aware of all the situations that I experienced, was very professional and went with me to get me a couple of towels (that surprisingly was in the room that the first worker that I asked for towel was coming from). My wife and I, went back to the room to take a shower then go to the restaurant. We arrived at the restaurant around 7:45 pm. It was closed!!! We went to the front desk. The guy called the restaurant guy and he told him that "he was going to try to be there" (really???). So, we had to find a restaurant outside of the "resort". After we take a dinner , we went back to the hotel. The bar was open (around 10:15 pm). We decided to have a beer. The guy said "we are closing". I'll stop here. If you want to know more, buy my book (lol). Also, the room is smelly, the outside is filthy. I've never stayed in a worse place. I feel sorry for the lady that...

The Truth about this place...

Why 5 stars? why mixed reviews?...

Like many places at the poconos, this place changed hands a few times, and management as well. I took the trouble to talk for a long time with the people in change to understand a bit more of its history and situation because my family and I fell in love with the place and we are planning to comeback this summer. To be totally honest, does the place needs a facelift maybe some renovations? - yes it does however not to the point to be a deal breaker. Is the staff nice/helpful? Very much so. Unfortunately, administration is new and were not around at the time of some negative reviews. Listen, we have been traveling around for decades, we went to 5 stars hotels, 4 stars resorts, and top google reviews. And we see potential here. The rooms are ok, nothing fancy, clean, some better than others of course you can see some old furniture sure, a couple dents here and then but if you can see pass the bubble you can start to enjoy what is unique about this place. The pool is their signiture. hot-warm water you never want to leave, huge design with 3ft to 6ft for kids and adults alike. The pub with the fireplace, billiard table, and music. The volleyball and the BBQ grills... yes! you can cook your own charcoal BBQ for free, play games on the grass and have your own picnic day at the hotel. They even have a bitcoin ATM lol! Free breakfast is basic but it serves its purpose and, honestly? just do a quick search for "family restaurants" around. So many local small town places for breakfast and lunch for a few bucks, you want to do that! Another positive point of this place is Location. Surrounded by trees and green fields and a private road leading to the hotel, yet a few blocks from interstate 80 and PA turnpike as well less than 10 mins from CVS WAWA and Gas stations. Also just a short ride to Walter Dam and state parks with a scenery to take your breath away. Just 25 mins from Jim Thorpe, a hidden gem you must visit. For the short future their plans are to put white sand on the volleyball field, also fix some heating issues for the winter and create a snow slide for kids. Right now, their priority is to build happy memories for all the guests. And that my friends, is something to take back home,...