If you’ve been keeping up with our local getaway series, then you’ve probably noticed we’ve returned to the Poconos quite a few times. With so many activities for both families and couples no matter the season- it’s no wonder we haven’t run out of places to go and things to do. Our most recent trip was to Mount Airy Resort Casino. Located just under two hours from the Bronx, Mount Airy is a resort and hotel with four restaurants, a salon and spa, an indoor and outdoor pool, golf course, and a nightclub that also hosts shows throughout the year.
If Mount Airy sounds familiar to you, you might remember the old Mount Airy Lodge that was once the Pocono’s largest resort and was known for being a honeymoon hideaway. So it’s only fitting that the new Mount Airy Casino Resort, which opened in 2007, is still the perfect weekend escape. We were invited out to experience the resort for ourselves so we locked down our babysitter, packed our bags, and headed back to the Poconos.
Upon arrival, valet is complimentary for all hotel guests. Enter through the doors and you’ve stepped inside a gorgeous lobby, with two seating areas for arriving and departing guests, and a nice waterfall between the stairs and escalator to the casino floor. Guests who are just enjoying the casino for the day enter through another entrance, so the lobby doesn’t have a lot of foot traffic beyond the hotel’s guests.
Check-in was at 4pm, so we got our room key and headed upstairs.
Our room was modern, with a window overlooking the lake and golf course- which was covered in snow. We also spotted plenty of deer hanging out by the lake and wandering the golf course, a fun change from our usual NYC views. We had plans for dinner at 6pm, so after settling in we poured ourselves a drink before heading down to the casino area to explore.
The elevator goes right to the casino floor, which overlooks the lobby area. The restaurants and little shops all encircle the casino area- making it easy to navigate. It was nice having everything in a short walking distance from each other- especially being able to play a few slots right outside of the restaurant before it was time to go inside.
Our first night we dined at Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen. As big foodies who enjoy watching Guy explore other places to eat on Diners, Dive-Ins, and Dives, we were excited to see what his menu consisted of. We knew it would be over the top and flavorful. We started with a Coco Loco: Malibu, Patron Silver, Pineapple, Cointreau with a toasted coconut rim. Yum!
For appetizer, we went with the “Hall of Fame” Brisket Tacos, which were so flavorful and delicious. I then opted for ribs while my husband went for steak. His medium rare steak was perfectly cooked, which he commented how easy it is to accidentally overcook on a thinner cut of steak. I had to try for myself- it was melt in your mouth- and as a huge fan of fries, I found myself stealing most of his. My ribs were delish, but I will say the southerner part of me expected more of the cornbread. It was good, but from Guy’s road trips down south I expected something a bit more amazing! But, altogether everything was great and we would definitely return.
After dinner we hit the slots and hung out for a while. We aren’t big gamers, but it’s fun for us to set a budget and play. Since we were there on a Sunday, the pool area closed at 7- but there are weekly pool parties on different days of the weekend that we definitely want to go back and experience. There is also a lounge which hosts concerts and shows each month, and a bar area in the middle of casino- a perfect place to have a drink and enjoy the atmosphere.
The next day I left the hubby sleeping in and went for a nice morning massage. The spa at the hotel is located off of the lobby area, and was an amazing escape. I was greeted by a friendly receptionist who gave me a quick tour of the facilities and showed me where the sauna and steam room were for after my massage.
After a relaxing massage, I felt amazing and was ready for some time in the steam room. I could have stayed there all day, but I remembered that I had a husband awaiting me, so I enjoyed a shower and went back to our room feeling brand new.
When I got back to the room, my husband was showered and dressed, so we decided to go for a quick ride to explore what was nearby and pick up a few things from the supermarket. When we travel we like to venture out and see what’s around- from the tourism activities to the supermarket, we like to know what is near us and what the locals like to do. It had started to snow, so we headed back to the hotel and planned to hit the pool.
Get Wet is the indoor pool at Mount Airy. In the summer, you can swim out from the indoor pool to the outdoor pool area- which is awesome. As the snow came down, we enjoyed a Blue Hawaiian and some pool time. We didn’t have to go too far to enjoy a cocktail by the pool, and it was beautiful to watch the outside turn white as we splashed around in the blue water.
We had reservations for Bistecca By Il Mulino, an Italian steakhouse, at 7pm. While Guy Fieri’s is right next door, walking into Bistecca is a completely different atmosphere. Guy’s is open air style and allows the casino to still be a part of the background, while Bistecca is completely closed off- so you forget that you’re inside a casino. Couples are seated next to each other in round booths, and the service is exceptional.
I went for the Salmon, while my husband chose a surf and turf special they were offering. My dish was delicious, and after a heavier dinner the night before, it was nice to just enjoy the salmon with wild mushrooms and cherry peppers. My husband said that while the steak was delish- it was more medium than medium rare and he enjoyed his steak at Guy’s a bit better. For dessert we went for the ricotta zeppoles with a chocolate sauce, which were so good and a big hit at the restaurant we were told.
Our two nights at Mount Airy were just what we needed to refresh and have some alone time. There’s plenty to do in the hotel itself, but being located in the Poconos gives you all kinds of activities and things to do should you chose to leave the resort. It’s important for parents to have a chance to get away, even if for a night. Whether it is with a spouse, friends, or family. We did see some children there, but it was mostly adults enjoying their ladies weekend or a couples getaway.
Depending on what you’d like to do while there, be sure to check the calendar for upcoming shows, the pool party schedule, etc (We were excited to see Theresa Guidice will be there early March for a show!) During the warmer weather, concerts are even held outside- which we heard is more family friendly should you want to bring the little ones along (just remember no children are allowed on the casino floor). Being that for many parents, alone time is precious and not always readily available- we know it’s important to find the right place when the stars align just right and your babysitter is available. We definitely recommend Mount Airy Casino Resort as one of those weekend getaway options, you deserve it!
For more information, visit www.mountairycasino.com
We were invited on a press trip to experience Mount Airy Casino Resort. As always, all opinions are our own.
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This is a great place for relaxation. Thanks for sharing this.