Nothing puts the damper on a vacation (or a fast, impromptu getaway) than having to look into the wide, sad eyes of dear poochie as you leave the little darling in a kennel while you, overcome with guilt, run to the car and pull away.
“At one time I thought people who wouldn’t leave [their pets] were ridiculous,” said Lisa Green, an executive of the Inn at Pocono Manor Resort. “But now that my children are out of the house, I dote over my dogs.”
And so, Green consulted the resort’s general manager, Bob Signinolfi, with a proposal directed at what she called “a neglected market.” That meeting has resulted in a history making decision for the historic property. As the Pocono’s only pet-friendly historic resort, the Inn at Pocono Manor, for the first time in its 108-year history, warmly welcomes its guests traveling with pets.
With the majestic Pocono Mountains as a backdrop and wooded miles as its immediate landscape, the Inn at Pocono Manor Resort appears much like a Tyrolean estate complete with a gigantic clock tower and outbuildings. No longer just a winter ski destination, the resort — a quick three-hour ride north for Washingtonians — is one of the oldest in North America. A full range of resort activities welcomes the summer traveler.
“You can stay for days and never leave the property,” Green continued. “We have two golf courses, a driving range, pro shop, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, stables and horse riding as well as carriage rides around the property.”
The property’s extensive 3,000 acres is the perfect setup for dogs and owners who combine their dog’s duties with long walks in a bucolic setting.
Cats, dogs and every creature of reasonable size and proportion are settled comfortably with their owners in one of the resort’s two luxurious outbuildings (not everyone cares for animals and would prefer not to be near them) on the property.
Emily Hall, from South Florida and the Finger Lakes region of New York, is visiting the resort with her Parson Russell terriercq, Maggie, who is a seasoned traveling companion. She notes, upon check-in, being treated by “a very friendly staff [that] all played with the dog, who loved it.”
With up to two pets allowed per guest room, the pet-friendly policy adds a $50, nonrefundable pet fee per guest room, which, Green points out, is less than many fees at resorts nationally. She also notes that a complimentary “doggie welcome gift” includes food and water bowls, a healthy treat, doggie toy and clean-up baggies for use on the designated walk areas.
Does traveling with Fido or Little Kitty get any better than this?
“[The Inn] is a beautiful and serene place with lots of grass for walking and great mountain views,” Hall said.
