Poconos couples retreat famed for its cheesy romantic decor to shutter after nearly 50 years
A longtime honeymoon hot spot will soon shutter after almost half a century in business.
East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania’s Pocono Palace Resort — known for its patented 7-foot tall champagne glass whirlpool bath for two and heart-shaped tubs — is set to shutter next month after 48 years offering sweethearts romantic lodgings with those wonderfully kitschy furnishings.
“Pocono Palace Resort has been sold to a buyer who approached our ownership company, and the transition of title is set for May 2,” the hotel’s owner, Cove Pocono Resorts, announced on its website.
Only the 206 Fantasy Road resort has been bought, the announcement goes on, clarifying that Cove Pocono Resorts’ other two properties — Cove Haven Resort and Paradise Stream Resort — will remain open. Those who had reserved rooms at the Palace after May 1 will be rescheduled at one of the other two hideaways.
A source tells The Post the new owner does not plan to maintain the property as a couples retreat, and will likely close down the 165-suite, two-restaurant business — then renovate and rebrand it as something else.
(Currently, the Palace also features a bar, the Applause Nightclub and sprawling grounds full of activities including racquetball, basketball, mini golf, tennis, billiards and arcade games.)
Since opening in 1976, the lodging has become iconic for its delightful and photogenic themed rooms. That’s especially true for that champagne bath-equipped Roman Towers suite, which was such a success that it has been replicated at the other two Cove Haven Resorts as well.
(“After launching the champagne glass suite [in 1984], interest in the accommodation became so great that potential guests have to register on a one year reservations waiting list,” the website recounts.)
In addition to becoming synonymous with the Poconos, the hotel is also a huge hit on social media.
As for how to physically get into that two-story champagne flute, one huge fan of the hotel, the travel creator @APrettyCoolHotelTour, recently revealed the secret in one of multiple videos posted as the Palace prepares for its final curtain. Hint: There’s easy access via the suite’s second story, but cleverly positioned mirrors that open make the entry point impressively subtle.
