Cove Haven Resort

A sign in the resort declares "Love lives here," but so does some noticeable wear. Opened in 1958, the sprawling lakeside camp composed of multiple buildings appears to have been given updates every decade since its founding, but each time the property has kept something from the previous decade's additions. The result is an aging museum of ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s furnishings combined with mirrored surfaces and pastel-colored wallpaper. The grounds are pretty and there's some kitschy charm to the rose-tinted decor, but some guests find that even a friendly staff can't always make up for the hotel’s shortcomings.

The vibe is quiet during the week and a little bit busier on weekends, with couples mostly from New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania driving there for a quick, romantic getaway in a natural setting. The hotel offers plenty of things to do on-site, from boating and ice skating to snow shoeing and fishing, and guests rarely leave the premises. However, the grounds are sprawling, and crowds are generally not an issue -- except in the pool, which can get packed in peak season.

A self-contained resort, there’s nothing within walking distance of Cove Haven Resort Lakeville, PA save the nature trails around the lake. Numerous state parks and other small lakes surround the area, with the nearest towns several miles away. There are just a handful of hotels near Cove Haven Resort. Scranton is a 40-minute drive west, and the Camelback ski area is an hour’s drive to the south. Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains -- known for camping, hiking, and numerous ski resorts that attract residents of New York and Washington, D.C. -- is about a 35-minute drive south. The popular vacation town of Mount Pocono, which has a large casino resort, is about a 50-minute drive south as well. The nearest major airport is Newark Liberty International Airport, located just over two hours away by car.

Cove Haven Resort Poconos has 225 suites spread over several low buildings. Room themes vary from kitschy -- think: rose-tinted walls and mirrored headboards -- to outrageous elements that attempt to create a romantic atmosphere, including a seven-foot-tall Champagne whirlpool in the Champagne Tower Suite. All rooms have round king beds with a copious number of mirrors, many on the ceiling. Pastel wallpaper and stained carpets are the norm, with different themes presenting varying palettes and furniture to match. All but entry-level Cove Haven Harbour Suites and Cove Fantasy units received some updates in 2019 (new carpet, fresh layers of paint), but rooms still feel dated and worn overall. Visible damage and mold are not rare sights in furniture and mini-fridges, and carpets are stained and frayed. On top of an apparent lack of maintenance, poor housekeeping seems to be another big issue here.

All suites have heart-shaped whirlpool tubs for two, plus split-level sitting areas that have log-burning fireplaces, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers with free coffee. More expensive suites have private plunge pools, dry saunas, and star-light ceilings. Wi-Fi is included in the daily resort fee, as is filtered water.

Some bathrooms are partially exposed with glass walk-in showers for two, while others would be considered more traditional affairs if not for the addition of the red or pink heart-shaped tubs. Some have carpeted areas and older, plastic shower stalls.

Lake Wallenpaupack provides a setting that's naturally romantic, with activities varying by season. Boating, waterskiing, and fishing are available in warmer months, with nature trails to explore year-round. The seasonal outdoor pool is appropriately heart-shaped and offers a number of loungers that can get snatched up early in peak season. Winter months allow for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice-skating if conditions are right. Use of all the gear required for these activities is included in the daily resort fee. The grounds also offer plenty of other more low-key activities, including cornhole, horseshoes, and fire pits with accompanying Adirondack chairs.

The indoor sports center is huge, if somewhat worn down, but the tennis, racquetball, and basketball courts are well-maintained. There are also an indoor mini-golf course, roller skating, and an archery range, as well as a game room with video games and billiards. The small indoor pool is housed in a sunny space with a stone-lined stream adding ambience as it feeds into a whirlpool.

The spa offers massages, wraps, scrubs and other body treatments, as well as rituals for couples. The gym is older but offers a decent array of cardio and strength-training machines in a big room with large windows.

The hotel also offers guided nature walks (seasonally), a small driving range, indoor ice skating, and paintball facilities, among other activities.

While Cove Haven Couples Resort Poconos advertises that guests can stay at any one of its three locations and "play" at the other two (Paradise Stream and Pocono Palace) with free access to amenities, most will find the other resorts to be too far away for this to be a realistic option. They are both almost an hour away by car.

A daily resort fee is added to all room rates and includes Wi-Fi, filtered water, access to all on-site entertainment and activities, free use of bikes, pre-dinner snacks, and use of tanning beds.

Cove Haven Couples Resort Poconos offers three dining options, all of which get mixed reviews. The Colosseum Restaurant serves a buffet and meaty a la carte menu of American standards in a red-hued room with plastic pillars and fake ivy. The other main dining option is Spooner’s Sports Bar, which provides decent pub fare that includes pizza, sandwiches, and snacks, plus drinks and several billiard tables. Tanlines Bar and Grill serves up burgers, hot dogs and other grilled food along with salads and kebabs. Room service is not available at Cove Haven Resort, but Spooner’s Bar offers to-go packs that can be delivered to suites for a fee.

The resort's Champagne Palace Nightclub doubles as a venue for its live entertainment, a nightly roster of local cover bands and DJs mixed with hypnotists and comedians, including the occasional national act. The bars on-site -- which also include Cupid’s Corner and the Lookout Lounge -- won't impress with their wine selection, but they cover all the standard libations.

The Cove Haven Resort all-inclusive package is optional and includes breakfast and dinner, plus non-alcoholic drinks during meals, Wi-Fi, filtered water, outdoor parking, and all indoor and outdoor activities.