Great Wolf Lodge PA: Hotel Review

Great Wolf Lodge in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains offers families an all-in-one resort experience with an indoor water park as the main attraction. Located in Scotrun, this family-focused destination combines hotel accommodations with water activities, dining, and entertainment under one roof.

With costs reaching over $3,000 for a family of five including parking and dining packages, the resort positions itself as a premium destination. While guests praise the water park and Fireside Restaurant, common complaints include uncomfortable beds, electrical issues, and noise problems that raise questions about overall value.

Location

Great Wolf Lodge in Pennsylvania sits in Scotrun, a small town in the Pocono Mountains region. The hotel is located at 1 Great Wolf Drive, making it easy to find for families driving to the area.

The Pocono Mountains location offers a scenic setting with wooded surroundings. Scotrun is in Monroe County, providing access to outdoor activities year-round.

Nearby attractions include local hiking trails, ski resorts in winter, and lake activities during summer months. The lodge’s location provides a balance of natural beauty and accessibility.

Families can enjoy the mountain atmosphere while still having convenient access to the main water park and hotel amenities. The lodge is about 2 hours from New York City and 1.5 hours from Philadelphia.

Easy highway access makes it convenient for most travelers. The wooded setting creates a vacation-like atmosphere away from busy city life.

The location enhances the lodge’s family-friendly theme and provides a peaceful environment for guests.

Design And Style

Great Wolf Lodge in Pennsylvania features a rustic lodge theme throughout the property. The design centers around a woodland cabin look with natural wood elements and warm earth tones.

Guest rooms have comfortable furnishings with mountain-themed decor. Many rooms include loft beds with individual TVs and separate sleeping areas with queen beds.

The lobby has high ceilings and open spaces, creating an active atmosphere. Dance parties and family activities often take place in this central area.

Room amenities include flat-screen televisions, air conditioning, mini refrigerators, microwaves, and small balconies with mountain views. The property uses bright colors and playful touches to create a family-friendly design.

Common areas feature lodge-style furniture and nature-inspired artwork. Rooms on upper floors offer quieter environments away from lobby activities.

The overall design balances the rustic outdoor theme with modern hotel conveniences.

Service And Facilities

Great Wolf Lodge in Pennsylvania offers mixed service quality based on guest experiences. Many visitors report that the facility feels understaffed during busy periods.

Some guests experience slow response times at check-in and limited staff availability throughout the resort. Customer service quality varies between departments.

The lodge provides standard hotel amenities alongside its water park attractions. Room service and housekeeping keep basic cleanliness standards.

Available facilities include indoor water park access, multiple dining options, arcade and entertainment areas, and gift shops. Food and beverage services often receive complaints about high prices.

Meal costs often exceed typical hotel restaurant rates. The facility appears clean and well-maintained.

Most reviews praise the physical condition of the water park and villa accommodations. Some guests report helpful employees, while others experience poor service interactions.

Rooms

The rooms at Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains offer basic accommodations for families. Standard rooms provide clean sleeping areas with themed decor that kids enjoy.

Room features include clean bedding and bathroom facilities, wolf-themed decorations, and basic amenities for short stays. The rooms lack microwaves, which can be inconvenient for families with young children.

A shared microwave is available in the hallway, though it may be missing parts like the glass plate. Room types include standard hotel rooms, villa accommodations for bigger families, and themed suites with special decorations.

Villa rooms provide more space and better amenities than standard rooms. The rooms serve their purpose for a waterpark hotel stay.

They’re clean and functional, though not luxurious. Most families spend little time in rooms since the focus is on waterpark activities.

Storage space is adequate for weekend trips. The themed decorations help create excitement for children during their stay.

Food And Drink

The dining options at Great Wolf Lodge PA receive mixed reviews from guests. Most visitors find the food quality disappointing for the price.

Main dining options include The Loose Moose Family Kitchen, quick-service food courts, and in-room dining. Guests consistently describe food prices as overpriced.

The buffet quality varies, with some guests reporting bland or lukewarm dishes. Common guest complaints include high prices for average food, limited healthy options, and long wait times during peak hours.

The resort allows outside food in guest rooms. Many families bring snacks and drinks to avoid expensive dining costs.

Beverage options include Starbucks coffee, poolside drink service, and vending machines throughout the property. Staff at dining locations are generally friendly and helpful.

The restaurants can get crowded during meal times, especially on weekends. Guests often recommend eating one meal at the resort and bringing outside food for other meals.

This helps manage costs while still experiencing the hotel’s dining options.

Value For Money

Great Wolf Lodge PA receives mixed reviews regarding value for money. Many guests find the resort overpriced for what it offers.

Common price complaints include hidden fees, high room rates for basic accommodations, and expensive food and activities beyond the waterpark. Waterpark access is typically included with your stay.

This remains the main value for most families. The resort offers 24-hour waterpark access, a clean, family-friendly environment, and a convenient all-in-one location.

Dining options are limited and costly. Arcade games and activities charge separately, and parking fees may apply.

Some guests feel the experience justifies the price for a special occasion. The resort works best for families who plan to spend most of their time at the waterpark.

If you want diverse dining options or more amenities, the value decreases.

Nearby Competition

Great Wolf Lodge faces strong competition from other resorts in the Pocono Mountains area. Camelback Resort stands out as the main rival, offering both indoor and outdoor activities year-round.

Camelback provides ski slopes in winter and an adventure park in summer. The resort has both indoor and outdoor water attractions, making it a direct competitor to Great Wolf Lodge.

Kalahari Resort is another major player in the region. It features one of the largest indoor water parks in Pennsylvania and offers extensive dining options.

Each resort targets families but with different strengths. Great Wolf Lodge offers themed suites and activities for younger children.

Camelback Resort focuses on outdoor adventure activities and skiing. Kalahari Resort has a larger water park and more dining variety.

The competition keeps all three resorts focused on improving their amenities and guest experiences. Families often choose based on their children’s ages and preferred activities.

Final Verdict

Great Wolf Lodge in the Pocono Mountains offers a mixed experience for families. The waterpark stands out as the main attraction and keeps children entertained.

Strengths:

• Fun waterpark activities
  
• Clean facilities
  
• Friendly staff
  
• Family-focused amenities
  

Weaknesses:

• High prices for food and extras
  
• Crowded conditions
  
• Limited space in rooms
  
• Additional costs add up quickly
  

The resort works best for short stays of 1-2 days. Families should budget extra money for meals and activities.

Parents will find the waterpark keeps kids busy. The lodge provides the experience it advertises, but at a premium price.

Best for: Families with young children who want waterpark fun over luxury accommodations.

Skip if: You want spacious rooms, affordable dining, or a relaxing adult experience.