Other than the hotel’s position atop a hill, there’s hardly a hint of the former chalet-like retreat in what is now a slick, modern property. The erstwhile lodge was demolished, and a new $450 million dollar property was built in its stead. It re-opened in 2007.
If approaching by car, the Mount Poconos vista one passes through is fairly depressed old coal-country territory. So it’s a surprise — and a pleasant one — to come upon Mount Airy’s Ozlike entrance.
The lobby is vast, ornate, and it’s not unfair to say…tacky. It channels the extravagances of Las Vegas, but with a Pennsylvania humility. There’s a waterfall fountain toward the back of the lobby with ever-changing colored lights. A large crystal chandelier with colored glass petals dominates the ceiling.
Two sets of staircases and two escalators lead up to the gaming floor and restaurants. There’s quite a lot of flora, though every last branch and petal are artificial. Mixed in with paper tulips and plastic ferns are small frolicking woodland creatures made from watering cans, craft paint and rope. They and the plants are bedecked with Christmas lights year-round. The overall effect is festive.
In rural Pennsylvania, Mount Airy Resort & Casino is a first-rate choice for accommodations. The hotel is pristine. Every corner, from the lifts and the lobby, to the spa and guest rooms, sparkles. Public outdoor ashtrays are raked and dumped frequently. Everything is quite new, and that’s evident, but it’s also clear that a well-trained staff take great pains to keep the property spotless.
