Lakeview - Skytop

I came across numerous negative reviews about this restaurant, but my experience was truly enjoyable. Out of the nine meals we ordered, only one person was diss... read more I came across numerous negative reviews about this restaurant, but my experience was truly enjoyable. Out of the nine meals we ordered, only one person was dissatisfied, mentioning that their penne alla vodka was bland. I tried it as well, and I agree that it could have used a bit more vodka, red pepper, and perhaps some oregano and basil. I had the halibut, which was cooked to perfection and served in a delicious creamy buttery sauce—simply exquisite. The service was also impressive; the waitstaff were attentive and well-informed. One member of our group ordered a dirty martini, and while the drink itself was well-crafted, the olives were absolutely terrible—sour, tough, and somehow also bitter. I’m not sure what brand of olives they use, but I encountered the same unpleasant olives in a martini at the Library Lounge. They really need to source better olives, as those definitely spoiled the drink for me.

On a management note: We originally made a reservation for 10 people for my birthday and later decided to increase it to 11 without any issues. Our reservation... read more On a management note: We originally made a reservation for 10 people for my birthday and later decided to increase it to 11 without any issues. Our reservation was pushed back a little, but that was no problem. We arrived on time, but it took quite a while for them to set up our table. Honestly, it didn't bother us too much because we were happy to relax and take our time. The food is excellent, and our server was incredibly sweet. I highly recommend dining here for any special occasion. Vegetarian options: There are a few vegetarian selections available. Kid-friendliness: They have options suitable for children. Parking: Parking is available before The Inn. There are limited spots, but there’s generally enough availability.

There were also some minor drawbacks: the Callaway menu didn’t match what was posted, even their limited options weren’t fully available, there was no fire on t... read more There were also some minor drawbacks: the Callaway menu didn’t match what was posted, even their limited options weren’t fully available, there was no fire on the second night, all the salads were pre-made and could not be customized, and the hot tub had a leak. Though these issues were relatively minor and we managed to overlook them, they were still unexpected. On a brighter note, it’s clear that Skytop is committed to maintaining its reputation and making improvements in various areas. The staff was attentive and eager to help whenever we needed assistance. The concierges were exceptional, the butterfly hutch was a delightful addition, and dining at the Windsor restaurant was a wonderful experience. The pool, gym, and locker rooms were all impeccably maintained. I opted for the romance package, which included a lovely flower arrangement, champagne, and credits—a nice touch that made our stay feel special. Interestingly, while the afternoon cookies were usually fantastic, the shortbread cookies we had were dry; however, the thoughtful decorations provided a warm and inviting welcome. Overall, I can still recommend Skytop to almost anyone. However, in the future, I will be sure to ask about any maintenance activities in our room at check-in.

When we checked out, the front desk staff asked about our experience, and I expressed my disappointment with the room. They mentioned they would have been willi... read more When we checked out, the front desk staff asked about our experience, and I expressed my disappointment with the room. They mentioned they would have been willing to move us, which made me question why they didn't offer that option earlier. Another concern was the HVAC system. Our visit coincided with unusually warm weather, and our room faced the afternoon sun. Even with the windows open, the room felt like it was 77 degrees. When I inquired about turning on the air conditioning, I discovered that the hotel has an outdated system that only allows for heating or cooling—never both at the same time. The AC typically doesn't kick in until later in the season, which left our room uncomfortably warm in the afternoons—a consideration that the staff should have taken into account. On a brighter note, the resort grounds are stunning, and there are a variety of activities available. We enjoyed lawn bowling (similar to bocce), axe throwing at a cost of $30 per person (which was a blast), and complimentary afternoon tea with cookies (entertaining to watch the kids enjoy). We also explored the beautiful lake loop while hiking and took a swim in the indoor pool. The resort provides various arts and crafts, face painting for children, a game room, live music in the evenings, and a lovely porch with rocking chairs. There’s a golf course, playground, boating, shooting opportunities, and an outdoor pool—plenty to keep anyone entertained! However, dining options are somewhat limited, and not all restaurants operate at the same time. The Windsor, located on the main floor, is a charming white-tablecloth restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner, but during our stay, the only option available was a $25 breakfast buffet, which we ended up having for both breakfast and dinner. We found the Taproom bistro to be frustratingly slow on our first visit—taking about 50 minutes to serve our dinner—and the food was only average. The bistro is open for both lunch and dinner. The Corner Roast offers morning coffee and pastries, which is another breakfast option in the hotel. We enjoyed sandwiches from The Market, which has seating in a nice courtyard. We didn't try the Lakeview restaurant located at the Inn, just a few minutes away. Overall, I would rate this resort four stars, but I feel compelled to lower it to three stars due to the uncomfortable room and some dining challenges. I advise future guests to confirm they have a comfortable room before unpacking. Additionally, if you have young children who go to bed early, ensure your room is situated away from the lobby area, as the music can be quite loud until 10 PM.

We also enjoyed some golf at a hidden gem in the Poconos. The course was in excellent condition, had a lovely layout, and maintained a good pace of play. The fa... read more We also enjoyed some golf at a hidden gem in the Poconos. The course was in excellent condition, had a lovely layout, and maintained a good pace of play. The fairways were the best I've played on in years, and I belong to a private club in Bucks County. The staff was friendly and efficient, and the midweek senior rate of $40 was an outstanding value. There are plenty of opportunities for kayaking, swimming, archery, and more—I'm already planning my next visit! I can only imagine how beautiful it must be in the fall!