Feature Article

Caesar's Pocono Resort: Paradise Streams

by Ismael and Justine Manzano

     If we were going to review a couple’s resort it seems fitting that we do so as a couple.  So ladies and gentlemen, behold the first article written by both Ismael and Justine Manzano.  We came across Paradise Streams because our fifth wedding anniversary was coming up and we wanted to revisit our honeymoon resort.  Problem was, that resort had long since closed down, so we went in search of a new, albeit, similar one. 

     First suggestion: if you’re gong to go there from New York City, drive.  Everyone will assume you have a car anyway and the nearly three hour bus trip with randomly working air conditioning can be a pain.  Although for those that must travel the bus route, Paradise Streams does offer the convenience of a driver that will pick you up from the bus depot straight to the check-in office (which strangely always smells like soap) or your room, depending on what arrangements you made and how lazy you are—both places are right next to each other.  The attendants, while overly enthusiastic almost to the point of appearing fake, were courteous and always helpful—I hope they get paid very well to wear those awful vests. 

     When we arrived in our Diana’s Oasis Luxury Suite (AKA our room), we found a platter of strawberries and whipped cream—must by ordered in advance—which was delicious.  The room is equipped with a mini-fridge, phone and satellite television, as well as a comfy, round bed that might be too small if you’re taller than 5’7’.  Our suite also offered a heated pool, separated by a glass door, to keep all the nice warm air in, a large shower and a slippery, Jacuzzi that almost claimed the lives of this married couple on more than one occasion—I could only imagine the carnage that would have occurred if we’d gone for the Champagne Towers’ suite, which boasted a ten foot tall champagne glass-shaped Jacuzzi.  A note to couples everywhere: when entering the Jacuzzi, half a cap-full of bubble bath is enough to create the desired romantic effect—not two cap-fulls, or three, or half the bottle, like some people did on our stay.  *cough* JUSTINE *cough*.

            The food in this place is absolutely luxurious.  For every morning of your stay, you are offered the choice between breakfast in the dining hall and breakfast in bed—being as completely anti-social as we are, we opted for breakfast in bed every time.  And we’re talking BREAKFAST—nothing continental about it.  Pancakes and eggs and sausage, oh my!  Unfortunately, dinner, while delicious every time, was marred by the company of other couples that you are forced to sit with before they begin serving you.  It is a couples resort and the experience is a nice way to get to know other people and discuss things with your neighbors, but we are anti-social—or at least Ismael is—and sitting with pleasant people from all over the country who “hate the city” can bring the tone of the evening down just a bit.  But if you are sociable, and if you also “hate the city” you’ll probably enjoy dinner more than we did.

            Everyday, special activities are planned to keep you busy throughout your stay.  Being anti-social, the nightclub scene, group games, and sports did not appeal all that much so we didn’t go, but things like romantic, horse-drawn carriage rides through the nature trail, were just our speed.  Thankfully, the personnel caters to both the lone-couples and the social couples by letting each couple explore on their own or be guided. 

            Among the many fun-filled activities offered, we found ourselves drawn to the obligatory miniature golf course, the rowboats and paddleboats—which is fun until someone trips and falls into the boat and pulls their husband in with them—and the game room, which housed pool tables, ping pong tables, an air-hockey table, a basketball and racquetball room, arcade games and old fashioned pinball games to choose from.  Our only complaints would have to come from the number of games that were either out of service or soon to be out of service.  As far as the outdoor activities, we probably would have had more positive things to say if we weren’t constantly fighting the moths for domination.  While not completely the fault of Paradise Streams (the whole region was infested with moths), they probably could have done a better job keeping larva and dead moths to a minimum. 

      All in all, the service was great, the room was beautiful, elegant and perfect, the activities were fun and the food was exquisite—the moths were…moths and everywhere.  This was the perfect weekend getaway.  I have a theory that it may have been just as good if we’d had the time to stay a few more days (though our wallet certainly could not have taken the hit).  We would definitely recommend this spot to any couples in need of a romantic vacation. 

Related Links:

DHTML/JavaScript Menu by OpenCube