My hubby and I scheduled a last-minute getaway for our anniversary, and we're so glad we chose this hotel! It turned out to be the perfect place for a little escape and quality time together. The hotel is posh, classy, and inviting, and you can tell there's a lot of thought and attention to detail throughout the entire property. The staff were genuinely friendly and welcoming, which made our stay even more enjoyable. The 90-degree pool was definitely a treat! And a special shoutout to my DY (wink) girl Natalie, who worked the pool area and made sure the drinks were flowing! She was so personable, friendly, and attentive and definitely added to the fun of our time in that area. We also had the chance to experience both lunch and dinner at the on-site restaurant, which was a nice bonus. We loved being able to enjoy ourselves without having to leave the property. We're also so glad we upgraded our stay to include access to the concierge lounge. A special thank you and shoutout to Darius for recommending the upgrade--it was absolutely worth it! The lounge was lovely, classy, sophisticated, and comfortable. With unlimited access, we enjoyed complimentary beverages (including beer and wine), snacks, light breakfast, midday bites, and evening finger foods. It was such a nice perk and added an extra special touch to our anniversary getaway. And it's the little things that caught my attention. I mean, even the hang tag for your room door feels like quality! That pretty much sums up the attention to detail throughout this hotel. I could go on and on about all the little intricacies and thoughtful touches that made our anniversary getaway special, but then this review would turn into a novel. So I'll just say this: we're so glad we chose this hotel, and you'll just have to go experience it for yourself! read more

I had stayed at the Swiftwater during a recent girls staycation. I enjoyed my whole stay and was blown away! We had arrived and was assisted immediately at the front desk. We had upgraded our room to the concierge floor as my other friend had reserved one. Our room was super clean, modern, and cutely decorated to go with the outdoor-ish theme of the hotel. Our view was the back wooded area and we were able to see deer plenty of times during the stay. The room was spacious, beds were very comfy, bathroom was nice and loved having a Dyson hair dryer available for use after showering. They also had really cozy bathrobes for lounging around in. I loved that there was Apple TV and was able to log in to watch from our subscribed streaming services and also view cable channels. We had access to the concierge room and were able to grab drinks and snacks at any time. They had a variety of chips, cookies, candy, snack bars, cereal, fruit, water, soda, juice, wine, and beers. The house made granola was AMAZING! I would literally go to just get a bowl of it. They had a pool with plenty of lounger chairs. It was a nice and quiet and I was able to relax and read my book poolside. They also served food and drinks at the pool. I had a delicious espresso martini. They also had evening swim hours for adults which was nice. Overall I had a wonderful experience and cannot wait to go back again. Concierge room is definitely worth it especially since I love a late night snack! All the employees were so kind and greeted everyone with a smile. Shoutout to our housekeeper Karon-- she was the sweetest and so helpful! Plenty of parking and there is also a nice Japanese restaurant nearby. read more

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I absolutely love my stay here! It was the perfect getaway to rest and recharge. The staff were all so friendly and welcoming, and the rooms are beautiful. I spent time relaxing by the pool and fire pit, which made for such a peaceful experience (I fell asleep lol). The cherry on top was the delicious food and drinks at Olivet Restaurant. A special thank you to Al, Lorenzo, Chris, and Karol for their outstanding hospitality. I will definitely be back! read more

The Swiftwater - French onion soup - Hotels Near Me - Swiftwater, Pennsylvania

This is my second visit to this hotel and a good time was had. Upon our afternoon arrival, we were greeted with glasses of champagne. Now that's what I call service. Check in was fast and smooth. Parking is plentiful and there's a covered area designated for smokers. I stayed in the Travelers Queen which I loved. It included a small sofa, lots of space, comfortable bed, single bathroom vanity, mini fridge, and coffee/tea maker. I stayed in room 420 which is around the corner from the elevator and faces the parking lot so it gets a lot of natural light. Our room also included an eye mask on the night stand. Note: the heated pool closes at 10pm. Outside food and beverages are not allowed anywhere outside your room. We did have plastic cups with a beverage of our choosing in it that were accepted but nothing that can be visibly seen. I would stay here again. Hopefully at a discount. One night is very expensive. read more

The Swiftwater - Heated pool - indoors - Hotels Near Me - Swiftwater, Pennsylvania

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It's a beauty! Check in was a breeze. It snowed during our visit and the staff gave us help cleaning off our vehicle. Thank you! There's an indoor/outdoor pool that looks quite pretty at night. It's heated so you can enjoy year round. Our room was gorgeous...I love the green and black decorum. Clean and spacious. Mini fridge, no microwave. The mattress was firm and comfortable. Coffee and water is available in the lobby. read more

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Cute hotel! Everything was modern and up to date which I really appreciated. There is ample parking out front. I loved the updated technology in the room. You can control the temperature and lights via a digital screen. read more

I loved my stay here. The hotel made me feel like a VIP. The staff was professional and courteous. Inside the hotel it was classy and had a luxury feel. The soaps and lotions were my favorite. L'Occitane, fancy for me. The rooms were very clean and the gym and pool area were nice. If you can get a deal, you won't regret The Swiftwater. It is at a great location with plenty of parking. I will be returning here. read more

The Swiftwater - Inside the room on the 3rd floor. It was nice. - Hotels Near Me - Swiftwater, Pennsylvania

Came here over the summer and this place is beautiful, high-tech, and modern... unlike most places in the Poconos. I stayed in the Concierge King room with a pool view, and the whole vibe was amazing. Outside by the pool it really gives spa-like relaxation vibes. Everyone was just chilling, relaxing in the sun, and sipping drinks. If you're looking for a place where you can unwind, hang out in the pool, and just enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, this is definitely a great spot, especially if you prefer a more modern, upscale feel rather than the traditional Poconos resorts. My only complaint was the food. They do have a restaurant on-site, but the food was just average in my opinion. Nothing terrible, but nothing that really stood out either. That being said, the overall look, atmosphere, and experience of the property definitely outweigh the food, and you can always head somewhere nearby for a better meal. Overall, it's a great place for a relaxing getaway with a modern vibe. read more

The Swiftwater was INCREDIBLE. We kicked off our adventure with amazing drinks at the bar -- shoutout to Rob, our rockstar bartender who set the tone for the whole stay! We booked the concierge floor and absolutely loved it. The space felt elevated and intimate. The only small disappointment was the evening offerings -- a large group came in and cleared everything out, and it wasn't refilled. That said, breakfast was perfect and everything else exceeded expectations. One of the coolest parts? Watching deer come down from the mountains to snack from the feeding boxes -- and we even saw a BUCK! Such a surreal, peaceful experience. Afterward, we transitioned to the pool, which was SO peaceful. I had no idea servers came around poolside -- my husband and I happily enjoyed a couple more cocktails while just... relaxing. This place is truly perfect for couples looking to reconnect. Calm, romantic, and just the right mix of luxury and nature. We'll absolutely be back. read more

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Super nice hotel, very guest centric. This place is centrally located in the Pocono Mountain area of PA and is close to all of the attractions. The price was fair, there's a nice restaurant in the hotel, the pool looked nice and the room was well laid out and comfortable. My wife and I would definitely stay here again. read more

This was an absolutely delightful hotel to stay in. My husband and I just came back from a 4 day, 3 night stay at The Swiftwater. We came to the Poconos for a weekend/birthday get away and this hotel did not disappoint. I was extremely leery about coming to the Poconos because most of the hotels I saw were old. The Swiftwater is fairly new and the staff is phenomenal. Everyone was so nice and helpful and eager to assist. The decor is giving a rustic country vibe, with a modern and clean flair. I can tell whoever picked out the decor, truly knew what they were doing because everything is very meticulously placed. They offer different packages and add on's. For example, we signed up for the concierge package. It entails outright assistance from their concierge staff, a private concierge lounge that includes, continental breakfast, sushi, beer, games, etc. Since we were celebrating a birthday, we had the staff decorate the room with champagne, balloons, a special gift and a birthday message/song coming from the tv. We loved everything about this hotel. The plush towels, the fancy bathrooms, the location, and the bonus perks. A few things I wish were different were the black commodes. Not a fan of black commodes. Since the rooms are a bit on the petite side, none of them have closets. Additionally, the half glass pane in the shower stall was pretty useless because water still got on the floor. The staff here went above and beyond to ensure our comfort. For some reason, they don't have pillowcases for the 5th floor, they only use pillow shams. I don't sleep on shames, so I called for the staff to bring us pillowcases and they were there lickety split! To be honest, The Swiftwater was our saving grace because we found this area pretty boring. If I ever decide to come to this area in the future (I highly doubt I will) I'll be staying here! read more

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I had a great stay at the Swiftwater. I was looking for a place to take my mom for her birthday and we needed somewhere drive-able. We decided on the Poconos and I wanted a more upscale aesthetic. The hotel was very nice, service was friendly and it was easy to arrange for two rooms for the family. They also have several add-ons you can select to celebrate a special occasion. I appreciated having a nice restaurant on site where we enjoyed dinner and the beds were very comfy. Not much to do in the surrounding area besides the outlet mall and a few other things. read more

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The Swiftwater in Poconos is a new hotel to the area. Beautifully created down to every last detail. Upon entrance the lobby is a gorgeous and welcoming space with art and a lovely fireplace and beautifully scented candles through to instantly sent the ambiance for warmth and relaxation. The staff is incredibly friendly and accommodating. The room I stayed in was spacious with an excellent modern style but keeps true to the mountain lodge vibe. I loved the style of the bathroom, so clean and so pretty. L'Occitane products smelled amazing. Their gift shop features a perfectly curated range of these and several other products. I look forward to returning to The Swiftwater and highly recommend you check it out if you plan to travel to the Poconos. read more

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What an amazing way to wrap up a ski weekend. Honestly from the moment we walked in Felix was phenomenal and making sure we were taken care of. I will say Olivet is a must try. read more

The Swiftwater - Hotels Near Me - Swiftwater, Pennsylvania

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Beautiful Hotel. The wait to get into the room was too long. The room was very clean and absolutely stunning. The food is also delicious. I was very pleased with the staff, they are very professional and hospitable.... read more

The Swiftwater - Dining area...delicious food!!! - Hotels Near Me - Swiftwater, Pennsylvania

I decided to stay here a couple of days ago just to get away from the everyday stressors of life. I am so glad I picked this hotel as my little escape. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Thank you AL for being so patient with me! The restaurant in the hotel is amazing but I will warn you now it is extremely expensive. The room was clean and I loved the decor. I used the gym while I was there and it was always clean and stocked with towels. The pool was smaller than I expected but I didn't mind. The hotel is in a great location so everything was easy to get to. Will definitely come here again read more

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this was an amazing stay! The hotel and room were both clean and staff were so nice and attentiv. We spent 2 days hanging at the bar, and the bartender Bradley was perfect! He entertained us, gave great suggestions and the drinks flowed. This visit was a 10 out of 10! read more

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I stayed at the hotel for the first time a few weeks after their opening back in July 2024. I have returned numerous time for works trips, and the experience remained outstanding. Starting with the hotel there is a great attention to details in the guest rooms which perfectly ties together the wellness and nature themes across the hotel. My interaction with the staff through each of my stay was remarkable. I have had the chance to have breakfast and dinner at the Olivet. The portions are quite filling and the food is freshly made. My favorites have been the New York Strip and banana bread - both dishes are delicious. Pay them a visit if you find yourself in the Poconos, it will be worth a while. read more

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The hotel is absolutely gorgeous. The rooms are fantastic and the concierge lounge was a very cool place to hang out and have drinks as well as very nice snacks. Each day there is a spread served including bagels, lox, sushi and many other small bites. The views are gorgeous and the staff have been incredibly polite, friendly and accommodating. We have definitely found a great spot for getaways. Highly recommend a visit here. read more

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There's finally a real luxury hotel in the Poconos! We just returned from The Swiftwater Hotel and our trip was awesome. We stayed in the Plunge Pool Suite and it was absolutely worth it. Yes, you read that right - a private, heated saltwater pool RIGHT IN THE ROOM. Not a hot tub, but an actual 4'6" deep pool with a waterfall feature. The water is crystal clear and the pool guy will call you each day to schedule a time to test it daily. It's in a heated lounge area attached to the room. Since it's saltwater, there's no smell of chlorine. The waterfall was also nice to fall asleep to, and it was really cool swimming while it was snowing outside. The main indoor/outdoor heated pool is just as awesome. The pool at night is fun too, with color-changing lights and a poolside firepit. Our suite gave us access to the concierge lounge on the 5th floor, which became our spot for coffee and snacks. The best part was watching dozens of deer come down the mountain each day to eat food that the hotel provides. Look for them right before dusk. It's like a Disney movie. The lounge was open 24/7 and had comp beer, water, juice, and snacks. Dining here was great too. The Olivet is right off the lobby. Service was fantastic. LOVED the scallops, Old World Italian Sunday Gravy, and the tableside Bananas Foster. Try the spicy Dante's Inferno margarita and DON'T miss the French Toast Brulé at breakfast - worth every calorie! Desaki is also like a 30 second walk next door and serves incredible sushi and hibachi. Our hibachi chef Vino made lunch an absolute blast. If you look at the menu, don't let the prices stop you from trying it. The portions are HUGE. We ordered 1 app, 2 sushi rolls, and 1 hibachi. After the apps and sushi, we had to take the hibachi to go. Room amenities are top-notch. Fast WiFi, HUGE TV with Apple TV, and the most comfortable robes. The bathroom has a rainfall shower and illuminated mirrors. My wife said it was like staying in a spa. Location is perfect - just 2 hours from NYC/Philly area, close to skiing at Camelback and various outdoor activities. We spent most of the time at the hotel, just enjoying it. There's also a Sheetz about 1 minute drive away. 1 minor suggestion: The plunge pool area could use a few more hooks for towels and our damp clothes. We really appreciated that there were no hidden "resort fees" too. Definitely planning a return trip for the summer. read more

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Property is very nice, pool was a good experience, and the staff were very pleasant, outside of the General Manager. His communication and unemotional interaction ruined the stay. Concierge was definitely not worth it, especially when you have to purchase a soda at night because the fridge remained unstocked. Light snack for an hour at a time was never enough to accommodate all guest. I had a light meal with 1 sushi roll 1 time during my stay. The red wine was empty EVERY time, and I even had to get a water from another guest out of their room because there wasn't any during the morning hours after waiting all night for a restock. The restaurant staff were very knowledgeable on food and drink. read more

I've stayed here 4 times and this will be the LAST time. They now charge a $500 incidental fee. It used to be $300 which is already uncommon. When I asked the manager why they have this policy he said they have past guests that have done damage to the rooms. I'm sure a lot of hotels have that problem but maybe they should charge for what's been damaged instead of punishing every guest with a $500 hold. He also stated that charging an incidental fee based on guest history would be discriminatory. Is charging an unusually high $500 incidental fee a way to discourage certain people from staying? I think we know the answer to that. read more

Everything was great! The employees, Andrew significantly stood out. Beautiful grounds, exceptionally clean, comfortable, great restaurant and food, coffee available and fresh water,24/7. Highly recommend. Bartender, kind, friendly and excellent cocktails.We enjoyed. read more

When I tell you this resort is amazing from top to bottom, it would not be an exaggeration. Every staff member I encountered was pleasant and helpful and greeted you with a smile. The concierge service was a pleasant addition with top tier amenities. The food at the Olivet restaurant was delicious and elegant. We are still talking about how delicious our breakfast was. The adult only hours in the heated pool were definitely a plus. The Swiftwater staff cut no corners with assisting my man with making my birthday amazing. They paid attention to detail with their level of service as well as the designs within the resort. The in-room booklet even listed the names of the designers of the pictures, wallpaper, and green accent pieces in case you wanted to purchase for yourself. Bottom line, we truly enjoyed our stay and will 100% be returning in the near future. Treat yourself and book a stay. It's worth the money read more

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I rarely leave negative reviews, but my experience here at The Swiftwater Hotel was disappointing enough that I feel compelled to share. From the moment I arrived, it was clear that cleanliness is not a priority here. Upon arrival my room had makeup and hair all over both beds also on the towels and the bathroom area I contacted the front desk the housekeeping manager came up suggested that it may be her hair all over the room and did I want her to dust it off all the surfaces wow I was then moved to another room with hair all over as well I spoke with the General Manager and his suggestion was the option to check out that is no way to run any type of establishment. Customer service, unfortunately, was just as lacking. Staff members were either indifferent or outright dismissive when I brought up concerns about the room. The customer service was just as terrible. The staff acted like we were an inconvenience. When I reported issues with the room, I was met with eye-rolling, excuses, and zero actual effort to fix anything. Every request felt like pulling teeth, and no one seemed remotely interested in doing their job. Requests for basic assistance were met with long waits or unhelpful responses, making it obvious that guest satisfaction is not something they take seriously. The expectations I had for this hotel fell far below acceptable standards. I hope management takes these issues seriously, but until then, I cannot recommend The Swiftwater Hotel. The bare minimum should be cleanliness and respect and The Swiftwater Hotel delivers neither. I left feeling frustrated, uncomfortable, and honestly shocked that a place can operate with standards this low. I would strongly advise anyone to stay far away. read more

The Swiftwater - Hair all over the room also Makeup on the bed sheets - Hotels Near Me - Swiftwater, Pennsylvania

Do NOT STAY HERE! Book at your OWN RISK! I booked The Swiftwater back in January for a family spring break, expecting the "luxury" experience they advertise. Instead, I was met with total unprofessionalism and dehumanizing treatment. Upon arrival, 4/5... I was hit with an undisclosed $25 fee for my children--a fee never mentioned when I called to modify my reservation weeks prior. When I calmly questioned this and asked to speak to management, I was met with a dismissive "take a refund and leave" attitude. The situation escalated to a shocking level when the GM, Eric, chose to laugh at the fact that my friend (whom I referred to the hotel) was already checked in and "stuck" there, while telling me to leave. When I stood my ground regarding my valid reservation, Eric labeled me "aggressive" and called the police to have me trespassed over a $25 dispute. At no point was I disruptive. I was seeking transparency regarding an undisclosed charge. To call the police on a mother and two young children over a nominal fee is not hospitality--it is a power trip and a disgrace. If you are a traveler who expects basic respect and transparent pricing, stay far away from this establishment. They would rather criminalize a guest than admit a clerical error. The Trapasso family should know that their leadership is a liability. They would rather traumatize a family and lose a $700 reservation than act with basic human decency or professional competence. read more

The best experience was the welcoming staff. The hotel is new and needs a lot more improvements especially with the hold on the room. my funds have not return and it's been two weeks since I visited. read more

The hotel is amazing! The service and staff are fantastic too. The pool was great and the sister restaurant is a nice touch.

This hotel is absolutely amazing!! My husband and I stayed here for our anniversary and I'm so glad we did. The room, the hotel's features, customer service, and food were amazing. My husband and I booked a traveler's suit since we would just be visiting for 2 nights and the room was quite spacious, visually appealing, and most importantly clean. My favorite part, the shower which had adequate water pressure lol. I've been to places that I had to question if water was coming out. We exclusively dined at the Olivet for dinner on both nights and the food was absolutely delicious. Our first night, I ordered the crab cake, and seafood pasta, and crème brûlée. Everything was cook to perfection and I enjoyed everything I had, except the crème brûlée, which was much too tart for me and tasted like it was separating. I would have rather it just came with fresh berries. My husband had the meat carpaccio, steak with carrots, and cheesecake. He enjoyed everything and had no complaints. The only criticism was the service which was extremely slow the first night. The second night, service was much quicker. The outdoor patio was so nice and relaxing and the pool was nice as well. Overall, I would definitely recommend this place for anyone looking to stay and experience the Poconos. read more

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Stunning property and royalty experience. The staff are so welcoming and friendly. Upon arrival, you're greeted by a bellman who takes your bags and brings them to your room. The lobby is beautifully decorated. The rooms are immaculately cleaned and stunningly decorated. The concierge level is well worth the extra money, offering a light breakfast, (bagels, sliced salmon, and hashbrowns), light lunch with sushi and a warm appetizer, and dinner with sushi. Waters, and other drinks such as a house red wine and beer are offered. The pool and outdoor area is more than relaxing offering a quiet space to relax after a day of many excursions. Lastly, check out the concierge desk which will book any off site activities in the area and drive you there and pick you up. I have a feeling this place is only going to get better with time as they continue to expand. read more

Bradley was phenomenal! we went away for a short getaway and his service was top tier!

The energy and the aura is disgusting here. They need to shut down or get better people. I'm disappointed,Will never come here again. I should have looked at the reviews before coming here, it's only a 3star hotel it should be a 2 star hotel. read more

I planned a trip for my husband's birthday weekend and The Swiftwater didn't disappoint! It's a delightful luxury hotel where attention to detail is their main business. The hotel guest is their priority and that is rare! The hotel was beautifully decorated and the staff were extremely attentive and pleasant. Kenneth and Al made us feel welcomed from the moment we arrived. Our suite on the concierge level was perfect and the amenities were top notch. The concierge lounge offered snacks, beer, wine, coffee, juices and water 24/7. It was also a cozy place to enjoy some games and meet/interact with other guests if you wanted. The lounge offers a relaxing landscape view of nature, a wooded area with deers that visited several times a day to enjoy the food provided by the hotel. Andrew and Alexa at the Concierge Desk made planning dinner and activities for my husband's birthday getaway a breeze. They turned my vision into a wonderful time in the Poconos. Their knowledge, recommendations, planning and handling of every detail allowed me to wow my husband and spend my time focused on him and not details. They were so communicative, I never had to wonder if reservations were confirmed, we just had to show up. Thanks Zuri for my husband's gift on behalf of the hotel. Breakfast at the hotel's restaurant, Olivet, was convenient and tasty! The chef (Mike, I believe) did an amazing job with preparing the shrimp and grits and the brulee french toast; both were delicious. Kudos to the hotel staff at every level because their shared focus and mission is on ensuring that the guests are pleased with their stay and the staff nailed it. It was worth the 3.5 hour ride from MD. We will definitely be back! read more

Okay, I was so excited to stay at this hotel! Pics were beautiful and it was close to the gun range and snow tubing that I wanted to visit. The place was beautiful, it was very luxurious, however our experience wasn't great. I got an email to check in on line while I was on my way and noticed my reservation was cancelled. I received no email or phone call, so I called them while driving. They said they tried calling me but nothing was on file, which is strange since I had to give my phone number and email to book. I spoke with the manager and even my husband got a chance to speak with the owner regarding our concerns, however nothing was done, and honestly didn't seem like they cared. Anyways we had to spend extra money for a concierge room, which was the only available room to book, which I personally don't think is really worth it. It includes access to the conceive lounge. The lounge is cool and they have little hors d'oeuvres through out the day, however the options don't really change day by day.. AND we had to call down several times for them to bring plates and utensils and to restock.. which didn't make sense since we paid extra for this "luxurious" experience. Also, these rooms were supposed to be "sound proof" however we heard couples getting intimate in their rooms while we were in the hallway. I think I had high expectations for this place, and was just disappointed before even reaching the Poconos. It saddens me, because this place was beautiful, general staff was so kind and professional, and it has so much potential to be great. read more

Rob is the best bartender, excellent service and hospitality! We sat at the bar for far longer than we planned but his enthusiasm was fantastic! read more

Had dinner in their Restaurant called Olivet, Thanksgiving night. Bartender cut me off after having 1 drink because I had 3 drinks a few hours prior when we checked into the hotel. I wasn't drunk, we were staying in the hotel and bartender and manager beers rude to my husband when he questioned them as to why I was cut off. I didn't drink all 4 drinks consecutively. Everyone we know in the restaurant/hotel business advised us that this never should have happened. They list our business since we went out to other restaurants in the area after dinner and the following day. They ruined our celebration and we will not recommend this place to anybody. Spoke to upper management upon checking out and was told they would look into it and get back to us. Was shocked when he heard what happened. Never got back to us. My husband called a week later. Was told the manager of the restaurant would call us. Still have not received a call and it's been a few days later. Told us the bartender said I had enough. My husband would have cut me off if I was drunk plus the bartender at the restaurant we went to after dinner would have not served me if I was drunk. Told that bartender our story and said it should not have happened so beware if you go there read more

Disappointing experience with management. My husband and I wanted a quick getaway and decided to try The Swiftwater. We arrived late morning and was unable to check-in. We were told we would be called when our room was ready. After outlet shopping and lunch at Desaki, which is owned by the same family as The Swiftwater, we received an emergency call from home and had to return immediately. I returned to the hotel to explain the matter to both the front desk and the manager Ernst. We were told they understood and would speak to upper management/reservations to see if our 1-night stay could be refunded to us. As I stated, we never even stepped into a room since it was not ready as of 2pm, 4 hours after we attempted to check in. By the time we reached home I received a call from Zuri who stated there wasn't anything she could do for us since we passed the 7-day early cancellation period. I tried to explain to Zuri that we did not drive 90 minutes to the Poconos, have lunch at their restaurant and then decide to cancel and drive 90 minutes home. Why would anyone do that? Unfortunately, it fell on deaf ears. She just reiterated that we had a 7-day cancellation period and there was nothing she could do. I do not buy that excuse. It is rather disappointing that a hotel would not allow an exception especially since we didn't even step into a room! So next time we decide we want a quick getaway it most certainly will not be at The Swiftwater. And I am most certainly going to tell my family and friends of this experience. By the way, Desaki and Olivet restaurants add a 20% gratuity to all checks, whether or not you receive excellent service. Once again, the owners care more about the money and less about their customers' experience. We should decide whether or not service is deserving of a 20% tip. They claim it's to "ensure exceptional service for every guest." A mandatory gratuity does the opposite. Staff is not incentivized if they know they are going to receive a guaranteed tip. Buyer beware! read more

I never write reviews but felt compelled to do so as I truly want to see this much needed boutique Poconos hotel succeed. The hotel itself was great - both in terms of general ambiance and well appointed rooms as well as most of the staff that we encountered. Our only complaint was the dining experience which unfortunately was subpar at best. We had breakfast there and the service was not only slow (it took 15 minutes just to be seated with several suitable non-reserved tables available), but also an additional 45 minutes to finally get our breakfast. The waitress seemed quite overwhelmed and perhaps needing better time management skills (for example, instead of taking orders she would start cleaning empty tables that remained empty the entire time we were there). Whether it was the chef or our waitress or the other kitchen staff, when the food did arrive it was for the most part cold and disappointing. We also had several couples at our table and instead of asking up front how the bill was to be handled (i.e., divided) she waited till the end after some of our party had left whose rooms should she put it on and ended up sticking one person with the entire bill as a result. Even though we could manage the accounting ourselves after the fact it would have been much easier and more appropriate had she asked upfront how it should be handled (although I'm sure she would have been even more overwhelmed keeping track). I'd give this restaurant's service a 1 out of 5 and the food not much more for having been served cold. If the staff can't handle processing a simple breakfast menu in a timely manner perhaps management should scrap the menus altogether and go with a buffet or continental-style breakfast, which requires less customer interaction, until they can improve staff attitude and performance. As such, they should either retrain the existing staff, including what it means to create a positive customer experience or else start over with a friendlier and better trained staff since the current staff is definitely in over their heads. Lastly we were so thankful for having gone to the next door hibachi restaurant, Desaki, the night before and not having had dinner in the hotel's restaurant and only regretted not having gone to the Dunkin Donuts across the street for breakfast. read more