OT - recent experinces or northeast alternative to Great Wolf Lodge? (Overnight)

[olive]

We stayed at great wolf lodge in the Poconos two winters ago. We live I. NYC and were looking for a few nights away with our ride and slide loving preschooler. He had a ball, and we enjoyed the on site facilities and also took advantage of nearby Camelback. We were surprised by the condition of the (pleasantly large) rooms though (two rooms - I can't remember the categories but both were kid cabin-type rooms with separate kid's rooms within the rooms, one with the mini room in wood and the other not wood). Just really in need of repair. Small things like lights not working but also a couch so broken we couldn't sit on it, extensive scratching and writing on walls. We had major service issues. Very unpolished. My husband and I agreed that it would not be worth returning. Shortly after our stay GWL was sold, so I am wondering if they sort of let things fall apart while that process was underway. Have things improved substantially? If not, is there a good alternative within about three hours from NYC? We are thinking about mid winter breaks again that don't involve flying. Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[jmb912]

We stayed at great wolf lodge in the Poconos two winters ago. We live I. NYC and were looking for a few nights away with our ride and slide loving preschooler. He had a ball, and we enjoyed the on site facilities and also took advantage of nearby Camelback. We were surprised by the condition of the (pleasantly large) rooms though (two rooms - I can't remember the categories but both were kid cabin-type rooms with separate kid's rooms within the rooms, one with the mini room in wood and the other not wood). Just really in need of repair. Small things like lights not working but also a couch so broken we couldn't sit on it, extensive scratching and writing on walls. We had major service issues. Very unpolished. My husband and I agreed that it would not be worth returning. Shortly after our stay GWL was sold, so I am wondering if they sort of let things fall apart while that process was underway. Have things improved substantially? If not, is there a good alternative within about three hours from NYC? We are thinking about mid winter breaks again that don't involve flying. Thanks for any suggestions!

We moved to PA 17 months ago. We visited the GWL a year ago and didn't notice any of those things. We did have a regular room for 5 people with the sofa bed. I have also visited the GWL in Texas and found it pretty comparable. We have a reservation at the PA one on June 17 for my daughters birthday so I can let you know how it's looking and the service of late!

 

[olive]

One thing I should clarify - the service issues were with the front desk/hotel staff only. Folks in shops, restaurants, at the pool/slides area were all great. We definitely won't be booking anything until fall so any thoughts from a June trip would be great!

 

[Gracie09]

We're going to Hershey park this year. While its not Disney they have a water park and regular rides for all sizes. We are staying at a Springfield suites in town.

 

[olive]

We think alike! We love hershey! We have done that almost once a year, most recently this past October. We may go in early September, but in winter they have such limited hours in the parks and it can be so bitter. Hershey is great, though. We have stayed at the Hershey suites (all two bedroom units - great when the grandparents come), Hershey hotel and Hershey lodge. I have to say - we were pretty floored by the Hershey hotel. The standard rooms are small because the hotel is older, but it is a beautiful property, the restaurants are actually delicious and the grounds and pool are fantastic. We wished we had says to just lounge around there (thus the possible September trip!). I'll have to look up spring hill suites. I think we may have passed it coming into town, unless I am remembering incorrectly.

 

[stormer]

We love Hershey too. It is a lot of fun at Christmas time too. They park is decorated for Christmas and there is a lot to do. The coasters are closed but all of the preschool rides are open so your little guy would love it.

 

[kmb584]

I live about 15 minutes from the GWL in the Poconos and have never been! That said, a lot of people I work with take their kids for long weekends and I've yet to hear nothing but fantastic reviews.

As others have said, consider Hershey! We travel down for a long weekend twice each summer and stay in a suite at the Hershey Lodge (essentially, it's 3 connecting rooms in the tower: 1 with a king and bathroom, a living room with a bathroom, and the last with 2 queens and a bathroom). The first we went I was hesitant but now I look forward to those weekends almost as much as I do to WDW. It's a great little escape!

 

[Susieo]

Hershey Park is wonderful and there are a lot of great hotels nearby. I didn't notice how old your child(ren) are, but if they are younger, Dutch Wonderland is fantastic as well. It also has a water park in it as well.

We've done CoCo-Keys in Conneticut. (Meh). There is also Splish Splash in Riverhead (Long Island).... We live 15 minutes away and have never been, but I've heard it's a ton of fun. (Not good for mid-winter though because it is outside).

 

[Happyjen27]

While Hershey is great, I don't think it's a mid-winter break destination.

I wonder if you get one of the nicer, bigger suites in GWL if they would be better cared for? Perhaps they may not see the daily turnover and wear and tear.

Winter in the northeast is tricky, because it's either fly or freeze. We usually stay home for that vacation, and travel for spring break instead.

 

[jadelane1]

We go every year for a mid winter break to GWL and have never had a problem. Could you ask for a new room next time if it was that bad? I would inspect it first before you unpack and request a new room if needed. We love it there and have stayed in all different rooms, never having any problems.