You know that feeling when you're driving up I-81, the sun is setting over the Poconos, and you just need a place that doesn't smell like stale cigarettes or cost half your paycheck? That’s usually when people start looking for the Fairfield Inn & Suites Wilkes-Barre Scranton. It's tucked right into the Highlands, basically a stone's throw from the Mohegan Sun Arena. Honestly, it isn't the Ritz-Carlton. It doesn't pretend to be. But in a region where hotels can be hit or miss—mostly miss if you’re picking based on grainy photos from 2012—this Marriott property holds its own.
Most people booking a stay here are either catching a concert at the Pavilion at Montage Mountain, heading to a Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins game, or doing that weirdly specific corporate commute between Philly and New York. Whatever your reason, there’s a lot more to this spot than just a continental breakfast.
The Location Logic: Why This Spot?
Location is everything. If you pick a hotel on the wrong side of the Susquehanna River, you're looking at a thirty-minute detour just to get a coffee. The Fairfield Inn & Suites Wilkes-Barre Scranton is positioned in a way that makes sense. You’re right by the Wyoming Valley Mall, which, okay, isn't exactly the fashion capital of the world, but it means you’re surrounded by food.
Need a quick bite? You’ve got the standard chains nearby, but you’re also close enough to drive into downtown Wilkes-Barre or Scranton for something more "local." Think Old Forge pizza—which is its own controversial food group—or a decent steak. Being right off Route 309 and I-81 is the real draw. You can be at the Mohegan Pennsylvania casino in about five minutes. If you’ve ever tried to find an Uber in NEPA after a concert at the Arena, you know that proximity is worth its weight in gold.
It’s convenient. Simple as that.
The Room Situation (And the "Suite" Question)
Let's talk about the rooms. Fairfield rebranded a few years ago to this "modern farmhouse" vibe. It's clean. It's functional. You get those Marriott beds that are consistently better than they have any right to be.
But here is the thing about the suites.
In some hotels, a "suite" is just a slightly larger room with a couch that looks like it was salvaged from a basement. At the Fairfield Inn & Suites Wilkes-Barre Scranton, the suites actually give you some breathing room. If you’re traveling with kids or you’re on a long-term project at one of the local hospitals or warehouses, that extra square footage matters.
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- Standard Kings: Great for solo business travelers.
- Double Queens: The go-to for families hitting Montage Mountain Waterpark.
- The Studio Suites: These usually have a microwave and a mini-fridge that actually gets cold, which is a rare win.
One detail that people often overlook? The noise. Because it's near a major highway, you might expect to hear every semi-truck engine brake. Surprisingly, the soundproofing is decent. Ask for a room on the higher floors facing away from the main road if you’re a light sleeper.
The Breakfast Reality Check
We have to talk about the breakfast. It’s free. "Free" usually implies a rubbery omelet and a toaster that takes four minutes to lightly tan a bagel.
At this Fairfield, it’s remarkably consistent. They do the Jimmy Dean style breakfast sandwiches, oatmeal with actual toppings, and those waffle makers that kids (and let’s be real, adults) love. Is it gourmet? No. Will it save you $20 and a trip to Starbucks? Yes.
The coffee is actually drinkable. That’s a high bar for mid-range hotels. They keep it hot in the lobby pretty much all day, which is a godsend when you’re coming back from a chilly fall hike at Ricketts Glen State Park.
What Most People Get Wrong About Wilkes-Barre Hotels
There's a misconception that if you’re visiting Scranton—the land of The Office fans—you have to stay in Scranton proper. Or that if you’re going to Wilkes-Barre, you should stay downtown.
That’s usually a mistake.
The downtown areas can be a bit of a maze with one-way streets and expensive parking. Staying at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Wilkes-Barre Scranton puts you in the middle. You’re fifteen minutes from the Steamtown National Historic Site and ten minutes from Public Square in Wilkes-Barre. You get the benefit of a massive, free parking lot and easy highway access without the headache of city traffic.
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Also, can we talk about the pool? It’s an indoor pool. It’s small. Don’t expect to train for the Olympics in there. But if it’s February in Northeastern Pennsylvania—and it's almost always February in spirit here—having an indoor pool that’s actually heated is a massive plus for families.
Business and the "Boring" Stuff
If you’re here for work, you care about three things: Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a desk that doesn't wobble.
The Wi-Fi at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Wilkes-Barre Scranton is surprisingly snappy. I’ve seen people running full Zoom calls in the lobby area without the dreaded "connection unstable" warning. There are plenty of USB ports built into the lamps and nightstands. It sounds like a small thing, but when you have a phone, a tablet, and a laptop to charge, you notice when they’re missing.
The lobby has these little "work pods" or communal tables. It’s a nice change of scenery if you’re tired of looking at the walls of your room. Plus, the staff generally leaves you alone, which is exactly what you want when you’re grinding through emails.
Exploring Beyond the Parking Lot
While the hotel is great, you aren't going to spend 24 hours a day in a Marriott. You need to get out.
If you’re a nature person, you are spoiled for choice. Seven Tubs Recreation Area is right down the road. It’s a series of natural glacial pools and waterfalls. It’s gorgeous and, frankly, a bit of a hidden gem that locals try to keep to themselves.
For the shoppers, the Crossings Premium Outlets are a drive away, but the local shops in Kingston or the nearby antique malls offer way more character.
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Then there’s the food.
Seriously, go get some "tray" pizza. It’s square. It’s thick. It’s distinct to this region. Places like Revello’s in Old Forge are legendary. You might hate it, you might love it, but you have to try it.
The Actual Downside (Because Nothing Is Perfect)
Let’s be honest. The gym is tiny. If three people are in there at once, it feels like a mosh pit. If you’re a serious lifter, you might want to look for a local day pass at a nearby fitness center.
Also, during peak graduation season for King’s College or Wilkes University, or when there’s a massive show at the Pavilion, this place fills up fast. Like, "sold out three months in advance" fast. If you try to book a room last minute during a Scranton half-marathon weekend, you’re going to pay a premium.
But compared to some of the older, "classic" hotels in the area that feel a bit dusty, the Fairfield feels fresh. It’s predictable in a good way. You know the sheets are going to be clean. You know the shower pressure will be decent. In the world of travel, predictability is a luxury.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
If you’re planning to book the Fairfield Inn & Suites Wilkes-Barre Scranton, here is how to do it right:
- Check the Arena Schedule First: Before you book, see what's happening at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. If there’s a massive event, traffic on Highland Park Blvd will be a nightmare. Plan your check-in time accordingly to avoid the rush.
- Join Marriott Bonvoy: Even if you hate loyalty programs, the "Member Rate" usually saves you ten or fifteen bucks a night. It adds up. Plus, it makes the mobile check-in process way smoother—you can often skip the front desk entirely and use your phone as a key.
- Request a "Back" Room: As mentioned, the rooms facing away from the highway are significantly quieter. If you’re a light sleeper, this is non-negotiable.
- Explore the "Tubs": Make time for a one-hour hike at Seven Tubs. It’s less than 10 minutes from the hotel and offers some of the best scenery in the Wyoming Valley without requiring a 5-mile trek.
- Local Pizza Run: Don't just settle for the hotel snack bar. Drive 15 minutes to Old Forge for a "red tray" of pizza. It’s a Northeast PA rite of passage.
The Fairfield Inn & Suites Wilkes-Barre Scranton isn't trying to reinvent the hotel industry. It’s a solid, reliable home base for exploring one of the most underrated parts of Pennsylvania. Whether you’re here for the "Electric City" history or just passing through on the way to the Finger Lakes, it’s a choice that won't leave you regretting your credit card statement the next morning.