The Poconos. It’s a place that evokes a very specific kind of nostalgia, usually involving wood-paneled walls, heart-shaped beds, and that one iconic centerpiece: the seven-foot-tall champagne glass whirlpool bath. If you grew up in the Tri-State area, you’ve seen the commercials. You know the ones. They’ve been running for decades, featuring couples clinking glasses in a literal glass of bubbly.
But here’s the thing.
It isn't just a relic of the 1970s. People are still flocking to find a champagne hot tub Poconos PA experience today, and honestly, the reasons why are a mix of genuine kitsch-appreciation and a surprisingly high standard of maintenance at the resorts that still house them. You might think these tubs would be cracked or yellowing by now, but the Cove Haven Entertainment Resorts—which includes Cove Haven, Paradise Stream, and Pocono Palace—treat these things like historical monuments. Because, in a way, they are.
The Architect of Romance and the 7-Foot Glass
Morris Wilkins. That’s the name you need to know if you want to understand why these tubs exist. Back in the 1960s, Wilkins was looking for a way to make his resort stand out in a crowded market of mountain getaways. He first invented the heart-shaped tub, which was a massive hit, but he didn't stop there. He wanted something taller. Something more vertical.
In 1984, the Champagne Tower whirlpool was born. It’s a feat of fiberglass engineering. You aren't just sitting in a tub; you’re climbing a set of stairs to soak in a massive vessel that overlooks your private suite. The water circulates through a pump system that keeps it hot, and yes, there are jets. It’s decadent in a way that feels almost rebellious in our modern era of "minimalist" and "Scandi-industrial" hotel design.
Everything else in the travel world has become gray and beige. The Poconos? They stayed red and gold.
Staying in one of these suites is a choice. You’re choosing to lean into the cheesiness. You’re choosing a "Fantasy Suite" over a Marriott. And there is something deeply refreshing about that. Most modern hotels feel like an office building where you happen to sleep. A room with a champagne glass hot tub feels like a stage set. It’s an immersive experience that tells you exactly how to feel: relaxed, silly, and maybe a little bit like a 1980s rock star.
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Where to Actually Find the Champagne Hot Tub Poconos PA Experience
You can't just find these everywhere. If you book a random Airbnb in Lake Wallenpaupack, you’re going to get a standard plastic hot tub on a deck. Nice, but not the vibe.
The "Big Three" are where the magic happens.
Cove Haven Resort in Lakeville is the flagship. This is where the Champagne Towers are most prominent. They are located in the "Champagne Tower Suites," which are actually multi-level units. You have a private heated pool—yes, inside the room—a sauna, a round king-size bed with a celestial ceiling, and then, looming over it all, the glass.
Paradise Stream Resort in Mount Pocono is another heavy hitter. It’s a bit more tucked away in the woods, giving it a slightly more secluded feel, but the suites follow the same blueprint. Then there’s Pocono Palace in Marshalls Creek. It’s often touted as the "private club" of the trio, sitting right on Echo Lake.
- The tubs are cleaned with high-pressure systems between every guest.
- The steps can be slippery. This isn't a joke; wear the provided slippers or go barefoot with caution.
- The suites are often dim. This is intentional. It’s meant to hide the world outside and focus the attention on the light features of the tub and the fireplace.
I've talked to people who have gone back every year for twenty years. They don't go for the "luxury" in the way a Ritz-Carlton fan does. They go because the Poconos represent a specific type of American leisure that doesn't exist anywhere else. It’s the land of the "all-inclusive" where breakfast and dinner are part of the deal, and the nightly entertainment might be a magician or a cover band that actually rips.
The Reality of the Modern Poconos
Let’s get real for a second. Is it "dated"?
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Yes. Absolutely. If you are looking for USB-C ports in every wall and marble-topped vanities with backlit mirrors, you might feel a bit of culture shock. The carpets are thick. The drapes are heavy. But that’s the point. The champagne hot tub Poconos PA lifestyle is about escapism. It’s about leaving 2026 behind and entering a bubble where the most important decision you have to make is whether to turn on the massage jets or the fireplace first.
Critics often point to the "faded glory" of the region, but that narrative is a bit tired. In recent years, there has been a massive influx of investment into the Poconos. While the kitschy resorts remain, they’ve been joined by high-end waterparks like Kalahari and Camelback, and boutique spots like The Lodge at Woodloch. This has forced the classic "couples-only" resorts to step up their game. They’ve been renovating the bones of these rooms while keeping the iconic features intact.
The water in those tubs is treated with bromine or chlorine, similar to a pool, because of their size. It’s not just a "bath." It’s a specialized piece of equipment. You’ll notice the humidity in the room rises quickly once you fill it. Most of these suites have specialized HVAC systems just to handle the moisture from the 7-foot glass and the indoor pool. It’s a lot of machinery hidden behind those gold-trimmed walls.
Planning Your Trip: What You Need to Know
If you’re ready to pull the trigger on a weekend in a giant glass, don't just wing it. These suites sell out months in advance, especially around Valentine's Day or New Year's.
First, check the specific suite name. You are looking for the "Champagne Tower Suite." Other rooms might have the heart-shaped tub (which is also great), but they won't have the height.
Second, consider the season. The Poconos are a four-season destination, but there is something uniquely cozy about being in a heated indoor pool and a steaming hot tub while it’s snowing outside in the Pennsylvania mountains. That contrast is where the value is.
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Third, embrace the "All-Inclusive" nature. Most of these resorts offer a "CX" (Cove Experience) package. It covers your meals and your activities. Honestly, the food is much better than the "buffet" reputation suggests. We’re talking made-to-order breakfast and multi-course dinners. It’s a lot of food. Come hungry.
A Few Nuanced Tips:
- Bring your own bubbles. While they call it a champagne tub, they don't give you a literal bottle of Dom Perignon for free. Bring your favorite bottle (or three) to enjoy while you’re in the glass.
- Check for mid-week deals. If you can go on a Tuesday, you’ll often find the rates are 40% lower than on a Saturday. Same tub, way less money.
- Explore the surrounding towns. While the resort is a bubble, places like Jim Thorpe or Stroudsburg are worth a drive. Jim Thorpe looks like a Swiss alpine village and has incredible hiking and history.
The Poconos have survived the rise of cheap air travel and the explosion of Airbnb because they offer something that can't be replicated in a generic condo. You can't build a 7-foot champagne glass in an apartment building in downtown Philly. It requires a specific kind of architectural madness that only existed in a specific window of time.
Whether you think it’s peak romance or peak "cringe," you can’t deny its staying power. It’s a piece of Americana that you can still touch, feel, and soak in.
Actionable Steps for Your Poconos Getaway
If you are actually going to book this, do it right. Start by navigating directly to the official Cove Haven Resorts website rather than third-party booking engines, as they often have "romance packages" that include things like chocolate-covered strawberries or late check-outs that aren't listed on Expedia.
Before you leave, pack a bag that accounts for the "resort casual" dress code in the dining rooms—no need for a tuxedo, but maybe leave the tattered gym shorts in the room. Most importantly, bring a waterproof phone case or a GoPro. If you’re going to stay in a champagne hot tub Poconos PA, you’re going to want the photos. It’s the ultimate "did that really happen?" vacation memory.
Check your car’s tires if you’re heading up in winter. Route 80 and the local backroads can get dicey fast. Once you arrive, check in, head to the suite, fill up that glass, and just let the kitsch wash over you. It’s okay to enjoy things that are uncool. In fact, in the Poconos, it’s mandatory.