Paradise Stream Resort

Paradise Stream is one of the three Cove Haven honeymoon hotels made famous from heart-shaped hot tubs and cheesy 1960s decor. A giant red love heart sign outside exclaims, "You Are Entering the Land of Love," but guests might notice that this place has been shown very little love. Its overall tired and dated look could really benefit from some updates. But Paradise Stream is all about spending quality time together… exploring nature trails, fishing on the lake, or tenderly sharing any of the seasonal activities on offer -- in between making the most of those retro-style love nests. Grounds are woodsy and tranquil. They feature a large private lake and several ponds fed by two creeks (one called Paradise Creek) that join at the east end of the property. A bridge spans one of the bucolic streams, with a cute wooden gazebo, and a paved fire pit providing quaint spots for couples to relax between rounds of mini-golf or archery. Suites are spread out across the property, and require a drive from the main lobby, dining, and entertainment area. This is where guests gather from early evening for happy hour specials and a game of adult bingo. Dinner takes place in the restaurant at round cloth-covered tables with faux  rose red centerpieces. Then it’s back to the bar and nightclub for some evening entertainment, and refreshing doses of Art Deco decor, that unlike the rest of this place, feel far more timeless than tacky. That said, it’s the cheesy romance factor that’s all part of the draw. 

Paradise Stream Resort is located about a 10-minute drive from downtown Mount Pocono and is convenient to I-380. Mount Pocono is a small town in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains, known for camping, hiking, and numerous ski resorts that attract vacationers year-round. While the resort is self-contained, there are a few conveniences within walking distance. There’s a gas station right opposite the entrance, a Taco Bell about five minutes away, and Pocono Gardens is a 15-minute walk from the property. Other than that, regional attractions require a drive. It’s a three-minute drive to the casino, restaurants, and Starbucks at Mount Airy Casino Resort, and around 10 minutes to the large open-air Crossings Premium Outlets mall. State parks surround the locale, and the Camelback ski area is about 25 minutes south by car. The resort is about a 10-minute drive from Pocono Mountains Municipal Airport, and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport is a 45-minute drive to the northwest. While it makes sense to have a car to get around, the resort can assist with local car and limousine transfers.

Paradise Stream offers several different Suite categories with varying romance and sexy themes. Many have round beds with a copious number of mirrors, including on the ceilings. Those without mirrors come with stars overhead instead. Pastel wallpaper and stained carpets are the norm, with varying palates and furnishings to match -- but all interiors are dated. Layouts typically come with heart-shaped whirlpool tubs and split-level sitting areas that have flat-screen TVs and fireplaces -- logs can be purchased from the hotel reception and gift store. More expensive suites (Diana’s Oasis, Champagne Tower Suite, Garden of Eden Apple) have private indoor plunge pools and teeny saunas. Lakeside Chalets come with patios and pretty lake views. At the top end, the Champagne Tower Suites are tri-level fantasies that combine Egyptian motifs (leftover from former Caesars Resort days), with seven-foot tall Champagne-glass-shaped whirlpools. Some bathrooms feature walk-in showers with stone benches big enough for two, while others are enclosed with glass sliding screens leftover from the '80s. All rooms come with mini-fridges, climate control, Bose music systems, a simple room service menu, and Wi-Fi that’s covered by the resort fee. 

Seasonal activities geared for couples-only enjoyment aren’t as abundant at Paradise Stream as at sister property, Cove Haven. Nevertheless, the lake and nature surrounds provide a backdrop that’s brimming with things to do. Warmer months come with lake activities such as trout fishing, peddle boating, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and speed boat rides. Other outdoor activities include biking, mini-golf, volleyball, badminton, paintball, archery, and deer feeding. Winter offers snowshoeing and snow tubing, and the property also features serene nature trails to explore, year round.There are two pools -- one is outdoor (open in the warmer months), and the other is an indoor heated pool with two big hot tubs that are open year round. Adjoining the pool complex is a huge game room filled with billiards tables, table tennis, air hockey, and video arcade games. There are two indoor racquetball courts -- one has been converted into a gym with a basic selection of cardio and weights training equipment. The Outdoor Game Zone is scattered with an array of backyard-inspired games like horseshoes and corn hole. There’s also a mini-golf course, volleyball, a basketball court, and tennis courts. A rotating calendar of activities includes things like bingo, wine tastings (extra cost), scavenger hunts, and naturalist guided nature walks. Pampering at the spa includes typical massages and treatments focused on couples.  The resort's nightclub hosts nightly live entertainment, a mix of local cover bands, DJs, magicians, and comedians, including the occasional national act. All Cove Haven properties feature an outpost of Spooner’s Cafe, which at Paradise Stream, resides inside the nightclub along with a full bar. Casual meals such as pizza, salads, and sandwiches are available for lunch and dinner. Spooner’s also takes care of room service. Paradise Stream Restaurant serves a simple breakfast buffet along with some a la carte options. Specialty dinners evolve nightly between themes such as Americana, International Night, and Rare Catch Steak & Lobster Night. There’s a pretty strict restaurant dining window of 6pm to 8pm, and food reviews overall are very mixed. All-inclusive rates include meals and non-alcoholic drinks. Guests staying at this resort can also “play” at the other two properties (Cove Haven and Pocono Palace) with free access to amenities there, but most guests find the other locations to be too far away for this to be a realistic option.