The Rex
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The Rex · Pocono Mountains, United States
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Expert Review: The Rex
The Rex, Pocono Mountains: A Modern Woodland Escape with Michelin Key Recognition
The Rex in the Pocono Mountains, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a distinctive and highly-rated boutique micro-hotel experience, blending modern luxury with direct access to the region's natural beauty. Guests consistently praise its stylish design, prime location, and thoughtful amenities, making it a popular choice for those seeking a sophisticated outdoor retreat.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The Rex generally garners an overwhelmingly positive sentiment, reflected in exceptional guest ratings. On Booking.com, it holds a "Wonderful" rating of 9.2 out of 10 based on 12 reviews, with high scores for location (9.5), cleanliness (9.4), facilities (9.7), and comfort (9.5). Expedia reviews also rate it as "Wonderful" with a 9.0 out of 10 based on over 300 reviews, while Airbnb shows a 5.0 out of 5 stars. The consensus highlights it as a luxurious, modern, and stylish escape, perfect for outdoor adventurers and couples.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently rave about several standout features:
- Design & Aesthetics: The hotel's design beautifully marries modern aesthetics with natural elements, showcasing a sophisticated outdoor vibe. Expect knotty pine construction, subway-tile bathrooms, minimalist color schemes, mid-century modern touches, and boho-chic flair. Each of the 10 units boasts a unique layout and decor.
- Location: Its unparalleled location directly borders Promised Land State Park, offering guests immediate trailhead access to over 50 miles of hiking and multi-use trails.
- Amenities: A major draw is the private outdoor space accompanying each room, complete with a Solo Stove fire pit. Some premium units also feature natural cedar hot tubs and full kitchens with Italian appliances. High-quality furnishings from brands like Joybird, organic Birch mattresses, and Brooklinen sheets and robes further enhance the luxury experience.
- "Invisible Service": The unique digital and text-based concierge service ensures responsiveness while maintaining privacy and a seamless, contactless experience.
3. Room Quality
The Rex offers 10 individually designed units, ranging from queen and king rooms to larger cabins, some with connecting bunk rooms. Rooms are designed for comfort and style, featuring en-suite bathrooms, well-appointed workspaces, and a blend of modern design with natural elements. Guests appreciate the high-quality furnishings, including premium bedding, down comforters, Birch Living Organic Beds, and Brooklinen linens and towels, contributing to a restful stay. Kitchenettes are standard in suites, while cabins boast full kitchens equipped with Italian appliances, Smeg retro-inspired coffee makers, fridges, microwaves, and dishwashers, allowing for self-catering. Each unit also provides a private outdoor space with a Solo Stove fire pit, perfect for evening relaxation.
4. Dining Experience
The Rex operates on an "invisible service" model and does not feature a full-service on-site restaurant. However, the property caters to self-catering with well-equipped kitchenettes in suites and full kitchens in cabins, including Italian appliances and Smeg retro-inspired coffee makers and fridges. Local roasters Black & Brass provide fresh coffee for guests. For light snacks and drinks, including essentials for s'mores and farm-fresh eggs, guests can visit The Corner Store at The Rex. Many guests opt to bring their own food to cook in their units. For those wishing to dine out, nearby options include a seafood restaurant/bar, country diners, and a food truck.
5. Service & Staff
The Rex prides itself on an "invisible service" model, meaning there is no traditional on-site concierge or front desk staff. Prior to arrival, guests receive a digital access code for their room, enabling seamless self-check-in and check-out via their phones. While in-person interaction is minimal, guests consistently commend the "excellent and responsive customer service" provided through text messages, with staff quickly addressing questions and requests. This approach offers privacy and convenience, allowing guests to focus on their escape into nature.
6. Location & Accessibility
Located in Greentown, PA, The Rex offers a prime location within the picturesque Pocono Mountains. Its most significant asset is its direct adjacency to Promised Land State Park, featuring an on-site trailhead that grants immediate access to 50 miles of trails for various activities like hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The hotel is described as being in a "park-like setting," providing an immersive nature experience. It's conveniently situated approximately two hours from both New York City and Philadelphia, making it an accessible escape for urban dwellers. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport is about 42 miles away. Additionally, The Rex is within a 15-minute drive of Lake Wallenpaupack and Skytop for skiing and snow tubing, and about 24 miles from family attractions like Great Wolf Lodge and Kalahari Waterpark.
7. Value & Pricing
Guests generally rate the value for money at The Rex positively, with Booking.com scoring it 8.5 out of 10. Pricing for rooms was reported to range from $199 to $599 per night as of April 2022, with Expedia showing typical nightly rates around $212-$227. Considering its "upscale lodging" and "refined comfort", along with the inclusion of high-end brands for furnishings and amenities, The Rex positions itself as a premium boutique experience. The direct access to Promised Land State Park and the unique, well-appointed rooms contribute to its perceived value as a luxurious outdoor escape.
8. Common Complaints
While largely positive, some recurring criticisms and points for consideration include:
- Room Size: A few guests found the standard rooms "small and compact," with some mentioning that showers could feel tight, especially for larger individuals or when traveling with pets.
- Lack of On-Site Staff/Dining: The "invisible service" model, while efficient for many, means no in-person concierge or full-service restaurant. This necessitates guests bringing their own food or traveling for meals, which might not suit everyone's preference.
- Strict Policies: The hotel enforces strict quiet hours from 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM and a no-party policy, with significant fines for violations.
- Accessibility: Due to the property's architecture, The Rex is walk-up only, with no elevator or handicap access.
- Pet Policy: While some suites are pet-friendly, pets are generally not allowed in all rooms or common areas and incur an additional fee, with strict penalties for violations.
- Minor Inflexibility: One review mentioned a clogged toilet and a perceived lack of flexibility from staff regarding an early departure due to bad weather.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While largely positive, some recurring criticisms and points for consideration include:
Google Reviews
627 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
ERIC DIDIA
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A-Class Winter Getaway We started our trip in Florida and headed north in search of snow, making stops in Atlanta, Nashville, and Detroit before landing in the Poconos. “The Rex” kept showing up in our hotel search with beautiful photos, so we decided to give it a try — and it did not disappoint. We stayed in the Arnet Room and felt welcomed right away. The space was clean, thoughtful...
Response from the owner
Hi Eric, thank you for such a thoughtful and detailed review. We’re so glad The Rex lived up to expectations and that you enjoyed the room, trail access, and nearby adventures. We appreciate the balan...
Stacia Ramirez
Was looking for a romantic getaway from the city for our 8 year anniversary and The Rex did not disappoint. Our cabin #10 was very spacious with full amenities in the kitchen where we made some romantic dinners. We also had the hot tub which was clean and hot enough that we did not mind the snow falling around us. Also the area itself was very nice to walk around, while we felt like we were the on...
Response from the owner
We’re glad the cabin, hot tub, and winter setup made it a memorable getaway, and that communication felt easy throughout your visit. We look forward to welcoming you back in the summer.
Peter Levesque
We chose The Rex Hotel for its location and amenities, particularly, the sauna and their pet friendly policy. The rooms were clean, inviting and had everything needed to make meals and relax for a weekend. We spent a morning hiking the trails with our dog and later spent the evening cooking dinner and making s'mores on the campfire using the provided solo stove. Scheduling a sauna session was a...
Response from the owner
Hi Peter, thank you for the wonderful review and for sharing those beautiful photos. We’re so glad you enjoyed the location, sauna, and cozy details, and that your time hiking and relaxing by the fire...
Federal Eli
10/10 highly recommend. Very secluded area where you really can disconnect, bond with who ever you’re with more and really feel like one with nature. They literally give you everything you need to make it feel like it’s your own space. If you plan on cooking I recommend you bring other seasonings other than salt and pepper because they provide that for you. Also be courteous of other's in the par...
Response from the owner
Hi Federal Eli, thank you for the thoughtful review and the 10 out of 10 recommendation. We love hearing that you were able to truly disconnect and enjoy the space.<br><br>Great tip about bringing ext...
Katherine Gilbert
We were four friends taking a break and looking for a place to relax. We could not have found a better place! Unusual for four women to walk into a place and not find one thing wrong! The communication regarding check-in and throughout our three night stay was excellent as owner continually checked in to make sure all was well. We stayed in the largest cabin which was roomy and comfortable was w...
Response from the owner
We’re thrilled you and your friends had such a great stay and felt right at home. It’s wonderful to hear the details stood out, and we’d love to have you back anytime.
Dana Auriemma
We had a perfect stay and really loved The Rex. The overall property was really cool. Quiet, relaxing, rustic yet polished. Our cabin (building 1) was clean and spacious, supplied with everything we needed and just like the photos. A great getaway for walking and hiking trails, and having some quiet downtime. Highly recommend.
Response from the owner
Hi Dana, thank you for the wonderful review. We’re so glad you loved the cabin, the quiet setting, and the trails nearby. Really appreciate the recommendation and hope to welcome you back.
