Awards

Family Resort in the Poconos | Award-Winning Woodloch Resort

Woodloch’s Blog

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The Ultimate Family Resort: Award-Winning Woodloch

The Woodloch Resort family is not one to hoard awards or revel in its accomplishments. Every award, accolade, and five-star review is the product of decades of hard work, creativity, ingenuity, and a passion for family bonding. Last year, we received perhaps our most prestigious award yet: the title of “Best Family Resort in America,” according to USA Today. We can’t pinpoint just one thing that won them over; perhaps it was our delicious, family-style meals or our countless daily activities? Every time we earn such high praise, the team as a collective whole feels humbled and honored to be listed alongside other amazing properties. Day in and day out, our team of staff are committed to making Woodloch the best family resort in the country.

A True All-Inclusive Family Resort in Hawley, PA

Below, you’ll find eight awards that we’ve received over the past few years. We believe that this collection of accolades perfectly encapsulates what makes Woodloch Resort so uniquely alluring. As one of the only award-winning, all-inclusive resorts near New York City, it’s worth providing a little background into each honor.

The Best Family Resort in America, USA Today

As stated above, this award meant a lot to the entire Woodloch family. A few things stand out with this award: we’re the only resort in the article within 315 miles of New York City, and a panel of experts spent countless hours curating the list.

#1 Classic American Family Resort, ResortsandLodges.com

We like to think that we’re a “classic” American family resort, so this award is particularly heartwarming. Families have the rare opportunity to unplug from today’s digital world and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as water skiing, rock climbing, and archery.

Top 25 Hotels in the U.S., TripAdvisor

Anytime you’re nominated as a top hotel by TripAdvisor, it’s worth taking notice. The Lodge at Woodloch, our sister property, earned this accolade. This adults-only resort is centered around luxuriant spa treatments and fine culinary delights with a dash of creative outdoor exploration.

10 Best Snow Resorts, Parents.com

Yes! It’s important to note that Woodloch Resort is so much more than just a summertime escape. We’re open during all four seasons, all of which feature specifically-curated seasonal activities. Kids particularly love the on-site snow tubing, visits from Santa, and Winter Olympics.

The Best U.S. Resort, Happenings Magazine

Happenings Magazine might not garner global readership, but anytime you’re labeled the “best U.S. resort,” it means a lot. They go into depth on the many different ways that we keep our guests and staff “Happie.”

12 Best Resorts for Family Reunions, Family Vacation Critic

The folks at Family Vacation Critic have been very kind to us over the years. As they so eloquently point out, we accommodate various types of large groups throughout the year, including family reunions.

#4 Destination Spa in the World, Travel+Leisure

Yes, The Lodge at Woodloch is also a world-class spa. Family bonding is the focus at Woodloch Pines, and adults-only relaxation is central to The Lodge experience.

13 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S., Family Vacation Critic

There aren’t many award-winning resorts that are truly all-inclusive. While a handful of specialty services and the à la carte dining does cost a little extra, activities, entertainment, meals, and overnight accommodations are included in the price!

Group games and contests that promote bonding.

Four seasons of entertainment and activities.

To learn more about our award-winning Poconos resorts, please give us a call today at 1-800-966-3562. Otherwise, feel free to read up about our many on-site offerings, including snowshoeing excursions, self-esteem-building activities, and summer beach fun.

Filed Under: Activities Tagged With: actvities, Awards, Ideas, Planning

Chuck Russell & The Spirit of the Woodloch Games | Woodloch Resort

Woodloch’s Blog

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Chuck Russell & The Spirit of the Woodloch Games

We all have at least one of “those” friends.

You know, the type of friend that seems to be comfortable almost everywhere you go, striking up new friendships with almost everyone they meet. The type of friend that’s willing and eager to try anything at least once. The type of friend that’s super passionate and possibly opinionated about things, but always quick for a hug when you’re down or need a boost of confidence. The ones that occasionally push you out of your comfort zone, for better or worse but with the best intentions.

And how lucky we are to find these sorts of friends.

Woodloch has had its share of “friends” like these over the years. One in particular was our good friend, Mr. Chuck Russell.

Like many of our guests do, Chuck visited our resort every year with his family. And simply put, he got involved in pretty much EVERYTHING our resort had to offer. “The man was just EVERYWHERE,” says Joey Ranner, Social Director. “He quickly developed a bit of a reputation for being ‘that guy’- a true life of the party that had a certain magnetism about him. He whistled, cheered, and just had a great time everywhere he went. He was very competitive, but at day’s end, was always quick to shake hands in the true spirit of sportsmanship.

When Chuck’s company reassigned his job to Michigan, it still didn’t matter- year after year, the family still trekked to Woodloch to enjoy time with each other and their ever-growing crew of friends. He continued to make great vacation memories with his family and his newly found “Woodloch Family” for many years.

In 1995, Chuck sadly lost the battle with cancer. “The Woodloch family was devastated,” says Joey. “We realized fairly quickly that we wanted to find away to not only remember Chuck but also the wonderful spirit of the Woodloch games that he so well embodied.” And thus, our Chuck Russell Award was born!

During each of our 9 weeks of summer, we would select one individual who seemed to carry the torch that Chuck ignited and recognize them at our weekly “Awards Ceremony” in the Nightclub. “It was a bittersweet kind of thing,” says Ranner. “We all truly missed Chuck, but it was rather warming to see so many of our guests keep that fire alive.” Over the years, this exclusive “club” grew and now is over 300 members strong.

It’s hard to believe that 30 years have passed since we handed out our first “Chucky” trophy. So of course, we thought it would be more than appropriate to celebrate this milestone anniversary with a special weekend, November 14 – 16, 2025! In total, we will be inviting all honorees to our resort for a special weekend filled with all of our favorite Woodloch games, entertainment, and even a special champagne toast to all winners and of course, Chuck himself.

“It’s going to be just a wonderful weekend at our resort,” says Ranner. “So much energy, so much love and so much FUN! Whether you’re returning for your 50th Woodloch visit (we have several guests who have exceeded that plateau) or are just joining us for the first time, there’s no denying that the great spirit of what makes Woodloch so special will be, like our dear friend Chuck, EVERYWHERE.”