High-end finishes, high-touch service, and high expectations for The Swiftwater. Managing partner Dante Trapasso gives us a sneak peek inside, beginning with the grand lobby. Grand, in every sense of the word.

“It’s going to be a spectacular entrance. When you come in, you’re going to be wowed. It’s perfect for the area, and is exactly what the area needs,” he explained.

A few steps away, the breakfast and cocktail lounge is also taking shape. “You'll be able to unwind with a martini experience in this beautiful bar we’ve built with olives from around the world,” he said.

There's also a swim-in swim-out pool heated to 90-degrees year-round. “You can swim out there in the middle of winter when it's snowing. It kind of has that Vail, Breckenridge feel to it,” he added.

The Trapasso family saw the need for an upscale hotel in the heart of the Pocono Mountains close to indoor waterpark resorts, ski resorts, shopping, small towns, and other main attractions.

While Dante handles operations, his mom Charlie led the design, and his father Vincent oversees construction. A covered walkway connects The Swiftwater to sister property Desaki, the one-of-a-kind sushi and hibachi experience fit for the whole family. Overnight guests can also get Desaki delivered.

“I love this place, I love the Pocono Mountains. It is my home, I aim to stay here. And I know this area is such a viable destination,” Dante explained.

The Swiftwater features 100 rooms, including a concierge level and plunge pool suites. The attention to detail is evident in every room with extra soundproofing, high water pressure, lightning-fast Wi-Fi, luxury Italian linens, and custom made mattresses.

“Each and every piece was thoughtfully picked out to highlight the Poconos and keep it authentic, but still be contemporary and modern,” he added.

A 40-seat meeting room is also under construction, designed to combine business and pleasure. “You can escape the confines of the board room and do an obstacle course or ropes course by day, and then by night have a meeting and cocktail reception hour. This room also opens up to our back patio area which will have radiant heat, this walled garden feel with ivy, and a beautiful six-foot fire pit,” he explained.

The Swiftwater is partnering with local businesses to offer customized packages and curated experiences by season. The concierge team can plan and arrange personalized itineraries, giving guests the perfect Pocono outing.

“The idea here, contrary to other models, is we encourage guests to go out in the community. We want them to go explore the Pocono Mountains, but when they get to the property, just feel pampered beyond belief,” he smiled.

Speaking of local, the nature-inspired wallpaper in each room was designed by a local artist. Custom soaps in the bathrooms, created by Pocono Soap in Stroudsburg. Specialty coffee, supplied by Moka Origins. And area eateries, such as Pocono Organics, will be on full display in the breakfast lounge.

“We aim to highlight partners in our community and have a 'rising tide lifts all boats' mentality, where we want to bring an awareness to the Pocono Mountains as a luxury destination. There are so many wonderful things to do here, so many awesome activities, and so much beauty in the area that we want to show it off,” he said.

Reservations are now being accepted for May 15, 2024 and beyond.