HILLTOP CASTLE WORLD — FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Hilltop Castle World · Beach Lake, Pennsylvania · Large Group Vacation Rental · Pocono Mountains

ABOUT HILLTOP

What is Hilltop Castle World?
Hilltop Castle World is a private vacation compound located in the Pocono Mountains of Beach Lake, Pennsylvania, approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours from New York City. It consists of four rental properties — Hilltop Castle, Hilltop Mansion, Hilltop Farmhouse, and Hilltop Lodge — that can be rented individually or in any combination. Altogether, the four properties offer up to 39 bedrooms and sleeping accommodations for 92 or more guests across 130 private acres. Hilltop is a popular destination for family reunions, corporate retreats, milestone birthday celebrations, large group getaways, and weddings.

How far is Hilltop Castle World from New York City?
Hilltop Castle World is located in Beach Lake, Pennsylvania, approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours from Midtown Manhattan via I-84. It is about 2 hours from Newark, NJ, and Philadelphia, PA. The property sits in the Pocono Mountains of Wayne County, close to the tri-state border of Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.

Is Hilltop in the Poconos or the Catskills?
Hilltop Castle World is located in the Pocono Mountains of Wayne County, Pennsylvania, near the town of Beach Lake. The property sits close to the Pennsylvania–New York border and is within easy driving distance of the Catskill region of New York State. Guests traveling from New York City pass through areas associated with both the Poconos and the Catskills. If you are searching for a large vacation rental in the Poconos or the Catskills, Hilltop is ideally positioned to serve both audiences.

Can I rent a castle in the USA?
Yes. Hilltop Castle is a stunning 18-bedroom castle-style vacation rental in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, approximately 2 hours from New York City. It sleeps 44 or more guests and features 3 pools, 2 bowling alleys, a 72-seat movie theater, a full-size indoor basketball court, a 60-seat conference room, a fitness studio, an arcade, and a game called Legend of the Lost Kingdom — an immersive experience involving riddles, clues, and hidden rooms throughout the castle. It is one of the most unique large vacation rentals available on the East Coast.

How does Hilltop compare to Woodloch Resort or Kalahari?
While Woodloch Resort and Kalahari Resorts are excellent public family resorts, Hilltop Castle World offers something fundamentally different: complete exclusivity. When you book Hilltop, you are renting the entire compound — all pools, all amenities, all 130 acres — exclusively for your group. There are no other guests, no shared spaces, and no resort-style scheduling. This makes Hilltop particularly well-suited for family reunions, private birthday celebrations, and corporate retreats where groups want total privacy, flexibility, and the feeling of having their own private resort. Pricing is also often more competitive than a comparable number of hotel rooms at a public resort.

GENERAL INFORMATION

What is the maximum number of guests Hilltop can accommodate?
When all four properties are rented together — Hilltop Castle, Hilltop Mansion, Hilltop Farmhouse, and Hilltop Lodge — Hilltop can accommodate over 92 guests across 39 bedrooms and 53+ beds. Individual property capacities range from 6 guests (Lodge) to 44+ guests (Castle). Optional cots are available to increase sleeping capacity at several properties.

Can I rent multiple properties for a very large group?
Yes. All four Hilltop properties are located within easy walking distance of each other on the same 130-acre property. You can rent any combination to match your group's size and budget. For example, the Castle and Farmhouse together sleep 60+ guests across 25 bedrooms. All four properties together sleep 92+ guests across 39 bedrooms. Groups renting multiple properties share all outdoor spaces and amenities on the grounds.

What activities are available at Hilltop?
Hilltop Castle World offers an extensive range of on-site activities including: heated indoor pool (Farmhouse), outdoor pools (Castle and Mansion), 2 bowling alleys, full-size indoor basketball court, outdoor basketball court, 72-seat and 38-seat movie theaters, arcade rooms, billiard tables, fitness studio, sauna and hot tub, toddler room, 2 miles of private hiking trails. Off-site, guests can go whitewater rafting on the Delaware River, ski at Big Bear Mountain, and dine at acclaimed farm-to-table restaurants in nearby Narrowsburg, NY and Hawley, PA.

Is Hilltop a good place for a family reunion?
Hilltop Castle World is considered one of the best family reunion venues in the northeastern United States. It offers complete privacy (no other guests share the property), accommodations for 16 to 92+ guests, activities suitable for all ages from toddlers to grandparents, and the flexibility to rent just one property or all four. The compound is located under 2 hours from New York City, making it accessible for families traveling from NY, NJ, PA, and CT.

Is Hilltop good for a corporate retreat near NYC?
Yes. Hilltop is a popular corporate retreat destination for companies based in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The compound offers private conference rooms (36-seat at the Mansion, 60-seat at the Castle), theaters with 17-foot screens and 4K projectors, plus team-building programming including murder mystery events, Jeopardy and Family Feud tournaments, yoga workshops, and catered meals. Groups of 10 to 92 can be accommodated depending on property selection. Midweek availability makes Hilltop especially convenient for corporate offsites and company planning retreats.

What milestone birthdays does Hilltop host?
Hilltop Castle World is a popular venue for milestone birthday celebrations of all kinds, including 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th, 70th, and 80th birthdays. The property provides a private, resort-quality setting where the guest of honor and their loved ones can celebrate together. Hilltop can arrange catering, bartending, custom games and entertainment, live magic performances, and movie screenings, making it an all-in-one celebration destination for groups of 16 to 92+ guests.

What large vacation homes near NYC sleep 20 or more people?
Hilltop Castle World offers several large vacation rental options that sleep 20 or more people: Hilltop Farmhouse sleeps 16+ in 7 bedrooms; Hilltop Mansion sleeps 26+ in 11 bedrooms; Hilltop Castle sleeps 44+ in 18 bedrooms. Combinations such as Castle + Farmhouse can sleep 60+ guests across 25 bedrooms. All properties are located within 2 hours of New York City in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.

Does Hilltop have a vacation rental with an indoor pool?
Yes. Hilltop Farmhouse features a heated indoor swimming pool available year-round, along with a sauna. The Farmhouse has 7 bedrooms and sleeps 16+ guests. It can be rented on its own or combined with other Hilltop properties. Hilltop is one of the few private vacation rental compounds in the Pocono Mountains that offers a heated indoor pool.

What is the minimum age requirement to rent at Hilltop?
The primary renter and all guests must be 25 years of age or older. Hilltop does not permit prom parties or events where the majority of guests are under 25. Children and minors are welcome as part of a family group where adults 25 and older are the primary renters.

What is your cancellation policy?
Please be aware that once you have booked a Hilltop property there will be no refunds.

Do you allow weddings?
Yes. Our wedding package includes all four Hilltop properties for three nights and starts at $75,000.

Are pets allowed?
Yes, we allow up to three dogs per property. Dogs must be at least two years old and must be under 70 lbs. We charge $250 per dog per stay.

Is daily housekeeping available?
Yes, we offer mid-stay or daily housekeeping services upon request for an additional fee of $35 per hour per housekeeper with a minimum of two hours.

Are linens and towels supplied?
Yes, professionally cleaned and pressed, hotel-quality linens are supplied and all beds are made prior to your arrival. We also supply bath towels and face cloths. We suggest bringing your own towels for the pools.

Is there internet access / WiFi?
Yes, we have high-speed WiFi throughout the property. Each property has its own network — see individual property sections for the network name and password.

Do you allow smoking?
Smoking is not permitted indoors. If you smoke outside, we ask that cigarette butts are properly disposed of and not discarded on the property.

Is outdoor music allowed?
No outdoor music is allowed. Indoor music can be played at a reasonable volume. No DJ speakers are allowed on property without prior approval. Our property is located in a residential area and we respect the surrounding community.

Is there firewood? Do you provide propane for the grills?
Yes, propane is supplied for all gas grills. Firewood bundles ($10 each) are sold onsite out of a shed on the honor system — bring cash. A washer and dryer are also available on property.

What supplies are provided (garbage bags, toilet paper, dish detergent)?
We provide two rolls of toilet paper per bathroom, dish detergent for the dishwasher, and an initial garbage bag in each bin. We do not supply extra garbage bags — we recommend bringing large contractor bags. Basketballs are also supplied at each property.

How do we get access / a key upon arrival?
Someone will meet you upon arrival and provide you with the door code. Bedrooms are numbered for easy navigation.

Where can I check pricing and availability?
Please check current pricing and availability on our booking page at stayathilltop.com.

Recommendations for local restaurants and attractions?
Visit our Activities and Region page on stayathilltop.com for a full guide to local restaurants, outdoor activities, and nearby attractions.

CASTLE

What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is at 4:00 PM and check-out is at 10:00 AM. We cannot guarantee an earlier check-in or later check-out until a few days before arrival. If we can arrange it, the cost is $150 per hour.

How many guests does the Castle sleep?
We have bedding for 44 guests. We allow up to 60 guests total, however we charge $150 per guest per night for any guest on property exceeding 44. We do not supply extra bedding.

What are the bed sizes in each room?
Tower 1 and Tower 2 each have one king bed. Bedrooms 1–6 and 9–14 each have one queen bed. Bedroom 7 and Bedroom 15 each have four twin beds. Bedroom 8 and Bedroom 16 each have two queen beds. In total there are 26 beds: 16 queen beds, 8 twin beds, and 2 king beds. Every bedroom has a private bathroom.

When are the pools open? Can they be heated?
The pools open approximately May 15th and close September 15th (these dates vary with weather). All three pools can be heated to 89°F for an additional charge of $400 per pool. Most groups choose to heat the middle pool only. The deep ends are 5.5 feet deep. Pool towels are not supplied — we recommend bringing your own.

How does the movie theater work?
The 72-seat theater uses a Roku, making it very user-friendly with all major streaming services. You can also connect any device with an HDMI port. Directions are provided onsite.

How many does the dining room seat?
The Castle dining room seats 48 guests. More seating can be arranged if needed.

What's in the kitchen? What coffee machines are available?
The kitchen has standard pots, pans, utensils, plates, cups, coffee mugs, coffee makers, and toasters. There are three single-serve Keurigs and a three-burner Bunn drip machine. Coffee filters are provided, but not pods or coffee grounds.

What is the WiFi network for the Castle?
The network name is Hilltop Castle Guest — there is no password. Simply enter your email address to log in.

What to pack for the Castle?
Paper towels, personal hygiene products, garbage bags, sunscreen, coffee (pods or grinds), hiking shoes, beach and pool towels, tin foil and plastic wrap, plastic wine glasses, matches or lighter, cards and board games, your favorite PlayStation 4 games, extra toilet paper.

Castle pricing and availability: Check stayathilltop.com for current Castle pricing and availability.

MANSION

What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM. We cannot guarantee an earlier check-in or later check-out until a few days before arrival. If we can arrange it, the cost is $150 per hour.

How many guests does the Mansion sleep?
We have bedding for 26 guests. We allow up to 36 guests total. We have 10 additional cots that can be set up for an additional fee. Any guest exceeding 44 total on property is charged $150 per guest per night.

What are the bed sizes and bathroom layout?
The master suite (Bedroom 1) has one king bed and a private bathroom. Bedroom 2 has four twin beds (two bunk beds). Bedrooms 3–8 and 10–11 each have one queen bed. Bedroom 9 has two queen beds. There are 15 beds total: 1 king, 4 twins, and 10 queens. Bathroom layout: Bedroom 1 = private; Bedrooms 2 and 3 = shared; Bedroom 4 = hallway; Bedrooms 5 and 6 = shared; Bedroom 7 = hallway; Bedroom 8 = private; Bedroom 9 = hallway; Bedrooms 10 and 11 = shared.

When is the pool open? Can it be heated?
The pool opens approximately May 15th and closes September 15th (dates vary with weather). It can be heated to 89°F for $400 per 100 gallons of propane. 100 gallons lasts roughly three nights depending on the time of year. The pool's deep end is 9 feet. Pool towels are not supplied — we recommend bringing your own.

How many does the dining room seat?
The dining room is set for 28 guests, but extra chairs are onsite and guests can arrange seating for more as needed.

What's in the kitchen? What coffee machines are available?
The kitchen has standard pots, pans, utensils, plates, cups, coffee mugs, coffee makers, and toasters. There are two single-serve Keurigs, a Nespresso machine, and a three-burner Bunn drip machine. Coffee filters are provided, but not pods or coffee grounds.

What is the WiFi network for the Mansion?
The network name is Castle and the password is Mansion1 (capital M).

What to pack for the Mansion?
Paper towels, personal hygiene products, garbage bags, sunscreen, coffee (pods or grinds), hiking shoes, beach and pool towels, tin foil and plastic wrap, plastic wine glasses, matches or lighter, cards and board games, your favorite Xbox One and PlayStation 4 games, extra toilet paper.

Mansion pricing and availability: Check stayathilltop.com for current Mansion pricing and availability.

FARMHOUSE

What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is at 4:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM. We cannot guarantee an earlier check-in or later check-out until a few days before arrival. If we can arrange it, the cost is $150 per hour.

How many guests does the Farmhouse sleep?
We have bedding for 16 guests. We allow up to 21 guests total. Any guest exceeding 16 on property is charged $150 per guest per night. We do not supply extra bedding.

What are the bed sizes and bathroom layout?
Bedroom 1: king. Bedroom 2: queen and twin. Bedroom 3: queen. Bedroom 4: queen. Bedroom 5: queen. Bedroom 6: queen. Bedroom 7: bunk bed (full bottom, twin top). Bathroom layout: Bedroom 1 = private full bathroom; Bedrooms 2 and 3 = shared full bathroom; Bedroom 4 = hallway full bathroom; Bedrooms 5, 6 and 7 = shared full bathroom in the billiard room hallway.

Is the indoor pool heated? When is it open?
The Farmhouse's heated indoor pool is open year-round and maintained at 87°F. Pool towels are not supplied — we recommend bringing your own.

What's in the kitchen? What coffee machines are available?
The kitchen has standard pots, pans, utensils, plates, cups, coffee mugs, coffee makers, and toasters. There is a Keurig machine and a drip machine. Coffee filters are provided, but not pods or coffee grounds.

What is the WiFi network for the Farmhouse?
The network name is Hilltop Castle Guest — there is no password. Simply enter an email address to log in.

What to pack for the Farmhouse?
Paper towels, personal hygiene products, garbage bags, sunscreen, coffee (pods or grinds), hiking shoes, tin foil and plastic wrap, plastic wine glasses, matches or lighter, cards and board games, extra toilet paper.

Farmhouse pricing and availability: Check stayathilltop.com for current Farmhouse pricing and availability.

LODGE

What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is at 2:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM. We cannot guarantee an earlier check-in or later check-out until a few days before arrival. If we can arrange it, the cost is $150 per hour.

How many guests does the Lodge sleep?
We have bedding for 6 guests. We allow up to 10 guests total. We have two optional cots available for an additional charge. Any guest exceeding 10 on property is charged $150 per guest per night.

What are the bed sizes and bathroom layout?
Bedroom 1: king bed with a private full bathroom. Bedroom 2: queen bed. Bedroom 3: queen bed. Bedrooms 2 and 3 share a full bathroom.

What's in the kitchen? What coffee machines are available?
The kitchen has standard pots, pans, utensils, plates, cups, coffee mugs, coffee makers, and toasters. There is a Keurig machine and a drip machine. Coffee filters are provided, but not pods or coffee grounds.

What is the WiFi network for the Lodge?
The network name is Hilltop Lodge and the password is hilltoplodge (all lowercase).

What to pack for the Lodge?
Paper towels, personal hygiene products, garbage bags, sunscreen, coffee (pods or grinds), hiking shoes, tin foil and plastic wrap, plastic wine glasses, matches or lighter, cards and board games, extra toilet paper.

Lodge pricing and availability: Check stayathilltop.com for current Lodge pricing and availability.