Hot Tub: Whether it’s after a long day of hitting the slopes or even a cooler summer night, you want to pick a property with a hot tub. Look to make sure the hot tub size matches the size of the house. It’s no fun to have a two-person hot tub for your group of 16. For a larger house, expect a 6 to 8-person hot tub. Also confirm prior to booking that the hot tub will be cleaned and hot prior to your arrival.

Fire Pit: What’s a cabin getaway without s’mores? Every great Poconos rental should have an outdoor bonfire area for gathering, regardless of the season. Some neighborhoods require that the fire be enclosed in a chiminea or metal fire pit, but finding a house with this amenity should be possible. You should check beforehand if the host provides firewood. If not, it is readily available at most grocery stores nearby.

Lake and Beach Access: If you are traveling during the summer months, having beach and lake access is a must. Just because it looks like there is a private lake near the house does not mean it is included in the rental. Make sure you confirm that the renters will have access to community amenities like the beach, lake, basketball and tennis courts. There aren’t many public lake beaches in the Poconos so if you’re planning on some water fun, private access is key. And, while lake-front seems the most ideal, very few of those houses are available to rent. You can get a great deal on a home with lake access if you’re open to a quick drive or a walk.

Game Room: A game room will increase the fun factor in any rental for kids of all ages. Look for everything from pool tables and foosball to ping pong and even vintage arcade games on free play. A great game room not only can be key on a rainy day or late nights, but also is wonderful for family bonding.

Proximity to Activities: You’d rather be enjoying an activity, not driving to and from it every day. You can easily find properties within 15 minutes of the most popular destinations, including the ski resorts, like Camelback and Jack Frost, and Pocono White Water rafting and Pocono Raceway. Many houses in the Blakeslee and Lake Harmony area are also close to cute, walkable towns like Jim Thorpe.