The Castle at Skylands Manor

Excellent and highly unique

Pros: Built in 1925, the property is a bona fide mini castle, surrounded by acres of gardens and close to a lake where you can rent SUPs, kayaks and boats. I loved that it is completely original to 1925 and has not been updated. I thought it added to the experience although not everyone would agree. This means the room had a window ac unit ( which worked well) and a bathroom original to 1925, which was beautiful. If you stay during the week you might have the whole place to yourselves ( except for the host, who makes you breakfast and who you need to text to open the door when you return at night, but stays out of your way ) and you have access to every common room and there are many. The grounds around the castle are state park and are so extensive that you could spend your stay walking them and hiking around the lake or renting a boat , SUP or kayak. We are looking forward to returning!

Cons: The coffee was not made correctly (but just needed more water), it was like mud and not drinkable although they do have a Keurig in the office. Although it's surrounded by highly manicured, beautiful gardens, the grounds of the castle itself, especially in front and by the wall behind the dance floor tent in the back yard, need weeding and some more care and flowers/ bushes. It is a very busy wedding venue on the weekends and if I was paying to have my wedding there I would want the front grounds close to the castle to be at least weeded . If the owners did this it would add greatly to the curb appeal.

Even in the downpouring rain it was wonderful

Pros: It was good... Vinny, the inn keeper was the best!!!

Had a fantastic stay perfect place for Valentine's celebrations.

Pros: Continental breakfast was excellent, better than most innkeeper was wonderful and from our hometown, he was more than helpful and accommodating.

Overall, I would definitely recommend The Castle as quite a unique experience.

Pros: The innkeeper, Vinnie, was friendly and accommodating. My room was beautiful and I felt more relaxed once I settled in. The continental breakfast was great, with a large assortment of various goodies. The grounds are beautiful and very serene.

Cons: Since I arrived after dark (not recommended), and having never been there before, getting checked in and then having to go park was a little stressful. The parking lot wasn't far but it's a dark walk back to the castle.

We will be back. It was romantic elegant comfortable elegant interesting

Pros: Liz, the Manager/Inn Keeper was lovely professional friendly caring accommodating. Liz graced us with a delicious breakfast of fresh homemade warm scones, egg soufflé, bagels, coffee and Orange or cranberry juice choices.

Cons: No Wi-Fi in room but we were fine. Wi-Fi connects in lower level. it’s an elegant castle take a break in the room from social media. Bathroom sink water trickled but we’re the type you just make the best if it. It’s not your home, one night and make the best if it.

Pros: The innkeeper, Liz, was a fabulous host! Very attentive to our groups needs, fun, knowledgeable and gracious.

Cons: Quality of showers in shared bathrooms, one did not work and the other had dated, worn out fixtures with no shelf for soap or shampoo.

Awesome experience, Liz was exceptionally helpful. Place was clean and well kept and quiet. Lovely

Pros: Breakfast was great, facility was outstanding. Staff were attentive and helpful.

Cons: Would have liked a private bathroom, but we knew that going in. Also one of the showers did not work.

Pros: Unique atmosphere, friendly and accessible hostess in Liz. Nice to have an ample breakfast in the morning

Cons: We are an older couple. Coming back in the dark after dinner was difficult as the walk from the lot was pitch dark. The roadway needs replacing so we had to go slowly and carefully. Lighting of some sort should be installed for safety.

I really would love to go back again. It is a really special location.

Pros: We loved the feeling and uniqueness of the castle. We were a large group, and it felt like we had the place to ourselves. The property was amazing. Breakfast was included and was delicious.

Cons: The place is older and cannot be retrofitted for modern air conditioning. But that was not a problem since we had cool nights and just opened a window. The wifi works downstairs, but the upstairs, where rooms are, don't have much reception. It was not a big deal. there were some signs of water damage on the walls in our room. But it was a beautiful room overall.