Cheap Hotels at Camelback Ski Area

     So you want to visit Camelback Ski Area in Tannersville, PA, in the heart of Poconos PA skiing, but the recession has you worried about the lodging options? There's no need to clutch your credit card in fear. There are plenty of places to stay for cheap in the nearby Camelback Mountain area.

     First step: Avoid places listed on the Camelback website as "Preferred Partners." These are great places to stay, but take it from an insider: it's likely that Camelback Resort has brokered deals with those hotels. Anyway, there are cheaper places to stay nearby. Here are a few recession- and wallet-friendly options.

      Located just 2 miles from Camelback, Days Inn Tannersville is just a quick drive away from Crossings Outlets, the major outlet center that includes factory outlets for Banana Republic, Aeropostale, Chico's, DKNY Jeans, J. Crew, Juicy Couture, and PacSun. Rooms start at $59.46 per night. Stay here and you get free breakfast, USA Today, and WiFi plus access to a pool and hot tub.

     Only 5 miles from Camelback Mountain, Comfort Inn and Suites Route 611 Bartonsville also provides free WiFi, hot tub and pool, and continental breakfast. Rooms start at $69.95 per night during ski season. Members of the Choice Rewards program can use points to pay for their rooms.

     With Double bed rooms starting at $69 and King rooms starting at $79/night, Ramada Limited Tannersville Pocono is another budget-friendly option. Three miles from Camelback Mountain, this chain hotel has free high speed Internet, Jacuzzi and fireplace rooms, indoor pool and hot tub, and free continental breakfast.

     Howard Johnson Hotel Bartonsville boasts a fitness center, indoor heated pool, onsite game center, and is near Chilis Bar and Grill, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, and other popular chain restaurants. Rooms start at $79 per night. Members of the Wyndham Rewards program can use points to pay for your room.

     Now that you've saved a bunch of money on your hotel, feel free to spend it at the outlets or on after-slope dinner and entertainment!