Jordan Hotel

The Jordan Hotel sits at the foot of Sunday River - not just near the slopes, but connected to them. You step out the door, ski down to the Jordan 8 lift, and be riding within minutes. For families and groups planning a Maine ski week, this is the real draw. The building itself bears the marks of its years - rooms are dated, hallways could use a refresh - but management is clearly invested in keeping the public spaces modern, and the staff consistently wins praise for genuine warmth.

Winter dominates the calendar, but the heated outdoor pool, hot tub, and proximity to hiking trails keep the property busy year-round. The on-site dining is functional rather than destination-worthy, and you'll want to manage expectations about what a room charge includes. Even so, couples rate the location and value so highly that they've given this hotel a 9.1 out of 10 - higher than the property's overall score.

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Unmatched ski access. This isn't hyperbole. The ski-in, ski-out connection is the reason most guests book here. You can walk from your room, descend directly to the base of the hill, and access the high-speed lift within steps. There's a ski check so you're not hauling boots through hallways, and the staff handles equipment storage with care - even temporarily managing ski delivery during renovations, a service guests found exceptional.

Heated pool and spa in a mountain setting. The outdoor pool stays warm year-round and faces the mountains. The hot tub and sauna - along with a full spa offering massage, facials, and body treatments - give you a place to recover after long days on the trail. Families especially return for the pool; couples use the spa to unwind after skiing.

Family-friendly rooms with kitchens. Standard Double Rooms sleep two comfortably, but the draw for groups is the Studio and Suite options with full kitchens. These rooms come fully stocked with pots, pans, and utensils - a rarity at ski hotels - and save families money over a week-long stay by allowing breakfasts and simple dinners in-room.

Staff that remembers your name. Multiple reviews praise front-desk and housekeeping staff by their warmth and attentiveness. The management culture is obvious; guests note that even on busy weekends, the service feels personal rather than transactional.

Off-season value that keeps couples coming back. In summer and shoulder seasons, rates drop sharply, and the location becomes a hiking and golf gateway rather than just a ski base. The heated pool stays open, and the views remain the main attraction.

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The Jordan offers studio and suite options alongside traditional double rooms, with kitchenettes in the larger units. All rooms include air-conditioning, private bathrooms, tea and coffee makers, hairdryers, and free toiletries. Most have mountain or pool views.

• Standard Double Room - Traditional hotel bedroom, clean and practical, sleeps two. Dated finishes but reliable.
• Superior Studio - Studio layout with kitchenette, better views, and more space than the standard double. Popular for couples on longer stays.
• Deluxe Studio - Larger studio with full kitchen setup (stove, microwave, full utensil set), best for families or groups cooking some meals in-room.
• One-Bedroom Suite - Separate living and sleeping areas, kitchen included, optimal for families spending a week.

One consistent note: beds across room categories tend toward the firm or soft extremes. Several guests mention pillows that don't meet expectations. Rooms are clean but showing their age - fading paint, older shower fixtures, and basic furnishings. If a fresh aesthetic matters to you, know that renovations are ongoing in common areas but haven't yet reached guest rooms and hallways. The trade-off is that you're paying for location and amenities, not luxury finishes.

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Pool & Spa · Outdoor heated swimming pool with views · Hot tub / Jacuzzi · Sauna · Steam room · Full spa menu (massage, facials, body treatments, manicure, pedicure, waxing) · Fitness center · Beach chairs and loungers

Dining & Bars · American restaurant (Sliders) with special diet menus · Café with coffee, snacks, and light fare · Bar · Tea and coffee makers in all rooms

For Families · Outdoor play equipment and indoor play area · Board games and puzzles · Ping-pong and pool table · Kids' meals available · Horseback riding and canoeing activities · Ski school on-site

Practical · Free parking (on-site and valet available) · Free WiFi throughout · Business center and meeting facilities · 24-hour front desk and concierge · ATM on-site · Daily housekeeping

Winter Sports · Ski-in, ski-out access to Sunday River · Ski rental and storage · Ski school · Ski pass sales

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The hotel opens year-round, but winter is when the Jordan fulfills its purpose. Sunday River's season typically runs November through April; the property offers on-site ski rental and a ski school. The heated outdoor pool and hot tub operate in all seasons, so even off-peak guests can soak with a view.

In summer and fall, the property becomes a base for hiking (trails launch directly from the property), mountain biking, and golf at nearby courses. The outdoor fireplace and barbecue facilities support gathering, and the pool remains a draw even in warm weather.

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Winter (November–April). Peak season. Snow-making and grooming support reliable skiing from Thanksgiving through April. The hotel is busiest weekends January through March. The heated pool and hot tub offset the cold. Early mornings mean first tracks; evenings bring full common areas and busy restaurants. Expect rates at their highest; book early.

Spring Shoulder (May). Skiing ends, but hiking season begins. Trails are snow-free, wildflowers emerge, and the property is quieter. The restaurant may have limited hours. Pool is heated and open.

Summer (June–August). Warm weather, hiking at peak, mountain biking open. Restaurant hours may vary by year. Pool is open and warm. Rates are lowest. Families use this window for active getaways without the ski crowd.

Fall (September–October). Foliage season brings crowds back. Hiking is exceptional. September is still warm; October can be cool with early-morning frost. The pool remains open. Rates rise as leaf-peeping accelerates. Late October signals the approach of winter and holiday bookings.

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"Wonderful hotel in lovely surroundings. Ability to ski in/ski out was a bonus!"

• Lorraine, United States · Couple · 9/10

"Great location right on the ski trail with great staff and amazing skiing ski-out location."

• Gunter, United States · Group · 9/10

"We had a beautiful view from our room and easy access to the slopes. Kitchenette was fully stocked."

• Anna, United States · Couple · 9/10

"The staff was incredible and the outdoor heated pool and hot tub were a hit. We'll definitely return."

• Andrey, Canada · Family · 9/10

"Easy ski in and ski out with great staff. The valet parking, pool, and hot tub were excellent."

• Scott, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Beautiful location and facilities. Gorgeous view!"

• Sally, United States · Solo traveler · 9/10

A note on trade-offs: The most consistent criticism centers on room finishes. Multiple guests note dated décor, aging fixtures, soft or uncomfortable beds, and thin walls - you may hear neighbors or noise from above. A smaller but vocal minority point out that the full restaurant is pricey and occasionally closed in off-season, and the on-site café doesn't fully replace it. A few guests struggled with check-in timing (5 p.m. standard) when arriving with ski plans, and parking can feel distant from the main lobby. These are real friction points for some, but rarely enough to overshadow the ski-in/out location and pool for returning guests.

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• 2 miles to Sunday River base lodge and lift ticket sales
• 8 miles to Bethel, a picturesque village with shops, galleries, and casual restaurants along the Sunday River
• 12 miles to Artist's Bridge (Sunday River Covered Bridge), a scenic photo spot and short hiking destination
• 25 miles south to Fryeburg, home to fair grounds, antique shops, and outlet stores
• 35 miles to Portland, Maine's largest city, with fine dining, museums, and Cape Elizabeth lighthouses
• 5 miles to Grafton Notch State Park, with waterfall hikes and scenic drives
• On-property access to hiking trails and mountain biking; fly fishing on the Sunday River is a popular spring and early-summer activity

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Is there ski-in, ski-out access? Yes. The hotel connects directly to a trail that descends to the Jordan 8 lift. You can walk out your room and ski down to the base within minutes. Ski storage is on-site, and there's a ski check so you're not carrying boots through the hotel.

Is breakfast included? Breakfast is not automatically included with room bookings. A café serves coffee, pastries, and light fare daily, but meals are à la carte and can be pricey. Book with breakfast vouchers if offered, or plan to cook in-room (studios and suites have full kitchens).

Does the hotel have a full restaurant? Yes, Sliders restaurant is on-site and serves American fare with special diet options. Hours vary seasonally; in summer months, it may close or reduce hours. The café is open year-round.

Can I park at the hotel? Free parking is available on-site, with valet service as an option. Some guests note that lower lots can feel a distance from the main lobby, but there is accessible parking near the entrance.

Is the pool heated? Yes, the outdoor pool is heated year-round and open all seasons. The hot tub is also heated and accessible even in winter.

What's the check-in time? Standard check-in is 5 p.m.; check-out is 11 a.m. If you're arriving earlier and plan to ski the same day, call ahead to request early check-in. The staff is responsive to requests and sometimes upgrades rooms for flexibility.

Is there a bar? Sliders restaurant has a bar. The hotel does not have a separate evening lounge or bar beyond the restaurant, which some guests wish were different - a quiet bar with views would complement the fireplace lobby.

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