Highland Lake Resort

Nestled in the picturesque town of Bridgton, Maine, Highland Lake Resort presents itself as a true "gem" within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category, particularly for those seeking a tranquil and activity-rich lakeside retreat. Located at 115 N High St Route 302, Bridgton, ME 04009, USA, this resort hotel offers a unique blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, perfect for local users and visitors exploring the beautiful Lakes Region of Maine. Guests can contact the resort at (207) 647-5301 or via mobile at +1 207-647-5301.

The environment of Highland Lake Resort is its defining feature. Spanning 26 scenic acres, the resort is set directly on the shores of Highland Lake, a 30-acre lake offering stunning views and a private beach. This lakefront setting provides a serene backdrop for relaxation and a vibrant hub for various water-based activities. The property is designed to allow guests to easily share the space without feeling crowded, even during busier times, as highlighted by a solo traveler who felt welcome among families. The resort's location also places it conveniently close to towns, hiking trails, and dining options, with both New Hampshire state parks and the city of Portland and the coast accessible within an hour's drive, making it an excellent base for exploring the wider region.

Highland Lake Resort offers a variety of services and amenities aimed at ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The staff, including individuals like Carla, are frequently praised for being understanding, helpful, patient, and kind. The front desk operates with limited hours but is available for guest inquiries and assistance. Daily housekeeping ensures that rooms remain clean and comfortable throughout the stay. The resort emphasizes a relaxed atmosphere with a "sense of micro-management," allowing guests to freely enjoy the available amenities.

The features of Highland Lake Resort are extensive and cater to a wide range of interests, from active pursuits to pure relaxation. A key highlight is the private beach with swimming docks, where guests can enjoy the lake directly. For water activities, the resort provides complimentary use of kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, a rowboat, and a pedal boat, along with ample life vests and paddles. Guests can take these boats out for up to 90 minutes at a time, with the option to extend use if others aren't waiting. Fishing is also popular, with fishing poles available for guests and bait available nearby. There are six fire pits on-site, with firewood available for purchase, perfect for evening gatherings and s'mores. Four Hibachi grills by the waterfront and an extra-large grill in a group gathering area with picnic tables offer options for outdoor cooking.

For indoor relaxation and wellness, the resort features a fitness center and, notably, a sauna. There are two types of saunas: a 2-person steam sauna and a 6-person infrared/dry sauna. Guests can schedule time at the front desk to use these facilities. A meditation room provides a quiet space for mindfulness. An arcade/game room and a movie room are available for entertainment. Complimentary bicycles are also provided for guests to explore the local area. For those who enjoy lawn games, the resort offers corn hole, bocce ball, croquet, swings, badminton, and frisbees.

The accommodations at Highland Lake Resort include 47 rooms and suites, plus six poolside cottages, offering a variety of unique styles and sizes. Room types range from Comfort Rooms with king or queen beds to various suites like the Mountain Air Suite, Hummingbird Suite, Balsam Suite, and Primrose Suite, many featuring lake views, balconies, or patios. Some rooms and efficiencies come with private kitchenettes equipped with stoves, ovens, refrigerators, microwaves, and necessary cooking utensils, making them suitable for longer stays and self-catering. All rooms are equipped with pillowtop Serta mattresses (often described as "the best hotel beds"), air conditioning, heating, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, free Wi-Fi, mini-refrigerators, microwaves, coffee/tea makers, hair dryers, and irons/ironing boards. Private bathrooms typically include showers or shower/tub combinations and complimentary toiletries. Cribs/infant beds and rollaway/extra beds are available upon request. The resort also offers a two-room suite with a separate bedroom, a living room/kitchen area, and a 2-person Jacuzzi tub, ideal for a luxurious getaway.

Dining options on-site include Nectar Cafe, which serves light fare. For a more comprehensive culinary experience, Season's Restaurant, located at Highland Lake Inn & Resort (which may be a connected or sister property in Flat Rock, NC, based on some search results, but the Bridgton property itself mentions Nectar Cafe as its on-site option), offers a menu with locally sourced ingredients. While this restaurant's specific connection to the Bridgton location for daily dining isn't fully clarified, the Bridgton site mentions a bistro.

Promotional information for Highland Lake Resort often highlights its unique blend of resort amenities and a serene lakefront setting. The resort aims to appeal to a broad audience, from families seeking an activity-filled vacation to couples and solo travelers looking for a peaceful escape. While specific promotional offers were not provided, resorts of this nature often feature seasonal packages, discounts for longer stays, or special rates during off-peak seasons. Guests are encouraged to check the resort's official website or contact them directly for current deals and availability.

Despite overwhelmingly positive reviews, it is important to note a piece of historical feedback that mentioned issues with ventilation, non-working fans, and problems with doors and windows not locking, along with a porch in disrepair and a damp lower floor, which could be concerning for those with allergies. However, more recent reviews contradict these issues by highlighting cleanliness, comfort, and safety, suggesting these were either isolated incidents or have since been addressed. The consistent praise for clean rooms, comfortable beds, friendly staff, and the abundance of free amenities (especially the boats and saunas) indicates that Highland Lake Resort generally provides a high-quality guest experience, making it a highly recommended choice for a relaxing and engaging vacation in Bridgton, Maine.