Jordan Hotel, Sunday River

The Jordan Hotel, situated at 27 Grand Cir, Newry, ME 04261, USA, is a prominent lodging option within the Sunday River Resort complex, making it a key listing in the "Hotels Near Of Me" category for visitors to this popular Maine ski destination. The hotel, which can be reached at (207) 824-5000 or +1 207-824-5000, aims to provide a full-service mountain resort experience with direct access to the slopes.

The Jordan Hotel is strategically located at the far western edge of Sunday River, specifically in the Jordan Bowl, offering a genuine ski-in/ski-out experience. This elevated position provides "sweeping views of the resort's western peaks and across the valley toward the Mahoosuc Range," and being the highest-elevation property at the resort, it's often the snowiest. This slopeside environment is ideal for winter sports enthusiasts who prioritize direct access to the trails. The hotel's common areas have recently undergone significant renovations, completed in 2024. These renovations focused on the reception area, lobby, public bathrooms, and first-floor corridors, incorporating "natural wood accents, rich textures, and a spacious layout" designed to reflect Maine's rugged beauty and create a modern, inviting atmosphere. Elements like multi-tonal carpet mimicking a river and art installations featuring outdoor equipment contribute to a cohesive design. In warmer months, the environment transitions to offer access to the Sunday River Golf Club, hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities, capitalizing on the scenic mountain setting.

The services at the Jordan Hotel present a mixed picture, with some guests highlighting positive aspects while others express severe dissatisfaction. On the positive side, the hotel offers a range of standard resort services, including a 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, and free self-parking (valet parking is available for a surcharge). Guests have access to an outdoor heated pool and hot tub, which are frequently praised as "terrific" and a highlight of the stay for relaxation after skiing. A health club with a fitness center and sauna is also available. The hotel provides ski-in/ski-out access and offers ski equipment rentals and lessons. For transportation around the resort, a free ski shuttle is available, running on a continuous loop every 30 minutes from 7 AM on weekends/holidays and 8 AM on weekdays, with on-call service after 5 PM. Free in-room WiFi and coffee/tea makers are standard amenities.

However, recent customer reviews indicate significant issues with service quality. Concerns raised include:

• Understaffing and Indifference: One particularly negative review describes the hotel as feeling "understaffed" and like a "ghost hotel," with staff members being "indifferent," "indolent," and even "belligerent and intimidating."
• Shuttle Inefficiency: The shuttle service, despite being free, was criticized for its frequency ("only once every hour") and capacity ("tiny little van that fills up fast"), leading to long waits (over 2 hours) for guests, particularly those with small children.
• Lack of Care: The management is accused of having "thrown in the towel and doesn't care about the guests' experience."
• Limited Services: Some guests wished "a few more services were available during our stay."

While the hotel strives to provide comprehensive amenities, the execution of these services appears to be a significant pain point for some visitors, leading to a stark contrast in guest experiences.

The Jordan Hotel offers 186 rooms and suites, ranging from standard hotel rooms to larger multi-bedroom suites, designed to accommodate various guest needs. Accommodations include standard rooms with two queen beds, studio units with queen Murphy beds and kitchenettes (featuring microwaves, dishwashers, and mini-fridges), and one, two, or three-bedroom suites with full kitchens, separate living areas, and sometimes outdoor decks. All rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, coffee/tea makers, and are air-conditioned (a welcome amenity in summer). Reviews suggest rooms are "clean and have all the amenities that are needed for a stay," though some note they are "slowly undergoing renovations" and some guests found them "dated" or "dilapidated."

For dining, the Jordan Hotel features two on-site restaurants: Grand Ave, which offers a breakfast buffet, and Sliders, an Italian-inspired restaurant with slopeside views. There is also a coffee shop/café, Northern Lights Cafe, and a snack bar/deli. While one review described the breakfast buffet as "more Super 8 Motel than resort quality," other resort dining options are available across Sunday River, including Camp at the Grand Summit Hotel. However, the critical review implies that on-site dining options at the Jordan Hotel might not consistently meet resort-level expectations.

Recreational features include the aforementioned outdoor heated pool and hot tub, a health club with a fitness center, and a full-service spa, the Jordan Spa. The spa offers a wide variety of services such as massages (Swedish, deep tissue, couples, herbal), body treatments, and facials, available by appointment daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. There's also a gift shop/newsstand, a fireplace in the lobby, and laundry facilities for guest use. The hotel is also a significant venue for conferences and weddings, offering 11 function rooms and 24,000 sq ft of event space.

As a part of the larger Sunday River Resort, the Jordan Hotel's "promotional information" often comes in the form of integrated resort packages, especially during ski season. These packages might include lift tickets, equipment rentals, or spa credits. The hotel's appeal largely stems from its direct ski-in/ski-out access to the Jordan 8 lift, one of the most advanced and fastest 8-person chairlifts in North America, enhancing the ski experience. The Jordan Spa frequently offers promotions, such as complimentary enhancements with full-length services, and they also offer yoga classes. Guests should check the Sunday River Resort website or contact the hotel directly for the most current seasonal packages and special offers. Given its nature as a ski resort hotel, it's busiest during winter, and booking in advance is generally recommended.

However, it is crucial for potential guests searching under "Hotels Near Of Me" to carefully consider the highly contrasting feedback provided by recent customers. While some guests had "a thoroughly enjoyable time" and found rooms clean and amenities "terrific," a significant negative review describes a "pathetic, filthy, tired hotel" with "horrible rude service" and "crumbling infrastructure." This reviewer also explicitly warns against "fake glowing five star reviews." Therefore, prospective visitors are strongly advised to:

• Read a wide range of current reviews from various sources.
• Directly contact the hotel for clarification on specific services or recent renovations.
• Set expectations accordingly, understanding that while the location and some amenities are excellent, service consistency and room condition might be variable, especially for a property that appears to be undergoing gradual updates.

The Jordan Hotel's prime location on Sunday River remains a significant draw, but the divergent guest experiences underscore the importance of thorough research before booking.