Glendorn is a fascinating and beautiful place. Whether or not it’s a great hotel is another question. As a member of the illustrious Relais et Chateaux organization, a high level of service and amenities is expected and generally met. The sense of arrival, passing through a locked gate on a remote country road and proceeding up an endless driveway, is quite thrilling. Then, it’s down to earth, as you go into an Orvis store to check in, and the slight woman at the counter asks if you need help with your bags.
The main lodge building has four guest rooms, including two sprawling suites and two rather small, ordinary rooms. The rest of the accommodations are spread among a lodges and cabins surrounding the Big House. I made a gamble, choosing one of the smaller rooms, guessing that it would be a very slow night and we would be upgraded to a suite, as is the custom at most Relais et Chateaux properties.
No upgrade was offered so we settled into our cozy room. I loved the vintage bathroom with yellow ceramic tiles and retro fixtures. The water pressure was so minimal however that I couldn’t wash my hair, and internet was only available in the public rooms downstairs. The real problem with the room though was inadequate lighting. There was no light on the desk and the bedside lamps were not adequate for reading.
We enjoyed our dinner very much. It was a fixed, four course menu. We had been asked about dietary issues prior to our arrival. There was a nice selection of wines as well. Only one other couple was also dined that night, and the two suites in the Big House remained empty. It was great that the doors were open and we could explore a bit. The suites and a bunk room for children were just like they were when this was the Dorn family’s personal camp. It’s a delightful bit of domestic history.
Glendorn is a fascinating and unique place. It’s a tragedy it had to leave the Dorn family but thankfully the current owner appears committed to maintaining it as a fine inn , open to all. Whether it’s up to the Relais et Chateaux standard Is, however, questionable
Room Tip: Choose a room in the Big House when it's cold outside.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC