Vacationland Estates - Resort hotel in Island Falls - 70 Dow Farm Rd, USA

One must understand that this is an older condo complex in the middle of knowhere Maine. The pictures are 100% accurate of the look of the place. I don't understand why people come to a place like this and then complain that it's not a 5 star beach resort...it's not supposed to be! It was hotter than normal while we were in Maine and the upstairs was always too hot for me, but my husband was quite comfy. We opened the windows at night and had a small breeze some nights. There is a ceiling fan above the bed on the balcony landing. I wish there was a screen for the big doors to the deck. The pool and hot tub were great. There are great views and a lovely sunset. We drove to Katahdin woods and waterways units, Baxter State park, patterns lumberman museum, and Fort Kent. We knew this condo was far from things and were ok with that. Jerry's grocery store had everything we needed for picnics on our adventures and for cooking breakfast and suppers at the condo. I loved that lots of gas stations in the small towns had restaurants. I had the best grilled ham and cheese sandwich of my life at a tiny gas station near shin pond.

This timeshare property is listed (appropriately) as a 2-star hotel and I'm reviewing it as such. We're worldwide travelers and own weeks at multiple upscale vacation club properties. We're also Marriot Vacation Club Executive level, so we're familiar with the gamut of vacation club properites available. We came here solely for deep sky photography because this area is a Bortle 2, and to watch the Geminids meteor shower. We found locations nearby without light pollution and were not disappointed. (There are, understandably, a few street lamps around Vacationland Estates.) We're rather picky and had been eyeing this place for a while due to it's dark sky location. Honestly, for the longest time I gave it a pass, but I'm pleased that we decided to try Vacationland Estates. Overall, the experience has been quite positive. It's also great that the resort staff is friendly and helpful. We set our expectations appropriately and were comfortable here. Our unit, 12, was roomy, squeaky clean, and we could see snow-capped Mt. Katahdin from the living room windows. The kitchen appliances had been updated as well as the front porch and back deck. The bathrooms were well-maintained and the windows and sliders were new. Despite the wind, we didn't feel a draft. The new Fujitsu heat pumps worked like a charm to supplement the heating system. We stayed warm and cozy, The furniture was in decent condition and the beds/mattresses were pretty comfortable. I've sleptworse beds staying at Marriott properties! The bedding, pillows, and sheets were clean and just fine. OK - the carpet, tile flooring, and drapes downstairs were drab, so there's that. It looked like these things had been updated upstairs. Bottom line, don't expect a designer rustic-chic look and experience, you should be fine. We did not use the pool, so I can't comment on it. Having read other reviews, we brought a couple of our own skillets (we usually do this anyway) and some kitchen knives. Otherwise, the kitchen was fairly well stocked. We had no issues. One thing to note - there aren't lots of restaurant options around here, at least not in the winter. Chances are, you'll be making some meals in the unit. The food market in Island Falls, for it's size, has a decent selection. Let me put it this way - I was able to make sauteed fresh baby spinach, so I was happy. I also bought chicken breast tenders and red peppers to make Tikka Masala using a simmer sauce I brought with us, and they were tender. I have a thing about chewy, stringy chicken. So, overall, I was happy with my purchases from the store, including the Tate's cookies. This time of year, it's quiet here. It's literally out in the middle of nowhere and a great place to get away from it all an unwind. I was finally able to truly relax, which is rare for me. If you're here when there's warm weather, it's a on a golf course and they have a couple of tennis courts. Again, these units are rustic and the complex is older. Not rustic chic, but comfortable rustic. Set your expectations accordingly. We did, and we've agreed we will return to Vacationland Estates for more deep sky photography.

Needs upgrading badly it took me back to the 70's broken blinds filthy tub with a bucket of water in case of a blackout sitting in the tub. Flashlight mini size in case there was a blackout batteries needed changing out. Had to do inventory of items really its supposed to be a vacation I would not recommend this resort if you want to call it that. Very disappointed for 7 days I could go further but I'm sure you get the point.

This resort is in a beautiful rustic setting. If you do not like rustic, you will not like this resort. The staff was always helpful and accommodating. Each day there were resort events that you could participate in.

For my wife and I it was perfect. Quiet, restful, slow paced. Area is breathtaking, views are outstanding. Not a lot to do around here, but that's what we wanted. Only 25 minutes from the Canadian border easy trip up.

I spent a week here with my family in the summer. The units are nice and roomy. Ours could sleep six. Two reserved (numbered) parking spaces per unit. Nice deck spaces. Very friendly staff with a variety of family friendly on-site indoor and outdoor games (ex. pool, ping pong, horse shoes, corn hole). There is also an indoor pool. It is not too far to get to Khatahdin and other outdoor hiking, biking, and kayaking locations. We also took a day trip to Eastport for a whale watching tour. Overall I would recommend to a friend or possibly come back again.

Scenic view and comfortable condos. Very cute place to stay! I came up for the night years ago with a friend and just stayed again this past weekend. It was so nice to get away. I would definitely want to book in the summer/fall, too!! The pool was heated, the hot tub would have been nice but I think someone put too many chemicals and no one could stand more than a few minutes in it 😬, the changing rooms have cubbies for your things, they have showers to rinse/clean before and after swimming, and even a blow dryer for your hair!

Technically I would give it 3.5 stars. The place definitely seen better days, although that said it was spotlessly clean and well stocked People here for most are very friendly and helpful, however we had an issue with A/C upon check-in and the promised service person never materialized; thankfully we eventually figured it out The club, game and workout rooms unfortunately smell musty and rather strong Those are the reasons for the ratings