Memories...............yes, but what kind?
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 10/10/06
A business associate suggested the Poland Spring Inn as a weekend destination, so I decided to give the place a try.
He promised it would bring back memories.
It sure did......
Memories of USMC mess halls, melamine plates, and barracks.
Chow lines at summer camp in my early teens.
Weekend drills in the USMC Reserves.
Sorry,I don't mean to be negative, but this place simply doesn't measure up to the extensive advertising appearing in most larger New England newspapers.
Its really a place for the older set (seventies and up) because everything is geared for them.
Please understand..I'm not that particular, but I don't care for casual sharing of dining tables. The purpose for the weekend getaway was to spend a little quality time with my wife.
First, let me say that the location and setting is very nice. The rolling hills of Maine in Autumn were very picturesque.
There are a variety of accommodations here, all quite dated, but by all means, STAY AWAY FROM THE MOTOR INN!
When I called, it was all that was available.
Don't be misled by the photographs of the Motor Inn on the website.
The photo must have been taken years ago, because the facility is very old and ramshackle.
I must admit that although dated and sparsely furnished, the room was VERY CLEAN.
The Motor Inn is located directly on Maine route 26, which seems like a typical country road. BEWARE!!
The Motor Inn is within feet of the road, and large logging trucks run at high speeds all thoughout the night.
The noisiness is further complicated by the paper-thin walls (the two people in the next room had a TV blaring all night long, and you could clearly hear conversations taking place.
The Inns motto is 'Stress Free Zone'. Not so in the Motor Inn.
Meals (breakfast and dinner) are included, but you must get to the dining hall in the main building for them. The Inn advertises its a leaisurely half mile walk though a nature trail to the main lodge.
Actually, its an unlighted path though the woods that is UPHILL.
Not an ideal situation for those that have difficulty walking.
THE FOOD: Firstly, there is PLENTY OF IT, but meals are taken communely, that is, you are randomly assigned a table with four other diners.
We enjoy large tables on cruise ships, but this wasn't even remotely like that experience. Once you locate your table in the mess hall, you queue up, take a plate, and pass though the line. I hesitate to use the term Buffet, as the selection is very limited (no provisions for sugar free) and the meal consists of one basic entree, with veggies, etc.
Drinks are at the end of the line. No Tea..
When you are finished, you must bus your own plates.
This is OK for some, but not enjoyable for most.
There were some interesting, quirky experiences.
No alarm clocks. If you need one, they will 'rent' one to you for $2.00.
No phones in the room. 13" B & W TV's. They advertise this fact to keep the place 'stress free'.
but its agrrivating as most cell phones have no coverage in this part of central Maine.
Also, you must bring your own towels, soap, cups and tissue.
Poland is a very scenic little town less than an hour's drive from Portland.
The original Poland Spring is close to the inn, with a small museum that I found to be interesting. Upstairs from the museum is a great little coffee shop that offers delicious food and coffees.
All in all, calling this place a 'Resort' is really very much of an overstatement.
They suggest that the price is really great, but in actuality, lodging at one of the areas many B&B's and then dining in one of the many country restaurants in the area would be a far better choice all around.
Yes, I met many people who have been going there for years, but frankly, I just don't see the value.
I am very well traveled, and have run the gammut of dumps and palaces all over, but this place sadly, has gone way past its prime.
Save your money.
