Western Maine Yurts in Bethel, ME 04217 Reviews

If you are looking for a unique and cozy lodging experience in the beautiful Western Maine region, you might want to consider staying at Western Maine Yurts. Western Maine Yurts is a small, locally owned and operated business that offers eight private solar powered yurts nestled into the woods of Bethel, Maine. In this blog post, we will give you a beginner’s guide to Western Maine Yurts, covering the following topics:

  • What is a yurt and why stay in one?
  • What are the facilities and amenities of Western Maine Yurts?
  • How much does it cost to stay at Western Maine Yurts?
  • What are some nearby points of interest that you can explore during your stay?
  • What are some tips and tricks to make the most of your yurt experience?
  • What are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Western Maine Yurts?
Western Maine Yurts

What is a yurt and why stay in one?

A yurt is a circular tent-like structure that originated from Central Asia and was traditionally used by nomadic people. Yurts are typically made of wooden frames covered by felt or canvas, and have a hole at the top for ventilation and light. Yurts are designed to be portable, durable, and adaptable to different climates and terrains.

Staying in a yurt can offer you many benefits, such as:
  • Connecting with nature: Yurts allow you to hear the sounds of the birds and rain, feel the breeze and warmth of the sun, and enjoy the views of the forest and sky. You can also access the outdoor seating, fire pits, and walking trails that Western Maine Yurts provides for its guests.
  • Experiencing comfort and coziness: Yurts are equipped with arctic insulation and a propane stove that keep you warm and toasty in the winter months. They also have comfortable beds, sofas, tables, chairs, and lamps that create a homey atmosphere. You can also use the heated farmhouse style bathhouse that offers toilets, showers, and sinks for your hygiene needs.
  • Supporting a local business: Western Maine Yurts is owned and operated by local Oxford County residents who have a passion for the Western Foothills of Maine and its outdoor activities. They personally designed and built the property from the ground up, and they are always ready to help you with anything you need during your stay.
What are the facilities and amenities of Western Maine Yurts?

Western Maine Yurts has two villages of eight private 24-foot yurts, each with a different setting and access. The Chandler Brook Village is the original group of yurts that are accessed by four private driveways from the Chandler Hill Road and tucked into the surrounding forest. The Chandler Heights Village is set up into the forest within the Loop Trail and has a one-way driveway loop with the bathhouse at the center. This village is ideal for groups of family, friends, or company retreats.

Western Maine Yurts

Western Maine Yurts

Each yurt can accommodate up to six guests and has the following facilities and amenities:
  • A queen bed, a full bed, and a full futon
  • A propane stove for heating
  • A solar panel for lighting and charging devices
  • A fire extinguisher and a carbon monoxide detector
  • A table, chairs, and a sofa
  • A coffee maker, a toaster, and a mini fridge
  • A set of dishes, utensils, pots, and pans
  • A Solo Stove fire pit and a picnic table outside
  • A shared outhouse near the driveway (Chandler Brook Village only)
The bathhouse is a shared facility that has the following features:
  • Four toilets and four showers with hot water
  • Two deep sinks for washing dishes
  • A washer and a dryer for laundry
  • A hair dryer and a curling iron for personal use
  • A first aid kit and a defibrillator for emergencies

How much does it cost to stay at Western Maine Yurts?

The cost of staying at Western Maine Yurts depends on the season, the day of the week, and the number of guests. The rates are as follows:
  • Peak season (December 15 - March 31 and June 15 - September 15): $175 per night for up to four guests, plus $25 per additional guest
  • Off season (April 1 - June 14 and September 16 - December 14): $150 per night for up to four guests, plus $25 per additional guest
  • Weekends (Friday and Saturday nights): $25 extra per night
  • Holidays (New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day): $50 extra per night
The rates include the following fees and taxes:
  • A 9% Maine lodging tax
  • A $25 cleaning fee per stay
  • A $25 pet fee per stay (if applicable)
You can book your stay online through their website or by calling them at (207) 824-2224. You will need to pay a 50% deposit at the time of booking and the remaining balance upon arrival. You can cancel your reservation up to 14 days before your arrival date and receive a full refund of your deposit, minus a $25 processing fee. If you cancel within 14 days of your arrival date, you will forfeit your deposit.

What are some nearby points of interest that you can explore during your stay?

Western Maine Yurts is located in Bethel, Maine, which is a charming village that offers a variety of options for dining, shopping, and entertainment. You can visit the Bethel Historical Society, the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum, the Bethel Art Fair, and the Mollyockett Day Festival. You can also enjoy the local cuisine at the Sudbury Inn, the Jolly Drayman, the Millbrook Tavern, and the Good Food Store.

If you are looking for outdoor activities, you will not be disappointed by the Western Maine region. You can choose from the following options:

Skiing and snowboarding

Western Maine Yurts is only seven minutes away from Mt. Abram ski area and 15 minutes away from Sunday River ski area, which are two of the best ski resorts in New England. You can enjoy the slopes, the trails, the terrain parks, and the tubing hills. You can also rent equipment, take lessons, and join events at both resorts.

Hiking and backpacking

Western Maine Yurts is surrounded by a network of recreational trails that you can access from the property. You can also explore the nearby trails at Mahoosuc Land Trust, Bethel Community Forest, Grafton Notch State Park, Evans Notch, and other White Mountain National Forest parcels. You can find trails for all levels of difficulty and experience the stunning scenery, wildlife, and waterfalls of the area.

Fishing and boating

Western Maine Yurts is close to the Androscoggin River, which is one of the best fishing rivers in Maine. You can catch trout, salmon, bass, and other fish species. You can also enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding on the river. You can rent equipment and book guided trips from local outfitters, such as Bethel Outdoor Adventure, Mahoosuc Outdoors, and Sun Valley Sports.

What are some tips and tricks to make the most of your yurt experience?

To ensure that you have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable stay at Western Maine Yurts, here are some tips and tricks that you should keep in mind:
  1. Pack wisely: Since yurts are not fully insulated, you should pack appropriate clothing and bedding for the season and the weather. You should also bring your own towels, toiletries, food, drinks, and ice. You can find a detailed packing list on their website.
  2. Follow the rules: Western Maine Yurts has some rules and policies that you should respect and follow. For example, you should check in between 3 pm and 8 pm and check out by 11 am. You should also keep your pets on a leash, clean up after them, and not leave them unattended. You should also respect the quiet hours from 10 pm to 7 am and not disturb other guests. You can find more information about the rules and policies on their website.
  3. Be eco-friendly: Western Maine Yurts is an eco-friendly business that uses solar power and propane for its energy needs. You should help them conserve energy by turning off the lights and the stove when not in use, and by not overcharging your devices. You should also recycle your waste and dispose of it properly in the designated bins. You should also avoid using any products that contain chemicals or pesticides that could harm the environment or the wildlife.
  4. Have fun: Western Maine Yurts is a place where you can relax, unwind, and have fun with your family and friends. You can play games, read books, watch movies, listen to music, or just chat and laugh in your yurt. You can also roast marshmallows, sing songs, and tell stories around the fire pit. You can also explore the trails, the river, and the village and discover new things and experiences. You can make your stay as adventurous or as laid-back as you want.
What are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Western Maine Yurts?

If you still have some questions or doubts about Western Maine Yurts, you might find the answers in this FAQ section. We have compiled some of the most common questions that guests ask before or during their stay. If you have any other questions, you can always contact the owners at (207) 824-2224 or email them at info@westernmaineyurts.com.

Q: How do I get to Western Maine Yurts?

A: Western Maine Yurts is located at 293 Chandler Hill Road, Bethel, ME 04217. You can use Google Maps or other navigation apps to get directions to the property. You can also find a map and detailed driving instructions on their website.

Q: What should I bring with me?

A: You should bring your own towels, toiletries, food, drinks, and ice. You should also bring appropriate clothing and bedding for the season and the weather. You can find a detailed packing list on their website.

Q: Can I bring my pet?

A: Yes, you can bring your pet, as long as it is well-behaved, vaccinated, and leashed. You will need to pay a $25 pet fee per stay and clean up after your pet. You should also not leave your pet unattended in the yurt or on the property.

Q: Is there Wi-Fi or cell service?

A: No, there is no Wi-Fi or cell service at Western Maine Yurts. This is part of the charm and appeal of staying in a yurt, as you can disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature and yourself. However, if you need to make an emergency call or check your email, you can drive to the nearby town of Bethel, where you can find Wi-Fi and cell service.

Q: Is there electricity or running water?

A: There is no electricity or running water in the yurts, but there is a solar panel that provides lighting and charging for your devices. There is also a propane stove that provides heating for the yurt. You can use the shared bathhouse for your hygiene needs, as it has toilets, showers, and sinks with hot water. You can also use the deep sinks for washing your dishes.

Q: How do I make a reservation?

A: You can make a reservation online through their website or by calling them at (207) 824-2224. You will need to pay a 50% deposit at the time of booking and the remaining balance upon arrival. You can cancel your reservation up to 14 days before your arrival date and receive a full refund of your deposit, minus a $25 processing fee. If you cancel within 14 days of your arrival date, you will forfeit your deposit.

Conclusion

We hope that this beginner’s guide to Western Maine Yurts has given you a clear and comprehensive overview of what to expect and how to prepare for your stay. Western Maine Yurts is a wonderful place to enjoy a unique and cozy lodging experience in the Western Maine region. You can experience the beauty and tranquility of nature, the comfort and convenience of the facilities and amenities, and the fun and adventure of the outdoor activities. You can also support a local business that cares about the environment and the community.