River Valley Retreat - Bethel, ME

Our party of 7 just returned from a 6-night stay at the River Valley Retreat. We enjoyed our time together and found the space ample for our needs. Some of the pros included a spacious deck, fire pit, private yard, and plenty of bathrooms. We loved that the home had an extra kitchen and recreational space on the basement/1st level. After we cleaned the place from top to bottom (and purchased a few cooking implements), we were able to enjoy our stay.

Unfortunately, our stay didn't get off to a great start when we arrived to find wet sheets on each bed and neatly folded, but wet, towels in each room. The floors weren't swept (and certainly weren't mopped), with bits of grass, grit, and dead bugs throughout the space. The dining room table still had food spills on it. We found a rotting chicken wing on the deck and two large pieces of chicken nuggets nestled into the oven's heating element. We spent the entire first day of our stay re-washing the sheets and towels (a pursuit of several hours since the dryer takes about 2 hours to fully dry a small load of towels - which is perhaps why everything was wet when we arrived). Thankfully we brought sufficient detergent. We also brought our own cleaning supplies which we put to use on every surface in the home.

On the first night, we decided to check out the hot tub and read the instructions provided in the house manual. Per the instructions, we would need to add bath tub salt if the indicator told us to. The jar of salt was empty, but fortunately the indicator on the hot tub said we were in a healthy range. The next day, I called management about all of the issues described above. They sent someone out to service the hot tub (which they determined wasn't really necessary because it had the water replaced the day before we arrived), but when I mentioned the chicken in the oven, they said, "so, not a real problem." Okay, I guess so, but it's still gross.

The next morning (day 2), the three of us who used the hot tub the night before all developed a rash of red dots on our stomach/upper leg areas (consistent with hot tub folliculitis, a bacterial infection). We didn't use the hot tub again which was a huge disappointment to the kids.

Overall, we liked the space and the location, but just felt like either the owner or the management company (or both) had "given up" trying to make the space very special. The kitchen had one very beat up non-stick skillet, one flimsy plastic spatula, a couple of small stainless pans (which really needed a metal spatula), and a couple of filthy sheet pans with food stuck on them (which we did not bother to clean). There was no equipment appropriate for using with the grill (metal tools) and because it was so filthy, we didn't bother to use it.

With just a small investment to deeply clean the place, service the dryer, and replace some kitchen tools, this house would be a 5-star property.

I came witha group of 7 and this house perfectly accomidated for all of us. There was so much mor ebed space for an even larger group. The house was clean, private and cozy!! It was also only 5 minuets away from "Outdoor Adventures" for a great tubing experience on the Sunday River. I definetly will book here again!!!

This was a large house with a ton of space with a great location for exploring Maine and New Hampshire!!

Home was very well cleaned and very spacious the hot tube and fire place were my favorite part!

Plenty of space for large families. Close to skiing and hiking. Private setting with indoor fireplace and outdoor hot tub. Two kitchens and laundry area. Pet friendly - would definitely come here again.

Had everything we need!

We were very pleased with entire process of reservation to checking out. House was beautiful very spacious clean tons of amenities and well equipped kitchen. We were a family of 6 and it felt like home away from home. We would love to go back someday.

Stayed with my wife and kids and we loved it. The house was also very clean 👌

We loved the River Valley Retreat house! It’s such a nice spacious home with all the amenities you need. It’s very clean, well stocked and in a nice quiet neighborhood close to the ski resort, SR Golf course and the Androscoggin for kayaking/tubing I highly recommend this summer rental and will certainly be staying again come ski season!

We had a very good time in this house. It is spacious and located in a very delightful location. Groceries are close by. Hot Tub gave us an additional fun. Overall it is a great house.

This home was perfect for our stay in the area. I had hoped to have 9 family members from 4 states but due to the pandemic, only 4 of us stayed. This home would have easily accommodated all of us. The rooms were spacious and it was equipped with everything you could need. It was spotless for its size. We had peace of mind that we were safe.

Home was perfect for us. We had 6 people, home was clean, had comfy beds, gas fireplace, 2 kitchens, could easily fit 2 families. Perfect for trips back and forth to Sunday River. Super close to ski rentals, general store, slopes and restaurants.

Nice house, easy to get to, plenty of room, and in great condition. Perfect place to stay with a big group when skiing Sunday River.